WEEKEND TRAVELLERS
![Venice may increase tourist fee after having mediocre success at capping crowds](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-111727014,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/nri/visit/venice-may-increase-tourist-fee-after-having-mediocre-success-at-capping-crowds.jpg)
Venice may increase tourist fee after having mediocre success at capping crowds
Venice's trial payment system for tourists did not significantly reduce crowds, prompting discussions of fee adjustments for next year. City council plans to renew and potentially increase charges in 2025. Debate arises over effectiveness of the scheme and suggestions for alternative visitor management strategies.
![HDFC Bank, Axis Bank scheduled downtime this weekend: Many HDFC Bank, Axis Bank services to be down; full list of services you can, cannot use](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-111597146,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/wealth/save/hdfc-bank-scheduled-downtime-many-hdfc-bank-services-to-be-down-for-almost-14-hours-on-july-13-full-list-of-services-you-can-cannot-do-this-saturday.jpg)
HDFC Bank, Axis Bank scheduled downtime this weekend: Many HDFC Bank, Axis Bank services to be down; full list of services you can, cannot use
HDFC Bank and Axis Bank will perform system upgrades this weekend. Here is a list of services you can and cannot use.
![If you test positive for COVID, can you still travel?](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-111507174,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/nri/visit/if-you-test-positive-for-covid-can-you-still-travel.jpg)
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?](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-111490728,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/wealth/borrow/loan/personal-loan/is-it-a-good-idea-to-get-a-personal-loan-for-travel.jpg)
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.
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WestJet Airlines strike to continue until deal reached with mechanics, union says
Bret Oestreich, president of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, said the two sides will reconvene with a mediator on Sunday. The union represents around 680 workers at WestJet, including aircraft maintenance engineers, who went on strike Friday after 97% of its members rejected a pay deal reached in May. "All we want to do is to go back to the table," said Oestreich. "The strike will be in effect until we get an agreement."
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Oil prices edge higher as supply risks mount
Oil prices responded to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions, with concerns over fuel demand dynamics. The market saw gains in Brent and WTI futures amidst heightened uncertainties, while attention remained on the impact of geopolitical conflicts on oil supply. Anticipation of increased gasoline consumption over the July 4th weekend offered some relief amid persisting demand challenges.
Demand momentum to sustain in travel industry for 4-5 yrs: Thomas Cook's Madhavan Menon
The travel industry is expected to continue growing at a steady pace for the next four to five years, according to Madhavan Menon, executive chairman of Thomas Cook (India). Menon believes that the increasing purchasing power of people who can afford holidays, regardless of the cost, will continue to drive the growth trend. He believes that the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered an evolution in travel and taught companies the importance of productivity.
Is buying just hotel stocks better or a collection of stocks which gain from travel hungry Indians? 17 stocks from the whole tourism ecosystem
There can be a debate on whether, after the run up that hotel stocks saw in the last three years, are they cheap or not, and whether one should buy them now. But when it comes to tourism and the possibility that it will grow at a much faster rate, there is little room for debate. Now the question is if one buys only one set of stocks, for example hotel stocks, they come with their own plus and minus, right from the business risk of that industry to the fact that in tourism business, there are many segments, so there is a premium segment, there are travelers who travels by train and stay in medium size hotel which are not even listed. But then he has spent money in booking his ticket which has been captured on a railways ticketing platform. So, why not have that railway ticketing platform in a small portion of the portfolio.
Travelling like a professional: Here are some neat packing tips for your next long weekend
A frequent traveler appears to have a few superpowers embedded in them, one of which can include, packing up their bags faster than light. Be it packing or unpack around a trip, travelers who know some good tips, are always one step ahead of others.
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.
Credit cards for international airport lounge access of HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank: Complimentary lounge access, other benefits
Top airport lounge credit cards: The credit cards listed below offer considerable number of complimentary visits to international as well as domestic airport lounges, along with other travel and lifestyle benefits
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.
At least 22 dead in Memorial Day weekend storms that devastated several US states
Deadly storms ravaged central and southern U.S., causing widespread destruction and fatalities. Recovery efforts are ongoing.
Memorial Day 2024 USA Sale: Walmart, Amazon offer mega deals
Memorial Day 2024 sale in the USA is on and customers can avail lucrative deals from Amazon, Walmart, and other products.
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.
Memorial Day 2024 in USA: Is it Federal Holiday? Check what's closed, what is open?
Memorial Day 2024 is here and people are eager to travel and also curious to know what is open and what is closed.
Swiftly Soaring: Taylor Swift's Eras tour sparks surge in European air travel for upcoming summer season
Taylor Swift's Eras tour is significantly impacting travel and the economy, causing a 25% increase in demand for flights to European destinations like Lisbon and Madrid. United Airlines and Delta plan to fly around three million passengers over Memorial Day weekend, a 5% rise from last year. Tourism is expected to surge as American fans flock to cheaper European concerts, with ticket prices exceeding $1,000 due to high demand and strict resale rules. Milan saw a 45% rise in passengers for Swift's July concert debut.
Top OTT releases to watch this weekend on Netflix, Apple TV+ and Prime Video | May 17-19
May has been a good month for entertainment with some top-notch releases already and some more in the pipeline. Here are some of the top TV shows and movies ranging from intimate dramas to gripping thrillers you can binge on the top digital streaming platforms.
Top travel credit cards with most value-back: Airport lounge access, discounts on airfare, business class vouchers, rewards
Top travel credit cards: Here are some of the top banks' travel credit cards providing significant value-back on travel spends. Some of these cards are co-branded with popular travel portals or airlines while others offer general travel benefits.
How to plan a long weekend for domestic and international holidays
Plan your next long weekend getaway with precision! Choose destinations wisely, considering budget and interests. Book early for discounts, remain flexible with dates, and invest in travel insurance. Pack efficiently, prioritize health, and craft a balanced itinerary. Stay informed on safety measures and practice sustainable tourism. Embrace the adventure and make lasting memories on your upcoming holiday!
Holi and Easter weekends serve up big business for travel, hotel companies
At the Four Seasons Mumbai, rooftop bar AER and restaurant San:Qi saw a "significant' turnout, higher than the usual weekend rush," said general manager Nitesh Gandhi. "Evenings are more high energy on such weekends especially when home means an elevator ride to your room," he added. From special Easter brunches to Holi-themed bashes and getaways, travel and hospitality companies expect brisk business this week because of two long weekends.
Long weekend destinations from Pune
You should absolutely plan to spend your weekend in Nashik if you want it to be jam-packed with adventure. This area is home to numerous historic temples connected to the epic Ramayana narrative. For this reason, a lot of pilgrims also travel to Nashik.
Long weekend business booming for hotels, cruises, travel firms
Indians are leveraging every opportunity to take a “minication”, said Rajeev Kale, president and country head for holidays, MICE and Visa at Thomas Cook (India). The company’s data reflects a 25%-30% year-on-year surge for long weekend breaks across both domestic and outbound destinations, he said.
March: Here are three long upcoming weekends you can plan a mini escape
With around 12 opportunities, plan your quick getaways. March kicks off with Mahashivratri, Holi, and Easter, offering three long weekends. May presents Buddha Purnima, while June offers Bakri Id. In August, enjoy Independence Day, Parsi New Year, and Raksha Bandhan. September brings Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi, and October features Maha Navmi and Dussehra. November closes with Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti. Plan ahead and mark your calendars for these extended breaks!
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