Latest news with #Pickyourtrail
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
From Bali to UK: Indians are redefining summer travel
As per the recent report, 'While 58% Indian travellers plan to explore places they haven't considered before, 51% want to tick off multiple spots in one trip – showing a clear shift towards exploration and memorable getaways' Did you know Sunday is the cheapest day to fly? And if you're open to offseason trips, mark your calendar, the week of August 25 is the most budget-friendly. According to a global travel app, these are just some of the smart hacks Indian travellers are using to plan their summer getaways – or even opt for the increasingly popular shoulder season (the sweet spot between peak and off-peak travel). From crowd-free escapes to culturally immersive sites, Indians are heading to Bangkok, London, Denpasar, Malé, Vietnam, Singapore, Dubai, and beyond. 'Over half (52%) of Indian travellers prefer less-crowded sites' Though some travellers continue to favour familiar destinations, many are now exploring quieter, lesser-known places — not just during peak season but also in the off-season. 'Over half (52%) of Indian travellers prefer quieter, less-crowded locations over the usual tourist hotspots. It's not just about where they go – it's also about when. The shoulder season is gaining traction, with 1 in 2 Indian travellers open to travelling during these periods,' says the report by Skyscanner. 'An increased interest in a mix of domestic favourites and global destinations' According to a report by the global travel app, 96% of Indians are planning to take the same number of trips – or even more – than what they did last year, with 95% citing maximising their summer vacations as a top priority for 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo 'They are curating itineraries while staying flexible with travel dates or considering alternative destinations to beat the crowds – all in an effort to make their money go further and get the most out of their journeys, the report mentions. 'Among the top international picks are London, Dubai, Paris, and Amsterdam, while Manali, Goa, Udaipur, and Chennai are trending domestically,' shares the data by Air Bnb. According to a report by a global travel app, 96% of Indians are planning to take the same number of trips – or even more – than what they did last year Top 10 popular shoulder season destinations for June & September 2025 Bangkok, Thailand London, United Kingdom Denpasar, Indonesia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Goa, India Paris, France Leh, India Zurich, Switzerland Amsterdam, Netherlands Kochi, India — Data by a global travel app 'At least 95% of Indians aim to maximise their summer vacations in 2025' According to data shared by Pickyourtrail, Bali is the top destination this summer, with 23.43% Indian travellers heading there. 'The island's mix of beaches, culture, and adventure continues to captivate visitors. Sightseeing in West Nusa Penida remains the most popular activity at 10.3%. Exploring the Kintamani Volcano, Tegenungan Waterfall, and a coffee plantation ranks second at 6.9%. The Uluwatu Temple tour remains a cultural favourite, drawing 6.79% of travellers. ' Popular summer hotspots Bali tops the list, attracting nearly 23.43% of Indian travellers Europe is high on the list, with 14.95% of travellers heading there for its diverse cultural & historical offerings The Maldives follows with 12.43%, offering serene resorts and crystal-clear waters for ultimate relaxation Thailand accounts for 11.26% of the total travel bookings Vietnam, with 8.77%, offers a blend of culture & adventure Singapore, attracting 7.96% bookings, is a favourite among families for its modern vibe and diverse culture (Source: Pickyourtrail) 'It's never easy to come to a consensus with your family about where to go on holiday' Sunil Shah, an entrepreneur residing in Vasant Kunj, says, 'It's never easy to come to a consensus with your family about where to go on holiday. Some want a lavish European trip, others a peaceful retreat. With kids, options like Hong Kong or Singapore come up. After much planning and rescheduling, we're now eyeing a week in Singapore at the end of June.' Ragini Bajaj from Sector 55, Gurgaon, who works with a tech company, says, 'We planned a London trip in June but found the flights costly and visa uncertain. Since remote work is possible, we'll take a week off and then work from the UK countryside for another week in September. Starting now gives us enough time to plan.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Summer gateways: 10 European destinations Indians are loving right now to escape the heat
Indians are jetting off to cooler destinations in Europe to escape the heat and embark on a whole new adventure filled with picturesque views, rich cultural experiences, and slow moments of leisure. European destinations are a treasure trove of unique experiences, from strolling through cottagecore-like tulip fields in the Netherlands to enjoying the old-world, dark academia charm of Edinburgh, showcasing the range of experiences. From art and history to breathtaking nature, or simply the joy of cooler temperatures, Indian travellers are flocking to Europe for a refreshing escape. Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder of Pickyourtrail, an international holiday brand, shared how there's been an uptick in Indian travellers choosing Europe as their preferred summer escape. He said, 'According to recent data from Pickyourtrail, 13% of Indian travellers are heading to European destinations to enjoy milder temperatures and vibrant cultural experiences. This preference has led to increased prominence for destinations featuring unique seasonal attractions. The Netherlands is a prime example, where the spring season unveils its world-renowned tulip fields. These destinations not only offer respite from the Indian summer but also provide enriching cultural and natural experiences.' Hari Ganapathy shared a guide, listing out the top European destinations which have become favourites among Indian travellers this season: A post shared by SheBelongHere(SBH) (@shebelonghere) Things to do along with tulip viewing: A post shared by Mia Overington (@ A post shared by zurichinside (@zurichinside) A post shared by Tara | Travel ✈️🌍🧳 (@_tara_travels) A post shared by 🇮🇹 ROME , ITALY (@ A post shared by Bobby Hughes (@bobhphotos) A post shared by Ian G Black (@iangblack) A post shared by Visit Norway | Travel Norge (@visitnorwaytravelnorge) A post shared by Pratham Mahla (@prathammahlaa) A post shared by Martina (@martinka_grau) ALSO READ: Always overpacking your travel itinerary? Here's how to plan according to your family size
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Pre-travel check-ups to insurance and forex tips: An essential guide for senior travellers
With more financial freedom, better health, and a passion for exploring the world on their own terms, seniors are rewriting the travel rulebook. Far from being passive tourists, the silver generation is now looking for more personalised trips and are ready to experience rich cultures, gourmet cuisines, and unforgettable experiences like never before. Such is the demand for silver tourism that it is estimated to generate $520 billion by 2030, as per UNWTO. Also read | 3.3 lakh Indians visited Turkey in 2024 but now they are turning to Greece, Kazakhstan, Georgia amid boycott calls Travel has become more than sightseeing, it's about making memories with loved ones. Around 70 percent of senior travellers prefer family vacations, while 33 percent seniors are choosing couple getaways to relive the magic of their honeymoon or to embark on new adventures. Comfort is the buzzword and senior travellers are no longer hesitant to invest in experiences that offer comfort and ease. With an Average Ticket Size (ATS) of ₹3.6 lakhs — 45 percent higher than the typical ATS of ₹2.5 lakhs — seniors are opting for premium, all-inclusive travel packages. Hari Ganapathy, co-founder, Pickyourtrail, an international travel platform that has redefined holidays for the past 10 years, shares essential tips for silver travellers before they embark on a holiday. Before you pack, schedule a visit to your doctor to ensure you are fit for travel, especially if you are heading to high altitudes or extreme climates. Carry a list of medications, a basic first-aid kit, and digital copies of prescriptions on your phone or cloud storage. Use a labeled weekly pill organiser instead of loose pills, and pack an extra week's worth in a separate bag. For certain health conditions, ask your doctor for a travel letter to help with immigration or emergencies. Choose accommodations that offer comfort features like elevators, walk-in showers, and proximity to key attractions to reduce the need for extra travel. Space out your sightseeing — aim for one major activity per day with ample rest in between. Mobility matters, so request airport wheelchairs or assistance in advance to make walking through terminals or standing in queues easier. Not all travel insurance is created equal. Seniors should look for policies that specifically cover pre-existing conditions, emergency hospitalisation, trip cancellations, and even medical evacuation, if necessary. Many Indian insurers now offer senior-specific plans, with cashless hospital tie-ups abroad, so you're never left unprepared in case of a medical emergency. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, as many countries require this. Some destinations may offer quick visa-on-arrival options, but others might need more time and extra paperwork. To avoid any last-minute stress, start your visa process well in advance. Carry photocopies of important documents, including medical prescriptions, and leave a backup with a family member or trusted friend in case of emergencies. From rail passes in Japan to museum entries in Europe, many places offer senior concessions that go unnoticed. Carry your ID and don't hesitate to ask. Some cities even offer senior travel cards for local transport. Staying connected while travelling is crucial, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Activate an international roaming plan before you travel or pick up a local SIM card upon arrival. Keep things simple by pre-loading emergency numbers, hotel contacts, and translator apps with offline access on your phone. You can even wear a smartwatch to share your live location with your family for added peace of mind, especially if you're travelling solo. For ease, carry printed hotel cards for taxi drivers and save key details like embassy contacts offline for easy access. While most establishments accept cards, it's wise to carry a small amount of local currency for tips, small purchases, or places that don't take digital payments. Forex cards are a good alternative to cash, offering better rates and more security. Inform your bank about your travel dates to avoid card blocks and keep foreign currency organised in a small, easy-access pouch. Heavy bags can be a burden. Choose a lightweight, four-wheeled suitcase and use a pouch to neatly organise foreign currency, cards, and ID. Pack comfortable clothes, supportive shoes, and any special items you may need like compression socks or travel pillows. Don't forget your medication kit, a refillable water bottle, and compression socks for longer flights. The goal is to keep movement stress-free and avoid overexertion, especially at airports and during transfers. Where possible, book direct flights that leave during the day and avoid red-eye timings. Mid-morning or early afternoon departures are easier on the body and often less crowded. Travelling during the off-season also means fewer queues, quieter attractions, and a more relaxed overall experience. According to Ganapathy, the top 10 safe and easy international destinations for Indian senior travellers are: Singapore, Dubai, Maldives, Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai), Bali (Indonesia), Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An), Switzerland, Italy (Rome, Venice, Florence, Tuscany), Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), and New Zealand (Auckland, Queenstown).
Deccan Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- Deccan Herald
Post-ceasefire, the travel bug is back; but with some caution
Pickyourtrail, along with other travel brands, is seeing strong, sustained demand for Southeast Asia and European destinations like Greece, France, and Netherlands.
India Today
14-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Airfares for Turkey, Azerbaijan fall amid boycott calls over Pak support
An online campaign is gaining momentum for the boycott of tourism to Turkey and Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoor', and its impact is evident. The rapid cancellation of planned trips has resulted in a 30% dip in flight prices to Istanbul and focus is on urging citizens to avoid products, services, and destinations that trigger a broader economic analysis of over 3 lakh posts by India Today's Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) team reveals Turkey as the primary target of the boycott calls. Since Monday, two days after the cessation of firing was announced, hashtags such as #BoycottTurkey, #BoycottAzerbaijan, and #BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan have been trending in India. Other hashtags include #BoycottTurkeyTourism and #TurkeySupportsTerror accumulated nearly 10,000 and 2200 posts, respectively, in the last one week. As per data from social media analytics tool TalkWalker, #BoycottTurkey was used in a staggering 2.11 lakh posts, while #BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan hashtag featured in 1.17 lakh posts in the last one week ending May 14. advertisement Chatter on X also saw users recommending Greece or Armenia as alternative travel destinations, with many posting confirmations of cancelled trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan in response to the boycott platforms like Ixigo, Pickyourtrail and MakeMyTrip have announced measures to discourage tourism to destinations in Turkey and cancellations of scheduled travels to Turkey began well before the social media campaign started. Many influencers called on people to cancel their Turkey travel plans after Ankara supported Pakistan over Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror PRICES DROPAn analysis of Google Flight Trends data reveals a significant drop in airfares. While flight prices fluctuate based on various factors, one consistent trend is clear: the longer you wait to book your ticket before your travel date, the cheaper the fare tends to be. To illustrate this, India Today tracked flight prices for the upcoming Sunday, May 18, 2025, over the past 45 days. For example, if you had booked a round-trip ticket from New Delhi to Istanbul before April 22 – the day of the Pahalgam terror attack – the price would have been around Rs 41,000. However, booking the same flight on May 14 would cost Rs 34, fares to Istanbul continued to drop after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed strong support for Pakistan, bringing the price down to Rs 28,482. This is Rs 7,290 lower than the usual fare.A similar trend was observed for flights to Azerbaijan. The price dropped from Rs 49,298 to Rs 35,517 after the Pahalgam attack, and later increased slightly to Rs 37,762 when Azerbaijan expressed its support for Pakistan on May SUPPORTThe online furore is particularly strong against Turkey, which didn't just express support for Pakistan but has also been supplying weapons to used Turkish-origin drones against India during 'Operation Sindoor'.In mid-2024, media reports said Turkey imposed a comprehensive ban on the sale of defence equipment to India in favour of Watch
