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Are you arranging your summer vacation These five credit cards come with travel benefits.
The arrival of summer brings with it the excitement of a much-needed vacation. Whether you're planning a quick trip to a nearby tourist area or a longer stay at your ideal location, the correct credit card can help you save costs and obtain new perks. Customers enjoy credit cards that offer travel perks like free hotel stays and lounge access. The top five credit cards to use this season for travel to India and beyond are listed below. The top credit cards were chosen by Mastercard after accounting for minimal currency markup fees, hotel memberships, free lounge access, and travel perks.Picture courtesy of Axis Bank Depending on your spending patterns, the Axis Miles & More World credit card gives an endless amount of miles, and the miles you accrue are perpetual. The acquired miles can be redeemed in a variety of ways, such as by purchasing tickets from partner airlines, upgrading an existing ticket to a higher class, taking advantage of hotel booking incentives, and shopping at partner physical locations or online. If you fulfill the spend requirements, you can also receive four complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter and free priority pass membership for your Miles & More Axis Bank World credit card. At partner eateries, credit cards will receive 40 percent off up to Rs 1,000. A 3.5 percent forex markup fee is applied by the card to all foreign currency transactions. An yearly charge applies.Image Source: HDFC Bank | The HDFC Infinia credit card comes with free priority pass membership and unrestricted access to airport lounges worldwide for both primary and add-on users. Cardholders receive discounts of up to 15% at more than 3,000 eateries and 20% at Marriott Hotels. Users receive medical insurance worth Rs 50 lakh and travel insurance worth Rs 3 crore. Additionally, cardholders can earn up to 10X points on travel and shopping purchases made through Smartbuy, and 2X points on eating purchases, Infinia online transactions, and Air Vistara reservations. These points can then be redeemed for airline miles with top airlines. When paying with foreign currency, the bank levies a two percent forex markup fee. TherePicture Credit: ICICI Bank With Priority Pass membership, the ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Card provides unrestricted access to both local and international airport lounges in addition to comprehensive travel insurance coverage. When using this credit card to make travel reservations, there are no cancellation fees. When paying with foreign currency, the bank levies a 2 percent forex markup fee. This credit card has an annual fee of Rs 12,499 + taxes. If you use the card for purchases totaling more than Rs. 10 lakh during the year, the charge will be reimbursed.Image Source: Axis Bank | The Axis Bank Magnus credit card provides concierge services and limitless free access to airport lounges worldwide. In addition to a 40% discount at nearly 4,000 restaurants nationwide, it provides a 15% discount at The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and Trident Hotels in India. When paying with foreign currency, the bank levies a 2 percent forex markup fee. This credit card has an annual fee of Rs 12,500 plus taxes. If your expenditures for the previous year were more than Rs 25 lakh, the annual charge is waived.Picture Credit: HSBC Bank Unlimited free access to domestic and foreign lounges as well as concierge services are provided by this credit card. Upon card activation, users will receive a Rs 12,000 Taj Experience gift card along with epicure membership across all Taj hotels. It allows reward points from more than 20 domestic and international airlines to be converted 1:1 into airmiles. For payments made in foreign currency, the bank levies a 0.99 percent forex markup fee. This credit card has an annual fee of Rs 20,000 plus taxes.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:36 AM
Travel boom in India: A record number of Indians will be traveling the world in 2024
The Mastercard research emphasizes how rising middle-class travel is driving the expansion of global tourism. A record number of Indians are traveling abroad at the same time as India is growing in popularity as a travel destination.An unparalleled increase in the number of Indian tourists experiencing international places has been observed in 2024, a year of great significance for the travel industry in India. Data from the most recent report on travel trends (2024) by the Mastercard Economics Institute, "Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries," indicates that India's expanding middle class, along with more routes available and a larger traveler base, has helped the country reach new heights in international tourism.A decade ago, it would have taken a full year to reach the astounding 97 million passengers that Indian airports welcomed in the first quarter of 2024. This increase is a result of India's strong economic growth and increased per capita disposable income, which are fueling the country's residents' strong desire to travel abroad.India's domestic travel industry has experienced a notable surge, with passenger volume up 21% from 2019 levels. Furthermore, there has been a notable surge in foreign travel from India, with a 4% rise in passenger traffic as of March 2024.In March 2024, Chennai accomplished a noteworthy milestone when total passenger traffic surpassed pre-pandemic levels. This was a critical turning point in the tourism industry's ongoing recovery. Over the previous year, Bengaluru has continuously kept its domestic passenger traffic numbers above that of 2019. This resilience is partially explained by the city's service industries seeing a renaissance and the progressive return of employees to their offices.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:36 AM
The government of Haryana announces paid holidays for voters who work in neighboring states.
The dates of the polls in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, UT Chandigarh, and NCT Delhi have been designated as paid holidays for employees of all Haryana government offices, boards, corporations, educational institutions, and various factories, shops, commercial, and private establishments located in Haryana, in accordance with Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.In addition, under Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, workers of various factories, shops, commercial, and private establishments located in Haryana who are registered voters in the aforementioned states and UTs will be entitled to a paid holiday to exercise their right to vote.The notification makes it clear that workers will only be eligible for paid time off on the day of the election in each of their parliamentary constituencies.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:35 AM
Thailands New Program Will Provide Up To $14,000 In Medical Coverage For Visitors
In an effort to entice travelers back after the pandemic, Thailand has launched a program to provide up to $14,000 in medical coverage in the event of an accident, the country's tourism minister announced on Thursday. Under the new plan, the government will pay up to 500,000 baht ($14,000) in expenses and up to one million baht in compensation in the event of a death. The kingdom's vital tourism industry was severely impacted by travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, and arrivals have not recovered as quickly as officials had hoped.According to AFP, the new Thailand Traveler Safety program launched on January 1 and will run through August 31. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol is the minister of tourism. "The campaign aims to assure foreign tourists that Thailand is safe and everyone will be under good care," she stated. For a long time, young travelers from all over the world who are looking for sun, sand, and excitement have been drawn to the kingdom. However, mishaps are not unusual, and in the past few months, there have been multiple accounts of young Europeans being left with large medical bills and insufficient insurance.The Thai government makes it clear that mishaps brought on by "negligence, intent, illegal acts" or reckless behavior are not covered by the program. Travelers can sign up for the program at tts.go.th, the website for Thailand Traveller Safety. In 2023, there were about 28 million tourists to Thailand, up from 11 million in the previous year but still far less than the 40 million that arrived in 2019, the final year before the pandemic.
Published 15 Feb 2024 04:11 PM
Travel & Holidays
Travel & Holidays is one of the most joyful sector and everyone love to go for holidays and vacations and want to relax.
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.
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.
Indian couples choose Vietnam Mauritius, and Bali as their honeymoon locations in 2025
November through March is considered to be an excellent time for marriages in India. It is anticipated that this will result in newlywed couples taking honeymoons to far-flung overseas locations, which will benefit the tourism industry. There will be 4.8 million marriages in 2024, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which would lead to a surge in honeymoon travel plans to both local and foreign locations.With a special campaign aimed at newlyweds, Visa services platform Atlys is taking advantage of this chance. Mohak Nahta, the CEO of Atlys, recently asked couples who want to tie the knot within the next six months to submit their wedding cards for a chance to win two complimentary visas. Four million couples will begin their honeymoon with a four-letter word this wedding season, and it's not love. In reality, it's V-I-S-A," an Atlys commercial stated. In response, more than 200 couples have invited each other to Nahta's private chat."In the past three months, Atlys has seen a 40% rise in visa applications, reflecting the growing trend of destination honeymoons," Nahta stated to Business Standard.Preferences for winter travel Indian tourists continue to favor classic winter vacation spots even outside of honeymoons. Popular destinations for quick winter vacations include the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Egypt. The festive allure of European cities like Vienna, Zurich, and London also continues to attract millennial tourists. Atlys reports a 27.2% rise in visa applications to these cities.
Uber introduces a boat hailing service on the picturesque Dal Lake in Kashmir
Srinagar: The charming Dal Lake in J&K is now home to Asia's first water transport service, "Uber Shikara." With shikara reservations on its app, Uber launched the first water transportation service in Asia. 'Uber Shikara', Uber's first water transport service, has been launched, making travel to Dal Lake hassle-free for tourists. By combining technology and tradition, this creative project enables travelers to reserve shikara rides in advance via the well-known ride-hailing app.Seven local Shikara owners have collaborated with Uber, and the company expects to grow its fleet in response to user demand. Government-regulated prices will apply to rides, guaranteeing tourists fair pricing. Nehru Park, an island park in the center of Dal Lake, is where the seven shikaras are stationed. Crucially, Uber will not impose any fees on its shikara partners, guaranteeing that the entire fare is paid to the boat operators directly."Anyone who visits Srinagar must take a shikara ride, which is a classic activity on every traveler's bucket list," stated Ruchika Tomar, Director of Communications at Uber. Our service offers travelers a seamless experience by fusing Kashmir's ancient beauty with the enchantment of technology. Up to four people can travel in each Uber Shikara, which is available for one-hour reservations every day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. It is possible to book rides 12 hours to 15 days in advance.
Uber introduces the first shikara transportation service in Asia on Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Uber has launched a novel water transportation service in India, launching its entry into shikara rides on the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. This effort, which was formally introduced on Monday, December 2, is a first for both India and the Asian continent as a whole. The Uber app now allows users to easily schedule a traditional shikara trip, combining the ease of technology with the allure of Kashmir's most renowned cultural event.The service currently begins simply with seven shikaras, but it will expand in response to visitor demand. A maximum of four people can ride in each shikara. Every day between 10 am and 5 pm, the one-hour ride is offered. Uber Shikara rides can be reserved up to 15 days in advance and 12 hours in advance by visitors. Travelers arranging their itinerary for Kashmir will now have a flexible option.The finest aspect? The typical haggling experience is eliminated and fair prices are guaranteed for both operators and tourists as all rides are priced at government-determined rates.The fact that Uber has chosen not to accept a commission from shikara operators, in contrast to its other services, is another fantastic aspect of this project. In other words, the shikara operators will receive 100% of the booking fee. The goal of this action is to significantly improve the standard of living for local boat owners.According to sources, the Shikara Owners Association, which speaks for the more than 4,000 operators on Dal Lake, is happy about this new development and believes it would help tourists avoid haggling and provide a consistent revenue for the operators. Following the launch of its well-established taxi services in Srinagar, Uber has now entered the water transportation market. This service is more than just a ride for tourists traveling to Srinagar for vacation. It's a chance to fully appreciate Dal Lake's ageless beauty, which is now easily accessible via a straightforward app.
To hear the melodies of the stone pillars at the Vijaya Vitthala temple in Hampi scan the QR code
In the Vijaya Vitthala Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, you can now allegedly scan QR codes to hear 25-second music clips on ten pillars.Hampi from Karnataka is frozen in time. Once a magnificent Indian city, Hampi is a popular destination for tourists. This will encourage you to arrange your next vacation to the UNESCO World Heritage site if you are fascinated by ancient temples and have been itching to visit the remains of the magnificent city of Vijayanagar. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) "introduced QR codes on 10 pillars" at the Vijaya Vitthala Temple in Hampi, according to a story by The Times of India. This allows visitors to scan the codes and hear 25-second musical snippets.The ASI, Hampi Circle's superintending archaeologist, Nihil Das, told TOI: "We have placed two QR codes on every pillar. To accommodate more individuals at the base of all 56 pillars, the quantity of QR codes will be expanded in the coming days. Avoiding a potential rush in front of the monument is another goal of the move. Additionally, we are considering adding a video recording version in the future.
Which well-known Delhi eateries, in Reddit's opinion, are truly worth the hype
Which well-known Delhi eateries, in Reddit's opinion, are truly worth the hypeOne person was looking for eateries in Delhi that were "the opposite of overhyped, overpriced." This is Reddit's response.Delhi offers everything from the best desi food and "finger-licking chaats" to "old-world hospitality and charm and killer north Indian" cuisine. The right place was found by a Delhiite who was looking for the most memorable dining experiences the capital has to offer."I thought I'd ask the exact opposite question because I've seen a lot of posts on this sub about overhyped, overpriced restaurants," they wrote. Which eateries in Delhi met or surpassed your expectations, Delhi residents? These can range from fine dining to street food. It would be ideal if you also highlighted your favorite dish from their menu. They offered their opinions on which Delhi restaurants live up to the hype before asking for recommendations, writing, "For me, it would be The Grammar Room near Qutub." Although I think all of their desserts are amazing, the chocolate cheesecake, peanut butter and jelly French toast, and pancakes with pastry cream, almonds, and sour cherries were my favorites. Additionally, if you're craving something savory, the Turkish eggs are fantastic.
