Best Destinations for First-Time International Travelers

Your first international trip is a big deal. You want somewhere that's easy to get to, doesn't require a complicated visa, speaks English (or is tourist-friendly), and won't burn a hole in your pocket. Here are our top picks.

11 destinations
Updated February 2026

How We Selected This List

Destinations with simple visa processes, English-friendly, affordable, and popular with first-time Indian travelers.

First-time international travel can be intimidating. These destinations are tried-and-tested by millions of Indian travelers, have strong Indian food options, and feature simple visa processes.

1
🇦🇪

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Visa Required
14 days (extendable to 28 days)
AED 100 (~₹2,250) for visa on arrival
Immediate on arrival (if eligible) or 3-5 days for pre-applied visa

Special: Hold valid US, UK, EU, or Schengen visa/residence permit

Pro Tip: If you have a US tourist visa, you can get visa on arrival - saves time and hassle

Read full Dubai visa guide
2
🇹🇭

Bangkok, Thailand

Visa Free
60 days

Pro Tip: Download the TDAC QR code after submission - you'll need to show it at immigration

Read full Bangkok visa guide
3
🇸🇬

Singapore, Singapore

Visa Required
Up to 30 days
SGD 30 (~₹1,850) + service fee ₹650
4-10 business days

Pro Tip: Have a local contact in Singapore provide Letter of Introduction (Form V39A) - significantly helps

Read full Singapore visa guide
4
🇲🇻

Maldives, Maldives

Visa Free
30 days (extendable up to 90 days)

Pro Tip: Keep hotel booking confirmation handy - immigration may ask

Read full Maldives visa guide
5
🇮🇩

Bali, Indonesia

Visa on Arrival
30 days (extendable once for another 30 days)
IDR 500,000 (~₹2,700)

Pro Tip: Have exact change ready in IDR, USD, or bring card

Read full Bali visa guide
6
🇱🇰

Colombo, Sri Lanka

eVisa
30 days (extendable)
$50 (~₹4,200) for tourist ETA
Immediate to 24 hours

Pro Tip: Apply for ETA at least 2-3 days before travel (though instant approval is common)

Read full Colombo visa guide
7
🇳🇵

Kathmandu, Nepal

Visa Free
Unlimited (no visa required)

Pro Tip: Easiest international destination for Indians - literally no visa needed

Read full Kathmandu visa guide
8
🇲🇾

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Visa Free
30 days

Pro Tip: Complete MDAC at least 3 days before travel - don't wait till last minute

Read full Kuala Lumpur visa guide
9
🇲🇺

Port Louis, Mauritius

Visa Free
60 days (90 days possible with extension)

Pro Tip: One of the most beautiful and Indian-friendly destinations

Read full Port Louis visa guide
10
🇧🇹

Thimphu, Bhutan

Visa Free
Unlimited (no visa required for Indians)

Pro Tip: Easiest Himalayan destination - no visa hassles

Read full Thimphu visa guide
11
🇶🇦

Doha, Qatar

eVisa
30 days (extendable once for 30 more days)
QAR 100 (~₹2,300) for tourist visa
Usually within 5 days

Pro Tip: If flying Qatar Airways, you may get free transit visa for 96 hours

Read full Doha visa guide

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