Sri Lanka and Sharjah Are Top Destinations For Indian Families

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo became the first Indian airline to transport 100 million passengers in a year. Celebrating its 17th anniversary this year, IndiGo has become one of the world’s largest airlines by passenger traffic.

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If traveling lights you up and makes you happy, make space for more adventures in 2024—even if you have to go alone. Solo travel opens our eyes to the world around, allowing us to travel deeper with more introspection and self-awareness. When it’s up to you to get from point A to point B, you’ll not only be challenged outside of your comfort zone, but also, you’ll get to decide where to go and when. Whether you want to sleep in past noon, rise early to fill your day with loads of sights and attractions, or ease into a spa day with little else planned—go for it, you’re the boss.

Vietnam was the most-searched destination for Indians in 2023, according to the Google trends. There was a revival of global exploration after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The resurgence is evident in the latest report, unveiling the most Googled tourist destinations of the year. Here are some of the top searches:

Poland’s landlocked capital has a complex history that has seen the “Phoenix City” bounce back from conflict over multiple conflicts. Modern Warsaw is a mishmash of restored medieval structures and cutting-edge skyscrapers among which stands Varso Tower – the tallest building in the European Union.

With its expansive views, vast national parks and small towns that offer a glimpse into local life and culture, Kenya is the perfect place to take a road trip.

During this holiday season, media outlets aren’t the only ones that are publishing gift guides. Tourism boards and attractions are also curating lists of recommendations for products and services reflecting what their destinations have to offer visitors.

Global market research company Euromonitor International has released its annual rankings of city destinations based on tourism, sustainability and economic performance. Europe dominates the field. Paris was crowned the most attractive city destination in the world in the Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023, with seven European destinations landing in the top 10 and the continent owning 63 spots in the top 100 overall. Nadejda Popova, Senior Manager (Loyalty) at Euromonitor International, said: “Paris has retained the title of the world's leading city following exceptional performance across the Tourism Policy and Attractiveness, Tourism Infrastructure and Tourism Performance pillars.” Paris was followed by Dubai in second place, Madrid in third, Tokyo in fourth and Amsterdam in fifth. The top 10 was rounded out by Berlin (6), Rome (7), New York (8), Barcleona (9) and London (10).  

In a move aimed at boosting tourism and the economy, Indonesia is exploring the possibility of offering visa-free entry to Indians along with 19 other countries, including the U.S., China, Australia, South Korea, Germany, Britain, and France.

When the long nights and cold snaps descend, it’s natural to want to do as little as possible. Joggers, box sets and takeaways, rinse and repeat until March. And though hibernating at home with your other half is a solid strategy for surviving the more miserable months of the year, there’s nothing like a bit of spontaneity to keep the spark strong over winter.

By now, we’re all well-versed in the physical and mental benefits of being in nature. But that doesn’t mean we all want to become Bear Grylls in the quest for serenity. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to explore England’s natural beauty without having to forage for your own food or make a fire out of dry twigs and hope. Getting back to nature is perfect for the spontaneous (and impatient) traveller – there are no booking forms for park walks, no queues for beaches. And if you stay with Hilton, you can go where the wind takes you on your break, safe in the knowledge that you can refuel in a delicious restaurant, sleep in a cozy room and expect quality service no matter which Hilton hotel you choose. So, pack your hiking boots and thermals, and discover Britain at its wintery best, from seaside walks along the north-east coast to exploring historic market towns and walking trails in the heart of England …

Sri Lanka has finally announced its plans to roll out its global tourism marketing campaign urging tourists “You’ll Come Back For More,” marking the first such campaign since 2007.