How often has it happened with you that you felt like taking a break from your day-to-day mundane life and go to a new destination for a vacation, but work pressure, time constraint, and limited budget do not allow you to? Often, right? This is one thing a lot of people in this part of the world are struggling with. A lot more than you and I can imagine. Many of them think that there is no solution to this problem, but it pleases me to say that they are absolutely wrong.

Contrary to the popular belief, travel is really not that expensive. It can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want it to be. Putting it up as an analogy, it is like going to a restaurant. You go to a restaurant that offers good value for the money that you are willing to pay. And make no mistake, at times, an ordinary looking restaurant serves better food than a restaurant in a 5-star hotel. Social media has created an image that only the European countries and their likes are exotic travel destinations. What they don't tell us is that countries like Thailand, India, and Indonesia welcome more travelers than the entire European countries. These countries are not only (comparatively) inexpensive when it comes to traveling, but they also provide excellent value for money.

Following is a list of eight countries where you can easily have a vacation for less than Rs. 35,000 per person.

1. Thailand -

Starting from the lip-smacking street food to exotic beach bars, and from wild Asian Elephants to Whale Sharks, Thailand is a backpacker's paradise. People who say that they love Thai food without even visiting it origin country, do not really know what Thai food really is. It is something that can only be experienced in the country. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful. There are literally hundreds of pristine islands where one can try several water sports, including Scuba Diving. The lush green jungles offer unbelievable trekking trails and majestic waterfalls.

Return Air Ticket Cost - Starting from Rs. 9,000

Visa Requirement - Visa on Arrival

Big Mac Index (USD) - 3.50

Best Time to Visit - June to November

2. Nepal -

The country's overall development is stymied due to some reason or the other, but its raw natural beauty is a treat to witness and experience. If you want to get a taste of backpacking outside India, there is no better destination than Nepal. Whether you are an adventure junkie or a lazy wanderer, the laidback country has something in its arsenal for everyone. Trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe visit Nepal and awed by its natural beauty. Being well connected to India by roads only help you save on your travel expenses, thereby allowing you to have a longer trip.

Return Air Ticket Cost - Starting from Rs. 8,500

Visa Requirement - No Visa Required

Big Mac Index (USD) - Not applicable

Best Time to Visit - February to May

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A painting of the euphoric Phewa Laka in Pushkar Valley, with Annapurna Mountain in the backdrop

3. Singapore -

The country is a perfect mixing bowl of several ethnicities comprising of Chinese, Malay, Indonesian, Indian, and Australian. Albeit the standard of living in the country is quite high, with proper planning, it is quite possible to go on a backpacking trip to Singapore on a modest budget. Like Malaysia in culture, Singapore is one of the best places in the continent that can give you a taste of an elite western city. The Lion City is a haven for shopaholics, and the nightlife is vibrant and full of life.

Return Ticket Cost - Starting at Rs. 6,500

Visa Requirement - Visa Required

Big Mac Index (USD) - 4.06

Best Time to Visit - June to November

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The iconic Marina Bay and its neighbouring skyscrapers in Singapore

4. Indonesia -

Sans Bali, a major part of Indonesia has been off the radar when it comes to backpacking destinations in Southeast Asia. But Indonesia is so much more than just Bali. With more than 17,000 islands at its disposal, Wonderful Indonesia - as it has been titled - can offer you pretty much everything that you can ask for ... and more. Be it the incredible dive sites, the surfing spots, the jungle safaris, the active volcanoes, the pristine beaches, a bevy of UNESCO World Heritage sites, or even the world famous Komodo Dragons, Indonesia is quite possibly the best country in Southeast Asia for backpacking.

Return Ticket Cost - Starting at Rs. 12,000

Visa Requirement - No Visa Required

Big Mac Index (USD) - 2.40

Best Time to Visit - May to September

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A view from the top of a hill in Bali

5. Bhutan -

The Land of Thunder Dragon is one of the most underrated backpacking destinations in the world. Surrounded by two giants - India and China - Bhutan is a country with genuinely strong culture. The country focuses on Gross National Happiness rather than Gross National Product and seems to be incorruptible. The countless monasteries and dzongs, in addition to its serene beauty, Bhutan is a destination like no other. If that is not all, the country welcomes Indian citizens without having the need to spend at least USD 250 per person, daily. During your stay in Bhutan, don't forget to try Ema Datshi - Bhutan's favorite dish.

Visa Requirement - No Visa Required

Big Mac Index (USD) - Not applicable

Best Time to Visit - October to December

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Comfortably seated 3000 meters above sea level, Tiger Nest Monastery is most popular place in Bhutan

6. Sri Lanka -

Rightly referred as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a highly underrated travel destination for Indians. From having one of the best Surfing sites in the entire continent to being home to some of the best beaches in South Asia, Sri Lanka is full of surprises. One can go Whale and Dolphin spotting from one of its coasts, have lip-smacking local food, spot leopards at Yala National Park, climb a petite mountain which is considered sacred by every popular religion in the nation, or just sit at a beach and admire the scenery as the sun sets. Sri Lanka is a perfect example of the adage, "Big things come in small packages."

Return Air Ticket - Starting at Rs. 8,000

Visa Requirement - Electronic Travel Authorization

Big Mac Index (USD) - 3.77

Best Time to Visit - November to March

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A view whilst travelling in a train from Ella to Nuwara Eliya

7. Malaysia -

Malaysia has a lot more to offer to its visitors than just Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi. Although a visit to these cities is highly recommended, do consider visiting Perhentian Islands, which can give the islands in South Thailand a run for their money; Cameron Highlands, a hill station which is probably Peninsular Malaysia's best kept secret; and Malacca, which is a city listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO (along with Penang). Sandwiched between Thailand and Singapore, one can experience different cultures in this 'truly Asian' country.

Return Air Ticket - Starting at Rs. 6,000

Visa Requirement - eNTRI or Electronic Travel Authorization

Big Mac Index (USD) - 2.00

Best Time to Visit - June to September

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A view of the setting sun from a secluded beach in Langkkawi

8. Vietnam -

Vietnam, a nation that was once torn by wars, has made a mark for itself in the world of travel. Offering unique experiences, scrumptious food, historical sites, and epic adventures, Vietnam is gradually becoming a top Southeast Asian travel destination. Being home to some of the world class Scuba Diving sites, pristine islands, the longest cave in the world - Hang Son Doong, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites, Vietnam has a distinctive landscape. Just rent a bike and cruise from one end of the country to the other, whilst enjoying its landscapes.

Return Air Ticket - Starting at Rs. 12,500

Visa Requirement - Visa on Arrival

Big Mac Index (USD) - 2.64

Best Time to Visit - June to September

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A visitor exploring the recently discovered Hang Son Doong Cave

PIC CREDITS- tang tran minh thanh, eric montfort, peter lindgren, david lazar, abdullah alnassar, alex usov, nick kenrick, tetsushi kimura