Were you aware? This luggage color may jeopardize your trip arrangements.

Considering purchasing a new suitcase for your upcoming trip? Hold on! You may want to think twice about the hue you have chosen, or you may want to make an informed purchase. This is due to the fact that almost 40% of bags bought worldwide are black, which makes them infamously challenging to spot on baggage carousels, according to an Eminent poll.Jamie Frazer, a travel expert from the US summer camp Wild Packs, discusses why black luggage isn't the ideal choice in this aspect. He claims that while hard-sided black suitcases are the most prevalent worldwide, they are the most difficult to spot and are also the most likely to disappear. "You don't want your lost bag to be mistaken for the innumerable others. "So, what should you do? To make your luggage stand out, Frazer suggests picking luggage with vibrant or distinctive markings. On baggage carousels, colorful suitcases are much easier to see amidst the sea of dark. He suggests affixing identifying indicators, such bright luggage tags, stickers, or patterned straps, to those attached to their black suitcases so that they may be clearly identified.Frazer suggests the following steps to reduce the likelihood that your suitcase will be misplaced or lost: 1. Arrive early: Checking in your luggage well in advance allows airline employees enough time to properly tag and load it. 2. Use secure luggage tags: Put your name, phone number, and email address on a clear, long-lasting tag. For safety concerns, do not include your home address. 3. Customize your bag: To make your bag stand out from the others, consider adding vibrant ribbons or hand-made posters.  

Ideal travel suggestions for your short getaways in India and elsewhere for the 2025 long weekend calendar

There will be plenty of long weekends in 2025, making it the ideal time of year for everyone to travel. With our help, strategically plan your trips for every vacation.With just a few well-timed weekend getaways, you'll be ready for your 2025 mini-vacation! The 2025 long weekend schedule is broken out in this guide, along with the top travel destinations in India and overseas for each holiday. Make the most of your vacation time by using this roadmap to plan ahead, pack your bags, and purchase your tickets. Life is too short to miss these fantastic travel opportunities, after all! Additionally, Skyscanner now offers the cheapest flights to your preferred location. Let's examine all of the extended weekends in 2025 and how to maximize them!Discover 2025's lengthy weekends! Get comprehensive details about festivals, holidays, and the ideal times to take time off to prolong your weekend. Make the most of these chances to relax and visit fascinating places by planning your travels in advance.  

Aero India-related flight delays at Bengaluru airport from February 5–14

Aero India, Asia's biggest airshow, which will take place at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in northern Bengaluru, has forced the closure of the airspace.Bengaluru: From February 5 to February 14, 2025, airspace at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru will be closed for a few hours each day, affecting commercial activities.Aero India, Asia's biggest airshow, which will take place at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in northern Bengaluru, has forced the closure of the airspace.2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to noon. noon until three o'clock. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to noon. In order to plan appropriately, travelers are urged by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to inquire with their individual airlines about any updated or modified flight itineraries.  

Is Northeast India becoming a popular tourism destination at last?

The Northeast is becoming a more popular tourism destination, according to both experts and data.Nestled in the most remote region of the nation, Northeast India was kept a secret for many years. Being from here, I wasn't surprised when people asked me where I was from after I mentioned Assam. Indeed, cynical remarks such as "Assam is not a part of India" were regrettably not unusual.To the evolving times Rich traditions, a thriving culinary industry, and captivating vistas may all be found in the Northeast. However, in India's tourism story, the seven sisters and a brother—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—frequently took a backseat. However, things are evolving. For all the right reasons, tourists are finally realizing this area's attractiveness. According to a recent New York Times study, Assam is the fourth must-see place in the world. Assam is highlighted in the report as a location free of crowds that is becoming more well-known worldwide and experiencing easier access.Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, was named the most popular location for Indian tourists this year in another research called the 'Travel Trends research 2025', which was published by the travel website Skyscanner. This pattern implies that the Northeast is not only being explored by Indians but is also growing in popularity among tourists from other countries.Interest and demand for visiting the northeastern states have significantly increased since the outbreak. The region has actually not only returned to pre-pandemic travel levels, but has even exceeded them, according to data. In 2022, 118.45 lakh domestic tourists visited the northeastern states, up from 95 lakh in 2019, according to preliminary figures from the Government of India's Ministry of Tourism. It looks like this upward trend is continuing, and more rises are anticipated.  

#1 on the list of the world's top honeymoon destinations for 2025

St. Lucia is the ideal destination if you're looking for an opulent Caribbean honeymoon with just the perfect amount of adventure. Beautiful sandy beaches and verdant slopes are interspersed with boutique all-inclusive resorts, some of which have private plunge pools and outdoor spaces that are ideal for taking in the island's natural splendor. Visit the Soufrière region to discover natural landmarks like the Pitons, Sulphur Springs, and Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths if you need a respite from the beach. Hiking, mud baths, and lounging in geothermal pools are all activities that you and your significant other will enjoy. Continue Reading  

Air India Wi-Fi: 5 things you might not be able to do when flying

"There are no longer the few hours of quiet without obnoxious passengers talking or using speakers." "A hundred people will now be yelling on WhatsApp calls while in flight. Congratulations.Following Air India's announcement of in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity on domestic flights, these were some responses on the social media site X. With the introduction of free internet connection for passengers on a few aircraft, such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and some Airbus A321neo models, 2025 started off with excellent news for travelers. By making this change, Air India became the nation's first airline to provide Wi-Fi in-flight on domestic flights. Nowadays, connectivity is a crucial component of contemporary travel. The ease and comfort of real-time sharing appeals to certain people, while increased productivity and efficiency are more important to others, according to Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India.Passengers will be able to connect several devices at once when sailing above 10,000 feet thanks to the in-flight Wi-Fi, which will be available on Wi-Fi-enabled devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones running iOS or Android. In other words, you can use the flight to browse the internet, accept WhatsApp calls, remain in touch with loved ones, be active on social media, and even participate in live online masterclasses. By facilitating connectivity, it will also be quite beneficial for nervous travelers.  

More Indians than ever before are pursuing upscale travel. What is causing this change?

Indian tourists are increasingly taking luxury vacations. Indians' approach to vacation planning has clearly changed, according to recent statistics.Expensive getaways, business class, and luxury travel are growing in popularity among Indian tourists. Indians, who were once renowned for their ingenuity and pragmatic approach to travel, now place a greater emphasis on travel than ever before and do it in a luxurious and elegant manner."I'm willing to spend a little more money, but it must be pleasant for me to go. When asked why she likes to travel in luxury, Muskan Agarwal, a 25-year-old student from Delhi NCR, responds, "Brownie points if I can find luxury with that extra money."Indian tourists are increasingly taking luxury vacations. Indeed, new data shows a noticeable change in the way Indians are planning their vacations. India Today examined a number of year-end reports from different travel agents, and they all pointed to the same conclusion. Data from the internet travel company Skyscanner indicates that 37% of Indian tourists intend to upgrade to first or business class in 2024. In order to start their journeys in style, 44% of respondents also plan to buy admission to airport lounges. The same is seen by data from another online travel firm, MakeMyTrip. Indeed, it demonstrates a 50% year-over-year rise in business class reservations, with international routes seeing an astounding 80% increase, while domesticThe same is seen by data from another online travel firm, MakeMyTrip. Actually, it reveals a 50% year-over-year increase in business class reservations, with domestic flights seeing a 27% increase and foreign flights seeing a staggering 80% leap.  

The definitive guide to New York City: Where to go shopping, dining, drinking, and lodging in the Big Apple

"NYC is the city you want to get right," says Lucy Thackray, "whether it's a hotel in the neighborhood you want to explore the most, the dinner bill that's totally worth it, or the sightseeing shortlist."It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it's also a complicated network of horn-blaring vehicles and harried commuters that could irritate you. With its tip-demanding taxi drivers, amazing eateries, sour deli owners, expensive museums, hedonistic rooftops, and off-the-beaten-path landmarks, New York City has its own microculture. To get the most of it, you'll need to plan ahead a little bit. This includes deciding which neighborhoods you want to visit, which attractions you want to see, and making reservations at restaurants that tend to fill up months in advance. However, the rewards are explosive: even a brief vacation may be filled with world-class culture, late nights, the tastiest dinners ever, and unique New York experiences. Even if your wallet is a little lighter at the end of it all, your memories will remain clear.Around the world, this skyline is the subject of migratory fantasies, movie marketing, and student posters. It's worthwhile to observe from above. With a serene, gallery-like setting and an audio-visual lift to reach its dizzying heights, Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock is a decent exhibit. However, the Empire State Building, with its Art Deco details and (caged) outdoor viewing deck that has been featured in countless movies, will appeal to romantics who have a romantic bent for New York. The best way to wake up from jet lag is to see a 360-degree panorama as the wind is blowing your hair around. The observatory is open until 2am, so you can experience some magic beyond midnight. Tickets for adults are $44, children under 12 are $38, and children under six are admitted free. One of the largest and greatest museums in the world is the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, which houses artifacts as varied as Egyptian temples, medieval church gates, and couture gowns. Polished, enormous, and resonating with space, it offers a captivating journey across global history. Don't miss the Frank Lloyd Wright Room, a living room created by the modernist architect, the striking "Washington Crossing the Delaware" and other portraits of the Founding Fathers in the American Wing, or the spacious Greek and Roman sculpture court (Gallery 162). Children under 12 are free, adults $30.  

Drivers and fliers are expected to surpass the six-year mark, setting another record for Christmas travel.

It's starting to look like another record for U.S. holiday travel, so drivers and airline passengers without reindeer and sleighs had better get moving.Between Saturday and New Year's Day, over 119 million individuals are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes, surpassing the previous holiday-season high set in 2019, according to the auto club AAA. It appears that the two weekends after Christmas are among the busiest travel and airport periods.Between Saturday and New Year's Day, over 119 million individuals are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes, surpassing the previous holiday-season high set in 2019, according to the auto club AAA. It appears that the two weekends after Christmas are among the busiest travel and airport periods.During the 19-day period beginning Thursday and ending Monday, January 6, U.S. airlines are expected to carry 54 million passengers, according to the trade group Airlines for America, which also predicts record travel. Compared to previous year, the figure would indicate a 6% increase.It would probably be too close to the holidays for a government shutdown that might begin as early as Saturday to have an immediate impact on flights and airport operations, but that could alter if the closure lasted longer. The busiest days for airlines are Friday and Sunday, as well as December 26, 27, and 29. There should be little flight traffic on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Thanksgiving Day was by far the slowest day for air travel in the United States this year.Over the holidays and until January 2, 40 million passengers are anticipated to be screened by the Transportation Security Administration. According to AAA, 90% of Americans who are taking long-distance trips over the holidays will be driving. According to AAA representative Aixa Diaz, "the majority of people drive to their destinations, even though airline travel is just really high right now."The cost of gasoline is comparable to last year. According to AAA, the national average for gasoline prices on Thursday was $3.05, which is lower than the $3.08 average from a year ago. Although it varies by state, charging an electric vehicle costs somewhat less than 35 cents per kilowatt-hour on average. Travel times on the country's highways may be up to 30% longer than usual during the holidays, according to transportation data firm INRIX, with Sunday seeing the most traffic. The business claims that the major cities most likely to see delays include Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.  

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Today is a school holiday: As GRAP 4 begins, are schools in Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida open today? Learn more here

The Center's Delhi-NCR air quality panel enforced the most stringent Stage 4 limitations under the winter air pollution control panel on Monday as Delhi's air pollution deteriorated to the "severe" level. Students in grades VI–IX and XI in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar are required to attend hybrid (online and physical) classes under Stage 4 of the guidelines.According to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for winters, stage 4 limits also include requiring school classes—aside from those for X and XII—to switch to hybrid modes and prohibiting the entry of polluting trucks transporting non-essential items into Delhi. Are Delhi-NCR schools open today? Under GRAP 3 regulations, schools in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar are required to provide online instruction to pupils up to Class 5. Classes in these areas ranging from fifth to eleventh grade will operate in hybrid mode following the adoption of GRAP 4 principles. Regarding today's school holidays in the Delhi-NCR areas, there is no official information available. Therefore, parents need to check with the schools about online education.Based on practicality, school administrators will choose to combine online and offline instruction, so lessons won't entirely take place online or offline. Students and their guardians are free to select the online mode.  

China: To increase tourism, 10-day visa-free transit stays

China extends its visa-free travel policy. There is now a 10-day visa-free stay for visitors from 54 nations. This includes 60 ports and 24 provinces. Residents of Shenzhen are eligible to apply for Hong Kong multiple-entry visas. Additionally, China relaxes visa requirements for 38 other countries. The goal of these adjustments is to boost travel following COVID-19.China has announced a major expansion of its visa-free transit policy in an effort to increase tourism. According to recent developments, qualifying travelers will be able to increase their permitted stay from 72 to 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days, under the most recent transit program.Travelers from 54 nations, including the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, and Russia, can now pass through China without a visa on their way to a third country under the updated policy. As long as participants remain inside specified areas, the program is offered at 60 ports spread over 24 provinces. For instance, visitors to Shanghai are allowed to explore the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces as well as the larger Shanghai area. Tibet still needs extra licenses for international tourists, nevertheless. This change in policy is in line with China's larger plan to increase foreign travel after reopening its border in 2023 after three years of stringent COVID-19 controls. China has seen a sharp rise in foreign visitor visits, according to recent data. Over half of the 8.2 million foreign visitors recorded in the third quarter of 2024—a 48.8% year-over-year increase—were made possible by the visa-free transit program, which saw a 78.6% gain in its own right.According to reports, residents of Shenzhen can now apply for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong as of December 1. This removes previous restrictions that permitted only one weekly excursion. The updated rule restores a system that was initially implemented in 2009 and permitted an unlimited number of visits. According to accounts, the restrictions were brought about by protests against parallel trading, in which mainland consumers purchased goods in Hong Kong with the intention of reselling them for a profit. Restoring the policy is expected to increase travel and commerce between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, according to officials.Despite the fact that its visa-free policies have led to an increase in foreign arrivals, China remains selective in its broader exemptions. Citizens of 38 countries, including France, Malaysia, New Zealand, Japan, and Switzerland, are exempt from the visa requirement for a maximum of 30 days. It's interesting to note that the US is not on this list, even though American visa application requirements have been simplified since 2023. China is improving the traveler experience in other ways besides modifying visas. Simplifying travel processes, improving infrastructure, and resolving problems faced by foreign visitors are all part of the country's efforts to become a more accessible and appealing travel destination for individuals from all over the world.  

Tragic events occur during this couple's Fijian honeymoon. This is what transpired.

Bradley Dawson, a guy from Tennessee, was convicted of killing his wife, Christe Chen Dawson, when they were on their honeymoon in Fiji. After considering the facts and testimonies, the court came to the conclusion that he acted with intent. The couple's honeymoon takes a tragic turn. In July 2022, 40-year-old Bradley Dawson and 36-year-old Christe Chen were on their honeymoon at Fiji's upscale Turtle Island Resort. Christe was discovered in her bungalow on July 9th, lying in a pool of blood and suffering from several wounds, including a blunt force injury to her skull. Her family decided to cremate her ashes in Fiji and bring them back to Memphis since the injuries were too serious to be transported back to the United States.Bradley Dawson pleaded not guilty to accusations of murder, claiming his wife's death was an accident. Prosecutors, however, offered strong evidence that refuted his assertion. The High Court of Fiji's Justice Riyaz Hamza dismissed Dawson's version of events and said his defense was not credible. The prosecution's credible and trustworthy evidence proved Dawson's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the court decided.  

Uber introduces the first shikara transportation service in Asia on Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Uber and the Shikara Union have partnered to bring the famous boat excursions at Dal Lake online, almost a year after the company's Srinagar experiment began. This may seem like a novelty to outsiders, but it's a little, hopeful wave in a place where resiliency has long been the only constant.Under the subdued winter sun, the Dal Lake shimmers with a liquid mercury on a clear November morning. The shikara is as Kashmiri as kahwa or zafraan because of its spade-shaped paddles that cut through the chilly waters and the gentle rhythm of a gondolier wrapped with phirans, holding kangris and sharing folktales. The sleek black-and-white emblem of Uber, which city dwellers are all too familiar with, sits somewhat incongruously on the prow of the elaborate boats moored along the ghats, complete with floral cushions and hand-painted flourishes.The ancient trade of the gondolier is tied to the algorithm's efficiency, which is probably the most peculiar of alliances — a blend of traditional charm and modern convenience. The shikara currently transports tourists into the gloomy depths of an area torn between the past and the future, between tourist boom and political strife, much like Charon transports souls through the icy Styx.  

School Holiday: Three States Have Closed Their Schools Today Due to Bomb Threats and Severe Rain

Schools in a number of Indian states are closed today (Friday, December 13) and tomorrow (Saturday, December 14) for a variety of reasons, including weather-related closures and bomb threats.Schools have been closed in a number of Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, due to heavy rain warnings. In a similar vein, other schools in Delhi were shuttered for safety reasons due to bomb threats. In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the city, schools in Allahabad have been closed for the day.Schools in Tamil Nadu Closed For the next 24 hours, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are under a heavy rain warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). On Friday, schools are closed in 11 districts of Tamil Nadu as a precaution. Villupuram, Thanjavur, Chennai, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram, Tiruvarur, Ranipet, and Tiruvallur are the districts that are impacted. These districts' schools are probably going to stay closed on Saturday as well.Bomb Threats at Schools in Delhi On Friday, six schools in Delhi were closed for the day after receiving bomb threats. South Delhi Public School (Defence Colony), Delhi Police Public School (Safdarjung Enclave), Venkateshwar Public School (Rohini), Cambridge School (Shri Niwas Puri), DPS (East of Kailash), and Bhatnagar Public School (Paschim Vihar) are among the schools impacted. The closures were put in place to protect the personnel and youngsters. UP Schools Are Closed In the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh, all board schools have been shut down. On December 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the city to officially launch the track doubling project as part of the district's preparations for the 2025 Maha Kumbh. Modifications to the district's traffic structure led toDecember 2024: Holiday for Schools Due to the second Saturday of the month, some schools in a number of states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, will not be open on December 14. In addition, many schools are preparing to adjust their schedules as winter approaches and the cold wave gets worse. Prior to Monday, December 16, students should confirm the school schedule.  

Why traveling alone is crucial, even if you have children or a partner

happily married, has two children, and constantly on family vacations. Does your tale sound like this? Then continue reading. "It was so much fun when I was single, but things have changed now that I'm married and have kids," is undoubtedly something you've heard others say.Even with a spouse or kids, traveling alone might be advantageous because it can: Build trust: Traveling alone can foster a healthy emotional space and help partners appreciate each other's need for independence. Gain confidence: Traveling alone and making your own decisions might help you become more self-assured, aggressive, and decisive. Enhance problem-solving abilities: You can improve your problem-solving abilities by learning to handle unfamiliar situations and conquer obstacles on your own. Allow for flexibility: You don't have to take other people's preferences into account when you travel. Boost language proficiency: Getting immersed in a new culture can help you get better at speaking the language. Meet new people: You can get to know locals and experience their culture firsthand. Recharge: Resting guilt-free can aid in your recharge. If  

The first flight validation test is conducted at Noida Airport.

An important step toward its 2025 commercial launch, the arrival of an Airbus A320 at Noida International Airport boosted the local economy.An important milestone in the start of commercial operations at Noida International Airport, also called the Jewar airport, was reached Monday when an Airbus A320 aircraft from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) touched down at the airport in Greater Noida.The facility, which is located along the Yamuna Expressway, is expected to open in April 2025 and would be the second major airport in the National Capital Region (NCR) after Delhi's IGI airport. The airport will feature one runway and one terminal building in its initial phase, and it can handle 12 million passengers annually. The airport will be able to handle 70 million people annually after the fourth phase is finished.The airport is being constructed for the Uttar Pradesh government using a public-private partnership model by concessionaire Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Swiss company Zurich International Airport AG. The purpose of the IndiGo trip, which was classified as a validation flight, was to confirm the accuracy and operation of the airport's air traffic control systems, navigational aids, and approach protocols. An essential component of the airport licensing procedure, which is necessary to conduct commercial operations, is the validation flight. The airport will finish the paperwork required for aerodrome certification following the validation flight and send it to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Since we completed the validation flight at Noida International Airport today, it is a very significant day. Speaking at the event to greet the validation flight, civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu declared, "NIA is the most prestigious airport in the country because of the idea of catering Delhi NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh."  

2024 Honeymooning Trends: 60% of Couples Choose Indian Locations; Top Picks Are Goa, Manali, and Kerala

According to a poll on honeymoon trends, 59.8% of Indian couples choose domestic travel destinations, with Goa, Manali, Kerala, Shimla, and northeast India being the top picks.For their honeymoon, 40.2% of couples choose to travel abroad, with Europe, Turkey, Thailand, Bali, the Maldives, and Mauritius being the most popular choices. These findings come from a poll conducted by the wedding planning app WedMeGood, which collected information from more than 3,500 couples who intended to get married between April 2024 and March 2025 as well as feedback from 500 wedding suppliers suchThe poll examined the most recent changes in the wedding market through a thorough investigation, as wedding trends continue to evolve. It emphasized how Indian weddings, which distinctively combine tradition and contemporary, are vibrant and magnificent. Remarkably, 31% of respondents said they would spend more than Rs 5 lakh on their honeymoon, indicating that experiential travel is becoming more and more popular. Trends like staycations and minimoonsWith an estimated 4.8 million weddings between October and December in 2024, India's wedding season is predicted to smash new milestones and bring in Rs 6 lakh crore. The wedding industry's substantial economic impact and rising global relevance are highlighted by the fact that India ranks second in the world, behind the US, in the wedding market.  

In a new travel safety alert, the Foreign Office warns of the terror threat in Bangladesh.

A new warning against visiting parts of Bangladesh has been issued to British citizens due to 'likely' terrorist strikes. Earlier this week, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advisory for the area, warning that such occurrences would probably be "indiscriminate.""There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets," the government's website states. "Stay aware of your surroundings at all times."According to the Foreign Office, political demonstrations, crowded places, and places of worship are all possible targets for terrorist strikes. "Some groups have targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam," the statement added."There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities and targeting police and security forces," the guidance reads. Among these have been attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in large cities."You should always be mindful of your surroundings, especially when you're in or near police headquarters. Steer clear of crowds and places where there are police or security officers present. Observe the guidance provided by local authorities.The warning from the Foreign Office coincides with a surge in demonstrations throughout Bangladesh. At first, these protests were nonviolent, with college students speaking out against contentious quotas that reserved a third of civil service positions for family members of veterans of Bangladesh's 1971 War of Independence.