Latest news with #PickYourTrail
Skift
09-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Indian Travel Firms Suspend Bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan Over Pakistan Support
Travel is now becoming part of India's soft power toolkit. And the country is no longer shying away from using its muscle to make that point. Several Indian travel companies suspended new bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan on Friday, a new step in the escalating fallout from the India-Pakistan conflict. The decisions followed official condemnations from Turkey and Azerbaijan of India's recent strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, sparking calls on Indian social media for a boycott of travel to both nations. Regarding the Recent Developments Between Pakistan and India — Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) May 7, 2025 PickYourTrail said it is still supporting travelers currently abroad or with existing itineraries, but that it will not accept new trips to Turkey or Azerbaijan. 'We're pausing all new bookings to these destinations for now,' said Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of PickYourTrail, in a post on LinkedIn. 'This isn't a judgment on people or cultures... but when a government's stance challenges India's sovereignty, we believe it's our responsibility to respond, not look away.' Cox & Kings, an India-based company owned by Wilson & Hughes, also paused travel to Uzbekistan. Karan Agarwal, the director, said the company is prioritizing traveler safety and national sentiment: 'We also advise Indian travelers to exercise discretion and avoid any non-essential travel to these destinations until there is greater clarity and alignment in the broader geopolitical environment.' EaseMyTrip founder Nishant Pittie urged travelers to reconsider travel plans unless absolutely necessary. 'It is disheartening to note that Turkey and Azerbaijan have extended their support to Pakistan,' Pittie said in a statement. Travel accommodation brand Go Homestays announced an end to its partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing the airline's 'unsupportive stance towards India.' Due to Turkey's non-cooperative stance in the current global scenario involving India and Pakistan, we've decided not to offer any accommodation services to Turkish citizens in Goa. We stand firmly with our nation. Jai Hind 🇮🇳 — Goa Villas (@Goavilla_) May 8, 2025 Vacation rental company Goa Villas said it would no longer accept Turkish citizens as guests in its properties. Social media has amplified calls for boycotts, with many users urging fellow Indians to avoid holidays in Turkey and Azerbaijan, despite their popularity and recent growth in Indian tourist numbers. The rise in Indian outbound travel to these regions was significant before the current crisis. More than 243,000 Indians visited Azerbaijan in 2024, double the prior year and up from around 5,000 in 2014. Turkey reported a 21% increase in Indian visitors in 2024. The tourism board cited better air connectivity, wedding tourism, and marketing efforts as playing a crucial role in positioning Turkey as a preferred destination for Indian travelers. The Background After tensions escalated between India and Pakistan on Wednesday, India has so far shut down 27 major airports in north, west and central parts of the country till May 10. These include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Shimla, Bhatinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jammu, Leh, Rajkot, Pathankot, Bhuj, Gwalior, Hindon and more. With the tightening of security measures at airports, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has asked passengers to arrive at the airports at least three hours prior to departure. 'In view of an order by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security on enhanced measures at airports, passengers across India are advised to arrive at their respective airports at least three hours prior to scheduled departure to ensure smooth check-in and boarding,' Air india said in a statement. IndiGo in an update said that with all flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Rajkot cancelled until May 10, bookings made on or before May 8 are eligible for change/cancellation fee waiver for travel until May 22 to and from these destinations. Air India Express said it is offering a full refund or free rescheduling for flights to and from Amritsar, Gwalior, Jammu, Srinagar and Hindon until 05:30hrs on May 10.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
Summer vacation: Top 10 international destinations families are heading for relaxing trips
As the schools close for the summer and the heat climbs, families look for gateways, a much-anticipated break from the monotonous, daily routine. A quiet nature retreat is perfect to relax and unwind. Nature gateways are unique and provide a wide variety of experiences, from adrenaline-surge activities like hiking or kayaking to experiencing natural wonders like waterfalls or volcanic craters. So, where are families heading this year for international trips? Pick Your Trail, an international holiday brand, revealed a notable surge in interest, with Thailand leading at 64.75%, followed by Japan at 25%, Central Europe at 24.31% and Sri Lanka at 7.53%, indicating a strong preference for culturally rich natural environments in the last two years. Even Nordic regions have seen a spike of 3.41% Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder of Pick Your Trail shared a detailed guide on the major tourist spots in these destinations that are suitable for families: A post shared by Jessie Moore (@pocketwanderings) Sri Lanka offers lush rainforests, beaches, and cultural treasures, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a close connection to nature. A post shared by Julian (@julianroxburry) Families can explore rainforests, volcanic craters, and waterfalls. A post shared by Travel New Zealand With Me (@travelnewzealandwithme) From the rolling hills of Hobbiton to the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park, every corner offers a fresh adventure. A post shared by Blue Lagoon Iceland (@bluelagoonis) Iceland is a captivating family destination that brings kids face-to-face with the forces of nature. From glaciers to volcanoes to thermal springs, Iceland is exciting. Things to do: A post shared by Architecture & Design (@archidesiign) Venture into Slovenia's Soča Valley, where emerald rivers carve through dramatic gorges. Families can raft or kayak down the crystal-clear Soča River, hike through meadows, and explore hidden waterfalls. Things to do: A post shared by Michelle | Photographer (@michellecholiman) Norway's towering fjords, expansive forests, and quaint villages make it an ideal destination for families yearning to reconnect with nature. Things to do: A post shared by Kirsty Lamb (@ Switzerland is a country where nature and serenity come together. Things to do: A post shared by Vacations (@vacations) A post shared by Christine Hopkins| Luxury Travel New Zealand Advisor (@ Japan offers a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and tranquillity, making it ideal for a calming gateway. A post shared by Floris Hermans (@florisgone) With its beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant wildlife, Thailand is perfect for a family vacation. Travel experiences are set to become more niche, as according to American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report, 92% of Indian travelers seek one-of-a-kind goods to remind them of their trips so that they can tell stories when they come back. While 84% prefer to support local small businesses during their travels. This shows a growing desire for immersive and culturally-rooted experiences, for instance, buying local crafts in a Slovenian valley or attending a traditional tea ceremony in Japan. Families are looking forward to make the most of the travel, cost-wise as well as 79% of Indians are planning to use rewards points for leisure travel in 2025, and 84% believe combining credit card rewards with other loyalty programs gives them the best value for international trips. ALSO READ: Money-saving travel hacks to know: Best day, month to book air tickets and more tips
