Holiday abroad, it's cheaper

BANGALORE: Taking a holiday abroad, or at least booking for travel abroad, in the next two months will cost as much as, or even cheaper than, going to the national capital.
It's a combination of factors that are at work ��� a relatively slow travel period combined with the advent of a host of international players ��� has unleashed a variety of cool deals aimed at attracting travellers and attempting to hog a portion of the market.
"By the first week of December, travel picks up and peaks by the year-end. The preceding two months are quite slow. So logically, airlines and the industry try to work out deals and tie-ups to perk up the slow season," said travel analyst Ritesh Sinha. Unbelievably low fares come with packages worked out with hotels and tourism boards.
Travelling abroad for business or pleasure is no longer a pinch on the pocket. "Be it in Europe or South East Asia, the Indian travel market is considered a rich one by many countries, whose tourism growth rate has slowed down or plateaued," Sinha said.
Flight bookings from Bangalore alone crossed Rs 1,000 crore the last calendar year, while it was more than Rs 500 crore for the first six months of this year, registering a healthy 20 per cent increase. But a note of caution.
"Travelling abroad is now much more common than even a few years ago. But it is worthwhile to keep a few things in mind. Many times, when the airlines offer packages, their tie-ups with the hotels will be based on a quota system of a few rooms per day.
So, even though the deal might look very attractive, prospective travellers should ascertain the availability and then confirm before travelling," said travel operator Girija Chandran.