Where Indians are headed this winter

From November 12 to December 16, 48 lakh wedding ceremonies across the country are expected to generate a business of Rs 6 lakh crore. This report from the Confederation of All India Traders is not just good news for India’s 10 lakh crore wedding industry, but also for the country’s booming travel and tourism market since an even greater number of honeymooners are expected to book international holiday packages.The surge in online searches for travel destinations for December is evident in the data shared by online travel platform Skyscanner, which stated that the highest search volume was noticed in the week of November 25. Compared to the previous month, the top trending routes for December travel reported an increase of 7,087% from Hyderabad to Bangkok, 3,356% from Bengaluru to Dubai, 3,102% from Chennai to Singapore, 2,954% from New Delhi to Kuala Lumpur and 2,912% from Ahmedabad to Bangkok.

Travel to Southeast Asia and the Middle East is booming, with hotspots like Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur seeing a 120-130 per cent year-on-year rise in bookings for November and December, finds a report from travel platform ixigo.

According to SD Nandakumar, president and country head, holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel Limited, “This winter, Indian travellers are looking for holidays that offer a mix of adventure and culture. Whether it’s snowboarding in Lapland, visiting the Christmas markets in the Czech Republic, or experiencing the beaches and vibrant festivals of Goa, we are seeing a rise in interest for well-rounded experiences. Destinations like Switzerland, France and Morocco are attracting attention, offering the perfect setting for both festive exploration and winter sports.”

Whether it’s enjoying the snow in Switzerland, exploring the Christmas markets in Austria, or relaxing in wellness retreats in Japan and South Korea, there’s a growing interest for diverse experiences, says Rajeev Kale, president & country head — holidays, MICE, visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited. “Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Georgia and Oman are giving Indian travellers a fresh perspective, while visa-free destinations like Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka as well as e-visa options like Dubai, Bali and the Maldives remain in high demand. Thailand, Dubai, and Australia are also seeing a rise in popularity, offering a mix of sun and culture,” says Kale.

“From snow sports in the Alps to wellness experiences in places like Bad Zurzach spa town, we’re seeing honeymooners and solo travellers seeking the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation,” he says, adding that domestic locales like Chopta, Manali, Gulmarg, Auli, Mussoorie, Lachung and Sikkim are gaining traction, offering a range of experiences.

With ticket price ranging between Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000, Bali and Dubai are preferred by honeymooners, while most families are opting for Singapore, says Gagan of IV Holidays, Chandigarh. On the domestic front, he says, “Kerala, Puducherry, Rajasthan and Goa continue to be the top choices”.

Based on the winter and summer break in the country, the October to December quarter has been witnessing a search for short-haul destinations while the period between April and September is for mid and long-term vacation.

Here are the top five international destinations this winter:

Dubai

If terms like dune bashing, quadbiking, sandboarding, excite you, or you want to simply enjoy a camel ride in a traditional Bedouin desert camp, Dubai, known for architectural marvels like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame, is the place to be. In 2023, Dubai Mall, with more than 200 luxury brand stores, became the globe’s most visited place with more than 105 million visitors. Don’t forget to get for yourself a gold souvenir or jewellery from Dubai Gold Souk, one of Emirates’ oldest traditional markets with more than 380 retailers trading tax-free gold.

Singapore

Its streamlined visa process and hassle-free travel makes Singapore a much-favoured destination for Indians. “Singapore is my go-to place for its modern architecture, besides excellent shopping options on Orchard Road, and no dearth of Indian food. I love the architecture of Marina Bay Sands and the view of the city from its infinity swimming pool atop the building,” says Mohali-based architect Rashmi Sharma, who has visited the city more than once. Besides the iconic Gardens by the Bay, the other top attractions are Sentosa Island, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Zoo, Merlion Park, and, of course, Little India.

Bali

From amazing beaches like Kuta and Benoa to waterfalls of Sekumpul, from temples of Tanah Lot and Pura Luhur Uluwatu to Kuta Night Markets to Ubud Monkey Forest, this preferred tourist destination has something for everyone. The Unesco World Heritage site, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a series of cascading rice fields, is a must-visit at sunrise and sunset. Cycling through green fields and traditional villages like Kintamani and Ubud is an experience in itself. Take part in a ‘Melukat’ purification ritual, which is believed to cleanse your mind and body.

Vietnam

A mix of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture, Vietnam offers a captivating travel destination. The landscapes of Halong Bay’s limestone karsts, Sapa’s terraced rice fields, the Mekong Delta stun with their beauty while historic cities of Hanoi, Hoi An and Hue amaze with their traditional architecture. A popular activity is cave exploration in Phong Nha. The Cu Chi Tunnels and war museums offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Remember to be careful when clicking a picture of the train passing through the narrow Hanoi Old Quarter street!

Train passes through a narrow street in the Hanoi Old Quarter. ISTOCK

Thailand

The pristine beaches of Phuket, Krabi and Koh Saui, the stunning temples of Wat Arun and Grand Palace, lively bars and vibrant nightlife of Bangkok and Pattaya, besides budget-friendly options for food, shopping and accommodation make it a delight for Indian travellers. Explore the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which has a whopping 15,000 stalls spanning 26 sections and is the world's largest weekend market. This ‘Land of Smiles’ caters to all kinds of travellers, from luxury seekers to backpackers.