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The Indian tourists have matured in their choice of holiday destinations since the last decade. While Indians still love hop on a plane and fly to traditional European destinations such as UK, Paris, Rome, Venice, the young Indian traveler is a tad different. 
 
He is not looking at exploring the urban streets of London or the romantic lanes of Paris but history of Eastern Europe definitely attracts him. 
 “Its primarily that a lot of young Indians have already travelled to these traditional destinations such as Paris, Rome, UK,” says <keyword id="788001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vikram-Malhi">Vikram Malhi</keyword>, managing director, Asia at <keyword id="354768" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Expedia">Expedia</keyword>. 
 
However, he adds that these countries continue to remain the top foreign destinations for many Indians. “But there are a lot of other European destinations that are picking up rapidly,” notes Malhi. 
 
BI India lists down four such upcoming tourist hot-spots that are fast gaining the fancy of Indian traveler. 
 
<keyword id="6357856" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="greece">Greece</keyword> 
 
Do we need to say why this country tops our list? The economic crisis of this EU country actually helped it in getting a large number of Indian tourists to flock the place. Beautiful with a rich history, the country is being increasingly visited by Indian travellers. Cheap hotel rates and visa on arrival for Indian tourists are two factors that have made these international destinations attractive to the Indians travelling abroad. 
 
<keyword id="106735" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="latvia">Latvia</keyword> 
 
The Balkan country is all out to attract the cash rich Indian tourist. The beautiful landscape, cultural diversity all have been leveraged to attract the Indian globe-trotter. Besides the fact that major European destination such as UK, Paris have been frequented by Indians from ages, also worked in its favour. “We have seen this country picking up some traction this summer,” says Malhi. 
 
Spain 
 
Zoya Akhtar’s 2011 blockbuster Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara did the magic for this country. The scenic beauty of the country along with adventure activities such as sky-diving, deep sea diving, flamenco dancing, skydiving and bull fighting has been attracting Indian tourists since the movie’s release in 2011. 
 
Scandinavian countries 
 
Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland have also been picking up among Indian tourists. “Large majority of young tourists are looking for a thrilling experience in a new country in a new environment. Besides, the currency factor also played an important role as the Euro was weak, which made these destinations accessible for Indian travellers,” says Malhi. 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes.com

Planning a
trip to Europe? Read on to know the upcoming European destinations for Indian
travellers!

Online travel agency <keyword id="354768" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Expedia">Expedia</keyword> recently released its Summer Trend Report 2015. You won’t believe what’s in it. 
 
The research finds that Indians can go nuts, just to get a free vacation. Don’t believe us? Hear it from the Managing Director himself. 
 
It is interesting to see that Indian travellers are willing to make sacrifices like quit smoking (48%), junk food (42%) &amp; dessert (32%) and let their in-laws stay with them for a year (41%), to get a free vacation”. according to Mr. Vikram Malhi, Managing Director, Asia, Expedia. 
And that’s just the beginning! Here’s something that will make you sit straight. 
 
30% are ready to bow down to the nagging of their spouse’s to start a family and have kids, 22% are ready to turn vegan for a year, and a whopping 11% are ready to sacrifice sex for six months. 
 
In short, Indians desperately need a break. 
 
However, all is not lost. No one wants to quit their jobs, hobbies, gadgets or cut off from their best friends for a year for a free vacation. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Image credit: Expedia)

Expedia has released it's Summer Trend Report 2015. Wait till you hear what's in it

(Image credit: travelshoppe) The rising middle class in India is fuelling a huge trend in international travel. From a time when international travel was a luxury and limited to a few families, India has come a long way, where international vacation is becoming a regular in middle class households. This has made them go a step ahead and look for newer destinations that have not been discovered, that can be experienced in its true beauty. <keyword id="354768" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Expedia">Expedia</keyword>’s Summer Travel Report 2015 lists out the 10 upcoming international destinations that are picking up amongst Indian travellers this year. 
 
 
(Image credit: Topwalls) 
China’s ancient treasures and modern wonders of China span 5,000 years of culture and history. The natural beauty, fascinating heritage, mouth-watering cuisine, and state-of-the-art cities enthrall, excite and amaze the travelers. 
 
 
(Image credit: Travelnewszone) 
<keyword id="106735" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="latvia">Latvia</keyword> is tucked between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. Thick greens take the form of Gauja Valley pines and onion-domed cathedrals sprout up above local towns. It’s the perfect pit stop for those seeking something a bit more authentic than the overrun tourist hubs further afield. 
 
 
(Image credit: Hiking Romania) 
Romania’s Carpathian Mountains draw a wide arc through the centre of the country, leaving a swath of exposed rocky peaks surrounded by groves of pine and deciduous trees, and stretches of bright green meadow below making it a perfect destination for travelers looking to explore nature. The Danube Delta is a vast and unique protected wetland, perfect for hiking, fishing, boating and birdwatching. 
 
 (Image credit: <keyword id="79116" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Fiji">Fiji</keyword> travel) 
Fiji’s underwater scenery is spectacular and some of the finest, and most accessible dives in the Pacific can be found here. Its reputation as the ‘soft coral capital of the world’ is well justified and its countless reefs, drop-offs, walls and channels. Divers and snorkelers have the best time here. 
 
 
(Image credit: letstravelsomewhere) 
<keyword id="6355311" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Japan">Japan</keyword>’s thought fills the mind with all sorts of images of ancient traditions, beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Snowboarding, Snorkeling, Hiking, whatever pleases an adventure tourist, Japan can provide it. It has a lot to offer to the art &amp; history travelers with its shrine, temple, castle that provide fantastic insight into Japan's diverse history and how Japanese society has developed. 
 
 
(Image credit: gloholiday) 
Finland is becoming among the favorite destination for the endless fir forests and wilderness. Seeing the northern lights, or the aurora borealis, is a mystical moment in itself. The lights are at their most frequent in late autumn and winter/early spring. Finland also attracts a lot of traffic around Christmas, when people visit Rovaniemi, the official Santa Claus residence. 
 
 
(Image credit: pointsandtravel) 
Norway has so much to offer to any adventure traveler, the experience of northern lights or the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle. Norway's epic landscapes rank among the most beautiful and varied in Europe, and the sheer drama of the fjords is alone worth the effort of coming to this remarkable country. Here, fjords of extraordinary beauty cut gashes from a jagged coastline deep into the interior, cliffs plunge down to barely populated shorelines, and vertiginous waterfalls drop from impossible heights. All the while, isolated farms occupy seemingly inaccessible pockets of green. 
 
 
(Image credit: mydestination) 
Cyprus, the birth place of Aphrodite is the Mediterranean island at the crossroads of three continents, where there’s always a new to discover. Cyprus conjures up images of dazzling beaches, shimmering blue seas, endless summers and tables groaning under platters of meze and bottles of sweet chilled wine. It’s inviting beaches, and breathtaking mountain, history, with a compelling culture, lifestyle and landscape has always attracted the crowd. 
 
 
(Image credit: sundancespirit) 
<keyword id="5927" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Argentina">Argentina</keyword> has one of its tourist destinations as Iguaçu Falls, which is situated on the border between <keyword id="6355226" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Brazil">Brazil</keyword> and Argentina. The most impressive 275 falls make up the Iguazu Falls. San Carlos de Bariloche is a city on the foothills of the Andes known for its mountains and lakes. It also attracts tourists for skiing and is also a great destination for sight-seeing, water sports, trekking and climbing. 
 
The article has been authored by Mr. Vikram Malhi, Managing Director-Asia, Expedia

Top upcoming international destinations among Indian travellers this year

Indians are evolving as travellers and seeking new experiences beyond the regular holiday spots that are just a tick in the box. The emerging neo-travelers want to explore places unknown, breathtaking landscapes and mingle with the locals to experience the place in its true sense and beauty. The peace, serenity and experience provided by these places are next to none. <keyword id="354768" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Expedia">Expedia</keyword> lists out a few enchanting destinations that are topping the lists of Indian travellers looking for the unexplored territories. 
 
 
 
1. Haflong is a hill station in <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword> also referred as the land of blue hills. The green valley and the hilly treks at Borai hills are hotspots of adventure tourism events like hang gliding, Para-gliding and Trekking. 
 
 
 
2. Tawang is another such place. Located in <keyword id="46408" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arunachal-Pradesh">Arunachal Pradesh</keyword>, it has a well preserved Tawang Monastery which makes it a popular tourist destination. The Jang waterfall is famous for its beauty and the Sela Pass remains covered with snow for most part of the year. It also has a handicrafts center that promotes small scale industries for local handicraft. 
 
 
 
3. Gurez: Kashmir: Gurez is considered to be one of the most picturesque valleys of Kashmir. Gateway of the ancient ‘Silk Route’, Gurez also incorporates the famous pyramid shaped ‘Habba Khatoon’ peak named after the Kashmiri poetess. Although the tourist related infrastructure is yet to be developed in this area, the accommodation facility is available in the main town of Dawar and the nearby villages. The beautiful Kishen Ganga river flows through Gurez valley with its clear blue waters and rafting can be done here. (Courtsesy: bmctouring) 
 
 
 
4. Warwan Valley: The efforts to reach this heavenly valley are worth it as you have to cross the tricky Margan Top (from where the famous Nun Kun peak can be seen on a clear day). Another gem in the unexplored Kashmir, Warwan valley in Kishtwar district situated at an altitude of approx 7000 feet from sea level offers breathtaking vistas of greenery, waterfalls and clear skies. Warwan valley is sandwiched between Kashmir and Ladakh. On a moonlit night, one is enthralled by the sheer beauty of the snow peaks of Zanskar range and the shimmering Dariya-E-Chinab flowing through the valley with distant echoes of shepherds getting their ships back home. (Courtesy: panoramio) 
 
 
 
5. Kalimpong, <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword>: An offbeat hill station in West Bengal that hasn’t been explored a lot by too many people outside the East. Tibetan monasteries and crafts and churches make it a lovely retreat for the summer and winters. Make sure to shop for orchids in the elaborate flower markets of Kalimpong. 
 
 
 
6. Lepchajagat, West Bengal: Lepchajagat is located on a hill covered with Oaks forests and beautiful rhododendron. It is situated on Ghoom-Mirik road at the Sukhipokhri near Darjeeling. This place has an astonishing exquisiteness that is difficult to get over. The curious play of colors in the sky strikes you straight away. Partly black and white clouds drift from one hill to another. The other places close by that are not to be missed include Jorepokri, Mirik and Pashupati. (Courtesy: weekendestinations.info) 
 
 
 
7. Tarkarli Beach, Maharashtra: Known for its scenic beauty, the place will leave you awestruck. A walk down the edge of the sparkling blue waters in a beautiful experience. It also offers houseboat cruise on the Karli river and is one of the highpoints of the place. Adventure activities like snorkeling or scuba diving or underwater swimming are available for adventure seeking couples. Do not forget to try some of the delectable sea food that Tarkarli is famous for. (Courtesy:travel-logs.in) 
 
 
 
8. Diveagar, Maharashtra: Gentle wind, sun kissed sands, calm and clean waters make the place appealing. The beach is a pleasant and clear water beach with the option of multiple water sports. The coconut cultivation that runs across the beach line makes it a lovely place to spent time around sunset with your partner. Bagmandala Beach is a clean and secluded beach near Srivardhan and one shall enjoy playing in the white sands of this beach. One can also visit the adjacent Bankot Fort via a boat ride.(Courtesy: indianholiday.com) 
 
 
 
9. Andaman: The <keyword id="589972" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Islands">Islands</keyword> are shrouded in the mystery for centuries because of their inaccessability. A paragon of beauty, these islands present a landscape of scenic and picturesque extravaganza, shimmering like emeralds in the Bay of Bengal and consists of 572 emerald Islands (36 of which are inhabited), islets and rocks slets and rocks. 
 
 
 
10. <keyword id="64287" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lakshadweep">Lakshadweep</keyword>: Comprising a string of 36 palm-covered, white-sand-skirted coral islands 300km off the coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep is as stunning as it is isolated. The real attraction of the islands lies under the water: the 4200 sq km of pristine archipelago lagoons, unspoiled coral reefs and warm waters are a magnet for flipper-toting travellers and divers alike.(Courtesy: islandgetaways.com) 
 
(The author is Vikram Malhi, Managing Director-Asia, of travel website Expedia. You can visit Expedia at <a href="http://www.expedia.co.in">www.expedia.co.in</a>)

Top 10 Unexplored Vacation Places In India

When was the last time you went on a vacation? Yes, a proper vacation spanning weeks and not the weekend add-ons we try to snatch up for visiting nearby getaways. Long, relaxing and <keyword id="291875" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Paid-Leave">paid leave</keyword> away from your office are not what they used to be, according to a yearly study by the travel portal <keyword id="354768" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Expedia">Expedia</keyword>. The number of paid leave seems to be going down worldwide and people are craving for more in a bid to strike a reasonable work-life balance. 
 In a recent study called <keyword id="1962702" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="2013-Vacation-Deprivation">2013 Vacation Deprivation</keyword>, Expedia has interviewed some 8,535 people across 24 countries. As per the findings, Europeans feel most vacation-deprived although they go for the longest vacations. In contrast, Americans grumble more but take fewer leaves than their entitlements (gasp… the majority of full-time workers in the <keyword id="6354458" type="COUNTRY" weightage="100" keywordseo="US">US</keyword> get 14 days of paid leave and they only take an average of 10 days). According to the poll, 35% people from the US say they have either cancelled or postponed their vacations due to work. 
 As for <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="100" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> (or most of the <keyword id="63759" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Asian-countries">Asian countries</keyword> for that matter), we see a similar trend – people take less number of vacation days than what their workplaces are offering – an average of 3 weeks or so. 
 India is the world’s 10th most <keyword id="1962705" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vacation-deprived-country">vacation-deprived country</keyword> and around 63% of Indians have admitted that they want more time off, as per the study. Within the country, 74% people working in Delhi feel extremely overworked and in need of vacation, followed 67% in Mumbai and 56% in Bangalore. 
 So what’s keeping you from your seasons in the sun? Apparently, the threat of <keyword id="190063" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pink-slip">pink slip</keyword> and a deep-rooted fear of losing the job if you are away for too long. Around 18% of Indians don’t use all the leaves because they fear it will be perceived negatively by their employers while many avoid long vacations to remain in the good books of their bosses, the survey says. Overall, Indians have utilised only 20 of the 26 leaves granted to them this year. The country also leads when it comes to encashing unused holidays (37%), followed by <keyword id="6355226" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Brazil">Brazil</keyword> (30%). 
 Around 60% of <keyword id="77626" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="indian-workers">Indian workers</keyword> are not able to plan their vacation in advance because of their work – again the highest in the world – while 74% have either cancelled or postponed their vacation due to <keyword id="431460" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="workload">workload</keyword>. But the scenario is worse when it comes to <keyword id="1962710" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Weekly-work-hours">weekly work hours</keyword>. 
 Around 38% Indians work around 42 hours a week, which is much more than their counterparts from other countries, according to Vikram Malhi, general manager of Expedia (South and South-east Asia). This is, indeed, staggering when you consider the other side of the coin where people are already demanding a 4-day <keyword id="53739" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Work-Week">work week</keyword>. 
 
According to a CNN report, when Facebook executive Nicola Mendelsohn was hired as a company vice-president earlier this year, she reportedly negotiated a 4-day workweek so she could spend more time with her family. Much was made of the rumor, which Facebook would neither confirm nor deny, despite the fact that many working mothers in the US routinely, and increasingly, negotiate 4-day workweeks. 
 
Staying <keyword id="330374" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Wired">wired</keyword> is not the way to <keyword id="27344" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="unwind">unwind</keyword> “You not only require adequate number of off days, but quality time as well,” says Labonita Grover, an IT professional from Pune. “Most of us live a wired life now and being away physically doesn’t mean you are not working.” As per the survey, 94% of Indians continue to check their <keyword id="1962717" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Work-mail">work mail</keyword> while on leave, again the highest in the world, followed by <keyword id="6354785" type="COUNTRY" weightage="100" keywordseo="France">France</keyword> (93%), Thailand (92%), Malaysia (91%) and <keyword id="3746" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Mexico">Mexico</keyword> (91%). 
 You stay wired because you have been aligned with a <keyword id="6458484" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Work-culture">work culture</keyword> that treats work not just as a job, but as a large part of people’s lives – if not the sum of their lives. Many of our societies also treat vacation as a luxury rather than a right. According to the <keyword id="1962700" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Expedia-study">Expedia study</keyword>, this applies to the US as well. 
 The <keyword id="14348" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="french">French</keyword> are also disgruntled, according to the survey. In spite of extensive vacation leaves, they feel deprived as they are still wired with work either “constantly, regularly or sometimes” – checking work e-mail and voice messages. Incidentally, they get the longest paid vacation – a total of 30 days. Yet, 90% say they feel vacation deprived, which is well above the 62% global average. 
 
Working from home – is it any better? When <keyword id="319703" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Marissa-Mayer">Marissa Mayer</keyword> of Yahoo started her crusade against home-based workers, a Bangalore-based IT professional just guffawed. “There could be a <keyword id="23080" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="productivity">productivity</keyword> issue out there for all we know, but now they can get away after 8 hours. In India, working from home means 24x7 firefighting and contingencies are lined up,” says Anirban Roy who works for a global technology firm. 
 He keeps his system next to the bed (sleeping on the laptop is what they call it) for every possible emergency and often attends conference calls at weird hours. Needless to say, no cats, dogs, babies, spouse or <keyword id="343" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Friends">friends</keyword> are allowed in the sanctum sanctorum. Of course, one saves the time and money on daily commute and don’t dress (for office). But that’s about all. The kind of happy pictures you get to see on the Internet (person in pajamas cuddling dogs and babies) are farthest from the truth. 
 
What will make you happy? 
It should be a mix of professional and personal fulfillment, with enough time for family and friends. Interestingly, 85% of the Indian respondents have said they are satisfied with their jobs in spite of being vacation-deprived. “But then, many of us toil under a twisted sense of power and responsibility, which makes up for the vacation days we are missing every year,” reflects Labonita. “To live a balanced life, it should be the other way round – you should be able to enjoy your free time as much as you enjoy your job. A job that gets larger than life finally swallows all other priorities,” she adds. 
 It seems a sound approach. European countries like Norway, <keyword id="49968" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Denmark">Denmark</keyword> and <keyword id="23050" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sweden">Sweden</keyword> are already offering generous vacation endowments and their employees remain quite satisfied. These nations are not losing out on productivity either and have some of the most <keyword id="1962721" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Stable-economies">stable economies</keyword>. For all we know, relax more to work harder could be the new-age doctrine very soon. After all, fearful and jaded minds could hardly usher in new waves at the workplace of the future.

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Planning a trip to Europe? Read on to know the upcoming European destinations for Indian travellers!

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Expedia has released it's Summer Trend Report 2015. Wait till you hear what's in it

BI India Bureau

Top upcoming international destinations among Indian travellers this year

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Top 10 Unexplored Vacation Places In India

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Indians Are Overworked… What’s Killing Your Vacation?

Sanghamitra Mandal

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