Budget holidays

A budget holiday is not a cheap holiday. It is one where the money goes to what matters to you, and where nothing is lost to bad planning.

Where the savings come from

• Season. Travelling just outside peak season (for example, Goa in early December or Bali in late September) often saves a lot on hotels.
• Hotel category. Clean, well-located three-star hotels cost far less than resorts and are fine for sightseeing-heavy trips.
• Shared tours instead of private ones for island trips and day excursions.
• Short flights. From Chennai, Bangkok, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are all about two to four hours away.
• Fewer moves. Every extra hotel adds transfers; two bases are cheaper than four.

Good-value destinations

In India, Hampi, Rishikesh, Kasol & Parvati Valley and Yercaud. Abroad, Colombo, Bali (South Coast), Hanoi, Kathmandu and Bangkok offer a lot for the money.