As winter sets in, it’s the perfect time for Indian travellers to take a quick break that mixes culture, adventure, and comfort, all within a few hours’ flight. Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have rounded up seven amazing short-haul destinations that promise sunshine, experiences, and memories to match every travel style.

Vietnam – Culture Meets Calm
Vietnam beautifully blends history with modern energy. From the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, there’s always something to explore. Winter brings pleasant weather, ideal for wandering through Hanoi’s old quarters or cruising the stunning limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay. Foodies will love the local flavours—bowls of steaming pho and crisp spring rolls—while beach lovers can unwind at Da Nang or Phu Quoc.

Singapore – Small City, Big Experiences
Singapore may be compact, but it’s packed with world-class experiences. Whether you’re admiring the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, shopping along Orchard Road, or sampling hawker food, there’s no shortage of fun. Take a Vespa ride through Chinatown for a quirky twist, or spend the day on Sentosa Island enjoying attractions like Universal Studios and the S.E.A. Aquarium. With its tropical weather and cosmopolitan buzz, Singapore is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

UAE – Glamour in the Desert
The UAE is where luxury meets adventure. Dubai’s sparkling skyline and thrilling desert safaris never fail to impress, while Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi showcase elegance and heritage. Winter’s cooler climate makes it ideal for dune bashing, outdoor dining, or simply soaking in desert sunsets—a short yet unforgettable getaway.

Bali, Indonesia – The Island That Heals
Bali continues to be a favourite among Indian travellers for good reason. Winter days here are warm and sunny—perfect for exploring Ubud’s rice terraces, lounging by Seminyak’s beaches, or treating yourself to a spa retreat. Rich in art, rituals, and scenic beauty, Bali offers both peace and adventure in one magical island escape.

Cambodia – Ancient Wonders Await
For those who love history, Cambodia offers a fascinating window into the past. The legendary Angkor Wat complex looks especially beautiful in the crisp winter weather. Between temple visits, you can stroll through Siem Reap’s cafés and night markets or take a boat ride through floating villages. The mix of heritage, warmth, and simplicity makes Cambodia a meaningful winter destination.

Thailand – A Classic Favourite
Thailand’s timeless charm lies in its diversity, buzzing Bangkok, scenic Krabi, and dreamy Phuket all offer something special. Winter brings the best weather for exploring temples, island-hopping, or indulging in the country’s unbeatable street food. Whether you want excitement or relaxation, Thailand’s infectious energy never disappoints.

Oman – The Arabian Surprise
Just a short flight away, Oman enchants travellers with its rugged landscapes and peaceful vibe. Think golden deserts, turquoise seas, and historic forts. In Muscat, traditional souks and seaside promenades capture the essence of Arabia. Winter is the perfect season to hike the mountains, explore sand dunes, or simply take in Oman’s natural beauty.

From beaches to deserts, each of these destinations offers something unique, proof that the best winter holidays don’t need long flights or long breaks. With Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, your next unforgettable winter escape is just around the corner.

Halloween has evolved from its origins in Scotland and Ireland into a global celebration, with festivals, haunted houses, and costume parties captivating travelers worldwide. Here are six top Halloween events to experience spine-tingling fun:

1. Salem, Massachusetts, USA – A Witch's Paradise

Famous for the 1692 witch trials, Salem hosts the Haunted Happenings festival, turning the town into a Halloween wonderland for a month. Visitors can explore haunted graveyards, join ghost tours and séances, watch reenactments of the witch trials, and attend costume parades and the annual Witches’ Ball. History buffs and thrill-seekers alike will find Salem the perfect spooky destination.

2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Halloween on the Streets

Ho Chi Minh City is fast becoming a lively Halloween hotspot. Streets, especially Bui Vien Street, come alive with locals and tourists in costumes, street parties, and pop-up events. The festival blends Western Halloween traditions with Vietnamese folklore, offering a unique mix of ghouls, ghosts, and creative local characters.

3. Tokyo, Japan – A Halloween Parade Like No Other

The Kawasaki Halloween Parade is Japan’s largest Halloween event. Thousands participate in elaborate costumes, from classic monsters to anime-inspired creations. Tokyo’s Halloween showcases artistic expression with costume contests, haunted houses, and citywide themed parties, creating a colorful spectacle that’s both spooky and quirky.

4. Disneyland Paris, France – A Magical Halloween

At Disneyland Paris, Halloween gets a magical twist. The park features themed decorations, spooky parades, and Disney characters in Halloween costumes. Attractions like Phantom Manor and meet-and-greets with villains such as Maleficent offer family-friendly fun, while seasonal treats and limited-edition merchandise enhance the festive experience.

5. Universal Studios Singapore – Halloween Horror Nights

For thrill-seekers, Halloween Horror Nights in Singapore offers heart-pounding scares. The park transforms into a horror playground with haunted houses, scare zones, and live horror performances. Highlights include the Zombie Apocalypse, an interactive experience where visitors must survive a fictional outbreak.

6. Seoul Lantern Festival, South Korea – A Spooky Twist on Tradition

During Halloween, Seoul’s Lantern Festival along Cheonggyecheon Stream takes on eerie Halloween forms. Lanterns light up the night with spooky designs, complemented by haunted houses, street performances, and costume parades. The festival uniquely blends traditional Korean lantern art with global Halloween vibes, creating a visually stunning celebration.

From Salem’s haunted history to Seoul’s lantern-lit streets, Halloween is celebrated in diverse and creative ways worldwide. Whether you prefer cultural twists, thrilling scares, or family-friendly fun, these festivals offer something for everyone ready to embrace the spirit of Halloween.

SpiceJet has announced a major expansion of its domestic network ahead of Chhath Puja and Diwali, strengthening connectivity to Bihar with new and additional flights to Patna and Darbhanga.

The airline has introduced new flights to Patna from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, along with increased frequencies from Delhi and Mumbai. In addition, Darbhanga has gained extra services from Delhi and Mumbai, further improving accessibility for travellers heading home during the festive season.

These routes build upon SpiceJet’s existing operations to Patna from Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati, and to Darbhanga from Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. The new flights commenced in a phased rollout from October 10, 2025, ensuring greater travel flexibility and convenience for passengers amid the festive rush.

Earlier this month, SpiceJet also introduced special daily non-stop Diwali flights to Ayodhya from Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, enabling devotees and tourists easier access to the Shri Ram Temple during the celebrations.

Commenting on the development, Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said, “The festive season holds immense significance for millions of our passengers, and we are delighted to make travel home for Chhath Puja and Diwali more convenient and accessible. With enhanced connectivity to Patna, Darbhanga, and Ayodhya, SpiceJet continues to play a key role in bringing people closer to their loved ones for celebrations that matter most.”

The expansion underscores SpiceJet’s commitment to meeting evolving travel demand, particularly during high-traffic festive periods, by offering affordable, direct, and seamless connectivity across India’s key regional hubs.