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World is your oyster Tourists from Kerala at St. Peter’s Church, Jaffa, Israel

And these holidays come well packaged (some travel companies throw in a couple of days’ stay at a holiday destination or two, free) complete with air fare, accommodation, food and the works, and are economically priced. All one needs do is pick from amongst the best.

Those who are finicky about their food need not fret. Most operators ensure that Indian food is available for travellers during their travel. “We do encourage them though, to try at least a local dish or two,” says Jaiju, an employee at Kerala Travels.

According to travel agents, an increasing group of cash-flush Indians has led to this rise in wanderlust. And so you have travellers exploring places ranging from South Asia to the exotic Mediterranean!

Says Karan Anand, Head, Business Development, Cox and Kings (India) Ltd: “With international holidays available at reasonable prices that cost almost as much as an Indian holiday, there has been an increase in outbound travel.”

But for those without the deep pockets, ‘Travel now, pay later’ schemes offered by banks in tie-ups with airlines and tour companies come as a boon. According to the various travel operators in the city, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are the current hot travel destinations. “Mainly because the packages to these countries are affordable and these countries are considered a shoppers’ paradise,” says an employee at Cox and Kings. However many are gradually broadening their horizons, “as most people are done exploring the South Asian countries. They are now spreading wings by discovering places such as China, Hong Kong, Europe and the Mediterranean,” says Sunitha Jacob, senior travel coordinator of Riya Travels.

Those who want to visit the land of the pyramids can avail themselves of a package that includes a cruise down the river Nile. It also covers places such as Luxor, Alexandria and Cairo. Pilgrimage tours are also popular, with more and more people visiting the Holy Land and Europe.

“In fact there is no particular ‘hot’ season for pilgrim tours, we have groups leaving for such tours every month. While the Holy Land package has visits to Israel, Jordon, Palestine and Egypt, the Europe pilgrim tour covers churches in Rome, Vatican and Lourdes to name a few,” says Sunitha.

In connection with the Beijing Olympics, most travel agencies in town will be offering special packages to China.

Says Jaiju: “When you are travelling to an unknown country, it’s always best to take a package. That way, you need not bother looking out for the right airfare, accommodation, transfer, et al.”

So, what are you waiting for, pack your bags and spread your wings, the world, is your oyster.

Singapore: Four day-three night package, starts Rs. 26,000

Thailand: Five day-four night package, starts Rs. 23,000

Malaysian: Five day-four night package, starts Rs. 29,000

Hong Kong: Four day-three night package, starts Rs. 40,000

European tour (a combination of three to four countries): Six day-five night package, starts Rs. 85,000

Holy Land: Starts Rs. 60,000.

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