TRAVEL TIME

Divyanka Tripathi robbed of passports, valuables in famous European tourist destination

Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya were robbed while vacationing in Florence, Italy. Thieves broke into their car and stole passports and valuables worth Rs 10 lakh. Despite reaching out to local police and the Indian Embassy, the couple has struggled to get assistance. They are currently in a small town near Florence, relying on help from hotel staff and awaiting embassy intervention to secure temporary passports and return to India.

Time Bandits: When and where can you watch the Lisa Kudrow starrer comedy | Release date & schedule

Apple TV+ has released the first trailer for its new series "Time Bandits," starring Lisa Kudrow from Friends in a prominent role. The show is scheduled to premiere later this month.

If you test positive for COVID, can you still travel?

With variants KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1 surging, the CDC advises isolation if symptomatic, testing kits, masks, and medications for July 4 travelers. Vicki Sowards suggests Paxlovid for high-risk groups. U.S. citizens no longer need vaccine proof/tests. Adhere to physical distancing, good hygiene, and updated vaccines to curb rising hospitalizations and deaths. Follow CDC guidelines for safe travel.

Is it a good idea to get a personal loan for travel?

IndusInd Bank's instant personal loans for travel offer competitive rates, higher loan amounts, flexible tenures, and instant approval. Manageable EMIs, an EMI calculator, and quick access for emergencies aid financing. The versatile loan covers all travel needs, improves credit scores with punctual repayments, supports last-minute plans, and ensures financial health, making vacations stress-free and memorable.

Techie takes revenge: Launches website to expose airlines after girlfriend's lost luggage

Pieter Levels, frustrated by his girlfriend's lost luggage incident with Vueling Airlines, launched luggagelosers.com. This innovative website ranks airlines based on their rates of lost baggage using real-time data sourced from social media. The initiative aims to empower travelers with information while advocating for improved baggage handling standards across the airline industry.

My first trip to Norway, with AI as a guide

The biggest drawback was the absence of phone apps for Mindtrip and Vacay, which led the author to rely on ChatGPT's basic AI assistant when they needed on-the-spot guidance. Mindtrip, they have since learned, is planning to debut an app in September. Still, there were times when the author desperately craved the human touch. Before setting out on a trip, they always contact friends and colleagues for recommendations.

Kalka Shimla Express: 6 reasons why you should travel on this train at least once

The Kalka-Shimla Express treats passengers to mesmerising vistas of verdant valleys, dense pine forests, and majestic snow-clad peaks. The journey unfolds like a picturesque canvas, offering nature enthusiasts an unparalleled visual feast throughout its route. It is a train journey with one of the most beautiful scenic views.

US proposes plan to scrap additional security checks for Indians at transit points

US and India collaborate to enhance aviation safety through streamlined security processes, improved passenger flow, and ongoing information exchange. The one-stop security concept offers benefits like enhanced safety, reduced costs, and shorter connection times, emphasizing proactive risk mitigation and continuous safety improvements.

ETtech Q&A | We pivoted multiple times, have been close to bankruptcy: Ixigo founders

Le Travenues Technology, the company behind the travel platform Ixigo, saw its shares listed on stock exchanges at a 48.5% premium to the IPO price. Cofounders Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar discussed the successful IPO and investor response with ET.

Is it a good time to buy travel related stocks? Daljeet Singh Kohli answers

​But to assume or extrapolate that this similar kind of execution and similar kind of order book will stay for next three-five years which the stock prices are saying, I think that will be too much of expectation.

Ixigo IPO subscribed over 98 times on last day

Le Travenues Technology, the parent company of Ixigo, had a highly successful IPO, with bids exceeding 98 times the shares on offer.

Smooth flying: India plans to simplify immigration checks for international trips

The Indian government aims to develop airports as transit hubs for South Asia, incorporating a strategy called the confluence of flights. This allows travelers on connecting flights under the same ticket number, or PNR, to complete customs and immigration checks at their initial departure point and final destination, bypassing intermediary checks during layovers.

Let AI plan your trip!

Bags packed and nowhere to go? Let AI lead the way. Travellers are increasingly using smart technology to plan their perfect holiday!

Moscow bets on visa-free deal to attract more Indians

The new visa free group travel agreement being worked out between India and Russia should boost the tourist numbers to Moscow from India by at least 30%, said Evgeny Kozlov, first deputy head of the office of the mayor and the government of Moscow in an interview to ET. Kozlov, who is also the chairman of Moscow City Tourism Committee, said Russian federal officials are also working on a project to enable virtual cards for Indian travellers while they are in India before coming to Russia.

Haj 2024: Saudi Arabia bans visit visa holders from entering Makkah with immediate effect

Saudi Arabia has announced a restriction barring individuals with any type of visit visa from entering or remaining in Makkah starting from Thursday. The advisory, released by the Saudi Ministry, is effective from May 23 to June 21, corresponding to specific dates in the Hijri calendar. Only holders of a Haj permit are permitted to enter Makkah during this period, with all other forms of visit visas deemed inadequate. This measure aims to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, and violators will face fines of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.

Indians' Europe travel plans in limbo this summer over Schengen visa slot shortage

Indians planning to visit the Schengen Area this summer are facing challenges in securing appointment slots for Schengen visas, leading to frustration and travel disruptions, as reported by Schengen News. Both applicants and travel agents have expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, with some stating that appointments are unavailable until summer for most Schengen member states. Particularly for Germany and Italy, the earliest available appointment dates are in July, hindering travel plans for Indians aiming to visit the Schengen Area in June or July.

Mysterious things that science still can't explain

US Real ID deadline, requirements: How much time do you have to make one?

Identification materials in the US will see an extra layer of security as the Department of Homeland Security is working on making state-issued driver’s license or identification 'Real ID' compliant

Travelling to Europe or the US? It's now a longer flight

Flights from India to Europe/US are facing delays due to geopolitical tensions and safety concerns, resulting in longer routes. While some relief may be possible as airlines consider resuming flights over Iran, but conflict escalation could disrupt plans.

Soon travel time between Mumbai and Pune to come down to just 2 hours. Here is the latest update

Mumbai-Pune commuters face prolonged travel woes as the crucial cable-stayed bridge, part of the Rs 6,695 crore missing link project, encounters delays. The bridge, initially set for July completion, may extend to March, hindering the anticipated half-hour travel time reduction, as per Mumbai Mirror. Challenges including wind, visibility, and COVID-19 hinder progress. Nonetheless, completion promises smoother travel, bypassing the treacherous ghat section and cutting travel time by 30 minutes.

Faridabad Noida Ghaziabad Expressway: 30mins travel time, route, distance, IIT link

When completed, the Faridabad Noida Ghaziabad Expressway will be a huge help to people who commute between Faridabad and Ghaziabad and Noida. In the Delhi-NCR Region, it is one of the most anticipated expressways. This expressway is currently under construction and will alter the area's urban landscape.

Visa time for Europe-bound travellers unlikely to fly soon

The European Union announced Monday that, according to the new "cascade" regime, Indians can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The Schengen visa is an entry permit valid for 29 European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

Come '26, hailing an air taxi may become a reality

Archer Aviation plans to introduce a ₹3000 air taxi service between New Delhi and Gurugram by 2026, partnering with IndiGo. They aim to reduce travel time to 7 minutes and are working on Urban Air Mobility policies.