POPULAR HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS
Are Americans vacation deprived? Here are the reasons why Americans are not taking too many vacations
A study by travel aggregator Expedia noted that Americans are the most vacation deprived among 11 countries that were surveyed. Americans are busy, have the least number of annual holidays and are unable to plan their holidays.
Top European destinations to visit if you are planning a quick holiday
If you are based in the United States and planning to get away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Chicago, Washington or San Francisco, these are some feasible European places you can visit for a quick rest and relaxation over a long weekend. Moreover, some of these locations will also saw you a few bucks on accommodation and travel.
Bookings for no-visa destinations observes rise among Indian tourists this summer
Bookings for visa-free destinations from India are surging this summer, driven by young Indians. Airbnb reports 80% of bookings in Thailand by Indian guests are from Gen Z and millennials, with searches increasing over 200% during Easter and Holi long weekends.
Southeast Asian nations top choice for Indians travelling abroad this summer: Survey
Southeast Asian countries are top choices for Indian travelers for short vacations, with Bali, Pattaya, and Bangkok being popular destinations according to the OYO Global Summer Vacations Travelopedia 2024 survey. Europe and the United States are preferred for longer stays. OYO Founder and CEO Ritesh Agarwal highlighted the convenience for Indian travelers.
Travel platforms see bookings hot up for chilly destinations
Travel companies are experiencing a surge in bookings as extreme heatwave conditions drive people to cooler destinations like Kullu, Manali, and Ladakh from Delhi. Flight fares to Leh have increased by 54%, with searches for last-minute escapes also rising.
What holiday plans? Indians tripping on last-minute rush
Indian travellers are increasingly opting for last-minute bookings for both domestic and international destinations due to factors like more visa-free options, lower average age of travellers, rising disposable incomes and availability of spontaneous booking choices.
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Summer Getaways: Delhites rush to these refreshing destinatons amid heatwave and school holidays
During the school holidays, many are flocking to cooler hill stations to escape the heat, with redBus reporting a significant increase in holiday travel bookings. Destinations like Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala are top choices, offering not just relief from the heat but also opportunities for activities like trekking and sightseeing. Families and solo travelers are opting for road travel, drawn by the flexibility and adventure of bus journeys.
Delays in Schengen visa appointment prompt Indians to change course to Georgia, Japan
For the third consecutive year, delays in Schengen visa appointments have led Indian travelers preparing for their summer vacations to explore alternative destinations. Industry executives note a growing trend of Indian holidaymakers turning to countries like Georgia, Australia, and Japan, which offer simplified visa procedures. Particularly noteworthy is Georgia's e-visa system. According to Rajeev Kale, President of Holidays at Thomas Cook (India), demand for Georgia has skyrocketed by an impressive 600% year-on-year.
A taste of Europe trip at half the cost: How to plan Kazakhstan or Georgia or Azerbaijan or Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan trip for Rs. 1 lakh
A clutch of countries in the south of Caucasus and Central Asia provide a whiff of Europe without snapping your budget. Within sniffing distance of Europe and straddling the Eurasian cusp, these are perfect destinations as they combine unsurpassed natural beauty with cultural overdose. Detailed budget and itinerary for Kazakhstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan trips this summer. Happy holidays!
Spain's party islands have had enough of rowdy tourists; ban alcohol sales at night
The Balearic Islands enact a ban on alcohol sales from 9.30pm to 8am in a bid to combat excessive drinking and rowdiness in tourist hotspots like Mallorca and Ibiza. The new regulations target specific areas and enforce penalties up to €3,000 for violations, signaling a proactive approach to tourism management.
After Venice, this popular Italian destination plans to charge a tourist fee
Como, inspired by Venice's move, is considering imposing a tourist fee to tackle overtourism. Mayor Rapinese mentioned discussions about this measure, signaling a proactive stance. Lake Como's popularity, drawing over a million tourists annually, prompts concerns for local residents. Venice has already announced a similar fee, effective from April 25, aiming to regulate visitor numbers during peak times.
Scorching heat sends demand for cooler climes soaring this season
Hotel tariffs soar in Indian hill stations, prompting rush bookings for cooler destinations. Popular places like Ooty, Manali, and Kashmir see significant demand spikes, with travellers prioritizing climate change in vacation planning.
Looking for a second home? Bengaluru outskirts offer choices
Growing interest in second homes in Bengaluru outskirts and hill stations, offering a retreat from urban chaos. Affluent buyers invest in luxury villas, managed farmlands. Market trends towards fractional ownership and holiday homes for regular income, shaping real estate growth.
Vietnam Airlines increase competition on India route with Airbus A350 aircraft
Vietnam Airlines enhances India-Vietnam routes using Airbus A350. Visa exemption for Indians under review. IndiGo, VietJet operate flights. A350 offers 276 economy seats. Gaya charter flights popular for Buddhist tourism.
Boutique properties boom: HNIs showing great interest in exclusive properties for celebrations
According to travel industry experts and property owners, there is a growing demand for bulk bookings of entire boutique properties costing Rs 3 lakh per night to as much as Rs 10 lakh. Some are even using private charters for group travels. These bespoke holidays are either for exclusive reunions, celebrations or simply to enjoy leisurely getaways during long weekends, fuelling a trend of luxurious seclusion.
(Holiday) Home is where the hill is: Top developers look to cash in on rising demand for second homes from Delhi-NCR residents
Rishikesh, Nainital, Kasauli, Jim Corbett, and other regions in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have emerged as the top destinations. DLF and Tata Housing have already launched luxury housing projects in Himachal Pradesh with Eldeco, Sushma Group, and Sabh Infra being the newest in the fray.
Airfares set to rise as Indian travellers brace for a hot summer of travel
Uttarakhand received 4 million, 7.5 million and 8.3 million tourists in April, May and June, respectively, last year. The Himalayan state expects to surpass last year’s performance this summer season, said Sumit Pant, director of marketing and publicity at Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. Bookings are “very healthy” on all leisure routes, both domestic and international, said an official, who heads sales at an airline.
Want to backpack alone? 5 tourist spots that are match-made for solo travellers!
A look at a few recommended destinations that are hassle-free, safe and, best of all, fun for women!
Indians choosing Southeast Asia even more post visa relaxation: Agoda
The visa waiver program introduced by Malaysia and Thailand for Indian travelers has paid off, as Agoda search data reveals a significant increase in demand for travel to these Southeast Asian markets. Agoda reports a 44% increase in searches from India to Thailand since the visa relaxation, making Bangkok the most popular outbound city destination for Indians.
Tourism takes a hit in Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand as popular destinations witness no snowfall
Winter tourism faces a setback in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand due to an unusual lack of snowfall, impacting the economy. The India Meteorological Department reports significant rainfall and snowfall deficits in the Western Himalayan Region. Tour operators, film shoots, and skiing enthusiasts are affected, with cancellations surging. The local economy, including agriculture and horticulture, feels the repercussions. An IMD official notes an extended dry spell, but hope remains for a possible western disturbance. The industry awaits a revival, hoping for a return of the winter charm in these picturesque destinations.
Falling fares and an AI arms race: What travelers can expect in 2024
Airfares in the US will decrease while international airfares will increase in 2024 due to increased airplane capacity and a drop in jet fuel costs. AI will play a bigger role in travel this year, with chatbots and biometrics being used to improve the booking process and enhance security at airports.
Planning a holiday to Rajasthan? Where to stay, what to do, how much it will cost
If, instead of foreign holidays, you prefer to travel within India, here’s a series to help you plan the best vacations in each of the 28 states and 8 Union Territories. We highlight tourist attractions, culinary choices, modes of travel, and the costs involved. In the 20th part of the series, ET Wealth takes you to Rajasthan.
Travel planning 101: 52 places you must visit in 2024
Planning your next holiday? Consider adding these destinations to your itinerary for the perfect vacation.
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.
The great holiday rush: This New Year season, Indians are travelling like never before, and the world is opening up to them
As per MakeMyTrip data, the top destinations for the last week of December in the domestic sector include Goa, Rajasthan, Varanasi, Kerala, Rishikesh and Kashmir. In terms of international flight bookings, popular destinations such as the UAE, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia continue to be favourites. There is also a "significant" increase for Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan, Magow said.
Booking.com shares its seven predictions for travel in 2024
Booking.com's 'Travel Predictions' research reveals that 85% of Indian travellers feel more alive when on vacation and become the 'best version' of themselves in 2024. The company commissioned research among over 27,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories, including India. The research predicts that travellers will embrace spontaneity, adventure, and delving into the origins of food, while also seeking 'Reboot Retreaters' for self-improvement
More Indians may spend New Year holidays abroad
Tour and travel companies such as Thomas Cook, SOTC and EaseMyTrip have seen up to 30% uptick in demand for short-haul international routes compared to last year. Packages for many of these destinations are comparable with those for popular domestic spots, as some countries are actively wooing Indian travellers with visa-free entry and by nudging airlines to offer easy connectivity at affordable rates.
Halloween 2023: 10 best places to spend Halloween in U.S
There are numerous towns and cities in the United States that take Halloween quite seriously. Here are some places to celebrate all things eerie, macabre, and simply fantastic.
Confused about where to holiday this summer? Here's world's top destination
Bangkok tops the list of most searched destinations for Summer 2023, with over 1.1 billion flight searches, according to travel analytics firm ForwardKeys. The preferences of travellers have shifted significantly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Paris and London secured the second and third positions respectively. Taipei, Hong Kong, and Seoul were among the highest climbers, ascending by more than 50 places.
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