Indian travellers are increasingly setting their sights on global getaways, and the latest campaign by travel-tech platform Alike is helping make those dreams a reality. Titled Free Visa Holidays, the campaign addresses one of the biggest hurdles in international travel – the cost and complexity of visa processing.

With destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bali leading the charge, the campaign has struck a chord with audiences across Tier 1 metros and even among working professionals and urban migrants from smaller towns planning their first international trips. The appeal lies in its simplicity — visa-free holidays and a no-hassle booking experience that makes international travel feel not just possible, but personal.

"We launched this campaign to remove the most common red tape Indian travellers face – the cost and complexity of the visa process," said Ashish Sidhra, Co-founder of Alike. "The response has reinforced that people are ready to explore the world; they just want the friction taken out of the way."

This sentiment reflects a broader shift in Indian outbound tourism. In 2005, Indian passport holders had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 25 countries. Today, that number has more than tripled to around 90 countries, thanks to simplified e-visas and visa-on-arrival options. Meanwhile, India’s outbound travel has skyrocketed — from under 7 million trips in 2005 to over 28 million in 2024, driven largely by first-time leisure travellers looking for short-haul, visa-easy vacations.

Alike’s campaign rides this wave, not just offering access, but encouraging action. By simplifying travel discovery, removing bureaucratic barriers, and enabling tech-first planning, it’s creating a more inclusive and intuitive travel experience.

"We aren't just handing out a freebie," Ashish added. "We're raising the bar for what travel should feel like — personal, smooth, far more convenient and accessible. This is about building confidence in international travel again, especially for those doing it for the very first time."

Beyond the visa waiver, Alike also offers optional itinerary support and tools for digital trip planning, giving travellers the flexibility to design journeys their own way.

About Alike

Alike is a global travel-tech platform reimagining how Indians travel abroad. Built for modern explorers who prioritise flexibility and personalisation, Alike combines instant bookings, free visa processing, curated experiences, and eSIM add-ons into one seamless platform. From search to stay, Alike is designed to make travel simpler, smoother, and more personal.

In a major boost for daily highway commuters, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is set to roll out the FASTag Annual Pass starting August 15, 2025. This new initiative is aimed at making travel more convenient and economical for frequent travelers on India's National Highways and Expressways.

What is the FASTag Annual Pass?

The FASTag Annual Pass is priced at Rs 3,000 and offers 200 toll-free trips or one year of validity—whichever comes first. This pass is available exclusively for private non-commercial vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans. Once the pass is activated, users will be able to travel seamlessly at designated National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) toll plazas without being charged per trip.

How to Activate It?

The pass can be activated only through the Rajmargyatra mobile app or the official NHAI website. Activation will be granted post vehicle eligibility verification through the VAHAN database. Once verified, users must pay Rs 3,000 for the base year 2025–26. After successful payment, the annual pass is linked to the registered FASTag and becomes active within 2 hours.

Key Rules & Validity

• The pass is valid for 12 months or 200 transactions, whichever is earlier.

• It is not valid at toll plazas on state highways, expressways operated by local bodies, or parking lots. At such places, the FASTag will behave like a regular tag, and normal user fees will apply.

• If used in a commercial vehicle, the pass will be deactivated immediately without any notice.

Understanding Trip Count

• Point-based plazas: Each pass through the plaza counts as one trip; round-trips count as two.

• Closed tolling system (with entry & exit): One entry-exit pair counts as a single trip.

Who is Eligible?

Only private, non-commercial vehicles—cars, jeeps, and vans—are eligible for this annual pass. The eligibility will be validated against the VAHAN vehicle registration database.

In short, this new move will be a big relief for daily highway commuters, offering cost savings, ease of travel, and fewer payment stops. So if you’re a frequent traveler, get your FASTag Annual Pass activated before hitting the road this Independence Day!

Vietjet Thailand is expanding its India–Thailand network with the introduction of two new direct flights from Kolkata and Ahmedabad to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport). This move strengthens the airline’s growing presence in India while offering travellers even more access to Thailand’s vibrant capital—at prices starting from just ₹1 (base fare).

The Kolkata–Bangkok route is set to take off on November 17, 2025, and marks Vietjet Thailand’s first-ever connection from Kolkata. Flights will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with VZ771 departing Kolkata at 00:20 and landing in Bangkok at 04:25. The return flight, VZ770, will leave Bangkok at 21:55 and reach Kolkata at 23:20.

Soon after, Vietjet will launch its Ahmedabad–Bangkok route on December 4, 2025. This will also operate four times a week on the same days. Flight VZ751 departs Ahmedabad at 23:55 and lands in Bangkok at 05:35 the next morning. The return leg, VZ750, departs Bangkok at 19:40 and arrives in Ahmedabad at 22:55.

To celebrate the launch, Vietjet is rolling out a special promotional fare—“Takeoff to Bangkok from ₹1” (excluding taxes and fees). The offer is open for booking from July 31 to August 5, 2025, for travel between:

• November 17, 2025 – March 28, 2026 (Kolkata route)
  
  

• December 4, 2025 – March 28, 2026 (Ahmedabad route)
  
  

Bookings can be made at www.vietjetair.com or via the Vietjet mobile app.

Bangkok continues to be a favourite destination for Indian travellers, known for its cultural landmarks, food scene, bustling markets, and nightlife. Whether you’re exploring the Grand Palace, shopping at Chatuchak Market, or enjoying coastal escapes in Pattaya, there’s something for everyone.

Passengers can also take advantage of Vietjet Thailand’s domestic network to connect to popular Thai cities like Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and more.

"The launch of these new services from Kolkata and Ahmedabad to Bangkok reaffirms our continued investment & development in the Indian market," said Woranate Laprabang, CEO of Vietjet Thailand. “We’re proud to offer greater convenience, exceptional value, and a safe, friendly flying experience as we expand our network across key destinations in the region”.

The airline has recently received accolades such as "Best Low-Cost Airline Brand – Thailand 2025" by Global Brand Awards and "Most Passenger-Friendly Cabin Crew – 2025" by International Finance Magazine, highlighting its commitment to service and affordability.

Seats are limited—so act fast if you want to be among the first to fly these new routes.