From ferries and markets to trails and temples, Hong Kong offers plenty without overspending.

Hong Kong often gets labelled as an expensive city, and yes, it can be, but it also has a surprisingly accessible side if you know where to look. Between glittering skyscrapers and luxury malls, you will find scenic hikes, bustling street markets, historic temples, and some of the best skyline views in the world that don’t cost much at all. For Indian travellers especially, it’s a destination where smart planning can stretch your budget without cutting down on experiences. If you are looking to explore Hong Kong without overspending, here are some experiences that deliver the city’s essence on a budget.

Here Are 6 Budget-Friendly Things To Do In Hong Kong

1. Ride The Star Ferry For Iconic Harbour Views

One of the cheapest and most iconic things you can do in Hong Kong is hop on the Star Ferry. This short ride between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island costs just a few Hong Kong dollars but offers million-dollar views of Victoria Harbour. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the skyline lights up, making it feel far more premium than the price suggests.

2. Take In The Skyline From Victoria Peak

The Victoria Peak is a must-visit, but you don’t need to spend on the Peak Tram. Instead, take a public bus or even hike up if you’re feeling adventurous. Once at the top, skip the paid Sky Terrace and head to free viewing spots nearby. You will still get sweeping views of the skyline, harbour, and surrounding islands – without the added cost.

3. Explore Street Markets In Mong Kok

If you want to experience Hong Kong’s energy, head to Mong Kok. This neighbourhood is packed with street markets like Ladies’ Market and Temple Street Night Market, where you can browse everything from clothes to souvenirs. Even if you don’t shop, walking through these markets is an experience in itself – bright lights, street performances, and the constant buzz of local life.

4. Visit Temples And Heritage Spots

Hong Kong blends modern life with deep-rooted traditions, and its temples are a great way to see that. Places like Man Mo Temple offer a peaceful break from the city’s pace, filled with incense coils and historic charm. Entry is free, and the experience gives you insight into the spiritual side of Hong Kong without spending anything.

5. Hike Dragon’s Back For Coastal Views

Nature lovers will be pleasantly surprised by Hong Kong. The Dragon’s Back Trail is one of the most popular hikes, offering stunning views of the coastline, beaches, and lush greenery. It is beginner-friendly, well-marked, and completely free – making it one of the best budget experiences in the city.

6. Eat Like A Local Without Spending Much

Food in Hong Kong doesn’t have to be expensive. Skip high-end restaurants and head to local eateries and cha chaan tengs (Hong Kong-style cafés). You can enjoy filling meals like noodles, rice dishes, and dim sum at reasonable prices. Street food stalls and small joints across the city serve some of the most authentic flavours, proving that you don’t need to splurge to eat well here.

Why Hong Kong Is Friendlier to Budget Travellers Than You Think

Hong Kong’s expensive image largely comes from hotels and luxury shopping, not from everyday experiences. Once you step out to explore, much of the city is surprisingly accessible. Its compact layout and efficient public transport make getting around simple, while many of its best moments unfold in public spaces rather than ticketed attractions.

What quietly works in a traveller’s favour is access:

• Reliable public transport that connects key areas without high costs
• Walkable neighbourhoods that let you explore at your own pace
• Open access to nature and viewpoints across the city
• Public ferries and promenades that double up as sightseeing

Instead of paying to “see” Hong Kong, you experience it by moving through it. For travellers willing to look beyond curated tourist circuits, the city offers excellent value despite its high-end reputation. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Hong Kong today!

Iceland offers travellers dramatic contrasts, with fire and ice defining the landscape at every turn.

Some countries are known for their food, others for their culture, and a few for landscapes so striking that they earn poetic nicknames. Tucked away in the North Atlantic is one such destination that feels almost unreal at first glance. Imagine steaming geothermal springs bubbling beside frozen glaciers, or volcanoes rising dramatically near ice-covered plains. Travellers who visit often struggle to describe it in a single word – because it feels like two completely different worlds colliding in one place. Over time, this raw, dramatic contrast has earned the country a nickname that perfectly captures its identity. Let’s find out which place this is, and what makes it stand out.

Why Iceland Is Called The ‘Land of Fire and Ice’

Iceland’s nickname comes from its rare geographical contrast. The country sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, making it one of the most volcanically active regions in the world. This means frequent eruptions, lava fields, geysers, and geothermal springs constantly reshape the land. At the same time, large parts of Iceland remain covered in massive glaciers, creating a striking balance between heat and ice.

Iceland Is Home To Both Fire And Ice

What makes Iceland truly unique is how closely these opposites exist together. You can find glaciers like Vatnajökull – Europe’s largest – not far from active volcanic zones. In some areas, geothermal heat even melts ice from below, forming caves and dramatic-blue formations. This coexistence of extremes is what gives the country its iconic identity.

Geysers, Lava Fields And Ice Caves Define The Experience

From erupting geysers like Strokkur to vast black lava landscapes and shimmering ice caves, Iceland offers a constantly changing visual experience. Unlike destinations known for just one type of scenery, here you get multiple natural wonders in a single trip – often within a few hours’ drive.

Why Travellers Love Iceland

Much like how certain destinations become famous for one defining trait, Iceland’s appeal goes far beyond its nickname. Travellers are drawn to its surreal beauty – from chasing the Northern Lights in winter to witnessing the midnight sun in summer. The country’s landscapes feel untouched, dramatic, and almost cinematic, making it a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Best Time To Visit Iceland

Iceland can be visited year-round, but your experience will vary depending on the season.

• Summer (June to August): Best for road trips, green landscapes, and the midnight sun

• Winter (November to March): Ideal for Northern Lights and snowy scenery

• Shoulder seasons: Fewer crowds and balanced weather

How To Reach Iceland

Reaching Iceland from India typically involves connecting flights via Europe or the Middle East. The main international gateway is Keflavík International Airport, located near the capital city, Reykjavik. From there, travellers can explore the country via road trips, guided tours, or rental cars – the most popular way to experience Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.

For travellers drawn to raw nature and dramatic scenery, Iceland’s extremes turn every trip into a journey between fire and ice.

Here’s what you need to know before heading to this idyllic collection of more than 1,000 islands.

The Republic of Maldives, a collection of more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, is known for clear turquoise waters, endless white beaches, and of course, luxurious overwater bungalows—the ideal (and often literal) jumping-off point for unrivaled snorkeling, swimming, and diving.

While there’s no single right way to experience the Maldives, there are several ways you might go wrong. So, whether you’re still in the planning stages or already lounging by your infinity pool in the Baa Atoll, here are nine mistakes to avoid in the Maldives.

Visiting Only One Island

An archipelago of nearly 1,200 islands, the vast majority of which are uninhabited, the Maldives tends to favor a “one island, one resort” approach to hotel development. So you could all too easily journey across the world to see only one tiny, albeit stunning, islet—and maybe a bit of the capital, Malé, which is home to the international airport. Try not to let that happen. Whether you charter a boat, take a day tour to a nearby atoll, or divide your time between two resorts, make sure to get in some island-hopping while you’re here.

Assuming the Maldives Can’t Be Budget-friendly

The Maldives has a well-earned reputation for being ultra-lavish, but visiting on a budget is certainly possible. To cut down on expenses when you arrive, stay at a four-star hotel such as the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma or a local guesthouse.

As for activities on a budget, there are many ways to immerse yourself in local beauty that don’t involve a chartered yacht or helicopter. Those staying at a resort may be able to snorkel along the house reefs or get involved in certain resorts’ reef restoration initiatives, and anyone opting for a rental home can snorkel on select public beaches instead. Plus, staying in a rental home or guesthouse generally gives you access to experiences you can’t put a price on: those that revolve around local life (more on that below).

Missing Out on Local Culture

Because the Maldives tends to be known abroad as a beach destination, its cultural offerings are often overlooked. But in this unique melting pot of Sri Lankan, Indian, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Indonesian, and African influences, getting to know only the local resorts and reefs would be a big miss. So check out a music or dance performance, try some local cuisine, take a day trip to a fishing village, and never pass up the opportunity to sail anywhere (even from reception to your room) on a small, traditional wooden dhoni.

Not Considering a Charter, Cruise, or Liveaboard for Part of Your Trip

Offering sea safaris around the clear waters and teeming reefs of the Maldives, liveaboards come with a wide range of accommodations and facilities, plus professionals who range from dive and surf instructors to sommeliers. You can even rent your own yacht, houseboat, or small cruising vessel, and customize the staff to your requirements, perhaps with a massage therapist or yoga instructor. That said, island-hopping through this archipelago is so inherently de-stressing, you may find wellness pros superfluous.

Waiting for Your Honeymoon to Visit

Thanks to its profusion of secluded private islands, dreamy overwater bungalows, and unrivaled sunsets, the Maldives will always rank as one of the top honeymoon destinations. But this isn’t a place you need to save for the ultimate romantic getaway. The Maldives is just as well-suited to a girls trip or family escape. In fact, many resorts in the Maldives keep one-upping each other on the family-friendly front.

Forgetting the Reef-safe Sunscreen at Home

Here at the equator, the UV rays are famously strong, so your sunscreen should be high SPF and constantly reapplied, especially when you’re in and out of the water all day. But given what lies beneath—that is, endless tracts of coral and the surrounding technicolor marine life—your sunscreen should be reef-safe, too. While the Maldives hasn’t (yet) joined the growing list of destinations that officially ban chemical sunscreens (only certain physical sunscreens are considered reef-safe), at least one hospitality group with a Maldivian property has banned chemical sunscreens brand-wide: Six Senses.

Not Considering an All-inclusive Resort

Though secluded islands have their benefits, easy access to a wide variety of foods and spirits isn’t one. To avoid the sticker shock of the resulting imports, travelers in the Maldives often choose all-inclusive resorts. Yes, the nightly rates and fees may exceed others, but many guests find that bundling in the cost of food and drink is the most palatable approach here.

Not Combining the Maldives With a Trip to Asia

For all the seclusion it offers, the Maldives is shockingly accessible. You’ll find regular direct flights from, say, Colombo, Sri Lanka (about two hours) or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (four and a half hours), so you can easily pair a Maldivian interlude with a trip to an Asian hub.

Skipping the Bioluminescent Views

While the daytime views get all the screensaver glory, nights are no less magical in the Maldives, especially along the sometimes naturally illuminated shores. Somewhat rare and elusive—but perhaps best seen from April to November—this ethereal light show is caused by visiting bioluminescent plankton that create a glow-in-the-dark effect at the water’s edge.

The Dead Sea, located 430 meters below sea level, is a hypersaline lake known for its buoyant waters and mineral-rich mud but is rapidly shrinking.

There are very few places on Earth that make you feel genuinely, physically different the moment you step into them. The Dead Sea is one of them. Sitting at approximately 430 metres below sea level on the Jordanian side of the Jordan Rift Valley, this ancient, mineral-rich salt lake is not just the lowest point on Earth; it is one of the most extraordinary places a human being can visit. It is also dying. The water level drops by over a metre every single year, and the lake has already lost nearly a third of its surface area since the 1960s. So, if you want to visit the sea that makes you float, now is the time. Here is everything you need to know.

What Even Is the Dead Sea?

Let’s start with the basics, because a lot of people arrive with a fairly fuzzy understanding of what the Dead Sea actually is. Despite the name, it is not a sea. The Dead Sea is a landlocked salt lake, with the befitting Hebrew name, Yam Hamelakh, which translates to “Sea of Salt.” It sits in the Jordan Rift Valley, bordered by Jordan to the east, and is fed primarily by the Jordan River entering from the north.

As of 2025, the lake’s surface sits 439.78 metres below sea level, making its shores the lowest land-based elevation on Earth. It is 304 metres deep, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world, with a salinity of about 34.2%, roughly 9.6 times as salty as the ocean, and a density that makes swimming feel almost exactly like floating.

That salinity is the reason for everything the Dead Sea is famous for. It is the reason you float, the reason the mud is therapeutically special, the reason the water looks impossibly blue and clear, and, ironically, the reason almost nothing lives in it.

Why You Float (And Why It Feels Completely Bizarre)

If you’ve ever tried floating on your back in a regular swimming pool, you’ll know it requires some effort. In the Dead Sea, effort is the one thing you don’t need. No matter how much you try, you are simply pushed to the top. The water feels warm, oily because of the high salt content, but it doesn’t leave a coating on your body. As you walk further into the water, you can feel yourself being lifted slowly, and then, before you know it, you’re floating.

The physics behind it is simple enough. The extreme salt concentration makes the water far denser than your body, so you are literally buoyed upward by the water around you. What physics cannot quite prepare you for is the feeling, the strange, weightless, slightly surreal experience of sitting upright in water, reading a newspaper or holding your arms out to the sides like you’re reclining in an invisible chair. People laugh involuntarily when they first feel it. It is one of those rare experiences that genuinely cannot be replicated or fully described.

A few important rules before you get in: do not get the water in your eyes or mouth, stay on your back, as it can cause serious pain and nausea. Do not shave or have any open cuts before entering, because the salt concentration will sting intensely. And do not stay in for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a stretch, as the high mineral content can dehydrate you surprisingly quickly.

The Mud: More Than a Photo Opportunity

One of the most memorable parts of the Dead Sea experience, and one that most visitors approach as a giggling photo opportunity, is the black mineral mud. Dead Sea mud is said to contain around 25 minerals, each with different healing properties. The mineral composition includes potassium, magnesium, calcium, bromine, and sodium, among others.

The high concentration of salts and minerals in the Dead Sea, making life nearly impossible within it, has spurred a wellness industry. Mud baths and scrubs are believed to alleviate conditions like arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis. Medical tourism to the Dead Sea dates back thousands of years, with Cleopatra reportedly ordering mud for skincare and Romans valuing its medicinal properties. At a resort, the ritual involves covering yourself in mud, letting it dry, soaking in the water for 10 minutes, and then exfoliating with Dead Sea salt. Your skin feels softer and tighter. The silence and unique landscape create an unparalleled atmosphere.

Do note that the mud stains dark clothing; wear an old swimsuit or a dark-coloured one on your visit.

Is Anything Actually Alive Here?

“Dead” is a strong word. The Dead Sea is not completely lifeless. Microscopic organisms that have evolved to thrive in the presence of extreme salinity can be found here in abundance, including one that can bloom during the summer months and lend the water a reddish tinge. There’s also a green microalgae called Dunaliella. Freshwater springs at the bottom of the Dead Sea give rise to colonies of bacteria. There are also 80 species of fungi on the seabed.

Above the water, the surrounding Jordan Rift Valley is actually a significant bird migration corridor. White storks, honey buzzards, and lesser-spotted eagles pass through here on their way to and from Africa every autumn and spring.

Why It’s Dying, And Why That Should Make You Go Now

This is the part that most travel guides gloss over, but it deserves to be said plainly. The Dead Sea is in serious trouble, and the situation has been getting worse for decades.

The Dead Sea, primarily fed by the Jordan River, has seen a drastic reduction in water inflow due to upstream irrigation and water needs. Once receiving 1.3 billion cubic metres annually, the river now contributes only about 100 million cubic metres, mostly agricultural runoff and sewage. This has led to the sea’s rapid shrinkage since the 1960s, reaching 439 metres below sea level by 2025, with a drop of over a metre per year. By 2021, its surface had decreased by about 33 per cent since the 1960s, from over 1,000 square kilometres in the 1930s to 600 square kilometres today. This shrinkage has caused a secondary crisis: sinkholes along the coastline, threatening residential areas, roads, and lives. These sinkholes result from the chemical dissolution of salt layers as the water recedes. To maintain its current size, the Dead Sea requires 160 billion gallons of water annually, but it receives only about 10 per cent of that. Proposals, like a pipeline from the Red Sea, remain unimplemented. The reality is that the Dead Sea will be significantly smaller in ten years, with its future size uncertain. If you’re planning a visit, the best time was twenty years ago; the second-best is now.

A Comprehensive Travel Guide for Indian Visitors

Getting to Jordan from India

Direct and one-stop flights are available from major Indian cities to Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport. Flying time is roughly 5 to 7 hours with a connection. The Dead Sea is about 55 kilometres from Amman, making it a perfectly manageable day trip from the capital, or an overnight or multi-night stay.

Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Indian citizens need a visa to enter Jordan. Tourists can obtain an eVisa or a visa on arrival at the border. You’ll need a valid passport with at least six months of validity, proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, and travel insurance. The Jordan Pass, available online before your trip, is worth considering if you plan to see multiple sites. It bundles the visa fee and entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra and other historical sites.

When to Go

The best time to visit the Dead Sea is during the late fall or early spring months, when the weather is milder, March to late May and late September to November. Temperatures during these months average 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, which is pleasant for outdoor activity and floating. Winter is actually very manageable, with daytime temperatures around 20 to 21 degrees Celsius, and this is when hotel prices are at their lowest.

Where to Stay and What It Costs

The Dead Sea’s resort strip near Sweimeh features international luxury hotels with private beach access, spas, and freshwater pools. The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is renowned for its meditation, yoga, spa treatments, and nine pools. The Mövenpick Resort and Spa resembles a traditional Arabic village with a vast spa. Other options include the Marriott Dead Sea Resort, Hilton Dead Sea, and the Dead Sea Spa Hotel, the first locally owned resort with the largest beach. Day passes are available, like Mövenpick’s at 55 JOD weekdays, 65 JOD weekends. Budget travellers can stay in Madaba, 40 minutes away.

What Else to Do Nearby

The Dead Sea is not just a floating destination. The surrounding area is one of the historically densest regions on Earth. Just 25 kilometres away is Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have been shown the Promised Land before his death. The views from the summit across the Jordan Valley towards the Dead Sea are extraordinary, especially at dawn. The Dead Sea Panorama Complex, a 15-minute drive into the mountains above the water, offers a museum with fascinating exhibits on the geology, ecology, and history of the area, along with panoramic views of the entire lake from above. The ancient city of Madaba, with its 6th-century mosaic map, is also a short drive away. Wadi Mujib, often called the Grand Canyon of Jordan, offers canyoning and trekking through dramatic gorges that empty into the Dead Sea. The Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve is also a spectacular hiking destination in its own right.

Currency and Practical Tips

The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). One JOD is approximately 1.41 USD, so roughly 117 INR. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger establishments. Carry some cash for local taxis and small purchases. Jordanians are incredibly hospitable; a simple shukran (thank you) goes a long way. Public displays of affection are uncommon, and always ask before taking photographs of people. Dress codes at the beach and resorts are relaxed; cover up when visiting historical and religious sites.

The water temperature of the Dead Sea remains around 22 to 23 degrees Celsius throughout the year, which means the floating experience is pleasant in any season.

The Lowest Point On Earth

The Dead Sea is one of those destinations that crosses the line from holiday into genuine experience. You come away with something you can’t quite articulate but know you have, the memory of floating weightless in a geological anomaly that has existed for three million years and is quietly, steadily, running out of time. The energy of the water and the surrounding beach make visitors feel as if they are in a place that was nothing less than whimsy, a moment that always feels as if it is in pause mode.

For Indian travellers, the practical picture is simple enough. Jordan is visa-accessible, safe, welcoming to visitors, and enormously rich in experiences beyond the Dead Sea alone. Pair your visit with Petra, Wadi Rum, and Amman, and you have one of the most satisfying itineraries the Middle East can offer. But start with the water. Stand at the lowest point on Earth, lean back, let it hold you up, and stay a little longer than you planned to. You’ll want to.