International Day of Families: Discover Destinations That Bring You Closer

International Day of Families: Discover Destinations That Bring You Closer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 16, 2025

This International Day of Families, the focus shifts from group selfies at the dinner table to shared stories under foreign skies. From feeding giraffes in Kenya to dancing to Sega beats in Seychelles, here are a few handpicked destinations that make family time more memorable than ever.

Where Family Adventures Roam Wild

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If you’ve been planning that once-in-a-lifetime safari, Kenya is the ideal family starting point. Begin at The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi for those picture-perfect moments before heading to Laikipia. This underrated gem offers landscapes that inspired The Lion King, conservation-focused safaris, horse-back riding, junior ranger programs, and tailored wildlife encounters with zero age limits.

Where Family Horizons Expand

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Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE has quietly emerged as a haven for multigenerational holidays. With the Jebel Jais Mountains in the backdrop and 68 kilometres of beach, this one has it all. Visit the Bassata Desert Village to share meals by sunset, then thrill the teens with the world’s longest zipline or a race on the Jais Sledder. For downtime, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island offers beachfront villas and family perks including a kids-stay-free summer package, supervised floating waterpark, and beachside fun.

Where Family Journeys Meet Paradise

imageSeychelles is now even closer to Indian travellers with four weekly flights. Families can cruise to Moyenne Island via catamaran, explore vibrant coral reefs from a dry-seat submarine safari, and meet resident giant tortoises older than some grandparents. Snorkelling, hiking, and Sega dancing wrap the trip in laughter and unforgettable stories.

Where Family Stories Are Spiced

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Thailand is a top choice for all travel styles. Explore Bangkok via tuk-tuks, boats, and Skytrains, then escape to Chiang Mai’s peaceful temples. Families will love the “Jurassic Paradise” experience at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, featuring private island excursions, kayaking through Mirror Lake, and luxury blended with nature’s wonders.

Where Family Adventures Include Time Travel

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Israel invites families on a journey through time. Jerusalem’s sacred sites, hidden springs, and underground tunnels provide a gripping start. Continue to the Galilee for wine and cheese tastings, then head to Tel Aviv for street culture, art tours, and buzzing beach life. Whether it’s a rooftop dinner or jazz bar with the clan, every moment turns into a cherished memory.

Where Family Stories Are Steeped

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Sri Lanka’s diverse terrain caters to every generation. Kick off your journey at Teardrop Hotels’ Wallawwa near Colombo with kite making and cooking classes. Next, sip tea at Camellia Hills while the kids enjoy storytelling walks. Wrap up at Kumu Beach where hammocks, museums, and turtle conservatories promise both relaxation and discovery.

Where Family Stories Unfold

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For a quick escape, Qatar offers a mix of culture, adventure, and ease. Explore the interactive galleries of the National Museum of Qatar, learn stargazing at Katara Cultural Village, and shop and snack your way through Souq Waqif. With food, fun, and history around every corner, the weekend feels like a full-blown adventure.

Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or just a chance to reconnect, these destinations are all about creating timeless stories with the ones who matter most.


Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2025

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has added Kozhikode (Calicut) to its network as its 30th destination and 24th domestic city in just under three years of operations. Starting 1 October 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode, strengthening connectivity between India’s financial capital and Kerala’s Malabar coast.

The new addition builds on Akasa Air’s existing services to Kochi and further expands its footprint in Kerala. Kozhikode, known for its cultural heritage, coastal charm, and active trade, is a hub for both leisure and business travellers. The daily service is expected to boost tourism and trade opportunities between Kerala and metropolitan centres.

Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “We are delighted to add Kozhikode as the 30th destination on our network, marking a milestone in Akasa Air’s growth story, and expanding our connectivity in Kerala. The city’s unique cultural character and thriving economy, combined with Kerala’s renewed emphasis on tourism and infrastructure, make it an instrumental addition to our network. Our daily Mumbai–Kozhikode service will not only enhance connectivity between India’s commercial capital and the Malabar coast but also act as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.”

Within just 37 months of commencing operations, Akasa Air has grown to 30 destinations, making it the fastest-growing airline in Indian civil aviation history. Its strategy is centred on affordable and reliable connectivity while steadily expanding its reach.

The airline continues to enhance customer experience with modern aircraft offering extra legroom, USB charging ports, and Café Akasa’s festive and healthy menus. Akasa has also introduced industry-first innovations such as QuietFlights, SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights, and a pet travel policy, along with products like Akasa GetEarly and Akasa Holidays, reflecting its focus on passenger comfort and convenience.


Jammu & Kashmir Charts Bold Tourism Revival with ₹5,600-Crore Expansion Plan

Jammu & Kashmir Charts Bold Tourism Revival with ₹5,600-Crore Expansion Plan

By Hariharan U

Published on August 17, 2025

Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong comeback, with more than 4 lakh devotees visiting the holy Amarnath shrine this season, a clear sign of the region’s renewed appeal after challenging years.

Speaking at the FAITH Conclave 2025, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that J&K offers two distinct travel experiences: pilgrimage tourism in Jammu and leisure tourism in Kashmir. He stressed that both require sustained investment and innovation to ensure visitors not only arrive once but return for more.

“My success will not be measured by how many tourists come for the first time, but by how many choose to come back. For that, the quality of their experience is key,” Abdullah said.

To address crowding at popular spots and open fresh opportunities, the J&K Government, in partnership with the Government of India, has launched SPREAD, a ₹5,600-crore transformative project supported by multilateral funding, with hopeful participation from the World Bank. The initiative will develop nine purpose-built, sustainable tourism destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, backed by improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and modern amenities.

Adventure tourism is also on the agenda, with Gulmarg set for upgraded winter sports facilities in collaboration with private partners, aiming to meet global skiing and adventure standards. Trekking routes will reopen following comprehensive security reviews to ensure visitor safety.

The plan extends beyond leisure and adventure to untapped segments like pilgrimage and border tourism in Jammu—going beyond the famous Mata Vaishnodevi shrine to include vibrant experiences such as the Suchetgarh border tourism circuit.

Praising the region’s timeless charm, Abdullah remarked,“Kashmir was heaven on earth long before Kerala was God’s own country. The road ahead is now filled with light, and with the support of industry partners and associations like FAITH, we will continue to grow stronger.”

From the world’s tallest arched railway bridge to snow-covered ski slopes, rich spiritual heritage, and pristine landscapes, Jammu & Kashmir is positioning itself as a year-round destination. The government’s approach blends infrastructure development with sustainable practices, keeping hope, optimism, and faith at the heart of its tourism vision.


Bird Travels Partners with AEGEAN to Launch Direct Flights from New Delhi & Mumbai to Athens in 2026

Bird Travels Partners with AEGEAN to Launch Direct Flights from New Delhi & Mumbai to Athens in 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 13, 2025

Bird Travels has announced its exclusive collaboration with AEGEAN, Greece’s flag carrier, to operate direct flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Athens beginning in the first quarter of 2026. The flight schedule and ticket sales will be officially unveiled by the end of September.

AEGEAN will introduce two new Airbus A321neo XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, boasting a range of up to 10.5 hours. These aircraft feature enhanced comfort with only 138 seats, including 24 Business Class Suites equipped with fully lie-flat beds, aisle access, and modern amenities such as 4K inflight entertainment screens, satellite Wi-Fi, USB charging, and spacious overhead bins designed for long-haul comfort.

The airline plans to operate five weekly flights to New Delhi starting March 2026, followed by three weekly flights to Mumbai from May 2026. Bird Travels will act as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for AEGEAN in India, managing sales, marketing, customer service, and distribution.

Roland Jaggi, Chief Commercial Officer of AEGEAN, said, “We are delighted to partner with Bird Travels as we prepare to launch direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens. This marks a significant milestone in AEGEAN’s international expansion and reinforces our commitment to strengthening ties between Greece and India. The addition of the new Airbus A321neo XLR aircraft allows us to enhance our service offering for long-haul routes, providing Indian travellers with a premium gateway to Europe and beyond.”

Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, commented, “Our partnership with AEGEAN heralds exciting times for Indian travellers. AEGEAN’s reputation for quality service and connectivity perfectly complements our expertise in the Indian aviation market. Together, we look forward to offering seamless and elevated travel experiences from New Delhi and Mumbai to Athens and further into Europe.”

About Bird Travels and AEGEAN

Bird Travels, the flagship airline management company of India’s Bird Group, has over five decades of experience across airline representation, travel distribution, ground handling, and hospitality services. As AEGEAN’s exclusive GSA in India, Bird Travels will promote and manage the airline’s services across sales, marketing, and customer support.

Founded in 1999, AEGEAN is Greece’s largest and fastest-growing regional airline, serving 152 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa with a fleet of 83 modern Airbus aircraft. A member of the STAR ALLIANCE, AEGEAN has been named Europe’s Best Regional Airline by Skytrax 14 times in the past 16 years, underscoring its commitment to service excellence.

For more information, visit www.birdtravels.com.

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