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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Hotels, hostels or homestays abroad? From budget to safety, choose right
Planning a trip abroad and confused about where to stay? Between hotels, homestays, and hostels, the options can be overwhelming, especially if you're booking for the first time or looking to stretch your rupee without sacrificing comfort or safety. But what are Indian travellers choosing, and why? Hotels still top the list—but not for everyone For families and older travellers, hotels remain the preferred choice, according to Karan Agarwal, director at Cox & Kings. 'Hotels continue to be the top accommodation preference, particularly for Indian families and older travellers going abroad,' he said. 'They offer predictability, privacy, and comfort—factors that are still very important for this segment.' However, Agarwal noted a clear shift post-Covid. 'Younger travellers are seeking more than just a bed. They want experiences, cultural immersion, and connection. That's where hostels and homestays come in.' Hostels: From budget bunk beds to boutique experiences Agarwal said many Indian Gen Z and millennial travellers are intentionally booking hostels—not just to save money, but to find community. 'Today's hostels come with rooftop cafes, podcast rooms, and themed events. They're not just accommodation—they're social ecosystems,' he said. 'Even in cities like Berlin or Amsterdam, where top-rated hostels may cost as much as a budget hotel, travellers still prefer them for the vibe.' This trend, he added, isn't limited to international trips. Domestic players are also entering the co-living and boutique hostel space in India. Pranav Dangi, founder of The Hosteller, said hostels offer something many travellers crave today: flexibility and shared experiences. 'They're perfect for solo trips, digital nomads, and spontaneous getaways,' said Dangi. 'We see strong growth from the 18–35 segment, but even 35+ travellers are starting to explore social yet affordable options.' He pegged the year-on-year demand growth at 30–40 per cent, driven by budget-conscious youth and remote workers looking for community over luxury. In between the formality of hotels and the social buzz of hostels, homestays offer a more personal touch—often with access to kitchens, local hosts, and home-like comforts. 'Homestays are a great middle ground,' said Agarwal. 'They're often used by small families or couples who want a more intimate setting without losing the convenience of being well-located.' Many also offer weekly housekeeping and access to local tips, though travellers are advised to check amenities and policies carefully. What's it going to cost? Accommodation costs vary by country, season, and how early you book. Here's a rough guide for major international cities: Hotels: ₹8,400–₹21,000 per night (mid-range) Homestays: ₹4,200–₹10,000 per night Hostels: ₹1,700–₹5,000 per night In cheaper destinations like Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia, these rates drop substantially. Across categories, hostels tend to be 40–60 per cent cheaper than even basic hotels, according to Dangi. But peak travel seasons can drive prices up by 30–60 per cent for hotels and 20–40 per cent for homestays. 'Hostels are a bit more consistent, but even they get pricier when demand spikes,' said Agarwal. 'We often recommend shoulder seasons to save money.' What's included, and what's not Hotels: Daily housekeeping, 24/7 reception, in-house laundry, and optional breakfast. Homestays: Kitchen access, basic laundry, occasional housekeeping, sometimes breakfast. Hostels: Shared kitchen, self-service laundry, limited cleaning, minimal reception. 'Wi-Fi is fairly standard now, but always check reviews and the fine print,' said Agarwal. 'Cleaning fees, city taxes, or breakfast charges are often missed by first-time travellers.' What about safety and scams? Safety can vary depending on region, property, and how you book. Agarwal warned about staying in unlicensed homestays in cities like Barcelona or Amsterdam, where local authorities have cracked down on illegal short-term rentals. 'In less regulated areas of Eastern Europe, South America or Southeast Asia, we've seen verification issues with hosts and listings,' he said. For solo female travellers, Agarwal suggested hostels or shared accommodations with verified reviews and high safety ratings. 'Always use trusted platforms,' he said. Timing matters Booking well in advance can save you money and stress. Hotels: 2–3 months in advance for international cities Homestays: 1–2 months ahead Hostels: Flexible, but avoid last-minute bookings in peak seasons 'We advise planning at least a quarter ahead for long-haul or multi-country trips,' said Agarwal. Indians going global—and hostel brands going with them Indian hostel chains are now expanding abroad. Zostel, for instance, recently opened its first international outpost in Berlin. 'There's strong demand for our brand of social, community-driven travel,' said Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, CEO and co-founder at Zostel. 'Our identity—bold design, social media presence, curated experiences—translates well across borders.' He said their hostels are growing 20–22 per cent every six months, with international expansion a natural next step. Dangi agreed. 'There's definitely room for Indian hostel brands abroad, especially those with strong storytelling and cultural relevance,' he said. What the latest data says According to the 'India Holiday Report 2025' by Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel: < Over 30 million Indians travelled abroad in 2024—a record high < 85 per cent of respondents now plan four to six trips a year < 84 per cent say they'll increase travel spending by 20–50 per cent this year As Indians travel more and spend more, the accommodation they choose is becoming less about convenience and more about the kind of experience they want to take back with them.
Economic Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Cox & Kings accelerates expansion, launches new franchises across markets
Cox & Kings said on Tuesday it has launched five new franchise outlets in Faridabad, Gurgaon, Dharamshala, Agra, and Ahmedabad, and that the larger vision is to establish 200 franchises over the next two years. 'There's a major shift underway in the Indian travel landscape. Aspirational travel is no longer confined to metros. People in Tier 2 cities and upcoming urban centers are increasingly looking for curated, reliable travel experiences, both domestic and international. Our franchise expansion is aimed precisely at addressing this growing demand with trusted service and local touchpoints," said Karan Agarwal, director at Cox & Kings. The company said the five newly launched outlets have been 'strategically chosen' for their 'unique' market potential and demographic relevance. "The newly launched franchises will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including group tours, fixed departures, luxury vacations, and custom itineraries. Additionally, standalone services such as flights, hotel bookings, visa assistance, and travel insurance will also be available, giving travelers the flexibility to plan trips their way," the company said in a statement. The company said this expansion comes as Indian travellers increasingly move towards experiential travel, self-designed itineraries, and seamless planning solutions.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cox & Kings accelerates expansion, launches new franchises across markets
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Cox & Kings said on Tuesday it has launched five new franchise outlets in Faridabad, Gurgaon, Dharamshala, Agra, and Ahmedabad, and that the larger vision is to establish 200 franchises over the next two years.'There's a major shift underway in the Indian travel landscape. Aspirational travel is no longer confined to metros. People in Tier 2 cities and upcoming urban centers are increasingly looking for curated, reliable travel experiences, both domestic and international. Our franchise expansion is aimed precisely at addressing this growing demand with trusted service and local touchpoints," said Karan Agarwal, director at Cox & company said the five newly launched outlets have been 'strategically chosen' for their 'unique' market potential and demographic relevance."The newly launched franchises will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including group tours , fixed departures, luxury vacations , and custom itineraries . Additionally, standalone services such as flights, hotel bookings, visa assistance, and travel insurance will also be available, giving travelers the flexibility to plan trips their way," the company said in a company said this expansion comes as Indian travellers increasingly move towards experiential travel , self-designed itineraries, and seamless planning solutions.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Microcations are the new big thing in travel
Once a convenient stopgap, microcations are the new big thing in travel. Because who has the time (or the budget) for longer vacations? Travellers are now choosing destinations that are closer and lighter on the wallet for higher-impact trips that last three to five days(Photo: Adobe Stock) Whether it's brought on by weather-related disruptions, or a desire for frequent breaks, travellers are now choosing destinations that are closer and lighter on the wallet for higher-impact trips that last three to five days. Why the interest in microcations? 'Recent airspace disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and unexpected heatwaves across popular destinations in Europe have made microcations more relevant,' says Manjari Singh, chief growth and business officer at Cleartrip, adding, 'These short getaways are easy on the wallet, require little planning, and offer the perfect balance.' 'An interesting shift' Karan Agarwal, director at Cox & Kings, notes that outbound travel to Southeast Asia grew by over 50% in early 2024 alone. 'What's interesting is that, it isn't just metros. First-time international travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are booking spontaneous getaways for long weekends,' he shares. With visa-free access, direct flights and the fact that Indians often travel last-minute, travel destinations like Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam offer the flexibility that makes spontaneous plans possible. 'There's a clear behavioural shift among Indian travellers; short-haul overseas trips are no longer just stop-gap holidays, but the preferred choice,' Karan adds. Vacationing with intention? But this isn't just about convenience. As Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, puts it: 'We're definitely seeing travellers lean into flexibility and proximity.' He states, 'Travellers aren't just looking for 'breaks', particularly around long weekends, they're looking for experiences that feel rewarding, even in a short span.' And when curated well, Hari says, 'These mini-holidays can deliver surprising depth, whether that's through local food, culture, or simply time well spent together.' Where to jet off to for a micro escape These destinations tick all the boxes — easy flights, quick visas and ideal for microcations that double as workcations. Flights under three hours Colombo, Galle - Sri Lanka Dubai, Abu Dhabi - UAE Kathmandu, Pokhara - Nepal Paro - Bhutan Four to five hour flights Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket - Thailand Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi - Malaysia Bali - Indonesia Domestic spots worth the trip Kashmir or Ladakh for Nature therapy Coorg or Ooty for slow living Jaipur or Udaipur for heritage Andamans for tropical unplugging
News18
08-07-2025
- News18
Bali To Vietnam: Top 5 Budget-Friendly Asian Holiday Spots For 2025
From Sri Lanka to Vietnam, Asia offers budget travellers a haven of affordability, with cheap stays, mouth-watering street foods, and budget-friendly transport. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, budget travel can be a liberating experience that opens doors to new destinations and unforgettable experiences. By embracing thriftiness, you might stumble upon hidden gems that lie off the beaten path. And the best part? Budget travel doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort or flavour – you can still indulge in delicious meals and cosy accommodations without going out of the budget. For those eager to turn their budget travel aspirations into reality, Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings, shares valuable insights in an interview with HT Lifestyle. According to Agarwal, Asia is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers, offering a diverse array of experiences that cater to different interests. 'Asia offers a buffet of options within easy reach, from relaxing beach getaways to spiritual temple trails and vibrant city shopping sprees," he explains. Thailand Thailand remains a popular choice for Indian travellers, and its appeal extends beyond its affordability. The cities of Bangkok and Pattaya offer a unique blend of experiences. Bangkok is known for its vibrant street markets, traditional Thai massages, and historic temples. Pattaya, on the other hand, provides a beachy getaway with opportunities for relaxation and leisure. Some popular activities in Thailand include visiting floating markets, taking day trips to coral islands, and enjoying evening cruises, which allow for a mix of sightseeing and downtime. Bali, Indonesia Dubai, UAE Dubai is an ideal destination for short trips that pack a punch, making it perfect for family vacations or first-time international travellers. The city offers a unique blend of sightseeing and spectacle, with a wide range of experiences to suit different interests. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, embark on a thrilling desert safari, and discover the contrasts between modern malls and traditional souks. Dubai seamlessly combines tradition and modernity, making it a fascinating destination to explore. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is a charming destination that offers a wealth of experiences, despite its understated nature. Located just a short distance away, the country boasts an array of attractions, including stunning beaches, colonial towns, wildlife, and picturesque tea plantations. Visitors can explore Colombo, then head to Galle to wander its cobblestone streets and enjoy seaside cafes. The hill stations of Nuwara Eliya and Kandy offer scenic train rides and tea tastings, providing a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. Vietnam Vietnam has become increasingly accessible for Indian travellers, thanks to e-visas and direct flights. Hanoi serves as a charming entry point for exploring the country's rich heritage, including a cruise through Halong Bay's stunning limestone cliffs and a visit to the historic Old Quarter. Ho Chi Minh City, located in the south, offers a glimpse into the country's history, with its French colonial architecture and vibrant coffee culture that's perfect for Instagram-worthy moments. First Published: July 04, 2025, 13:57 IST
