The year 2014 saw a spate of extended weekends as several
festivals and public holidays fell around them. Rakesh kumar looks at
how people are taking advantage of these short breaks
No longer do people wait for summer of winter vacations to take that outstation holiday with family. There is a now new trend towards short breaks, where one goes out on week-ends. This current year ~ 2014 ~ has been a boon for these “short-break” seekers as several festivals and public/national holidays have fallen before or after a week-end, resulting in a long weekend or a short vacation. This year has eight such long weekends, bringing to a total 53 days, when one can travel out. Though over half the year has lapsed, there is still a chance to take that long break for those who haven’t gone out so far.
The frequent long weekends have given rise to a new trend and there is a rush among people going on a short holiday instead of long ones.
"Since the last few years there is an increasing trend for short holidays during such long weekends," said a Delhi based tour operator. "We are already witnessing increased bookings for destinations close to Delhi-NCR. Among the most favoured places is Jaipur, followed by Manali, Shimla, Nainital, Amritsar, Agra and Corbett."
The last long weekend that stretched from 15 August (Independence Day) and went on till 19 August, came as a boom for many travel operator all over the country. During this weekend, many such operators said they had got several enquiries for nearby destinations for their “staycations”. "Before this Independence Day weekend, I got numerous calls from people enquiring about travel packages for this weekend," said another travel operator.
The next long weekend is from 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti), which is followed by 3 October (Dussehra), Saturday and Sunday, and ends on 6 October (Bakr-Id). A fine time to pack one’s bags, say tour operators. The same opportunity is available during Diwali and New Year. "A long weekend is the perfect time to get out and breathe fresh air, especially after being relatively sequestered inside all week," said Sharif Ahmed, who has planned a surprise trip for his family during the next weekend.
Over the years, long traditional holidays have become passé. Fast lifestyles, work commitments and hectic schedules are making travellers opt for quick breaks, which are more convenient. Moreover, it has the health as well as finance importance too. These mini vacations not only require shorter breaks from routine work but are also lighter on the pocket. Taking a mini vacation actually proves to be more beneficial as one feels refreshed and rejuvenated before getting back to the grind. This spurt of weekend bookings has also largely been influenced by flash sales being offered by low cost airlines and hotels, which tempt travellers to book their holidays in advance at discounted rates.
If one takes a look at Yatra.com, a travel website, one can see a three-fold increase in the number of travellers opting for long weekend holiday packages. Weekend destinations such as Goa, Coorg, Lonavla, Mcleodganj, Rishikesh and Jaipur have seen a tremendous increase in bookings for the upcoming long weekends, showing that the Indian traveller is now keen on taking frequent short breaks in addition to the longer summer and winter vacations.
"Another good part of taking a short trip to a destination that is only an hour or two away is that this is a great way to visit a new place, but doesn't require too much travel or planning," said Mahender Yadav, a businessman from Delhi.
No longer do people wait for summer of winter vacations to take that outstation holiday with family. There is a now new trend towards short breaks, where one goes out on week-ends. This current year ~ 2014 ~ has been a boon for these “short-break” seekers as several festivals and public/national holidays have fallen before or after a week-end, resulting in a long weekend or a short vacation. This year has eight such long weekends, bringing to a total 53 days, when one can travel out. Though over half the year has lapsed, there is still a chance to take that long break for those who haven’t gone out so far.
The frequent long weekends have given rise to a new trend and there is a rush among people going on a short holiday instead of long ones.
"Since the last few years there is an increasing trend for short holidays during such long weekends," said a Delhi based tour operator. "We are already witnessing increased bookings for destinations close to Delhi-NCR. Among the most favoured places is Jaipur, followed by Manali, Shimla, Nainital, Amritsar, Agra and Corbett."
The last long weekend that stretched from 15 August (Independence Day) and went on till 19 August, came as a boom for many travel operator all over the country. During this weekend, many such operators said they had got several enquiries for nearby destinations for their “staycations”. "Before this Independence Day weekend, I got numerous calls from people enquiring about travel packages for this weekend," said another travel operator.
The next long weekend is from 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti), which is followed by 3 October (Dussehra), Saturday and Sunday, and ends on 6 October (Bakr-Id). A fine time to pack one’s bags, say tour operators. The same opportunity is available during Diwali and New Year. "A long weekend is the perfect time to get out and breathe fresh air, especially after being relatively sequestered inside all week," said Sharif Ahmed, who has planned a surprise trip for his family during the next weekend.
Over the years, long traditional holidays have become passé. Fast lifestyles, work commitments and hectic schedules are making travellers opt for quick breaks, which are more convenient. Moreover, it has the health as well as finance importance too. These mini vacations not only require shorter breaks from routine work but are also lighter on the pocket. Taking a mini vacation actually proves to be more beneficial as one feels refreshed and rejuvenated before getting back to the grind. This spurt of weekend bookings has also largely been influenced by flash sales being offered by low cost airlines and hotels, which tempt travellers to book their holidays in advance at discounted rates.
If one takes a look at Yatra.com, a travel website, one can see a three-fold increase in the number of travellers opting for long weekend holiday packages. Weekend destinations such as Goa, Coorg, Lonavla, Mcleodganj, Rishikesh and Jaipur have seen a tremendous increase in bookings for the upcoming long weekends, showing that the Indian traveller is now keen on taking frequent short breaks in addition to the longer summer and winter vacations.
"Another good part of taking a short trip to a destination that is only an hour or two away is that this is a great way to visit a new place, but doesn't require too much travel or planning," said Mahender Yadav, a businessman from Delhi.
