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Holidays just right for the family
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For those planning a vacation during Christmas and New Year, there are plenty of exciting packages to choose from, says PRINCE FREDERICK
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IDEAL HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS The snow filled landscape in Manali.
While discussing travel for recreation, in this part of the world and at this time of year, a few things have to be assumed straightaway — that children's Christmas or half-yearly (if you please) vacation is usually the time when the family can stay away from home; that most office goers wait to avail themselves of their travel leave (TL) in mid-December; that bachelors always lose out in the scramble for leave, especially when everyone wants to take a break.
Sometimes, this lot tries to have all the fun by clubbing a day or two sanctioned as leave with the Christmas day off. If they are lucky, Sunday might be closer to Xmas day, providing them with a bit more of leisure time that could be used for more meaningful travel.
But the lack of time need not deter anyone from planning a getaway. With basic facilities in place in most parts of the world, we can actually believe we are living in a global village. And there are a million private and Government-supported enterprises around the world, which are out to sell the experience of a new environment, in a much cramped time frame.
Nithya Manoj (assistant manager, Southern India, Star Cruises) says there are two peak periods during the year — April to May and the fag end of December.
During April and May, a predominantly family crowd sets out on these cruises. But December throws up a mixed crowd — partygoers and honeymooners looking for a short break from the routine.
For anyone who got a raw deal in the leave-rush, packages such as three-night cruises from Mumbai to Lakshadweep and Mumbai to Goa or a five-night trip to Singapore and Malaysia (which could be broken up into separate three-night and two night trips) mean they need not get all green-eyed. The party animal can quench his thirst for excitement with a weekend one-night cruise to high seas.
Christmas has taken on a secondary meaning because of tourism. It connotes recreation and international shopping. In the past, the coffers of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism clinked heavily during Yule, thanks to a widespread penchant for White Christmas. Five to six years ago, the Government organisation used to recreate traditions bearing on the Nativity in Shimla. "But now, there is no snow in Shimla during Christmas," says tourist officer Madhu Sankhyayan, adding that this situation is a fallout of global warming.
The scene of festivities has been shifted to Manali, which has snow throughout the year. The Manali package seems to be much in demand, because it has been designed keeping in mind the fact that "a lot more people today have disposable incomes due to a globalised economy, but not much time at their disposal."
The Paya Island Marine Park in Langkawi
The Delhi-Manali package is for two or three-nights. With air travel becoming a lot more affordable, these packages remain nice, short trips even for someone living in Chennai.
Says Madhu, "We find that honeymooners prefer this package. Youngsters who are looking for a good time with friends also opt for it." Generally, senior citizens don't warm up to the idea of White Christmas in Manali.
Israel beckons
Is December a time for religious tourism? Are Christians keen on celebrating Christ's birth in the place where he was born?
"There are people who are keen on making a pilgrimage to Israel during Christmas, but many are not aware of certain geographical facts about the place," says John Selwyn, director, Shalom Tours and Travels. "Most of those interested in visiting Israel are above 55 and during December, it's very cold. Temperatures in Bethlehem and Jerusalem can drop below zero sometimes." According to Selwyn, Christmas is more spectacular in Singapore, specially since the Shopping Festival is on around that time. "People of all religions undertake a trip to Singapore during Christmas because the attraction goes much beyond the midnight mass at St. Andrews Cathedral in Citi Hall. On Christmas day, the whole stretch of Orchard Road, made off-limits for vehicular traffic, is beautified with decorations and becomes the venue for dancing and singing. Moreover, incredible discounts are offered on a variety of electronic goods."
Selwyn says although Singapore comes as part of a package that includes Thailand and Malaysia, a travel plan that restricts itself to Singapore is also offered.
When there isn't much time on hand, only extremities are possible. Either spend a few quiet days in a cosy, almost familiar tourist place or pack the short period with a lot of activities.
According to Natraj, director, Adventure India, these are only two prudent options. "Because much planning is not possible, places such as Munnar, Allepy and Kumarakom with good accommodation facilities are good choices." He also recommends a short camping programme (such as the one offered by his company on highs of The Nilgiris) that brings the tourist closer to Nature.
Actually, planning a trip at short notice is not such a challenging task anymore. Because the trip can be planned to the last detail at home.
Online tour managers such as cleartrip.com provide information on flight options and the display is so comprehensive that you can easily compare the rates.
With 1,500 hotels in the system, the list of options extends to accommodation as well, says Sandeep Murthy, CEO, cleartrip.com.
The system aggregates all the choices and gives a result. If the user is not happy, he can go back and make other choices and try out new combinations.
Actually, there is simply no excuse for not travelling this Christmas.
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