Want to go wandering, but don’t have grands of Rands? Here are six exotic overseas destinations that won’t send your bank manager running…

India

Why go? Whether you’re a beach bum or intrepid explorer there’s little you won’t find in India. Jungles prowled by endangered tigers, ancient forts marooned in the desert, lake palaces, exquisite monuments, exotic temples, towering mountains… the country has it all, and that’s without mentioning the glorious food. India is dirt-cheap on the Rand, so if you don’t mind sharing it all with a billion locals India is your oyster.

When to go: India is vast, so when also depends on where. Monsoons hit the southern regions in May/June and move across the country. December and January are your best bet for clear skies and mild temperatures in the most popular tourist areas.

Make it happen: You’ll need to apply for a visa, but these are issued free of charge at the Consulate in Durban or Johannesburg. Flights start from about R6000 return, and you can either fly direct from Johannesburg on SAA, or get a cheaper fare with one of the Middle Eastern airlines. Travelling around is cheap if you live like a local and use the extensive train system, the world’s largest. Expect to pay from R50 – R150 per night for a double room in a decent small hotel.

Indonesia

Why go? With 17 000 islands flung across 5000 kilometres of ocean, there’s an island destination for everyone. The western reaches of Sumatra are prone to earthquakes, but surfers let nothing stand between them and the legendary breaks of the Mentawai Islands. You’ll find more great surf and sand on the popular holiday island of Bali, which is also famous for its affordable spa retreats in Ubud. On Java you’ll get ancient temples and rumbling volcanoes, while the Gili Islands off Lombok are the place to turn to turn up, tune in and chill out.

When to go: Straddling the equator, Indo is hot and humid almost any time of year. In most parts of the country there’s slightly more rain (which usually comes in short, intense downpours) from October to April, but you’ll also benefit from low season prices and fewer European tourists.

Make it happen: A visa-on-arrival will cost you $25 and a clean and a comfortable beach bungalow will set you back as little as R150/night for two. The easiest way to get there is via Singapore on Singapore Airlines. Expect to pay from R8000 for a return ticket from Johannesburg. Keep an eye out for super-cheap stopover specials.

Madagascar

Why go? Enjoy tropical paradise just a few hours from Johannesburg, with a healthy dose of adventure thrown in for good measure. Choose between an island-hopping dhow expedition through the northern islands, hiking through the spectacular spiny forests of the west coast, whale watching in the east or tracking rare lemurs in the tropical rainforests of the Central Highlands. Just surviving the chaotic streets of the capital Antananarivo is a story in itself!

When to go: The best time to travel in most areas is April and October/November, and you’d best avoid January to March when there’s heavy rainfall across the country and a high risk of cyclones in the northeast. Hotels get full (and expensive) during the European holidays in July and August.

Make it happen: All passport holders require a visa, which can be issued at the Consulate in Cape Town, or Embassy in Pretoria. Accommodation ranges from pauper to prince, but you should get a decent double room on the coast for around R350. Don’t forget the island is malarial, so see your travel doctor well before you leave! You can fly from Johannesburg to Antananarivo with Air Madagascar or Airlink, with fares starting at around R5000.

Argentina

Why go? Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of South America’, is full of faded glamour and long-legged Latino women dancing the sensual tango. The glaciers and forests of Patagonia are like nothing you’ve ever seen, while the snow-capped peaks of San Carlos de Bariloche offer excellent skiing in winter. Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America, towers above the wineries of Mendoza, and the cataracts of Iguassu form one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls.

When to go: Similar to South Africa, spring is gorgeous just about everywhere in Argentina. If you want to explore Tierra del Fuego or climb the high Andean peaks you’ll have to visit in the height of summer. Which is just as well, as it’s the time to avoid the steamy tropical north.

Make it happen: South Africans can get a visa on arrival at Buenos Aires, so there’s no paperwork to worry about! A decent guesthouse double room will cost around R200, but is likely to be about 25% higher in Buenos Aires and Patagonia. South African Airways is now giving Malaysia Airlines a run for its money on the SA-Buenos Aires route. Expect to pay around R8000 return.

Peru

Why go? Hidden to the western world until the early 1900s, the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu ranks as one of the world’s greatest wonders. Whether you tackle the Inca Trail or take the lazy route to the top, the sight of this ancient citadel (and the altitude!) will leave you breathless. With a camera full of photos set off to explore the rest of the country, from the floating villages of Lake Titicaca to the gorgeous Pacific beaches.

When to go: Late May until early September is the best time to visit Machu Picchu so it’s wise to plan your trip around then. If you’re sticking to the coastline, hot and humid December to March is best as the central and southern beaches are cloaked in garúa (coastal fog) for the rest of the year.

Make it happen: No visa is required for tourist visits up to 90 days. A double room will cost from around R150/night, but considerably more in the capital Lima. A permit for the Inca Trail is a hefty R2400, but can you really put a price on a view like that? You’ll need to fly via Buenos Aires or São Paulo (both served by SAA). You won’t get much change from R10 000, but once you’re there the living is cheap.

Jordan

Why go? Home to the enigmatic ancient city of Petra, Jordan is the ancient foil to the glitz and glam countries of the Middle East. Once you've soaked up the 2000 years of history, head to the blood-red dunes of Wadi Rum to experience a night out in the desert. Go for a little float around the oh-so-salty Dead Sea, and then wash the sand out of your hair with a dip in the coral-filled Gulf of Aqaba. End off your trip with a bittersweet cardamom coffee and fragrant nargileh water pipe in Amman, enjoyed to the hip-swinging beat of Arabic pop.

When to go: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best, with mild daytime temperatures. March can be cold and rainy in the north, but is perfect for diving in the Gulf of Aqaba. Snow can fall in some parts in winter, so go prepared, and avoid travelling during the (very quiet) holy month of Ramadaan.

Make it happen: An entry visa is issued on arrival, and will cost around R100. A decent room in a mid-range guesthouse will set you back about R250 per couple. Fly there with one of the Middle Eastern carriers: a return ticket can be yours for around R6900 all-in.

First published in HIgh Flyers magazine,

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