Ahmedabad: Soaring airfares and rising holiday package costs are prompting many travellers to plan vacations before or after Diwali rather than during the festive week. Travel agents say advance bookings and off-peak travel dates are gaining preference this year, while some people are opting to stay home to avoid high costs and overcrowded destinations.“Usually, we travel somewhere for a short break during Diwali. This time, we have decided to stay put,” said Anand D, an Ahmedabad-based professional. “We want to avoid the crowds and relax within the city. There is little point driving through traffic to packed holiday destinations after spending heavily on hotels and airfares.”According to travel agents, demand for travel during Diwali week has fallen by nearly 30% compared to last year. Rising airfare and package prices are encouraging travellers to shift their plans to periods before and after the festival.Those who planned early have booked trips to destinations such as the North-East, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Goa. Kerala continues to attract tourists, though bookings are lower than in previous years because of the warmer weather, said Ankit Bajaj, a city-based travel operator.With flight fares remaining steep, many travellers are choosing road trips instead. However, accommodation costs at popular destinations have also surged. Bajaj said three-star hotels in Udaipur, Jaipur, Mount Abu, Goa, Jodhpur and Kumbhalgarh are charging up to three times their usual tariffs during the Nov 7-15 period. These destinations remain favourites among travellers looking for short-notice getaways.
Tigers Nest Monastery also know as Taktsang Palphug Monastery. Located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley, in Bhutan.
International destinations such as South-East Asia, Dubai, Sri Lanka and Bhutan continue to draw interest. Europe traditionally attracts fewer Gujarati travellers during Diwali, with most preferring summer holidays, although a limited number have booked trips there this festive season. Travel agents said there have been no significant cancellations linked to unrest and protests in countries such as France, Italy and Spain.
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Travel companies say holiday package rates have risen sharply, further straining travel budgets.“Per-person package costs are now approaching airfare prices, substantially increasing the overall cost of travel. As a result, demand during Diwali week has softened, with more travellers choosing to vacation before or after the festive rush,” said Jigar Dudakiya, a city-based travel operator.
