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Business Standard
03-07-2025
- Business Standard
Crowded Europe pushes Indian travellers to Eastern cities, visa-free spots
Planning a trip abroad? Europe may still be high on many bucket lists, but the continent is not as easygoing as it once was. Protests against mass tourism are spreading across cities in Spain, Italy and Portugal as locals grow frustrated with rising rents, housing shortages and the unchecked rise of short-term rentals. The backlash is part of a wider trend. From Venice's new entry fee to Amsterdam's ban on cruise ships, restrictions are mounting across Europe's most visited cities. For Indian travellers, this may be a good time to rethink the usual Euro trip. Overtourism takes the edge off classic destinations 'While these places remain popular for good reason, growing crowds can sometimes take away from the overall experience,' Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of travel firm Pickyourtrail told Business Standard. He recommended travellers consider lesser-known European destinations, especially in the east. 'We advise a more balanced approach to travel including exploring destinations beyond the usual hotspots and considering lesser-known European towns and regions customised as per traveller's preference. These alternatives often offer a more authentic and sustainable experience, while still capturing the charm and culture that travellers seek.' Ganapathy suggested eastern European cities like Prague in the Czech Republic, Budapest in Hungary, and Romania as spring and summer alternatives. 'By exploring lesser-known gems, travellers can discover a different side of Europe—one that goes beyond the usual tourist routes. It's also a way to spread travel focus more evenly across regions, making the experience more balanced and mindful, while supporting local cultures and communities along the way,' he said. Southeast Asia surges in popularity Data from accommodation platform Agoda shows Indian travellers are also turning to Southeast Asia, where visa rules have recently been relaxed. Countries such as Malaysia, Palau, the Philippines and Sri Lanka have all seen a sharp jump in interest from Indian tourists in early 2025 compared with the same period last year. Some of the key trends: Malaysia, which began allowing visa-free entry for Indians in December 2023, saw a 47 per cent rise in searches on Agoda — Langkawi surged by 118 per cent — Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands grew by 28 per cent and 27 per cent respectively Palau, which introduced visa-free access earlier this month, saw a 49 per cent jump in accommodation searches — Though relatively unknown to Indian travellers, it is quickly gaining attention Philippines, which lifted visa requirements in June, recorded a 26 per cent increase in overall interest — Manila saw a 43 per cent spike, followed by Palawan (30 per cent) and Cebu (25 per cent) Sri Lanka, which made visa-free entry available to Indians in October 2024, saw a 9 per cent increase in overall interest — Mirissa bookings rose by 31 per cent, while Nuwara Eliya saw a 16 per cent uptick 'Malaysia's decision to ease visa restrictions has clearly paid off in terms of renewed travel interest,' said Gaurav Malik, country director for India, Sri Lanka and Nepal at Agoda told Business Standard. As European cities take steps to curb tourist influx, these visa-friendly destinations are emerging as strong alternatives for Indian travellers looking for a smoother, more welcoming experience abroad.
India Today
16-06-2025
- India Today
Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, now Philippines: Is Southeast Asia India's new backyard?
There is a brand-new stamp for Indian travellers to chase! The Philippines has just announced a 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists. Yes, you read that right. This latest move is part of the country's plan to boost tourism.'The visa-free arrangement is aimed at boosting tourism arrivals from India, which rose 12 per cent in 2024 to nearly 80,000,' Reuters means there's yet another travel diary waiting to be written, just minus the paperwork hustle. In 2025, bucket lists are getting longer and travel budgets are expanding. Travellers are now more open to taking frequent trips, not just across India but globally. International travel is starting to feel as accessible, and sometimes as affordable, as a domestic let's be real, travel isn't just about the fun and the pretty views. The first step? Planning and booking (yawn): flights, hotels, itineraries, visa applications. Now imagine international trips, minus the visa stress. Bingo!Dil Chahta Hai less visa stress!We all know visa work is time-consuming, expensive and stressful. That's why countries that offer visa-free entry or visa on arrival (VOA) are becoming big wins for Indian travellers. According to the Thomas Cook India Holiday Report 2025, 44 per cent of Indian travellers are more likely to visit countries with a hassle-free visa process. Survey suggests that 44 per cent travellers look for hassle free travel (Photo: Pexels) advertisementPopular destinations offering VOA for Indian passport holders are: Maldives, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Jordan amongst countries are even more chill - no visa needed, but only for a limited number of days. Think Mauritius, Nepal, Hong Kong, Fiji, the Philippines (now proudly on that list), and and visa-free stays are often time-limited and purpose-specific. Requirements can change, and you don't want a surprise at the airport - so double-check!The rise of Southeast Asian travelLet's agree that Southeast Asia is clearly having a moment. There has been a substantial rise in the tourism sector. Experts believe this is just the has been a travel staple for Indians. However, in the first quarter of 2025, Malaysia stole the spotlight as the most visited country. As per Malaysia Tourism data presented in VN Express report, over 10.1 million foreign travellers visited Malaysia. Thailand came in second with 9.55 million tourist arrivals, followed by Vietnam with 6 million and Singapore with 4.31 what exactly is driving the buzz around this region?"Southeast Asia fits the bill perfectly. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and now the Philippines offer strong value for money, visa-friendly policies, and a wide variety of experiences. As air connectivity improves and more travellers seek short-haul destinations, this region is seeing consistent growth," Karan Agarwal, director, Cox and Kings tells India Today. Da Nang, Vietnam (Photo: Pexels) Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, also highlights the role of rising disposable incomes and how the Philippines is now emerging as a traveller's favourite."Bali, Thailand, and Vietnam - these destinations have consistently been favourites, but we are seeing a growing interest in places like the Philippines, which was not as prominent a few years ago. According to recent data, Bali continues to lead, with nearly 23.43 per cent of Indian travellers opting for it. Thailand and Vietnam are also experiencing a rise in both flight bookings and package bookings due to their combination of beaches, culture, and adventure offerings," he has been a rise in demand for places like Da Nang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Luang Prabang in Laos, and now, several regions within the Philippines, such as Cebu and El Nido. "We've seen a shift in booking patterns. Travellers are asking for more personalised itineraries in these regions, including offbeat locations, culture retreats, and culinary tours," he the proximity, culture, adventure, budget and luxury travel experiences make these Southeast Asian countries a one-stop shop for every kind of choose Philippines for your next vacationThe Philippines has suddenly found a place on the search engines, Instagram reels, and Pinterest travel mood boards. Soon after the announcement of visa relaxation, there has been a rapid increase in the search for the island country."In just a week, our searches from India rose by around 25 per cent, with the Philippines climbing from the eighth to the third most searched destination in Southeast Asia, just behind Thailand and Indonesia. What stands out is the pace and consistency of this interest. Our projections indicate that this momentum will continue, with travel demand expected to grow by another 15-25 per cent in the coming months," Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder, EaseMyTrip tells India the increase in search demands, Ganapathy also explains that the rise in interest is not just due to visa relaxation, but also due to the region's growing reputation for offering adventure and luxury experiences in tandem. With stunning islands, affordable luxury resorts, and water-based activities, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for both couples and there yetAmidst the last-minute booking rush (hello, summer vacations!), one aspect might still pose a hurdle: direct connectivity. Air India is set to commence direct flights between Delhi and Manila, but that only begins in October 2025."Currently, limited flight options can act as a deterrent. Introducing more direct routes from major Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities to key destinations in the Philippines will play a crucial role in unlocking the country's full tourism potential for Indian travellers," Agarwal calling!Are you already planning your island escapades itinerary? From waterfalls to postcard-perfect beaches, here are some of the popular tourist This is where you'll find that serene turquoise water and powdery white sand. Not emotions, but yes—sunsets worth framing, and hammock naps that feel like a This is like a tropical blockbuster- adventure and relaxation, all in one. One may explore the lagoons in El Nido and shipwreck dives in Coron. Or kayak through the limestone cliffs and soak in the sound of rippling water and birds. Chocolate Hills in Philippines (Pexels) advertisementBohol: A haven for nature lovers, this island is famous for its iconic Chocolate Hills (no, not edible). These hills are popular owing to the unique geological composition of limestone. It is also home to the tiniest primates, called tarsiers. This place offers a tropical experience where you can cruise down the rivers, enjoy heritage churches and bask in the sun, of course!Siargao: It is called the 'Surf Capital of the Philippines'. Reef breaks, marine life, and secluded beaches are crowd pullers. You can simply hire a scooter and explore the scenic roads of the Rice Terraces: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lush rice paddies that stretch as far as your eyes can take you. These terraces were made by manual labour thousands of years ago. Waterfalls in Philippines (Photo: Unsplash) Cebu: Are you a water baby? Cebu is where you can chase waterfalls at Kaswan. You can snorkel your way through reefs and have an experience swimming alongside the gentle giants - whale sharks!There are several other islands that offer skydiving, natural waterfalls, cliff jumping domestic travel getting more expensive every day, for Indians, travelling to these Southeast Asian countries seems like a viable and lucrative option, and there's no debating Reel
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Summer gateways: 10 European destinations Indians are loving right now to escape the heat
Indians are jetting off to cooler destinations in Europe to escape the heat and embark on a whole new adventure filled with picturesque views, rich cultural experiences, and slow moments of leisure. European destinations are a treasure trove of unique experiences, from strolling through cottagecore-like tulip fields in the Netherlands to enjoying the old-world, dark academia charm of Edinburgh, showcasing the range of experiences. From art and history to breathtaking nature, or simply the joy of cooler temperatures, Indian travellers are flocking to Europe for a refreshing escape. Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder of Pickyourtrail, an international holiday brand, shared how there's been an uptick in Indian travellers choosing Europe as their preferred summer escape. He said, 'According to recent data from Pickyourtrail, 13% of Indian travellers are heading to European destinations to enjoy milder temperatures and vibrant cultural experiences. This preference has led to increased prominence for destinations featuring unique seasonal attractions. The Netherlands is a prime example, where the spring season unveils its world-renowned tulip fields. These destinations not only offer respite from the Indian summer but also provide enriching cultural and natural experiences.' Hari Ganapathy shared a guide, listing out the top European destinations which have become favourites among Indian travellers this season: A post shared by SheBelongHere(SBH) (@shebelonghere) Things to do along with tulip viewing: A post shared by Mia Overington (@ A post shared by zurichinside (@zurichinside) A post shared by Tara | Travel ✈️🌍🧳 (@_tara_travels) A post shared by 🇮🇹 ROME , ITALY (@ A post shared by Bobby Hughes (@bobhphotos) A post shared by Ian G Black (@iangblack) A post shared by Visit Norway | Travel Norge (@visitnorwaytravelnorge) A post shared by Pratham Mahla (@prathammahlaa) A post shared by Martina (@martinka_grau) ALSO READ: Always overpacking your travel itinerary? Here's how to plan according to your family size
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Pre-travel check-ups to insurance and forex tips: An essential guide for senior travellers
With more financial freedom, better health, and a passion for exploring the world on their own terms, seniors are rewriting the travel rulebook. Far from being passive tourists, the silver generation is now looking for more personalised trips and are ready to experience rich cultures, gourmet cuisines, and unforgettable experiences like never before. Such is the demand for silver tourism that it is estimated to generate $520 billion by 2030, as per UNWTO. Also read | 3.3 lakh Indians visited Turkey in 2024 but now they are turning to Greece, Kazakhstan, Georgia amid boycott calls Travel has become more than sightseeing, it's about making memories with loved ones. Around 70 percent of senior travellers prefer family vacations, while 33 percent seniors are choosing couple getaways to relive the magic of their honeymoon or to embark on new adventures. Comfort is the buzzword and senior travellers are no longer hesitant to invest in experiences that offer comfort and ease. With an Average Ticket Size (ATS) of ₹3.6 lakhs — 45 percent higher than the typical ATS of ₹2.5 lakhs — seniors are opting for premium, all-inclusive travel packages. Hari Ganapathy, co-founder, Pickyourtrail, an international travel platform that has redefined holidays for the past 10 years, shares essential tips for silver travellers before they embark on a holiday. Before you pack, schedule a visit to your doctor to ensure you are fit for travel, especially if you are heading to high altitudes or extreme climates. Carry a list of medications, a basic first-aid kit, and digital copies of prescriptions on your phone or cloud storage. Use a labeled weekly pill organiser instead of loose pills, and pack an extra week's worth in a separate bag. For certain health conditions, ask your doctor for a travel letter to help with immigration or emergencies. Choose accommodations that offer comfort features like elevators, walk-in showers, and proximity to key attractions to reduce the need for extra travel. Space out your sightseeing — aim for one major activity per day with ample rest in between. Mobility matters, so request airport wheelchairs or assistance in advance to make walking through terminals or standing in queues easier. Not all travel insurance is created equal. Seniors should look for policies that specifically cover pre-existing conditions, emergency hospitalisation, trip cancellations, and even medical evacuation, if necessary. Many Indian insurers now offer senior-specific plans, with cashless hospital tie-ups abroad, so you're never left unprepared in case of a medical emergency. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, as many countries require this. Some destinations may offer quick visa-on-arrival options, but others might need more time and extra paperwork. To avoid any last-minute stress, start your visa process well in advance. Carry photocopies of important documents, including medical prescriptions, and leave a backup with a family member or trusted friend in case of emergencies. From rail passes in Japan to museum entries in Europe, many places offer senior concessions that go unnoticed. Carry your ID and don't hesitate to ask. Some cities even offer senior travel cards for local transport. Staying connected while travelling is crucial, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Activate an international roaming plan before you travel or pick up a local SIM card upon arrival. Keep things simple by pre-loading emergency numbers, hotel contacts, and translator apps with offline access on your phone. You can even wear a smartwatch to share your live location with your family for added peace of mind, especially if you're travelling solo. For ease, carry printed hotel cards for taxi drivers and save key details like embassy contacts offline for easy access. While most establishments accept cards, it's wise to carry a small amount of local currency for tips, small purchases, or places that don't take digital payments. Forex cards are a good alternative to cash, offering better rates and more security. Inform your bank about your travel dates to avoid card blocks and keep foreign currency organised in a small, easy-access pouch. Heavy bags can be a burden. Choose a lightweight, four-wheeled suitcase and use a pouch to neatly organise foreign currency, cards, and ID. Pack comfortable clothes, supportive shoes, and any special items you may need like compression socks or travel pillows. Don't forget your medication kit, a refillable water bottle, and compression socks for longer flights. The goal is to keep movement stress-free and avoid overexertion, especially at airports and during transfers. Where possible, book direct flights that leave during the day and avoid red-eye timings. Mid-morning or early afternoon departures are easier on the body and often less crowded. Travelling during the off-season also means fewer queues, quieter attractions, and a more relaxed overall experience. According to Ganapathy, the top 10 safe and easy international destinations for Indian senior travellers are: Singapore, Dubai, Maldives, Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai), Bali (Indonesia), Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An), Switzerland, Italy (Rome, Venice, Florence, Tuscany), Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), and New Zealand (Auckland, Queenstown).
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Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Indians drop Turkey, Azerbaijan plans: Travel cancellations up 250%
Indian tourists have been cancelling trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan in large numbers following recent statements from both countries backing Pakistan after India's military action across the Line of Control. Online travel platforms MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip said they had seen a steep fall in bookings and a wave of cancellations to the two destinations over the past week. 'Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past one week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60%, while cancellations have surged by 250% during the same period,' said a spokesperson for MakeMyTrip. The platform added that it had pulled down all offers and promotions for both countries. 'In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey,' the company said. EaseMyTrip, which had earlier reported declining interest in these destinations, echoed similar views. 'Travel is a powerful tool. Let's not use it to empower those who don't stand with us,' said Nishant Pittie, founder and chairman of EaseMyTrip. He urged Indian travellers to reconsider where they spend their money. 'Every rupee we spend abroad is a vote. Let's spend it where our values are respected,' he added. According to data shared by EaseMyTrip, 287,000 Indians visited Turkey last year, while 243,000 travelled to Azerbaijan. Tourism is an important part of both economies: Turkey: 12% of GDP, 10% of employment Azerbaijan: 7.6% of GDP, 10% of employment Pickyourtrail last week had responded to the backlash. 'In light of recent events, we've made the decision to pause all new bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. This is not a comment on the people, but a stance against policies that conflict with India's national interest,' said Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of the company. 'As an Indian travel company, our first duty is to the Indian traveller. Jai Hind,' he said. Go Homestays followed by ending its partnership with Turkish Airlines, while Cox & Kings suspended new packages to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkey. Why travellers are reacting The boycott follows statements issued on April 23, 2025, by the foreign ministries of Turkey and Azerbaijan after India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Azerbaijan's foreign ministry expressed concern over the escalation. 'We condemn military attacks against Pakistan that killed and injured civilians. We stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and express condolences to the families of the victims,' it said. In Islamabad, Turkey's ambassador met with Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar. According to a post on X by Pakistan's foreign ministry, Turkey described India's strike as an 'unprovoked violation of Pakistan's sovereignty'. Travel shifts to northeast India Meanwhile, the travel industry is seeing a shift in domestic preferences. Rajiv Mehra, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators and general secretary of the Federation Of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality, said that trips to states bordering Pakistan were being cancelled due to security concerns. 'Due to India-Pakistan tensions, people are cancelling their bookings to these places,' Mehra told Business Standard. 'However, the new trend that we have seen is that all these people who are cancelling their bookings to these regions are trying to book their trips to Darjeeling, Gangtok, Guwahati, and other parts in the northeast regions.'
