BusinessManasi Praharaj02 Nov 2026
We have all been there. You spot a destination, open the currency converter, and suddenly the trip looks even better. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone! Skyscanner's Travel Trends Report found that 69% of Indian travellers always or often consider exchange rates when booking a holiday while 67% have changed or considered changing their destination in search of better value.
Meet the Currency Chasers.
So, this festive season, we’re chasing the rupee. Here are six destinations where it converts into more, plus a few Skyscanner tricks to help you fly for less.
1. Vietnam
Vietnam is that destination where the numbers on the currency converter feel fun to discover. At around 271 dong to the rupee, even a small amount in Indian currency translates into thousands of dong.
Slurp steaming bowls of phở at Hanoi’s street-side eateries, soak up the lantern-lit evenings in Hoi An and spend a beach day or two in Da Nang. Phu Quoc, known for its white-sand beaches and laid-back island stays, is also among Skyscanner’s trending destinations, with searches up 133%.
For travellers watching their overall budget, comparing different travel dates and nearby airports can help reveal more affordable flight combinations.
2. Uzbekistan
A destination where your rupees translate into thousands of som, Uzbekistan offers a different kind of value: the chance to explore some of Central Asia's most striking historic cities. In Tashkent, browse traditional markets and sample local dishes before travelling onwards to Samarkand's turquoise-tiled landmarks, Bukhara's historic streets and the ancient city of Khiva.
Food, markets and cultural attractions offer plenty of ways to experience the destination beyond its headline sights. The key is to compare the costs of individual experiences alongside the exchange rate, rather than assuming that a favourable-looking conversion automatically makes a holiday cheaper.
Tashkent is also featured in Skyscanner's Best-value Destinations list, with return-flight searches down 30% year on year. Indian passport holders can explore Uzbekistan's e-visa option when planning their trip.
3. Azerbaijan
Baku is worth a look for travellers who want a change from the usual international holiday circuit. While the rupee converts into a fraction of a manat, the more useful comparison is the local price of a meal, a museum visit or a day exploring the city.
Start in Baku's UNESCO-listed Old City, where medieval lanes and the Maiden Tower sit alongside contemporary landmarks such as the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center. Its mix of heritage, waterfront views and modern architecture makes it an appealing option for a festive city break.
Baku features in Skyscanner's Best-value Destinations list, with return-flight searches down 17% year on year. Direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai and e-visa access for eligible Indian travellers are also worth considering when planning the overall trip budget.
4. Sri Lanka
A familiar-sounding currency, but a different holiday altogether. At around 3.5 Sri Lankan rupees to the Indian rupee, travellers can compare local prices for meals, transport and activities to understand how far their spending budget might stretch.
Sri Lanka offers plenty of variety for a short festive escape. Spot elephants in its national parks, travel through mist-covered tea plantations, explore centuries-old temples and finish with a few slower days by the coast. Travellers can combine different experiences without committing to a single type of holiday.
Still deciding when to travel? Set up a Price Alert for your chosen route to receive an email or app notification when fares change. It’s a useful way to keep track of prices while you finalise your plans.
5. Nepal
Sometimes, the appeal is knowing exactly where you stand. The Nepali rupee is pegged to the Indian rupee at a fixed rate of ₹1 to NPR 1.6, making currency conversion straightforward for Indian travellers. While the fixed rate does not necessarily mean everything costs less, it makes budgeting easier.
Nepal also offers a familiar cultural connection, from shared Hindu and Buddhist traditions to temple architecture, festivals, local food and bustling markets. Explore Kathmandu's historic squares and sacred sites before heading to Pokhara for lakeside cafés and Himalayan panoramas. For travellers seeking a short festive escape, it offers a change of scenery without feeling culturally distant from home.
Pokhara has also featured among Skyscanner's top 10 trending destinations, with return-flight searches up 166% year on year.
Leave is precious, so use the departure time filter in Skyscanner's flight search to find a flight that lands late the night before or early on day one. A long weekend can then feel like a proper break.
6. Thailand
Convert your rupees, and the baht goes a long way when you spend like a local. Thailand is the master of the luxury-holiday dupe. Turquoise bays, long-tail boats, island sunsets and seafood dinners aren't reserved for resort guests. Stay in a simple guesthouse, book local boat trips and eat by the sea, and you can recreate much of the five-star version of the holiday for a fraction of the price.
Choosing a destination where your money stretches further is one part of planning a value-conscious holiday. Finding the right flight deal is another.
Make Your Diwali Travel Budget Go Further
This Diwali, Skyscanner is helping travellers make the most of their festive getaways with exclusive flight discounts through participating travel partners. Travellers can enjoy savings of up to ₹1,000 on eligible flight bookings made through HappyFares or Paytm Travels via Skyscanner, when they use the promo code SKYIND. The offer runs from 20 October to 15 November 2026 and applies to flight bookings only. Terms and conditions apply.
Find the details at Skyscanner’s Diwali Sale page.
For those still deciding where to go, Skyscanner's Drops feature in the Skyscanner app also highlights flights with significant price reductions, with eligible fares showing drops of up to 40% for Diwali.
Whether you’re chasing a favourable exchange rate, a new cultural experience or a better flight fare, a little flexibility can help you get more out of your festive getaway. Pick your destination, compare your options and see where your rupee takes you.