7 Top Europe Trips From India Under Rs 1 Lakh Budget

Europe used to feel impossible for most Indians. Flights alone cost ₹80,000-1,00,000, then hotels, food, visas, suddenly that Italian dream needed ₹3-4 lakhs minimum. But here's what's changing, and Budget 2026 might accelerate it dramatically. The government's expected to rationalise aviation fuel taxes, helping airlines lower operational costs. Translation? Cheaper international flights, especially to Eastern Europe. Add proposed TCS relief, currently a painful 20% on foreign spending that might drop to 5-10%, and international travel suddenly becomes way more accessible. Combine these savings and your ₹95,000 trip effectively becomes ₹75,000-80,000. Or your ₹1 lakh stretches from 7 days to 10. Even before these budget measures, smart travellers are already doing Europe under ₹1 lakh. Budget airlines fly direct to Eastern Europe. Albania and Serbia skip Schengen visas entirely. The rupee stretches surprisingly far in Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria. Airbnbs cost ₹2,000/night. Local meals run ₹300-500. Let's break down exactly how to make Europe happen on an Indian middle-class budget.

Also Read: Paris Or Rome? Which City You Should Pick For Your First-Time Europe Trip

How Budget 2026 Could Transform Your Europe Trip

Aviation Fuel Tax Relief: Currently, aviation turbine fuel carries heavy taxes. Budget 2026 rationalises these and the airlines save upto 10-15% on operational costs. For international routes to Eastern Europe, this means tickets drop from ₹50,000 to ₹42,500-45,000. Family of four? That's about ₹20,000-30,000 saved immediately.

TCS Rationalisation: This is huge. Currently, Indians pay 20% TCS on overseas spending. Book a ₹1 lakh Europe package, and you pay ₹1.2 lakhs upfront (₹20,000 as TCS that you later claim when filing taxes). Budget 2026 cuts this to 5-10%. Lower upfront TCS means better cash flow at booking time, less blocked money waiting for refunds, and psychologically, travel feels more affordable when you're not paying 20% extra upfront.

Airport Connectivity: More direct flights from Tier 2 cities (Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad) to European hubs means less monopoly for major carriers. Competition drives prices down.

Combined Impact: Flight saves ₹6,000. TCS relief saves ₹6,000 upfront. Rupee stability saves ₹3,000-4,000. Your ₹95,000 trip becomes ₹80,000 or your ₹1 lakh budget stretches to 10 days instead of 7.

7 Affordable Destinations Under ₹1 Lakh

Albania & Serbia: The Balkans (Easiest Entry, Lowest Costs)

Photo Credit: Pexels

These neighbouring Balkan countries offer the simplest entry for Indians and Europe's best value.

Albania is what Croatia and Greece were 20 years ago, stunning Adriatic coast, medieval towns, Ottoman architecture, before tourism prices exploded. Tirana's colourful communist-era buildings are Instagram gold. Berat's "City of a Thousand Windows" rivals anything in Tuscany. Saranda's beaches look Greek because you can literally see Greek islands from the shore, but cost one-third the price. Byrek pastries, tavë kosi lamb with yogurt, fresh grilled seafood by the coast.

7-Day Budget: 

• Flights ₹40,000-50,000 (connecting via Istanbul/Doha)  -Accommodation ₹14,000 (₹2,000/night Airbnbs/hostels) 
• Food ₹3,500 (₹500/day)
• Transport ₹3,000 (furgons/buses super cheap)
• Sightseeing ₹5,000
• E-visa ₹3,000-4,000 

Total: ₹68,500-79,500 | Post-Budget 2026: ₹63,000-73,000

Serbia is the only European country offering visa-free entry for Indians (30 days, just show up). Belgrade's Skadarlija quarter feels like Montmartre with better prices and friendlier people. The nightlife is legendary, ruin bars, river clubs, live music everywhere. Medieval monasteries dot the countryside. Serbian food portions are massive, ćevapi grilled sausages, pljeskavica burger the size of a plate, kajmak cheese spread, rakija fruit brandy at every meal's end.

7-Day Budget: 

• Flights ₹45,000-55,000
• Accommodation ₹17,500 (₹2,500/night) 
• Food ₹4,200 (₹600/day, huge portions)
• Transport ₹2,500 
• Sightseeing ₹4,000 
• Visa ₹0 (free!) 

Total: ₹73,200-83,200 | Post-Budget 2026: ₹66,700-75,700

Pro Tip: Combine them. Buses connect Albania-Serbia for ₹2,000-3,000. Do 4 days Albanian beaches + 3 days Belgrade culture on one trip. Total visa cost? Just Albania's e-visa. You save ₹9,000 vs Schengen countries.

Hungary & Czech Republic: Central Europe (Western Charm, Eastern Prices)

Hungary offers Budapest, one of Europe's most beautiful capitals at fraction of Paris/Vienna costs. The Danube splits the city into Buda (hilly, castle side) and Pest (flat, vibrant side). Chain Bridge at sunset is magic. Thermal baths are Budapest's thing, Széchenyi has outdoor pools where locals play chess while soaking. Ruin bars (abandoned buildings turned into art-filled bars) like Szimpla Kert are unique to Budapest. Goulash, lángos fried dough, chimney cakes, and pálinka fruit brandy complete the experience.

7-Day Budget: 

• Flights ₹48,000-58,000
• Accommodation ₹19,600 (₹2,800/night)
• Food ₹4,550 (₹650/day)
• Transport ₹3,500 
• Sightseeing ₹6,000 (thermal baths, castle entries, Danube cruise) 
• Schengen visa ₹7,500 
• Insurance ₹1,500 

Total: ₹90,650-₹1,00,650 | Post-Budget 2026: ₹82,150-92,150 (comfortably under ₹1L with TCS relief)

Czech Republic means Prague, yes, but also fairy-tale Český Krumlov, Pilsner beer birthplace, and bone chapel in Kutná Hora. Prague's Old Town and Charles Bridge are touristy, but venture to lesser-known neighbourhoods and prices drop dramatically. And Czech beer is cheaper than water, literally ₹100-150 for half a litre vs ₹80-100 for bottled water. Svíčková beef in cream sauce, smažený sýr fried cheese, and trdelník sweet pastries are carb heaven.

7-Day Budget: 

• Flights ₹50,000-60,000 
• Accommodation ₹21,000 (₹3,000/night, split Prague/Krumlov) 
• Food ₹4,900 (₹700/day, beer budget included) 
• Transport ₹3,500 
• Sightseeing ₹6,000 
• Schengen visa ₹7,500 
• Insurance ₹1,500 

Total: ₹96,400-₹1,06,400 | Post-Budget 2026: ₹87,900-97,900

Also Read: Why Paris Is Called The 'City Of Love', And What Makes It So Romantic For Visitors

Poland & Bulgaria: History Meets Nature

Poland punches above its weight. Krakow's Main Square is Europe's largest medieval square, surrounded by cafés and horse carriages. But the history is heavy, Auschwitz-Birkenau is 90 minutes away, a sobering reminder of WWII horrors (₹1,500 guided tour, essential). Warsaw was 85% destroyed in WWII and rebuilt brick-by-brick using old paintings. Wieliczka Salt Mines have underground chapels carved entirely from salt. The food, pierogi dumplings, żurek sour soup in bread bowls, bigos hunter's stew is peak comfort. Milk bars serve traditional Polish food cheap.

7-Day Budget: 

• Flights ₹50,000-60,000 
• Accommodation ₹21,000 
• Food ₹4,900 | Transport ₹3,500 
• Sightseeing ₹6,000 
• Schengen visa ₹7,500 
• Insurance ₹1,500 

Total: ₹94,400-₹1,04,400 | Post-Budget 2026: ₹85,900-95,900

Bulgaria is consistently Europe's cheapest country. Rila Monastery's colourful frescoes against mountain backdrop are UNESCO-level stunning. Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral dominates the skyline. Black Sea beaches in Sunny Beach or historic Nessebar rival Greece. Hike Pirin or Rila Mountains. Bulgarian yogurt is legendary (they invented it). Shopska salad, banitsa cheese pastry for breakfast, kebapche grilled meats all are incredibly affordable.

7-Day Budget: 

• Flights ₹50,000-60,000 
• Accommodation ₹17,500 
• Food ₹4,200 
• Transport ₹3,000 -
• Sightseeing ₹5,000 
• Schengen visa ₹7,500 
• Insurance ₹1,500 

Total: ₹88,700-98,700 | Post-Budget 2026: ₹80,200-90,200

Georgia: The Caucasus Wild Card

Photo Credit: Canva

Georgia technically sits where Europe meets Asia, but culturally it feels European. It's the birthplace of wine (8,000-year tradition). Tbilisi's Old Town is maze-like with sulfur baths tucked in valleys (₹500-800 for soaking). Kazbegi's Gergeti Trinity Church sits against Mt. Kazbek's dramatic backdrop—one of those views that stops you mid-step. Svaneti region has medieval defensive towers and Europe's highest inhabited village. Georgians treat guests as sacred—you'll be adopted by locals.

Khachapuri cheese bread, khinkali soup dumplings (hold by the top, bite a hole, suck the juice, then eat), churchkhela nut candies, and chacha grape vodka define the food scene.

7-Day Budget: 

• Flights ₹40,000-50,000 
• Accommodation ₹14,000 (guesthouses include breakfast) -Food ₹3,500 
• Transport ₹2,500 (marshrutkas/shared vans)
• Sightseeing ₹4,000 
• Visa ₹0 (free if you have Schengen/US/UK/Canada visa) or ₹2,500 (e-visa) 

Total: ₹66,000-76,500 | Post-Budget 2026: ₹60,500-70,000

Perfect for first-timers: Incredibly safe, English increasingly spoken, incredibly cheap, and locals go out of their way to help.

Smart Budget Strategies That Actually Work

Flights: Book 2-3 months advance. Travel April-May or September-October (off-season saves 30-50%). Use connecting flights via Istanbul/Dubai/Doha. Set Google Flights price alerts. Post-Budget 2026, these could drop further.

Accommodation: Airbnb private rooms ₹2,000-3,000. Hostels ₹1,500-2,500 (social, safe, clean). Budget hotels ₹2,500-3,500. Stay slightly outside city centers for savings.

Food: Supermarkets for breakfast (pastries, yogurt, fruit ₹150-200). Local cafés lunch (₹300-400). Mid-range dinner (₹500-700). Cook 2-3 meals if Airbnb has kitchen. Avoid tourist-trap restaurants near landmarks—they're 2-3x more expensive.

Transport: Public transport is cheap (₹50-100/ride). Buy multi-day transit passes. Walk lots—European cities are pedestrian-friendly. Skip expensive taxis; use Uber/Bolt.

Visa & Insurance: Schengen ₹7,500 + insurance ₹1,500. Non-Schengen countries ₹0-4,000. Albania, Serbia, Georgia save you ₹9,000 immediately.

Also Read: From Manali To Alleppey, 9 Indian Destinations That Are Ideal For A Valentine's Day Holiday

Visa Requirements Quick Guide

Schengen Visa: Fee €90 (₹7,500). Mandatory insurance ₹1,500 (₹30,000 coverage minimum). Documents needed: passport, photos, flight/hotel bookings, bank statements, ITR, cover letter. Processing 15 working days. Covers 26 countries including Poland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary.

Visa-Free: Serbia 30 days no visa. Albania has a simple e-visa online. Georgia visa-free if you have valid Schengen/US/UK/Canada visa, otherwise e-visa ₹2,500.

Europe On A Budget

Europe for under ₹1 lakh isn't a hack or compromise—it's strategic travel potentially boosted by government support. Budget 2026's expected aviation fuel relief, TCS reduction, airport connectivity improvements, and foreign exchange stability could transform what's already possible. A ₹95,000 trip today might become ₹80,000. Or your ₹1 lakh stretches from 7 days to 10, one country to three, hostels to mid-range hotels.

The ₹3-4 lakh luxury Europe trips exist, Western Europe, peak season, Michelin stars. But explore Eastern Europe smart, embrace authentic local experiences over Instagram traps, benefit from Budget 2026's potential relief, and ₹70,000-95,000 gets you incredible weeks. With budget measures, maybe ₹60,000-80,000.

The castles are equally medieval. Food equally delicious. Memories equally lasting. Photos equally beautiful. Europe isn't expensive anymore. It's accessible. And about to become even more so. Europe's waiting, and thanks to smart planning plus potential government support, it won't break the bank.