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Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
#WorldBicycleDay: Slow & immersive: Plan a pedal-powered adventure
Whether you're cruising past vineyard-draped valleys in Europe or navigating spice-scented streets in India, cycling opens up a deeper connection with a place. Driven by sustainable tourism and the desire for unique travel experiences, cycling tourism is growing in demand. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here's how you can curate one for yourself. 'SLOW, IMMERSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE' Cycling holidays offer a unique and immersive way to experience a destination. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, of a travel company says, 'We've seen a growing interest in cycling-based travel from both individuals and small groups seeking more active and eco-conscious itineraries.' Adds SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, of a travel company, 'Our data indicates that the average age of our customers has dropped by approx. 10 years, and the growth of this younger segment is not restricted to metros but emerges from tier 2-3 cities.' Top international destinations: AMSTERDAM: With over 500 km of dedicated cycle lanes, seamless bike rental systems, and canalside paths, Amsterdam offers a dreamlike urban cycling experience. KYOTO: Kyoto's flat terrain, respectful traffic, and compact layout make it a joy to explore by bicycle. Ride past bamboo groves in Arashiyama, ancient shrines in Gion, and riverside paths during the cherry blossom season. LOIRE VALLEY: The 'Loire à Vélo' route spans 900 km of gentle terrain along the Loire River, passing through fairy-tale castles, vineyards, and sleepy French villages. OTHER POPULAR TRAILS: Denmark's scenic landscapes, Belgium's historic towns, Switzerland's mountain circuits, and Austria's alpine trails. 'Spain's Camino de Santiago, South Korea's scenic riverside paths, and Singapore's urban cycling trails are gaining momentum among Indian cyclists looking for adventure abroad,' adds Rajeev Kale. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Top Indian destinations : Coorg's coffee plantations Munnar's rolling tea gardens Leh-Ladakh's dramatic mountain passes Goa's coastal routes Puducherry's beach and nature trails Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh Kaas Plateau in Maharashtra Mechuka Valley in Arunachal Pradesh Velhe-Panshet near Pune Majuli Island in Assam Valparai's hilly trails in Tamil Nadu Wayanad in Kerala Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh Tips to plan it right: Choose the right bike: For rugged terrains like Ladakh, opt for a sturdy mountain bike. For urban smoother trails or city rides, hybrids or touring bikes offer comfort and efficiency . Plan your route with some buffer time: Don't underestimate the distance or overestimate your stamina. Leave room for detours, downtime, and weather surprises. Pack smart, light: Focus on essentials — weather-appropriate clothing, a basic repair kit, hydration gear, and a reliable power bank . Adhere to local laws and etiquette: Knowing and following local cycling rules is non-negotiable. Understand hand signals, helmet requirements, and lane usage specific to each region. Look for accommodations that welcome cyclists: Look for bike-friendly stays with secure parking, washing areas, and flexible meal timings to match your riding schedule – Inputs by Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of an online travel company
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Business Standard
28-05-2025
- Business Standard
Cruises, self drive: 85% Indians plan more holidays, 84% to spend big
Indians are packing their bags—and their wallets—with renewed purpose. As per the India Holiday Report 2025 by Thomas Cook and SOTC, travel is no longer a luxury or a once-a-year indulgence. It's becoming a lifestyle priority, with 85% of Indians planning more frequent and longer holidays this year, and 84% ready to boost their travel budgets by up to 50%. Cruises, self-drives, and scenic trains take center stage Forget whirlwind sightseeing tours—today's Indian traveller prefers immersive journeys. Unique travel formats like cruise holidays (45%), self-drive road trips (35%), and scenic train journeys (20%) have gained serious traction. From European river cruises to panoramic rail rides in Switzerland, the shift reflects a desire for slower, more meaningful travel. 'Travellers are prioritizing depth, discovery and emotion,' sais Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. 'It's about curated comfort-first experiences rather than ticking off destinations.' Digital Meets Human: Phygital Booking is the New Normal Travel planning has gone hybrid. A growing number of Indians (58%) now blend online research with offline bookings through travel agents or call centers. While 68% book online, 59% still prefer talking to an expert, indicating the enduring trust in human touch and personalized advice. This phygital model—a mix of digital and physical channels—is emerging as a strong conversion driver, catering to both tech-savvy millennials and value-seeking families. Travel Styles: One Size Doesn't Fit All When it comes to how Indians prefer to travel: 35% want partially guided tours with flexibility. 33% choose fully packaged, guided tours. 32% plan their holidays entirely on their own. Here are the key findings of the report: 1. Key Holiday Drivers: Influence of Social media, OTT platforms and Movies: 60% respondents indicated that social media, OTT platforms and movies are increasingly shaping their travel decisions Simplified visa processes and easy access: 44% respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka; while countries that issue long-term visas are also seeing uptick like the Australia, Japan, USA Enhanced connectivity: 43% Introduction of new routes and direct flights are significantly improving accessibility - fuelling travel demand not just from metros, but significantly from India's rapidly growing Regional Tier 1 & 2 markets. Indian consumers continue to remain value-seekers: 39% prefer to actively seek promotions. At the same time, there is a clear shift towards trusted travel brands for premium holiday experiences, reflecting a focus on reliability 2. Increased frequency of Holidays and Longer Stays: Smart planning fuels mini-cations: 47% of respondents intend to leverage long weekends/ public holidays for short getaways. Equally, Strong shift towards longer trips with 54% respondents preferring longer holidays by extending for an additional 5-10 days, to create holidays of an average of 8-15 days. 3. Strong Holiday Spend Intent: Approximately 84% of respondents plan to increase their travel spends by 20-50% in 2025, with over 18% intending to boost budgets by a significant 50%. This mirrors a broader trend, where travellers are allocating more budgets to gastronomy, experiences and shopping - including premium outlets like McArthurGlen and Bicester Village. Evolving Travel Companion Preferences: Travelling together remains the preferred mode, with 90% opting for company. Multigenerational families (65%) lead the chart, followed by couples (60%) and a rising segment—'frolleagues' (colleagues who double as friends) at 28%; Solo at 10% Family bonding trips on the rise: There has been an increase in travel experiences focused on family connections, such as mother-daughter trips and sibling/cousin holidays Growing subsets, including solo female travellers, also in older age groups and empty nesters, reflecting diverse companion preferences across demographics 4. Experiential Travel Takes Centre Stage: Close to 75% respondents indicating strong interest for experience-led holidays. Over 45% of respondents are prioritizing phenomenon-based travel (like Northern Lights – Norway, Murmansk; Japan-S Korea's Cherry blossoms; Midnight sun –Iceland, Russia) - a pivot towards bucket list experiences Uptick in Safaris, self-drives, outdoor adventures (32%) Gastronomy (26%) reflecting - evolving palates and desire to experiment - with France, Spain, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea Event tourism—global music concerts, sporting events and festivals are also on the rise, aligning with a focus on entertainment-driven travel experiences (22%). Australia, Abu Dhabi, Thailand Spa-Wellness (19%) Relaxation, rejuvenation seeing demand – especially in destinations like Thailand, Bali, Kerala Luxury Holidays on the Rise: Over 36% respondents are opting for premium experiences like transportation via super cars/bikes, luxury cruise holidays (Scandinavia, Mediterranean, USA), private island dining in Australia, upscale stays in boutique hotels, French chateaux/Swiss chalets, heritage properties in India, glacier landings in New Zealand. Destination Preferences: Internationally, Europe continues to top the list (50%) led by Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany; Eastern Europe's Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia emerging well. Short-hauls like Southeast Asia follows with favourites like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore (46%); also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah (37%); Japan & South Korea (35%) and Australia-New Zealand (26%); Island locales – Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Sri Lanka (22%); South Africa & Kenya (12%) Central Asia's Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan (32%) signal growing interest for unique short hauls with easy access and affordability Morocco, Iceland, Greenland (8%) emerging on the radar For travel in India and subcontinent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (55%) remain top favourites; North East (25%); Bhutan (32%); Rajasthan & Kerala (21%). Island/beach escapes like Andaman &; Lakshadweep (3%); are also gaining strong momentum; Goa (13%)
Business Mayor
18-05-2025
- Business Mayor
So long, vacation! Time for summer of staycations: Indians dive into shorter, curated experiences closer to home
Befitting his daughter's achievement, he zeroed in on Landour in Uttarakhand—often called the tiara of the Queen of Hills—a safe, scenic retreat that allowed the family to escape without venturing too far, lest the situation deteriorate. This Sunday, they return home after what many are now calling the trend defining summer vacations: a staycation. And he's not alone. As summer sets in, a growing number of Indian travellers are opting for short, hyper-local, and experiential getaways. 'The appeal lies in convenience, rising disposable incomes, geopolitical caution, and the desire for instant gratification, with cost savings on flights and logistics making frequent local escapes more achievable,' said Rajeev Kale, president, Thomas Cook (India). According to Kale, 'This summer marks a clear evolution in leisure travel—from traditional vacations to deeply experiential staycations. Curated experiences like heritage walks, rooftop glamping, culinary staycations, spa retreats, and work-from-hotel escapes are driving this shift, offering a seamless blend of leisure and productivity.' Micro-Destinations Major Attractions Micro-destinations such as Alibaug, Coorg, and Mashobra remain top picks for clients of Thomas Cook (India), alongside emerging favourites like Karjat and Panchgani. Staycation bookings surged early in March 2025, typically ranging from ₹6,000-15,000 per night. At SOTC Travel, the trend is similar. SD Nandakumar, president, SOTC Travel, noted, 'This summer, we're seeing Indians prioritise hyper-local experiences that offer rejuvenation and discovery, giving an uptick to the trend of Staycations.' 'Our data highlights strong traction across micro-destinations—Lonavala, Igatpuri, Kabini, and Lansdowne—with rising interest in boutique homestays, private villas, and experience-led itineraries like vineyard brunches or riverside yoga,' he said. In addition to families, solo travellers and corporate teams are jumping on the bandwagon, said experts. Rikant Pittie, chief executive of EaseMyTrip, said, 'About half of urban holidaymakers are now opting for quick breaks instead of extended vacations.' Sleep Tourism He observed, 'Interestingly, 'sleep tourism' is also catching on — nearly one in five travellers now cite rest as their main holiday goal, leading hospitality brands to offer amenities like herbal teas and wellness therapies.' Pittie pointed out that even a resort-heavy location like Manesar near Delhi NCR is drawing interest. 'A noticeable uptick of 20% in staycation bookings for summer 2025 began around March 2025, with peak demand expected in May-June.' Travel choices are being shaped more than ever by viral content and social media chatter. Manjari Singhal, chief growth and business officer, Cleartrip, said, 'What's interesting is how much social media and trending content are influencing these choices. They're shaped by what's viral, what's been shared, or what feels culturally relevant. People are actively seeking, sharing them, and turning them into plans.' During their annual summer sale, customers of Cleartrip showed high interest in staycationing in Manali, Solan, Mussoorie, Chail, Jim Corbett, Wayanad, and Goa, as well as within-city homestays. For those craving nature and adventure, staycations are the go-to gateway. Aviral Gupta, chief strategy officer, Zostel, Zo World, said, 'With our offbeat offerings ranging from homely stays to jungle walks and starry nights catering to all kinds of travellers, most staycations this year have been more nature-focused, attracting adventure lovers.' According to Gupta, 'Around 73% of our staycation bookings are made within 2–3 days of travel, reflecting a last-minute, impulse-driven pattern.' Packages are priced 15–20% lower than the daily rate by bundling stay and food. As school holidays kick in and border unease continues to simmer just below the surface, the staycation is stepping into the spotlight—not as a compromise, but as the modern traveller's first choice.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Time of India
So Long, Vacation! Time for Summer of Staycations
On May 13, when an IT professional in Noida learnt that his daughter had scored 96% in her Class 10 board exams, he set about planning a celebratory family getaway. With temperatures rising, a trip to the mountains seemed fitting—until he was reminded of the recent border tensions. Even though the situation was beginning to normalise, the uncertainty made him rethink. Befitting his daughter's achievement, he zeroed in on Landour in Uttarakhand—often called the tiara of the Queen of Hills—a safe, scenic retreat that allowed the family to escape without venturing too far, lest the situation deteriorate. This Sunday, they return home after what many are now calling the trend defining summer vacations: a staycation . And he's not alone. As summer sets in, a growing number of Indian travellers are opting for short, hyper-local, and experiential getaways. Live Events 'The appeal lies in convenience, rising disposable incomes, geopolitical caution, and the desire for instant gratification, with cost savings on flights and logistics making frequent local escapes more achievable,' said Rajeev Kale, president, Thomas Cook (India). According to Kale, 'This summer marks a clear evolution in leisure travel—from traditional vacations to deeply experiential staycations. Curated experiences like heritage walks, rooftop glamping, culinary staycations, spa retreats, and work-from-hotel escapes are driving this shift, offering a seamless blend of leisure and productivity.' Micro-destinations such as Alibaug, Coorg, and Mashobra remain top picks for clients of Thomas Cook (India), alongside emerging favourites like Karjat and Panchgani. Staycation bookings surged early in March 2025, typically ranging from ₹6,000-15,000 per night. At SOTC Travel, the trend is similar. SD Nandakumar, president, SOTC Travel, noted, 'This summer, we're seeing Indians prioritise hyper-local experiences that offer rejuvenation and discovery, giving an uptick to the trend of Staycations.' 'Our data highlights strong traction across micro-destinations—Lonavala, Igatpuri, Kabini, and Lansdowne—with rising interest in boutique homestays, private villas, and experience-led itineraries like vineyard brunches or riverside yoga,' he said. In addition to families, solo travellers and corporate teams are jumping on the bandwagon, said experts. Rikant Pittie, chief executive of EaseMyTrip, said, 'About half of urban holidaymakers are now opting for quick breaks instead of extended vacations.' He observed, 'Interestingly, 'sleep tourism' is also catching on — nearly one in five travellers now cite rest as their main holiday goal, leading hospitality brands to offer amenities like herbal teas and wellness therapies.' Pittie pointed out that even a resort-heavy location like Manesar near Delhi NCR is drawing interest. 'A noticeable uptick of 20% in staycation bookings for summer 2025 began around March 2025, with peak demand expected in May-June.' Travel choices are being shaped more than ever by viral content and social media chatter. Manjari Singhal, chief growth and business officer, Cleartrip, said, 'What's interesting is how much social media and trending content are influencing these choices. They're shaped by what's viral, what's been shared, or what feels culturally relevant. People are actively seeking, sharing them, and turning them into plans.'
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Time of India
So long, vacation! Time for summer of staycations: Indians dive into shorter, curated experiences closer to home
New Delhi|Bengaluru: On May 13, when an IT professional in Noida learnt that his daughter had scored 96% in her Class 10 board exams, he set about planning a celebratory family getaway. With temperatures rising, a trip to the mountains seemed fitting—until he was reminded of the recent border tensions. Even though the situation was beginning to normalise, the uncertainty made him rethink. Befitting his daughter's achievement, he zeroed in on Landour in Uttarakhand—often called the tiara of the Queen of Hills—a safe, scenic retreat that allowed the family to escape without venturing too far, lest the situation deteriorate. This Sunday, they return home after what many are now calling the trend defining summer vacations: a staycation . And he's not alone. As summer sets in, a growing number of Indian travellers are opting for short, hyper-local, and experiential getaways. 'The appeal lies in convenience, rising disposable incomes, geopolitical caution, and the desire for instant gratification, with cost savings on flights and logistics making frequent local escapes more achievable,' said Rajeev Kale, president, Thomas Cook (India). According to Kale, 'This summer marks a clear evolution in leisure travel—from traditional vacations to deeply experiential staycations. Curated experiences like heritage walks, rooftop glamping, culinary staycations , spa retreats, and work-from-hotel escapes are driving this shift, offering a seamless blend of leisure and productivity.' Micro-Destinations Major Attractions Micro-destinations such as Alibaug, Coorg, and Mashobra remain top picks for clients of Thomas Cook (India), alongside emerging favourites like Karjat and Panchgani. Staycation bookings surged early in March 2025, typically ranging from ₹6,000-15,000 per night. At SOTC Travel, the trend is similar. SD Nandakumar, president, SOTC Travel, noted, 'This summer, we're seeing Indians prioritise hyper-local experiences that offer rejuvenation and discovery, giving an uptick to the trend of Staycations.' 'Our data highlights strong traction across micro-destinations—Lonavala, Igatpuri, Kabini, and Lansdowne—with rising interest in boutique homestays, private villas, and experience-led itineraries like vineyard brunches or riverside yoga,' he said. In addition to families, solo travellers and corporate teams are jumping on the bandwagon, said experts. Rikant Pittie, chief executive of EaseMyTrip, said, 'About half of urban holidaymakers are now opting for quick breaks instead of extended vacations.' Sleep Tourism He observed, 'Interestingly, 'sleep tourism' is also catching on — nearly one in five travellers now cite rest as their main holiday goal, leading hospitality brands to offer amenities like herbal teas and wellness therapies.' Pittie pointed out that even a resort-heavy location like Manesar near Delhi NCR is drawing interest. 'A noticeable uptick of 20% in staycation bookings for summer 2025 began around March 2025, with peak demand expected in May-June.' Travel choices are being shaped more than ever by viral content and social media chatter. Manjari Singhal, chief growth and business officer, Cleartrip, said, 'What's interesting is how much social media and trending content are influencing these choices. They're shaped by what's viral, what's been shared, or what feels culturally relevant. People are actively seeking, sharing them, and turning them into plans.'
