
Pakhi Gupta
Long Trips From India: Countries Worth Exploring At A Relaxed Pace
Thinking of a long holiday from India? These countries are perfect for slow travel, deep exploration, and relaxed journeys without rushing.
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Pakhi Gupta
16/1/26
Long trips are not about ticking places off a list. They are about slowing down, staying longer, and understanding a country beyond its famous landmarks. For Indian travellers, long vacations also make sense because flights are long and time zones change.
Spending two to four weeks in one country allows you to explore cities, small towns, nature, food, and daily life without rushing. It gives space to rest between experiences and makes travel feel less tiring and more meaningful.
From nearby Asian countries to faraway European and South American destinations, some places are perfect for relaxed, immersive travel. These countries offer good connectivity, varied landscapes, and enough depth to keep you engaged for weeks.

Thailand is one of the easiest countries for Indians to explore at a slow pace. It offers a mix of beaches, cities, mountains, and cultural towns, all connected by good transport. The country is affordable, friendly, and very welcoming to long-stay travellers.
Popular places: It includes Bangkok for temples and markets, Chiang Mai and Pai for mountains and slow living, and Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Samui for island time. You can also explore lesser-known places like Chiang Rai, Koh Lanta, and Sukhothai for history and calm surroundings.
Activities: It ranges from island hopping, snorkeling, and diving to temple visits, Thai cooking classes, and wellness retreats. Night markets, river cruises, and street walks add simple daily pleasures during long stays.
Food Options: Thai food is varied and flavourful, with dishes like pad thai, green curry, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit shakes available everywhere. Street food is affordable, and cafes and international restaurants are common in tourist areas. Famous foods in New Zealand include meat pies, fish and chips, and the iconic pavlova dessert.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is easy to find, especially in cities and islands. Many restaurants offer vegetable-based curries, tofu dishes, and vegan options. Jain travellers can request no onion and no garlic, and Indian restaurants are widely available.
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New Zealand is ideal for long, scenic road trips and slow outdoor travel. The country feels peaceful, uncrowded, and extremely clean, making it perfect for travellers who enjoy nature and quiet exploration.
Popular places: You can spend time across both islands, visiting Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Christchurch. Fjords like Milford Sound, glaciers, lakes, and coastal drives add variety and beauty to the journey.
Activities: It includes road tripping, hiking, kayaking, glacier walks, wildlife spotting, and scenic train rides. Adventure sports like bungee jumping and skydiving are optional, while nature walks suit relaxed travellers.
Food Options: Food in New Zealand focuses on fresh produce, dairy, seafood, and cafe-style meals. You will find good bakeries, brunch spots, and international cuisines in most towns and cities.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is easily available, especially in cities and tourist hubs. Indian restaurants are common, and supermarkets stock plenty of vegetarian ingredients. Jain food may require custom requests, but self-cooking is very convenient.
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Vietnam is a long-trip favourite for its affordability, culture, and diversity. Travelling from north to south slowly lets you experience changing landscapes, food styles, and local traditions. It also offers excellent transport, friendly locals, and enough variety to stay engaged for weeks without feeling rushed.
Popular places: It includes Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, and the Mekong Delta. You can also spend time in mountain areas like Sapa and beach towns like Phu Quoc.
Activities: It includes city walking tours, boat rides, cycling through villages, cooking classes, and slow cafe hopping. Overnight trains and buses make long-distance travel comfortable and budget-friendly.
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Food Options: Vietnamese food is fresh and light, with dishes like pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and rice-based meals. Cafes serving strong Vietnamese coffee are part of daily life. Meals are affordable, widely available, and easy to enjoy even during long stays.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is widely available due to Buddhist influence. Many restaurants offer vegetarian versions of local dishes. Jain food may need explanation, but simple rice, vegetables, and tofu dishes are easy to manage.
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Sri Lanka is compact yet rich in experiences, making it perfect for slow travel. Short travel distances allow you to settle into places rather than rush between them. From hill towns to beaches and ancient temples, the variety makes extended stays feel relaxed and rewarding.
Popular places: You can explore Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Sigiriya, Galle, Mirissa, and Bentota. The country offers beaches, hill stations, wildlife parks, and ancient temples.
Activities: It includes scenic train journeys, tea estate walks, wildlife safaris, beach relaxation, and cultural sightseeing. Ayurveda and wellness retreats are also popular for longer stays.
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Food Options: Sri Lankan food is flavourful, with rice and curry meals, hoppers, coconut-based dishes, and fresh fruits. Spices are bold but meals can be customised. Famous local dishes include kottu roti, string hoppers, dhal curry, and pol sambol, which are loved by both locals and travellers.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is easy to find, especially in Hindu and Buddhist areas. Many dishes are naturally vegetarian, and Jain travellers can request simple preparations without onion and garlic.
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Kazakhstan offers a unique long-trip experience with wide landscapes and modern cities. It is less crowded and gives a sense of open space and calm. Slow travel here allows you to balance city life with nature escapes without the pressure of tight itineraries.
Popular places: Places to visit include Almaty, Astana, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, and Altyn-Emel National Park. You can mix city stays with nature-based trips. Other highlights include Big Almaty Lake, Kaindy Lake, Shymbulak ski resort, and the vast степpe landscapes that define the country’s character.
Activities: It includes hiking, photography, cable car rides, lake visits, and cultural exploration. Long stays allow time to adjust to distances and climate. You can also enjoy scenic road trips, visit local bazaars, experience nomadic culture, and explore national parks at a relaxed pace.
Food Options: Kazakh food reflects its nomadic roots. Well-known dishes include beshbarmak, manty (steamed dumplings), baursak (fried dough), and lagman. The country is also known for dairy-based items like kurt and fermented drinks such as kumis.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is available in urban areas, though options are limited in remote regions. Indian restaurants exist in major cities, and self-cooking helps for Jain travellers.

Uzbekistan is perfect for slow, culture-focused travel along the Silk Route. The country feels safe, welcoming, and deeply historical. Spending more time in each city helps you truly absorb its architecture, stories, and local way of life.
Popular places: Key destinations include Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, each offering stunning architecture and old-city charm. Slow travel allows time to absorb the history. You can also explore places like Shahrisabz, the Fergana Valley, local bazaars, and traditional neighbourhoods that showcase everyday Uzbek life.
Activities: It includes heritage walks, museum visits, local bazaars, and train journeys between cities. Photography and cultural learning are highlights. You can also enjoy traditional craft workshops, tea house visits, food tasting, and evenings in historic old towns.
Food Options: Uzbek cuisine is known for hearty, traditional dishes. The most famous dish is plov, a rice dish cooked with vegetables and spices. Other popular foods include samsa (baked pastries), lagman (noodle soup), non (round flatbread), and shurpa (vegetable-rich soup).
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian options are limited but manageable in cities. Simple vegetable dishes, bread, rice, and Indian restaurants help Jain travellers plan comfortably.

Australia suits long trips because of its size and variety. Travelling slowly helps balance long distances and jet lag. The country’s safe cities and well-planned infrastructure make extended stays comfortable for Indian travellers.
Popular places: You can explore Sydney, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, and Perth. Nature spots like the Great Barrier Reef and national parks add depth. You can also include Tasmania, the Blue Mountains, and coastal towns for quieter experiences.
Activities: It includes road trips, beach time, wildlife parks, city exploration, and coastal walks. Long stays allow relaxed pacing between regions. Snorkelling, scenic drives, and indigenous cultural experiences add more variety.
Food options: They are diverse, with strong cafe culture and global cuisines. Fresh produce, seafood, and baked goods are widely available. You’ll also find plenty of healthy, fusion, and budget-friendly dining options.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is very easy to find, and vegan options are common. Indian restaurants are widespread, making Jain food relatively easy to manage. Self-catering is also convenient with well-stocked supermarkets across the country.

Japan rewards slow travel with its attention to detail and seasonal beauty. Staying longer helps you experience daily life beyond tourist spots. It also allows time to enjoy festivals, cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and local neighbourhood experiences that short trips often miss.
Popular places: It includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakone, Kanazawa, and smaller towns like Takayama. Each region feels distinct. You can also explore Nara, Nikko, Hokkaido, and rural villages for a deeper cultural and natural experience.
Activities: It includes temple visits, train journeys, onsen experiences, shopping streets, and cultural workshops. Walking is a big part of daily exploration. You can also try tea ceremonies, cooking classes, seasonal festivals, and cycling through scenic towns.
Food options: Japanese food is diverse, including rice bowls, noodles, tofu dishes, and desserts. Convenience stores also offer good-quality meals. Street food, izakayas, and regional specialties like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kaiseki meals enrich the culinary experience.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is improving but still limited in traditional places. Buddhist temples offer vegetarian meals, and Indian restaurants help Jain travellers. Supermarkets and health-focused cafes also provide convenient vegetarian and vegan options for longer stays.

South Africa is ideal for long, varied trips combining nature, wildlife, and cities. The country offers great value for extended stays. Its friendly locals, safe tourist infrastructure, and well-connected transport make long trips comfortable and enjoyable.
Popular places: You can explore Cape Town, Garden Route, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and coastal towns. Landscapes change dramatically across regions. Other highlights include the Drakensberg Mountains, Robben Island, Stellenbosch wine region, and scenic coastal drives for a diverse experience.
Activities: It includes safaris, road trips, beach visits, wine tasting, and hiking. Slow travel allows time for rest between experiences. You can also enjoy whale watching, cultural village tours, adventure sports, and photography of stunning landscapes.
Food options: Food is influenced by African, European, and Asian cuisines. Grilled dishes, fresh produce, and cafe meals are common. Seafood, traditional braais (barbecues), and local delicacies like biltong and bunny chow are also popular among travellers.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is available in cities and tourist areas. Indian communities make it easier to find vegetarian and Jain-friendly options. Many restaurants now offer vegan and health-conscious options, making it convenient for longer stays.

France is perfect for slow, lifestyle-focused travel. Staying longer lets you enjoy everyday moments, not just famous sights. It also allows time to experience local festivals, seasonal markets, and the relaxed pace of French village life.
Popular places: You can explore Paris, Provence, French Riviera, Bordeaux, Normandy, and small villages. Trains make regional travel easy and scenic. Other charming spots include Loire Valley castles, Alsace villages, and the Pyrenees for nature and cultural diversity.
Activities: It includes museum visits, walking tours, cafe hopping, countryside stays, and local markets. Slow days are part of the experience. Wine tasting, river cruises, bicycle tours, and art workshops add depth to extended stays.
Food options: French food focuses on bread, cheese, pastries, and regional dishes. Cafes and bakeries are central to daily life. You can also enjoy local specialties like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, quiche, and fine desserts unique to each region.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is increasingly available, especially in cities. Indian restaurants help Jain travellers, and self-catering is a good option. Many restaurants and cafes now offer vegan and plant-based menus, making long-term stays easier for dietary preferences.

Italy suits long trips because every region feels different. Food, culture, and landscapes change as you move slowly across the country. Spending more time in each area allows you to enjoy seasonal festivals, local traditions, and hidden gems that short visits often miss.
Popular places: You can visit Rome, Florence, Venice, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Milan, and smaller towns. Long stays allow time beyond major attractions. Exploring lesser-known towns like Siena, Bologna, Cinque Terre, and Matera adds depth and a more authentic Italian experience.
Activities: It includes heritage walks, countryside drives, cooking classes, beach time, and museum visits. Even daily strolls feel rewarding. You can also enjoy wine tasting, boat trips, art workshops, and cycling through scenic landscapes.
Food options: Italian food is diverse, with pasta, pizza, risotto, gelato, and regional specialities. Meals are social and relaxed. Local markets, trattorias, and street food also provide an immersive taste of regional flavours.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is widely available, and many dishes are naturally meat-free. Jain travellers can request custom meals and rely on Indian restaurants. Additionally, Italy’s fresh produce and cheese allow for easy self-catering options during longer stays.

Argentina is ideal for long-distance, immersive travel due to its size and diversity. A relaxed pace helps manage travel times and climate changes. Spending more time in each region allows you to experience local traditions, seasonal festivals, and the natural beauty that makes Argentina unique.
Popular places: Places to visit include Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Bariloche, Mendoza, Iguazu Falls, and Ushuaia. Each region offers a distinct experience. You can also explore the wine regions of Salta, the Lake District, Tierra del Fuego, and lesser-known coastal towns for a richer itinerary.
Activities: It includes nature exploration, wine tasting, glacier visits, city walks, and cultural shows. Long stays allow deeper regional exploration. Other experiences include trekking, horseback riding in the pampas, tango classes, and wildlife spotting in Patagonia.
Food options: Food is known for grilled meats, empanadas, and desserts, along with good cafe culture in cities. Local specialties like milanesas, choripán, dulce de leche, and mate tea are must-tries for travellers.
Vegetarian/Jain Food Options: Vegetarian food is available in major cities, though limited elsewhere. Indian restaurants and self-cooking help Jain travellers plan comfortably. In smaller towns, fresh produce markets and vegetarian-friendly cafes make it possible to maintain a balanced diet during longer stays.
Long trips from India work best when you choose countries that reward patience and curiosity. These destinations offer enough variety to stay engaged for weeks without feeling rushed.
From nearby Asian neighbours like Thailand and Vietnam to distant regions like Europe, Africa, and South America, each country on this list supports slow, meaningful exploration. Good transport, safety, and food options make extended stays practical.
If you enjoy travelling beyond highlights and prefer depth over speed, these countries are worth exploring at a relaxed pace. They turn long holidays into life experiences rather than short getaways.
Thailand is the easiest country to travel from India due to its short flights, visa-on-arrival facility, and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Sri Lanka is also very convenient with just a few hours by plane and compact distances between destinations. Vietnam is beginner-friendly for Indian travellers, offering affordable transport, simple visa options, and an easy-to-navigate local system.
New Zealand is perfect for long, immersive trips with scenic road trips, nature, and peaceful towns for slow travel. Italy offers rich cultural experiences, world-famous food, and diverse landscapes ideal for extended exploration. Argentina is great for long-distance travel, combining cities, natural wonders, wine regions, and glaciers into a rewarding multi-week trip.
Thailand is one of the cheapest destinations to fly to from India, with many budget airlines and affordable local travel options. Sri Lanka also offers low-cost flights and reasonably priced accommodation, food, and transport. Vietnam combines affordable flights with very budget-friendly long-term stays, making it ideal for economical travel from India.
Thailand works best for a 5-day trip as you can explore Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or one of its islands without feeling rushed. Sri Lanka is perfect for a short trip covering Colombo, Kandy, and a nearby beach town comfortably. Vietnam allows focused itineraries like Hanoi with Halong Bay or Ho Chi Minh City, making a short trip convenient and enjoyable.