These are the cheapest trips Indians can book right now in 2026

From India to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, these destinations offer the lowest flight fares Indians can book right now in 2026.

• Skyscanner lists Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Indian travellers in 2026
• 84% of Indians plan international trips, but 81% feel booking is confusing
• Mumbai, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Kochi, Muscat, Phuket among budget-friendly picks

Did our AI summary help?

2026 is no longer something to plan for—it’s already unfolding. With January nearly over, many Indian travellers are realising that the year they promised themselves more holidays has officially begun. Flights are getting booked, calendars are filling up, and the real question now isn’t whether to travel, but where to go without stretching the budget.

New data from global travel app Skyscanner reflects exactly this mood. While the appetite for travel remains strong—84% of Indians are planning international trips in 2026—the booking process itself has become overwhelming. Fluctuating airfares, unclear timing, and an endless list of options have left 81% of travellers feeling confused and fatigued when it comes to locking in their plans.

To cut through that uncertainty, Skyscanner’s latest report has revealed the Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2026, based on millions of flight prices analysed across thousands of routes. Here’s where Indian travellers can still find the lowest fares this year.

1. Mumbai, India

A city that never waits—and never slows down. Mumbai blends history, ambition, and everyday chaos like nowhere else. From the Gateway of India and Marine Drive to buzzing street food lanes and Bollywood studios, it delivers big-city experiences at surprisingly low airfares. With Navi Mumbai International Airport set to open later in 2025, flight options and price competition are only improving in early 2026.

2. Varanasi, India

Few places feel as timeless as Varanasi. As January fades, the city continues its daily rhythm of sunrise aartis, temple bells, and life along the ghats. Despite its global pull, Varanasi remains one of the most affordable destinations to fly to in 2026—ideal for travellers seeking depth rather than distraction.

3. Bagdogra, India

Bagdogra quietly earns its place on the list. Serving as the gateway to Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan, it offers cool mountain air, rolling tea estates, and a slower pace of travel. With low average fares, it’s a smart base for Himalayan escapes in the first half of the year.

4. Kochi, India

Kochi’s charm lies in its ease. Colonial streets, backwaters edged with palms, spice-scented markets, and a growing art scene make it perfect for unhurried travel. Affordable flights through 2026 keep this coastal Kerala city firmly on the budget radar.

5. Agatti, India

Agatti proves that island escapes don’t always demand luxury budgets. With clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and peaceful beaches, this Lakshadweep island is a rare mix of affordability and untouched beauty—especially appealing to travellers planning quieter trips after the New Year rush.

6. Muscat, Oman

Muscat offers a calmer Middle Eastern experience, balancing tradition and modern life. Think mountain-framed coastlines, historic forts, grand mosques, and lively souqs. Competitive airfares in early 2026 make it an easy international escape without the usual Gulf-city price tag.

7. Port Blair, India

For travellers chasing blue horizons, Port Blair remains a strong contender. As the gateway to the Andaman Islands, it combines coral-rich waters with colonial history and access to some of India’s most pristine beaches—all at flight prices that remain surprisingly low in 2026.

8. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Sharjah continues to attract travellers looking beyond the glitz. Known for its museums, heritage districts, and cultural festivals, it offers a more authentic Emirati experience. Lower accommodation costs and budget-friendly flights make it a practical choice as the year progresses.

9. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket’s appeal hasn’t faded—and neither has its value. From lively beach towns to quieter island escapes and Old Town charm, the destination balances fun and affordability. With steady flight deals in 2026, it remains one of the easiest international beach getaways for Indians.

10. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Energetic, fast-changing, and full of flavour, Ho Chi Minh City blends French-colonial architecture with modern towers and street food culture. Affordable airfares and low daily expenses make it one of Southeast Asia’s best-value cities to visit this year.

The smart way to travel more for less in 2026

With January already drawing to a close, 2026 is moving fast—but affordable travel opportunities are still wide open. The data shows that waiting doesn’t always mean saving, while flexible dates and smart tools can unlock trips that cost far less than expected.

If this year is about finally travelling more, now is the moment to start—before the calendar fills up again.