FOREIGN HOLIDAY PLANNING
The pacifist politician hoping to change Russia
Yekaterina Duntsova, a mother of three, was completely unknown in November 2023 when she announced she wanted to run for president with the slogan: "Let's give our country back its future!"
Nordic "coolcations" turn up the chill factor
Cati Padilla and other tourists from southern Europe are increasingly opting for "coolcations" in Nordic countries like Norway and Sweden to escape the summer heatwaves. The trend is driven by a desire for cooler weather and less crowded destinations. Norway saw a 22% increase and Sweden an 11% rise in foreign overnight stays in 2023, influenced by the easing of Covid restrictions and fluctuating Scandinavian currencies.
Indians up their game on foreign vacations with luxury hotels, formula 1 drives and epic train rides
Indians are driving luxury travel in the Asia-Pacific region, with 89% of them planning to spend more in the next 12 months. This is according to a report released Monday by Marriott International on high networth travellers in the Asia Pacific.
Bon Voyage! Airlines give wings to your holiday plans
Indian carriers like MakeMyTrip, IndiGo, and Cleartrip have added direct flights to various destinations, leading to a significant increase in outbound tourist numbers from India.
"It's all happening again": The supply chain is under strain
The intensifying upheaval in shipping is prompting carriers to lift rates while raising the specter of waterborne gridlock that could again threaten retailers with product shortages during the make-or-break holiday shopping season. The disruption could also exacerbate inflation, a source of economic anxiety animating the U.S. presidential election.
Saving for child's education: Market volatility, inflation pose serious risks to investments. Find out how to keep them safe
Market volatility and inflation can pose serious risks to the investments set aside for your child's education. It's important to consider strategies to safeguard these funds against potential financial downturns and rising costs.
Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the destructive Israel-Hamas war
This year's Hajj came against the backdrop of the raging war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Palestinian militants, which pushed the entire Middle East to the brink of a regional war between Israel and its allies on one side and Iran-backed militant groups on the other. Palestinians in the coastal enclave of Gaza were not able to travel to Mecca for Hajj this year because of the closure of the Rafah crossing in May when Israel extended its ground offensive to the strip's southern city of Rafah on the border with Egypt.
More Indians are travelling than ever before: Mastercard Economics Institute on travel in 2024
In 2024, more Indians are traveling internationally than ever before, driven by a growing middle class and expanded route capacity, according to the Mastercard Economics Institute's report. Domestic air travel surged 21% above 2019 levels, while international travel rose by 4%. Top destinations for Indian travelers this summer include Amsterdam, Singapore, London, Frankfurt, and Melbourne. The report highlights a shift in Indian travel habits towards exploration and discovery, with increased visits to Japan, Vietnam, and the United States.
Are banks closed today for Akshaya Tritiya?
It is believed that buying gold on this day brings good fortune and prosperity. Are banks closed on Akshaya Tritiya, i.e., on Friday, May 10, 2024? Read here to find out.
‘Digitalisation of Schengen Visa application will be a game changer’
Teodora Marinska, COO and Head of Public Affairs at the European Travel Commission, highlighted the benefits of digitizing the Schengen visa application process, making it easier for foreigners to access the bloc. The move aims to address challenges such as limited appointment slots and visa applications due to ease of procedures in certain embassies. Digitalization promises a seamless process with automated appointment allocation.
Sri Lanka extends visa-free access for Indian tourists
Sri Lanka has renewed visa-free entry for tourists from India and six other countries to boost tourism industry recovery post-pandemic and economic crises. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for international travelers, signaling the government's commitment to promoting tourism and creating seamless travel experiences. Online visa application process introduced for security checks.
Japan begins issuing eVisas for Indian tourists; Here's how to apply and use the eVisa
Japan introduced eVisas for Indian tourists, offering a 90-day stay for tourism purposes. Applicants can apply through VFS Global, receive electronic visas, and must display a visa issuance notice with a two-dimensional barcode during airport check-in.
Tencent's next level up: fewer big foreign franchise games, more in-house
Since late last year, the world's largest video games company has, according to sources, redeployed hundreds of people from the team developing "Assassin's Creed Jade" for mobile - a multi-year project with France's Ubisoft.
Interim Budget seals India's plan for higher taxes on your foreign holidays
The Interim Budget 2024 includes the inclusion of increased Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rates on foreign remittances into the Income Tax Act as an amendment. The adjustment is awaiting parliamentary approval and will affect foreign expenditures exceeding Rs 7 lakh annually per individual.
Thailand's Phuket introduces online visa extensions for tourists
In December, Phuket Airport experienced a significant influx of visitors, with Russians leading the pack at an impressive daily average of 3,600 arrivals. China, the United Kingdom, and India closely followed, with daily averages of 1,500, 780, and 720 visitors, respectively. The total projected tourist inflow through the airport for the month is an impressive 350,000.
South Korea is launching a new working holiday visa for digital nomads in the new year
South Korea plans to launch a workation visa on January 1, 2024, encouraging foreign nationals to stay for up to one year, aligning with the global workation trend. The visa promotes economic activity and aligns with the fourth edition of the 2027 foreign nationals-related policy plan, focusing on immigration, social integration, and human rights.
Going for an international trip? 10 critical benefits your travel insurance plan must have
If you are planning to go on an international holiday you should make sure that your travel insurance plan has some of the most critical benefits which come handy if something untoward happens during the trip especially at a foreign location where dealing with even an small emergency could be a big challenge.
Financial tips to use when going on an international holiday
Here are some important points that one should consider before embarking on an international holiday.
How to fund your first foreign holiday as a family
Taking a loan is a better option than swiping your credit card.
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