Year-end getaways: Azerbaijan sees about 250% increase in interest; here's where Indians are headed this Christmas
Indians are gearing up for holiday travel, with December 21st being the most sought-after date. International destinations are hot favorites, with Azerbaijan and Malaysia seeing a surge in interest, while Canada and the Maldives experience a dip. ...
By ET Online | Updated:
The holiday season is shaping up to be a busy time for travelers, with December 21—the Saturday before Christmas—once again emerging as the most searched travel date for domestic and international trips.
According to MakeMyTrip's latest report, international travel remains a key choice among Indians, with the 20 most searched destinations contributing 83% of international holiday travel inquiries.
Azerbaijan and Malaysia have experienced significant growth in interest, recording 248% and 100% increases in searches, respectively. Japan, Vietnam, and Turkey also report steady double-digit growth. However, Canada and the Maldives have seen a drop in searches.
The most popular international destinations for year-end travel
UAE
Thailand
Singapore
Indonesia
Malaysia
USA
Vietnam
UK
Sri Lanka
Australia
While travel in pairs and family groups continues to dominate, solo international travel is seeing a surge, growing by 34% compared to last year.
Increasing preference for premium international travel
Travelers are displaying a growing interest in premium experiences, with 57% of hotel bookings now priced above ₹10,000, up from 51% in 2023. Holiday package bookings have also seen double-digit growth, with average spending increasing by 7% compared to last year.
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Business class bookings have grown by 50% year-on-year (YoY) across domestic and international flights, with an 80% increase in international travel. The most popular holiday packages for the year-end include Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, the Maldives, and Bali.
“The New Year and Christmas season provide the perfect opportunity for travelers to unwind, and they are eager to make the most of it for their domestic or international travel as the case may be," Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip.
"The trend toward premiumization is becoming increasingly pronounced, as travelers are willing to spend more for a memorable holiday. Bookings for travel in pairs and family continue to be dominant during the holiday season while the share of solo travelers is also on the rise, particularly among international travelers,” he added.
Budget travel: 10 cities in Europe you can visit if you're young and broke
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Traveling to Europe doesn’t have to drain your savings. Here’s a curated list of budget-friendly cities that offer rich cultural experiences, affordable stays, and accessible attractions.
Here’s how you can visit these destinations on a budget, including estimated costs and must-see sights.
Traveling to Europe doesn’t have to drain your savings. Here’s a curated list of budget-friendly cities that offer rich cultural experiences, affordable stays, and accessible attractions. Here’s how ..
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Budget travel: 10 cities in Europe you can visit if you're young and broke
Getting There: Flights from Delhi to Budapest start at Rs 30,000 (round trip). Another option is to fly to Vienna and take a train or bus (Rs 2,000– Rs 3,000). Daily Budget: Rs 3,000–Rs 4,000 for accommodation, food, and transport.
Top Attractions: - Buda Castle: Explore the history of Hungary (free entry to the grounds). - Széchenyi Thermal Baths: Tickets start at Rs 2,500. - Fisherman’s Bastion: Enjoy panoramic views of the city (Rs 500 for access to the upper deck).
Food: Try Hungarian goulash and chimney cake from street vendors for under Rs 500.
Savings Tip: The Budapest Card provides free public transport and discounts on major attractions.
Budget travel: 10 cities in Europe you can visit if you're young and brokeGetting There: Flights from Delhi to Budapest start at Rs 30,000 (round trip). Another option is to fly to Vienna and take a ..
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Getting There: Flights from India to Prague cost around Rs 35,000. Alternatively, take a budget train from Vienna or Berlin. Daily Budget: Rs 4,000–Rs 5,000.
Top Attractions: - Charles Bridge: A picturesque walk with street performers (free). - Prague Castle: Entry tickets start at Rs 900. - Old Town Square: Watch the Astronomical Clock performance every hour.
Food: Local dishes like Trdelník (pastry) and pork knuckle cost Rs 300–Rs 500 in street markets.
Savings Tip: Walking tours are free, with a small tip expected.
Getting There: Flights from India to Prague cost around Rs 35,000. Alternatively, take a budget train from Vienna or Berlin.Daily Budget: Rs 4,000–Rs 5,000.Top Attractions:- Charles Bridge: A picture..
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Getting There: Flights to Krakow cost about Rs 38,000 or take a train from Budapest (Rs 2,000–Rs 3,000).
Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.
Top Attractions: - Wawel Castle: Entry to selected areas is Rs 600. - Main Market Square: Free to visit, with vibrant local markets. - Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial: Guided tours cost around Rs 2,000.
Food: Pierogi (Polish dumplings) are a must-try, costing Rs 200–Rs 400 at local eateries.
Savings Tip: Public transport day passes are affordable at Rs 300.
Getting There: Flights to Krakow cost about Rs 38,000 or take a train from Budapest (Rs 2,000–Rs 3,000).Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.Top Attractions:- Wawel Castle: Entry to selected areas is Rs 6..
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Getting There: Flights from India start at Rs 40,000. Direct flights are rare, so look for layovers in Paris or Frankfurt. Daily Budget: Rs 4,500–Rs 5,500.
Top Attractions: - Belém Tower: Entry costs Rs 600. - Tram 28: A scenic ride through the city (Rs 400). - Alfama District: Wander the narrow streets and enjoy free Fado music performances.
Food: Natas (custard tarts) and seafood dishes like bacalhau start at Rs 300.
Savings Tip: Lisbon public transport passes cost Rs 700 and include trams, buses, and metro.
Getting There: Flights from India start at Rs 40,000. Direct flights are rare, so look for layovers in Paris or Frankfurt.Daily Budget: Rs 4,500–Rs 5,500.Top Attractions:- Belém Tower: Entry costs R..
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Getting There: Fly to Valencia via Barcelona (Rs 45,000). Trains from Barcelona cost Rs 2,500.
Daily Budget: Rs 4,500–Rs 5,500.
Top Attractions: - City of Arts and Sciences: Entry starts at Rs 1,200 for individual attractions. - Turia Gardens: A sprawling park created in a former riverbed (free entry). - Valencia Cathedral: Entry fee is Rs 600.
Food: Paella Valenciana and tapas cost Rs 300–Rs 600. Savings Tip: Rent a bike for around Rs 800 per day to explore the city.
Getting There: Fly to Valencia via Barcelona (Rs 45,000). Trains from Barcelona cost Rs 2,500.Daily Budget: Rs 4,500–Rs 5,500.Top Attractions:- City of Arts and Sciences: Entry starts at Rs 1,200 for..
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Getting There: Flights from India cost about Rs 35,000. Land travel from nearby cities like Istanbul is affordable.
Daily Budget: Rs 3,000–Rs 4,000.
Top Attractions: - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Free to enter and admire its architecture. - Boyana Church: Entry fee is Rs 600. - Vitosha Boulevard: Great for shopping and people-watching (free to visit).
Food: Banitsa (a savory pastry) and shopska salad cost Rs 200–Rs 400.
Savings Tip: Hostels in Sofia are budget-friendly, starting at Rs 1,000 per night.
Getting There: Flights from India cost about Rs 35,000. Land travel from nearby cities like Istanbul is affordable.Daily Budget: Rs 3,000–Rs 4,000.Top Attractions:- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Free t..
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Getting There: Reach Bratislava by bus or train from Vienna (Rs 500–Rs 1,000).
Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.
Top Attractions: - Bratislava Castle: Entry costs Rs 400. - Old Town: Wander through medieval streets and St. Michael’s Gate (free). - UFO Tower: Entry is Rs 800 for panoramic city views.
Food: Local specialties like halušky (potato dumplings) cost Rs 300–Rs 500.
Savings Tip: Bratislava is compact, so most attractions can be reached on foot.
Getting There: Reach Bratislava by bus or train from Vienna (Rs 500–Rs 1,000).Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.Top Attractions:- Bratislava Castle: Entry costs Rs 400.- Old Town: Wander through mediev..
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Getting There: Flights from India cost Rs 40,000. Alternatively, take a ferry from Helsinki (Rs 2,000).
Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.
Top Attractions: - Tallinn Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site (free to explore). - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Free entry. - Kadriorg Palace: Entry costs Rs 500.
Food: Try rye bread, sausages, and marzipan for Rs 300–Rs 500.
Savings Tip: Public transport is free for residents and affordable for tourists (Rs 200 per ride).
Getting There: Flights from India cost Rs 40,000. Alternatively, take a ferry from Helsinki (Rs 2,000).Daily Budget: Rs 3,500–Rs 4,500.Top Attractions:- Tallinn Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site..
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Getting There: Flights to Sarajevo cost about Rs 38,000. Buses from Croatia cost Rs 1,500–Rs 2,000.
Daily Budget: Rs 3,000–Rs 4,000.
Top Attractions: - Bašcaršija Bazaar: Free to visit, with affordable shopping. - Sarajevo Tunnel: Entry fee is Rs 500. - Latin Bridge: A historic site of World War I significance (free).
Food: Cevapi (grilled sausages) cost around Rs 200–Rs 400.
Savings Tip: Use shared taxis or buses for intra-city travel.
Getting There: Flights to Sarajevo cost about Rs 38,000. Buses from Croatia cost Rs 1,500–Rs 2,000.Daily Budget: Rs 3,000–Rs 4,000.Top Attractions:- Bašcaršija Bazaar: Free to visit, with affordable ..
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