One iPhone Duo or an international holiday? Here’s where Rs 3 lakh can take you

Apple's latest iPhone launch comes with a price tag that could make travellers think twice about where they would rather spend their money. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 1,64,900 in India, while the Pro Max begins at Rs 1,79,900. Apple's first foldable, the iPhone Duo, is considerably more expensive, with the base model priced at Rs 2,99,900 and the top-end 2TB version reaching Rs 4,49,900.

At nearly Rs 3 lakh, the entry-level Duo costs about as much as several international holidays. For travellers looking to turn that amount into an experience instead, these destinations offer trips that can come in below the phone's starting price.

Mauritius: A week-long island escape

Mauritius is among the easier options for Indian travellers, with a free visa on arrival valid for up to 60 days. Return flights generally cost Rs 32,000-50,000 per person.

A seven-night holiday for two, including a resort stay, water activities and some private tours, can cost around Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2.26 lakh.

Bali: Beaches, Ubud and more

Bali requires Indian travellers to pay for a visa on arrival, which costs around Rs 2,700-3,000. There is also a Bali Tourist Levy of roughly Rs 750-800.

Return flights from Delhi and Bengaluru can range between Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000. A mid-range seven-day holiday covering Ubud and a beach destination such as Seminyak can cost Rs 1.1-2 lakh per person.

Singapore: A shorter city break

Singapore requires Indian travellers to obtain an e-visa through an authorised agent. The government fee is Rs 2,100, while the total cost including agent charges is generally Rs 3,100-4,500.

Return flights from Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai range from Rs 14,000 to Rs 30,000. A five-day mid-range trip can cost Rs 70,000-1.5 lakh per person.

Maldives: From budget islands to luxury resorts

The Maldives offers visa-free entry on arrival for Indian travellers. Return flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai can start at around Rs 20,000 and go up to Rs 40,000-45,000.

A local-island holiday can cost less than Rs 80,000 per person, including flights. For those seeking an overwater resort, a three- to four-night stay for two can cost Rs 2-3.5 lakh.

Greece: A European holiday under Rs 3 lakh

Greece requires a Schengen visa, with the consular fee at around Rs 8,300-9,900, along with additional service charges. Flights from Delhi or Mumbai cost roughly Rs 45,000-70,000.

A seven-day trip covering Athens and the islands can cost Rs 1.2-1.8 lakh per person on a budget, while a mid-range holiday can reach Rs 1.9-2.7 lakh.

Japan: A premium trip without the phone bill

Japan's tourist visa for Indians costs around Rs 1,300-2,000. Return flights from Delhi or Mumbai can range between Rs 45,000 and Rs 90,000.

A seven- to eight-day trip with mid-range hotels, sightseeing and a JR rail pass can cost Rs 1.5-2 lakh per person.

Thailand: Beach holiday with money to spare

Indian travellers can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days at no cost, though they need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before departure.

Return flights to Bangkok can cost Rs 18,000-35,000 with advance booking. A six- to seven-day trip covering Bangkok and Phuket or Krabi can cost around Rs 70,000-1.15 lakh per person.

Sri Lanka: The budget-friendly option

Sri Lanka offers free Electronic Travel Authorisation for Indian nationals. Return flights can start at Rs 8,000-15,000 from Chennai or Bengaluru.

A seven-day trip covering Colombo, the hill country and the coast can cost Rs 35,000-55,000 per person on a budget, or Rs 60,000-90,000 on a mid-range plan.