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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on November 17, 2024
Thomas Cook (India) Limited has opened a new franchise outlet in Dombivli, located in Thane district, to cater to the increasing demand for travel services across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With a focus on expanding its retail reach, the new Dombivli outlet is set to serve families, millennials, seniors, and business travelers in the area.
The Dombivli location offers an array of travel services, including international and domestic holidays, group tours, customized vacations, luxury cruises, and value-added services like travel insurance. By incorporating an AI-powered booking platform, Thomas Cook’s new outlet enables customers to design and book their vacations in real time, providing a seamless and convenient travel planning experience.
Demand for travel has surged among Maharashtra residents, who are now choosing to travel not just during peak seasons but throughout the year. Weekend mini-vacations and extended holidays are increasingly popular as people seek to make the most of public holidays and festive breaks. There is also a noticeable trend toward longer, more immersive trips, with short vacations extending to 5-8 days and longer journeys lasting 10-15 days.
Unique experiences continue to draw travelers from this region. Millennials and Gen Z travelers show a particular interest in experiential vacations, including adventures such as Northern Lights tours in Norway, hiking in Switzerland’s alpine landscapes, and immersing themselves in South Korea’s K-wave culture, which includes K-Pop and K-drama experiences. Marathi-special group tours, led by local Marathi-speaking guides and featuring regional cuisine, also remain popular among Maharashtra’s tourists.
Luxury travel is another area of growth, with a rising demand for high-end vacations and cruise tours. Some of the favored international destinations include Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, and Australia. Additionally, newer destinations like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Morocco are becoming popular among Indian travelers.
For those seeking convenience, destinations that offer easy visa options are highly preferred. Visa-free countries like Thailand and Malaysia, as well as eVisa destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Indonesia, remain in high demand.
Popular Travel Destinations
International: Switzerland, France, Austria, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Morocco, and Turkey.
Domestic: Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Andaman Islands, and the North-East.
Pilgrimage Sites: Char Dham, Ayodhya, Kashi, Rameswaram, Amritsar, and Prayagraj.
In response to the demand for both digital and physical interaction, Thomas Cook’s “phygital” strategy integrates online and offline experiences. This approach allows customers to enjoy a digital-first experience but also receive personalized service in-store from travel experts. This combination enhances convenience and flexibility, catering to a wide range of customer needs.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, commented on the new outlet: “Thane district is a vital source market for us, and we are seeing significant demand from Dombivli and Kalyan. Our new Dombivli outlet, strategically located, will help us serve the growing needs of customers in the region. We warmly welcome our Dombivli customers and look forward to crafting memorable holidays for them, both within India and internationally.”
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on May 7, 2025
In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: Destination weddings. Through the lens of Mr. Dilbir Sahni—affectionately known in the industry as Bob—this evolving trend comes to life. As the founder of IndoBangkok, a company at the forefront of luxury events and weddings in Thailand, Bob shares insights shaped by two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments for Indian families.
Once considered aspirational, destination weddings are now a conscious decision. The trend is catching on fast—up from 18% in 2022 to 26% in 2024. And leading this dreamy escape? Thailand.
Gone are the days of crowded banquet halls and logistical juggling. Today’s couples are opting for intimate beachfront vows, hilltop pheras, and royal-themed parties at luxury resorts. Thailand, with its postcard-perfect landscapes, warm hospitality, and ease of planning, offers a spectacular stage for love stories to unfold.
So what’s fueling this shift? It’s about simplifying the complex. Destination weddings allow couples to focus on what really matters: spending meaningful time with loved ones. With everyone gathered in one location, the chaos of multiple venues fades away, replaced by a relaxed, immersive vibe.
And it’s not just better for the couple—it’s a win for guests too. Think of it as a wedding with built-in vacation vibes. Guests enjoy quality time, beautiful settings, and great food—all while creating memories that go far beyond the ceremony.
The impact is showing in travel numbers. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists, many attending weddings. The message is clear: this is not just a trend—it’s a movement.
Thailand has become the ultimate canvas for Indian weddings. Whether it’s a sunset beach affair, a jungle-meets-ceremony celebration in Chiang Mai, or a royal-style event in a palace-like resort, Thailand offers variety without overwhelming complexity.
Short flights, simple visa processes, and English-speaking staff ease the journey. Add to that a robust network of Indian planners, chefs who know their dal makhani from their dal tadka, and venues that are nothing short of magical—and you’ve got a celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.
Best of all? The country offers five-star luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, making premium experiences accessible for a broader range of families.
Weddings are no longer just personal milestones. They’re catalysts for economic and cultural exchange. Each wedding brings life to a destination—boosting tourism, creating local jobs, and reviving small businesses. In many ways, these celebrations are a new kind of travel, one rooted in love, community, and shared joy.
Thailand isn’t just a backdrop—it’s becoming an integral part of Indian wedding stories. With its blend of beauty, accessibility, and cultural understanding, it’s no surprise that Thailand is emerging as India’s favourite wedding playground.
Because at the heart of every great wedding is a story worth travelling for.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Several airports across northern India were temporarily shut down this morning as India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, conducting targeted military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Srinagar airport was among the first to suspend operations, confirmed airport officials. Alongside Srinagar, other impacted airports included Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala, as mentioned in a post by SpiceJet on X.
Air India announced that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot would remain cancelled until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that its Bikaner operations were also affected by the disruptions.
Airlines took to social media to alert passengers about potential delays and cancellations, urging them to check their flight status and plan their travel accordingly.
Flight tracking platforms showed no commercial flights operating north of New Delhi, reflecting the scale of the airspace shutdown. This situation will affect domestic air traffic in the northern part of India.
Further updates are expected in the coming hours.
Published on May 3, 2025
Traveling solo this summer doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right destinations and budget stays, you can enjoy unforgettable experiences while keeping costs low. From high-altitude deserts to scenic lakes and beachside bliss, here are five affordable travel options across India for solo adventurers.
1. Spiti, Himachal Pradesh – The Budget Ladakh Alternative
For those dreaming of Ladakh but looking for a cost-effective option, Spiti Valley offers a stunning and budget-friendly alternative. The raw beauty of its high-altitude landscapes, peaceful monasteries, and dramatic cliffs make it ideal for solo explorers. Stay at Zostel Spiti, which offers budget dorms and cozy private rooms with scenic views, and a great chance to meet fellow travelers.
Budget Tip: Use public buses from Manali or Shimla instead of private cabs to reduce travel costs.
2. Kareri Lake, Himachal Pradesh – A Scenic Himalayan Escape
For nature lovers, Kareri Lake is an offbeat trekking destination surrounded by snowy peaks and pine forests. Enjoy a bonfire dinner under starry skies and camp beside the serene glacial lake. Zo Trips offers a 2-night package with accommodation at Zostel and Kareri campsite, meals, Volvo bus transport from Delhi to Dharamshala and back, local taxis, and permits—all thoughtfully arranged for solo explorers.
Pro Tip: Smaller group sizes and immersive local experiences make this trek truly special.
3. Varkala, Kerala – A Beach Escape Without the Crowd
Skip the crowds of Goa and head to Varkala—a calm coastal town with cliffs, clean beaches, and great seafood. Zostel Varkala offers a chill vibe with comfortable dorms and shared spaces, just minutes from the beach.
Budget Tip: Try Kerala-style “Thattukadas” for delicious street food that’s easy on the wallet.
4. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh – The Hidden Gem of Tirthan Valley
Jibhi is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking peace, nature, and old-world charm. Think riverside trails, wooden houses, and cascading waterfalls. Stay at Zostel Homes Laida, a traditional homestay with a Himachali-style home and private mudhouse. It’s a quiet, soulful experience ideal for solo stays.
Budget Tip: Explore nearby villages on foot, like Chehni Kothi, to avoid cab fares and enjoy authentic interactions.
5. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Unexplored and Unforgettable
Tawang offers unmatched solitude and cultural richness. With Zo Trips’ 6N/7D tour, solo travelers can explore the snow-capped eastern Himalayas, Buddhist monasteries, and high-altitude lakes. This experience includes travel through dramatic terrains, deep valleys, and dense forests in one of India’s most remote regions.
Pro Tip: Choose off-season dates for better deals and fewer crowds.
With smart choices—like hostels, shared tours, and public transport—solo travel in India can be both thrilling and affordable. These destinations promise a mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty without the high price tag.
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