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Planning

International Trip Planning from India: A Simple Checklist

Passports, visas, flights, insurance and hotel categories — the checklist we go through with every traveller before an international quote.

By Thrill On Hills Travel Desk · Updated 22 October 2026 · 3 min read

A good international holiday starts weeks before the flight. This is the checklist our team goes through with every traveller before we prepare a quote for Dubai, Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Bhutan or the Maldives.

1. Passport

  • Valid for at least six months after your return date
  • At least two blank pages
  • Name exactly as it will appear on your flight tickets

2. Visa

Rules differ by country and change often. Thailand currently offers Indians 30-day visa-free entry; Dubai needs a visa arranged before travel; Bhutan has its own entry permit and fee for Indian visitors. Always check the official embassy or immigration website — and never book non-refundable flights before you know your visa route.

3. Flights

Book 6–10 weeks ahead for the best fares, and more for school holidays and December. Check baggage allowance — many low-cost fares include only cabin baggage.

4. Travel insurance

Medical care abroad is expensive. A policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation and lost baggage costs little compared with one hospital visit. Some visas require it.

5. Money

  • Carry some local currency for the first day
  • Use a forex card or an international debit/credit card for the rest
  • Inform your bank before you travel

6. Hotels and pace

Fewer hotel changes make a more relaxed trip, especially with children or parents. For a 5-day trip, two bases is usually the maximum. Tell us your style and we will suggest the right international package.

Best season by destination

DestinationBest monthsGood for
ThailandNovember–AprilBeaches, first trip abroad, families
DubaiNovember–MarchCity breaks, shopping, desert safari
BaliApril–OctoberHoneymoon, culture, beaches
MaldivesNovember–AprilCouples, resort stays
BhutanMarch–May, September–NovemberCulture, mountains, slow travel
VietnamVaries by regionFood, heritage, coastline

Common mistakes

  1. Booking non-refundable flights before the visa is approved
  2. Forgetting that children also need their own passport and visa
  3. Choosing too many cities for a short trip
  4. Not keeping digital and printed copies of passports, visas and bookings

Frequently asked questions

How much passport validity do I need?

Most countries require at least six months beyond your return date.

Which countries are easy for Indians to visit?

Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and several South-East Asian countries have simple entry options. Rules change, so check official sources.

Is travel insurance compulsory?

Not everywhere, but it is strongly recommended and required for some visas.

Planning this trip?

Tell us your dates, group size and starting city. A real trip planner replies on WhatsApp with a route and quote — no online payment.

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