Great-Value Vacations

Under $200 A Day

Where
Manila, Phillipines

Why
Manila's shopping malls tend toward the big and uninspired, but the modern Greenbelt 3, in the Makati business district, stands out as one of Asia's most appealing, with a range of shops, good restaurants, and even a movie theater. Sandals dappled with indigenous wood beads and rattan clutches with intricate embroidery cram the shelves at Firma (63-2-757-4009). Pick up organic cotton bed linens in warm monotones at Soumak Bed N' Beddings (63-2-757-3914).

Room
Business travelers appreciate the good service and in-room kitchenettes at Discovery Suites, in Pasig City (63-2-683-8222; discoverysuites.com; doubles, $180–$200). Serious shoppers stash their purchases at the Renaissance Makati City Hotel, located within the Greenbelt (63-2-811-6888; marriott.com; doubles, $140–$195).

Lunch & Dinner
Abe, in the Bonifacio Global City shops in Taguig City, specializes in Kapampangan cuisine, which has Spanish and Malay influences. Those with a truly global palate can munch on sautéed crickets (63-2-856-0526; entrées, $5–$8). The hottest table in town, People's Palace plates gourmet Thai food (Greenbelt 3, Makati City; 63-2-729-2888; entrées, $6–$12).

Tip
No time to head out to the islands? Collect already-polished seashells (from $1), mother-of-pearl picture frames, and other native handicrafts at the ethnic emporium Kultura Filipino (SM Mall of Asia, Second Level, North Wing, Bay City, Pasay City; 63-2-556-0416).

Under $250 A Day

Where
New Delhi, India

Why
This bustling capital city is one of the centers for India's fashion renaissance. Head to the Lodi Colony area, where designers set up shop and prices are fair. Clean lines and crisp linens characterize the collection at Rajesh Pratap Singh (9 Lodi Colony Main Market; 91-11-2463-8788). In the Qutab Colonnade neighborhood, India's vibrant hues get stitched into shimmering creations inside Malini Ramani's velvet-lined atelier (H 5/6 Mehrauli Rd.; 91-11-2664-2200).

Room
The hip, vibrant Park New Delhi, in the Connaught Place neighborhood, is one of the city's best values (91-11-2374-3000; theparkhotels.com; doubles, $200). Nighttime views of the Lotus Temple spruce up the standard rooms at the InterContinental Nehru Place (91-11-4122-3344; ichotelsgroup.com; doubles, $300–$325).