The year 2013 is on its way out but are we really planning a blast to ring in the New Year? The good news is – Indians are still undeterred by the falling
rupee and looking forward to outbound travel in the coming holidays, just like they did this summer. But the way they travel is definitely changing, according to a senior executive of a Delhi-based
OTA. Overseas travel no longer means the ritual rush through
Bangkok or
Singapore – the global destinations closest to home and perhaps the least expensive. Of course, these places are not yet marked off the list, but the experienced and the well-heeled seem to have caught the travel bug of a different kind.
Offbeat destinations are getting increasingly popular among Indians, says Saurabh Srivastava, vice-president (marketing & product strategy) at ixigo.com, a travel planning site and search engine that aggregates and curates travel information to help consumers.
“Of the 2.5 million visitors coming to our site month on month, we see some very clear and emerging trends. While the
regular overseas travellers are increasingly looking at offbeat destinations to try out something different, first-timers or those who haven’t ventured outside the country too much, are still looking at
popular destinations like Bangkok, Singapore,
Malaysia and
Australia – the main attractions being
beaches,
water sports and
shopping,” he observes.
We have talked to a number of
travel agencies and rounded up 12 out-of-the-ordinary (but up and coming) places that people are closely following (and booking) these holidays. Here is a quick look at each of them with a glimpse of the local flavour and the basic cost per person on a twin-sharing basis. However, costs are only indicative and are bound to change, depending on your
tour schedule, quality of
package, customisation and service provider. Also, prices may fluctuate as dates get closer.
Try planning a holiday if you love these destinations too. Just remember, sometimes, the best travel happens farthest from
home and away from your everyday ambience. Catch the sun on a
foreign soil this New Year and bon voyage!
