Study Shows India as a Top Destination for Longer Vacations
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| Country Name | Searches | Surface | Hotel price for 20 days | Restaurant Price per 2 people 3 course meal | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Approcximate Number of popular attractions | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites per 1000km2 | Number of popular attractions per 1000km2 | Approximate length of the tourist season | Crime Index | Quality of domestic transportation (1-7) | Score |
| Vietnam | 1,666,830 | 331,211.60 | $827.00 | $23.48 | 8 | 250 | 0.02 | 0.75 | 12 | 42.2 | 4.1 | 64.313 |
| India | 1,973,710 | 3,287,263.00 | $1,214.00 | $14.29 | 40 | 700 | 0.01 | 0.21 | 6 | 44.3 | 4.3 | 61.167 |
| Philippines | 1,207,150 | 300,000.00 | $943.00 | $21.01 | 6 | 150 | 0.02 | 0.50 | 5 | 42.8 | 3.5 | 55.744 |
| Sri Lanka | 1,127,010 | 65,610.00 | $1,630.00 | $23.40 | 8 | 40 | 0.12 | 0.61 | 8 | 42.1 | 4.4 | 42.283 |
| Thailand | 2,050,000 | 513,120.00 | $1,619.00 | $24.16 | 6 | 300 | 0.01 | 0.58 | 9 | 37.9 | 4.8 | 42.138 |
| South Korea | 1,286,480 | 100,430 | $2,201.00 | $36.50 | 15 | 200 | 0.15 | 1.99 | 8 | 24.9 | 5.7 | 38.281 |
| Japan | 2,849,920 | 377,974 | $2,308.00 | $40.31 | 25 | 500 | 0.07 | 1.32 | 6 | 22.6 | 6 | 34.851 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1,792,990 | 2,150,000.00 | $2,075.00 | $39.96 | 6 | 70 | 0.00 | 0.03 | 12 | 26.9 | 5.4 | 34.241 |
| Mexico | 2,215,620 | 1,973,000 | $1,748.00 | $40.00 | 35 | 300 | 0.02 | 0.15 | 12 | 53.8 | 3.9 | 28.205 |
| Turkey | 1,018,850 | 783,562 | $2,570.00 | $32.83 | 19 | 350 | 0.02 | 0.45 | 8 | 40.9 | 5.2 | 27.117 |
Vietnamtops the list with ascore of 64.31, making itthe best destination for longer vacations.The country offersthe lowest hotel prices for a 20-day stayat just $827, making it especially attractive to budget-conscious travelers. Vietnam also has an extensive tourist season of 12 months, allowing visitors to explore the country year-round with 250 popular attractions.
Indiatakesthe second spotwith ascore of 61.17.The country stands out for its cultural richness, having 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is the most of any country in the study. India also hasthe highest number of popular attractions,totaling around 700. Despite higher hotel costs than Vietnam, India offersthe cheapest dining,with a three-course meal for two at just $14.29.
The Philippinesisthirdwith ascore of 55.74.With a 20-day stay priced at $943, it isthe second cheapest optionafter Vietnam. The country also enjoys a 5-month tourist season and a moderate crime index of 42.8, making it a safe and appealing destination for long vacations.
Sri Lankaisfourth, with ascore of 42.28.The country is notable for its high density of UNESCO sites, at 0.12, offering 8 sights within a compact area of 65,610,the smallest on the list.Although hotel prices are higher, at $1,630, Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and unique experiences make it a standout choice for history enthusiasts.
Thailandscores 42.13and takesfifthplace. It provides a diverse array of attractions, 300 popular sites, and a year-round tourist season. The cost of a 20-day stay is $1,619, slightly higher than the Philippines but more affordable than Sri Lanka.
South Koreasecures thesixthspot on the list with ascore of 38.28. The country stands out for its dense concentration of cultural sites, withthe highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sitesand popular attractions per 1,000 km² at 0.15 and 1.99, respectively. Additionally, South Korea excels in transportation, achieving thesecond-highest score for domestic travel quality at 5.7.Withthe second-lowest crime rateat 24.9, South Korea offers both safety and convenience for travelers.
Japanfollows inseventhplace with ascore of 34.85.The country has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 500 popular attractions, making it thesecond-largest on the list.While Japan is one ofthe most expensive destinations on the list,with a 20-day stay costing $2,308 and dining priced at $40.31, it has an exceptional domestic transportation system, scoring a perfect 6, and the lowest crime index at 22.6.
Saudi Arabiarankseighthwith ascore of 34.24.The country offers a 12-month tourist season with a domestic transportation score of 5.4,the third-highest on the list.Although it has fewer cultural sites, with only six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 70 popular attractions, Saudi Arabia offers an affordable 20-day stay at $2,075 and thethird-lowest crime indexat 26.9.
Mexicotakes theninthspot with ascore of 28.20. The country is rich in cultural heritage, offering 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 300 popular attractions. With a 12-month tourist season, Mexico is an attractive year-round option, though travelers may need to consider its higher crime index of 53.8 when planning their visit.
Turkeyrounds out the top ten with ascore of 27.11.Although the country has relatively higher hotel costs at $2,570 for a 20-day stay, its 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 350 popular attractions make it a worthy destination for those interested in having a more extended vacation. Turkey also stands out with a well-developed transportation system, scoring 5.2, and a moderate crime index at 40.9.
A spokesperson from Ubuy commented on the study:“Opting for longer vacations allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in a destination, experiencing its culture, history, and local life beyond the surface. Locations offering low accommodation costs and various year-round attractions provide great value for travelers. Cultural heritage, especially in areas with a high concentration of UNESCO sites, adds significant appeal, particularly when paired with budget-friendly dining options. Advanced transportation systems and low crime rates further enhance the experience, ensuring convenience and security. The balance of these factors across different destinations allows for a diverse range of options that cater to various traveler preferences, making each destination uniquely attractive for longer stays.”
Neel Achary
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