Summary:
HYDERABAD: Valentine Day gave yet another opportunity for the denizens to travel and to make the best use of it most of them are heading to Goa, Jaipur, Kerala, Shimla, Gokarna, Andamans and Pondicherry for a short trip.Internationally, people are looking at travelling to Dubai, Bali, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Thailand . Internationally, people are looking at travelling to Dubai, Bali, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.”Travel firms said that this valentine day, it’s not just the beaches, as couples are also looking forward to exploring jungles, deserts, and hills.“More than wine and dine, active holidays are in vogue among young couples. Travel agencies said that they have seen a 20 to 25% surge in booking for these destinations.“Travel compatibility plays a key role in any relationship and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we have seen a drastic rise in our searches and booking,” said Manmeet Ahluwalia, Marketing Head, Expedia in India adding that young couples are taking an off on Thursday and Friday to make it a long weekend and travel.He added, “We have seen a 25% surge in domestic destinations like Kerala, Gokarna among others. Sailing at Getaway of India in Mumbai, exploring Pondicherry, Hampi or Coorg on bicycle, water sports in Andaman, wildlife Safari in Dudhwa, Sundarban, or Kabini, exploring offbeat Goa or Ladakh on a bike, camping in Runn of Kutch or 1-2 day closer home trekking excursions are some of the top trending Valentine’s Day goals,” said Karan Anand, Head, Relationships, Cox & Kings adding that though most of them keep it domestic, those looking for overseas options are travelling to Sri Lanka, Dubai and Bali.After analysing the booking behaviour and patterns of the Indian travellers, Booking.com released popular domestic and International destinations booked during Valentine’s day for romantic getaways.While domestic destinations like Udaipur, Ooty, Munnar, Kodaikanal, Varkala , Neemrana, Lonavala featured among the list of top domestic destination, when it comes to International travel, Paris, Venice, Prague, Dubai are chosen places.The analysis of Booking.com also shared insights on the type of accommodations booked by travellers, which go beyond traditional hotels to include resorts, guesthouses, bed and breakfast, homestays, villa, inn, lodge, apartment, and hostels..