Manpriya Singh
Backpacking or cruising; how you travel speaks volumes about where you come from and what you are seeking. Since each season those travelling are as diverse as the destinations they are bound for, we take stock of this very diversity and find out all that’s new in the world of travel and tourism.
Loan for travel?
That’s millennials for you. Or gen X or gen Y or the Xennials, whatever the term is, the truth is what may have sounded horrific at a traditional bank, may have takers in the era of dotcom and start-ups. “I’d say it’s the emergence of ‘leisure consciousness across India’s younger generation that’s led to increased travel even if that comprises financing it,” Gaurav Chopra, founder of one such new age lending platform, IndiaLends, throws figures our way. “A lot of such travel plans can also be attributed to long weekends and last-minute holiday planning and we have witnessed a 55 per cent growth in personal loans for travel purposes and 85 per cent of these loan seekers are millennials seeking loans in the range of up to Rs 2,50,000.” Nods Karan Anand, head, relationships, Cox & Kings, “This year, more number of travelers are seeking easy EMI options, especially for international holidays. Financing help is making the dream of overseas vacation come true for many middle-class Indian families.” “Easy EMI, kitchen tours, child-friendly spots are what are trending the most for the summer of 2019,” he summarizes what’s latest in the world of travel, before elaborating. “There is also a demand for 100% veg kitchen group tours from vegetarian travellers. The tours offer tasty vegetarian food varieties prepared by specially appointed chef.”
New apps, newer places
Ever since the apps broke out on the scene, DIY travel plans became easier and novel by the day. Right from renting cars for self-drive to even renting locals for company, it’s all available for download. And the destinations? They are slightly unheard of. “Well-heeled travellers are showing keen interest in exotic destinations like Cambodia, Greece, Turkey, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania,” adds Karan Anand. Europe stays right there among the list of most popular destinations.
Hello, concierge services?
Because luxury never did and never will go out of fashion. Getting popular with each passing year, your travel concierge will ensure there are no hiccups by taking care of essential and time-consuming tasks 24X7 while you are on the go. “From last-minute private jet services to front row seats at the next fashion week to wanting to try the new Michelin star restaurant, VIP access at events or getting an entry into the most uptown nightclub, we make them all happen,” says Hardik Jhanb, founder of the luxury travel concierge Utopiic. The exclusive ‘members only’ service is just another offshoot of six digit salaries and lesser time. For those who don’t necessarily want access into world of luxury, there are a few players in the field where your travel concierge comprises the local person. Who is ready to open his home, show his city and reveal its true character.
Go global & then remotely local
Sightseeing, where you are likely to go rub shoulders with other tourists and possibly a lot of other Indians too, takes a backseat. And with that we hope the selfies at London Eye, Statue of Liberty, Petronas Twin Towers etc, too. Even for those chasing social media glory through their travel pics, it’s the local food, a walk-in tour or an experience with the local community that fetches everyone’s nod of approval or the envious glances. It could be a walk-in tour or a local event. It’s about wanting to eat where the locals eat and experience what they do.
mapriya@tribunemail.com
from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2Jj1IuG
via Today’s News Headlines
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