Latest news with #CoxandKings
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Indians opt for skill-based, learning-led holidays over leisure trips
Travel firms see rising demand for immersive, skill-based trips abroad and within India, as tourists seek meaning, achievements and certifications from their holidays Mumbai Listen to This Article Indian travellers are now seeking skill-based, learning-led holidays driven by their aim to add meaning to their trips, resulting in travel operators offering customised packages to mix leisure travel with various courses. According to Cox and Kings, this segment is expected to grow annually by 15 to 20 per cent over the next three to five years. These types of trips generally range from 10 to 12 days to over a month. Learning-led tourism is still a niche segment, but travel companies like EaseMyTrip and Cox and Kings have increasingly seen travellers seeking learning-based tourism in 2025. On the other
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Budget travel in Asia: 5 Asian getaways just a few hours away for Indian travellers with estimated cost, top attractions
Whether you're a seasoned vacationer or a first-timer, travelling on a budget is not only great for your wallet, but being a little thrifty may actually lead you to places you wouldn't explore otherwise. But travelling on a budget doesn't always mean you have to give up comfort or delicious meals. Also read | Is $15K enough for 9 to 11 months in Latin America? Redditors share budget travel tips for man who wants to be 'frugal' Plan ahead to make the most of your budget travel adventure in Asia. (Freepik) If you are looking to make your budget travel dreams a reality, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, Karan Agarwal, director, Cox and Kings, explained why Asia could be a great choice. He said Asia offers a buffet of options within easy reach, from a breezy beach break to a temple trail or a big-city shopping fix. He said, 'There's a new kind of holiday Indian travellers are loving right now: short-haul international escapes that don't demand too many leaves, long-haul flights, or five months of planning. These trips fit neatly into a long weekend or an impulsive 'let's just go' plan. Think culturally rich, affordable, less than six hours away by flight, and packed with experiences.' According to him, here are five short-haul destinations that are perfect for Indians looking to recharge without breaking the bank or burning too much time off work (these estimates can vary depending on the specific location, time of year, and personal spending habits): Wat Arun Temple, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning cultural gem in Bangkok, Thailand. (Freepik) 1. Thailand (Bangkok, Pattaya and beyond) Karan said, 'Thailand continues to be a go-to for Indian travellers, and it's not just about budget-friendliness. Bangkok offers a mix of vibrant street markets, Thai massages, and temples, while Pattaya adds a beachy twist to your trip. Floating markets, coral island day trips, and evening cruises make for an easy blend of sightseeing and downtime. The food scene, whether you're sampling street food or looking for Indian restaurants, is also a big plus.' ⦿ Flight Time: 4 hours (approx.) ⦿ Top Experiences: Grand Palace, floating markets, Safari World, Marine Park, Alcazar show, and the coral island in Pattaya ⦿ Budget for 4D/3N: Starting from ₹ 35,000– ₹ 55,000 (flights + hotels) 2. Bali, Indonesia 'Bali has become synonymous with laid-back luxury. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, or anyone needing a proper pause, Bali's energy is both calming and adventurous. Ubud is perfect for art, yoga, and monkey forests, while Seminyak and Uluwatu serve up surf, sunset, and seafood. Water sports in Tanjung Benoa and temple-hopping tours (like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu) make it more than just a beach holiday,' he added. ⦿ Flight Time: 6 hours (with one stop) ⦿ Top Experiences: Water temples, Ubud rice terraces, beach clubs, Balinese massage ⦿ Budget for 5D/4N: Starting from ₹ 55,000– ₹ 70,000 The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and it's a marvel of modern engineering and architecture. (Freepik) 3. Dubai, UAE According to Karan, 'Dubai is the perfect example of a short trip that feels larger than life. Great for family vacations or first-time international travellers, it combines sightseeing with sheer spectacle. From climbing the Burj Khalifa to taking a desert safari, and hopping across giant malls to old souks, Dubai offers a taste of tradition and over-the-top modernity all in one trip. Bonus: vegetarian Indian food is easy to find.' ⦿ Flight Time: 3.5 hours (approx.) ⦿ Top Experiences: Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, desert safari, Burj Khalifa, Dhow cruise dinner, Miracle Garden and Ferrari World Day Excursion ⦿ Budget for 4D/3N: Starting from ₹ 50,000– ₹ 80,000 4. Sri Lanka (Colombo, Galle, and Tea Country) 'Sri Lanka is the quiet charmer on this list. Just a short hop away, it offers a lot of beaches, colonial towns, wildlife, and tea plantations. Start in Colombo, then make your way to Galle for cobblestone streets and seaside cafes. Head inland to explore the hill stations of Nuwara Eliya or Kandy, where scenic train rides and tea tastings await. It's perfect for a culturally rich yet relaxing escape,' Karan added. ⦿ Flight Time: 2.5 hours (approx.) ⦿ Top Experiences: Galle Fort, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Nuwara Eliya tea estates, scenic train to Ella, exotic beaches, water sports, Ramayna trails, turtles hatchery farm, Bellagio Casinos, famous for wellness retreats ⦿ Budget for 4D/3N: Starting from ₹ 45,000– ₹ 70,000 5. Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Phu Quoc, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City) Karan said, 'Vietnam has become increasingly accessible for Indian travellers thanks to e-visas and direct flights. Hanoi is a lovely entry point for those looking to cruise through limestone cliffs in Halong Bay or explore the charming Old Quarter. Down south, Ho Chi Minh City is buzzing with history, French colonial architecture, and a very Instagram-friendly coffee culture. The best part? Vietnam is still relatively affordable and full of surprises.' ⦿ Flight Time: 5 hours (approx.) ⦿ Top Experiences: Halong Bay cruise, Cu Chi tunnels, Pho street food trails, Old Quarter shopping, Golden Bridge, Venice boat ride, laser show at night, Full day at Winwonders, world's longest cable care theme parks, Sunset Town, Kiss Bridge, muds spa, deep sea activities, nightlife is great ⦿ Budget for 5D/4N:Starting from ₹ 40,000– ₹ 65,000 According to Karan, whether you're planning a spontaneous getaway or just want to use up that comp-off wisely, these five destinations are proof that a fulfilling international trip doesn't have to be far, expensive, or complicated. Why is this travel trend growing? He said, 'Post-pandemic (Covid-19 pandemic), travel preferences have shifted. Many Indian travellers are choosing smart, short, and experience-rich destinations over long vacations. Visa-on-arrival or e-visa access, easy flight connectivity, and a strong rupee in some regions make these trips even more attractive. Add to that a long weekend or two, and you've got the perfect formula for a quick recharge.'
Mint
09-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Cox & kings pauses new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey as India-Pakistan tensions simmer
India-Pakistan conflict: In the light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, travel agency Cox & Kings announced that it will temporarily pause all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. 'In light of recent developments, we have decided to pause all new travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. This decision is driven by our commitment to uphold principles that matter deeply to us and the people of our country,' Cox & Kings director, Karan Agarwal stated. The India-Pakistan conflict saw a major escalation on Thursday (May 8) late evening after Pakistan fired missiles and drones at military sites in Jammu and other states. This came just a day after Operation Sindoor – in which India launched targeted strikes across nine terror beds in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Earlier, Turkey had condemned India's Operation Sindoor in Pakistan, saying that it increases 'risk of an all-out war.' Azerbaijan also decried the strikes conducted by Indian armed forces on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Given the current geopolitical scenario, Cox and Kings temporarily paused travel offerings to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey, citing the travel agency's "commitment to prioritizing traveller safety and aligning with the broader sentiments of our customers and the nation.' Cox & Kings further advised Indian travellers to exercise discretion and avoid any non-essential travel to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey, until 'there is greater clarity and alignment in the broader geopolitical environment.' Travomint also said that the company has suspended the sale of all travel packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan to support Indians' call for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan. "We have decided to support the Indians' call for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan. With immediate effect, Travomint has suspended the sale of all travel packages to these countries," Travomint Chairman and CEO Alok K Singh said in a statement. The travel agency also added that cancellation fees will be charged on existing bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, and emergency flight bookings will be available in case of need. Gaping holes in houses, debris-littered streets – Pakistan's shelling on the intervening night of May 8-9, left behind a trail of destruction in the bordering areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Europe for every traveller: Honeymoon to budget travel, 6 perfect destinations and experiences with their cost
Looking for something a little different for your next trip? Want to go beyond the usual hotspots? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Karan Agarwal, director of Cox and Kings, shared a list of places in Europe that deliver a decent dose of culture but also have the requisite food, fun, and photo opportunities. Also read | Europe and its rich cultural heritage: A travel guide for tourists Some travellers map every step. Others prefer to follow instinct. According to Karan, Europe allows for both. He says, 'Its landscapes change as easily as moods: gothic towers in Prague, whitewashed villages in Portugal, the quiet hush of an Icelandic fjord. And no matter who you are or what your pace is, the continent never asks you to change — it simply meets you where you are.' Here are the cities and experiences to add to your bucket list: Karan suggests: 'Eastern Europe is quietly spectacular. Cities like Budapest and Prague offer postcard views, deep history, and warm plates of goulash — all without needing to count every euro.' ● Group journeys across Prague, Vienna, and Budapest start around ₹1.25 lakh per person for 7 nights, he says. He adds, 'Switzerland and Austria are almost too cinematic to be real. Glacier trains, mountaintop castles, chocolate-making workshops — the kind of trip that turns into dinner-table stories for years.' ● Seven-night family journeys start from ₹2.5 lakh per person, designed for multi-generational ease, Karan says. He says, 'In Italy, romance isn't orchestrated. It happens over a glass of wine in a quiet piazza, in the stolen silence between ruins and rooftops, in a place that feels both ancient and entirely your own.' ● Private 6-night escapes through Venice, Florence, and Rome begin at ₹1.8 lakh per person, Karan adds. Karan says, 'France and Monaco are all about elegant restraint — a river cruise instead of a cab ride, a private art tour that ends with champagne. It's not about more. It's about better.' ● Luxury journeys begin at ₹4.5 lakh per person, built around time, taste, and space, he says. Karan adds, 'In Iceland and Norway, the scale of nature rearranges your sense of time. You don't just visit a glacier — you remember how long it's been there. You don't chase the Northern Lights — they reveal themselves, if they want to.' ● Adventures from ₹3 lakh per person, led by local guides and calibrated for curiosity, he says. He adds, 'Spain and Portugal are not loud. They're rich. In a quiet fado performance, you feel them in the clink of cutlery during tapas in the gold light that hits a tiled alley just so.' ● 7-night cultural journeys begin at ₹1.7 lakh per person, with local-led experiences stitched in, Karan concludes.
