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BEST INDIAN DESTINATIONS FOR A FAMILY HOLIDAY THIS SUMMER

Best Indian destinations for a family holiday this summer Summer holidays with family in India are not only a time of bonding, but also for adventure and exploration. It's a time when families come together to create lasting memories and cherish quality time spent away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether it's escaping to the serene hills, lounging on sun-kissed beaches, or delving into the rich cultural heritage of the country, there's something for everyone. Families can embark on thrilling adventures, enjoy leisurely strolls amidst nature, indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the vibrant colours and traditions of India. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Nestled in the Himalayas, Shimla is a charming hill station known for its colonial architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate. Families can enjoy leisurely walks on the Mall Road, visit historical landmarks like the Viceregal Lodge, and take excursions to nearby attractions such as Kufri and Mashobra. Manali, Himachal Pradesh Manali offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and meandering rivers. Families can indulge in adventure activities like paragliding, river rafting, and trekking. The town also boasts ancient temples, hot springs, and vibrant markets. Darjeeling, West Bengal Famous for its tea plantations and stunning views of the Himalayas, Darjeeling offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Families can ride the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, visit tea estates, explore Buddhist monasteries, and enjoy panoramic views from Tiger Hill. Gangtok, Sikkim The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is renowned for its tranquil ambiance, Buddhist monasteries, and breathtaking vistas. Families can visit attractions like Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Adventure enthusiasts can also go trekking or river rafting. Ooty, Tamil Nadu Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a charming hill station in the Nilgiri Hills. Families can explore the Botanical Gardens, take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, visit the picturesque Ooty Lake, and enjoy panoramic views from Doddabetta Peak. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu Situated amidst the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is blessed with serene lakes, lush forests, and misty valleys. Families can enjoy boating on the Kodaikanal Lake, trekking to scenic viewpoints like Pillar Rocks and Coaker's Walk, and exploring attractions like Bryant Park and the Kurinji Andavar Temple. Munnar, Kerala Munnar is renowned for its sprawling tea estates, misty hills, and abundant wildlife. Families can visit the Tea Museum, enjoy a boat ride in the serene waters of Mattupetty Dam, trek to Echo Point, and explore the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Nainital, Uttarakhand Surrounded by scenic mountains and dotted with beautiful lakes, Nainital offers a perfect getaway for families. Boating on Naini Lake, visiting the Naina Devi Temple, riding the aerial ropeway to Snow View Point, and exploring Pangot and the Jim Corbett Gurney House are some of the popular activities here. The destination has a range of attractive honeymoon packages to explore while being on a budget. Some popular locations in Maldives that couples can consider are Baa Atoll, Majeedhee Magu, Ari Atoll, etc. Malé, the capital city of the island destination, is popular for its local foods and museums, which couples can explore on a short haul before leaving for the trips to their respective island where they have their stay arranged. Hence, experiencing peaceful beaches, breathtaking activities, stunning modern skylines, and global cuisines and packing a bunch of memories with the better half doesn’t demand to be an expensive affair. The dreamy budget honeymoon destinations are just a few clicks away!

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Explore romance on budget: Top 5 affordable honeymoon destinations outside India

Marriage is a beautiful commitment between two people, celebrated with rituals and festivities. A wedding is not complete without a honeymoon, an unforgettable and beautiful experience that strengthens your bond with your partner. The most cherished time to spend with the better half is a honeymoon, and sure, it must be the best experience that they witness. While the planning can be exciting, keeping the immersive experiences within budgets becomes a bit cumbersome. An economical luxury overseas experience is the best bet to maximize the quality time spent with the partner while also being light on the pockets. (Also read: Venice launches five-euro entry fee for day-trippers to ease the pressure of mass tourism ) Manoj Kumar Tiwari, General Manager, Regency Holidays, shared with HT Lifestyle the top 5 cost-effective international destinations where Indian travellers can plan their idyllic and energy-filled honeymoon. Top 5 cheapest honeymoon destinations outside India 1. Qatar Middle-East remains among the top picks for the Indian honeymoon market, given its proximity and engaging excursions. Qatar, being the most sought-after country in the region, offers the ideal grounds for couples to explore the destination, which is filled with heritage marvels and modern amenities. Doha is known for its busy bazaars, museums, and locales to explore Middle Eastern cuisine and art; couples can venture into the golden deserts to witness the extravagance of the Inland Sea. Equipped with best-in-class water sports, calming beaches, and other luxury-laced activities to explore, tailored experiences make Qatar a top pick for honeymooners. 2. Bangkok A popular South Asian destination frequented by Indian travellers, Bangkok – the capital of Thailand, showcases the country’s culture and adventure and is ideal for couples because of its vibrant nightlife, shopping centres, and more. With its ancient attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, couples can learn about Thai heritage and culture. The mouth-watering street food and rooftop diners, along with the option to even get on a romantic cruise on the Chao Phraya River, make it a top pick for honeymooners from India. 3. Sri Lanka Given its strategic proximity to India, Sri Lanka is a go-to destination for Indians. Sri Lanka’s tourism products have evolved interestingly in the recent past, with quality hospitality and activities developing throughout the country. The island country is home to wildlife, rich heritage, calm beaches, and speciality restaurants promoting local cuisines to give a momentous experience for honeymooners. Some of the popular attractions in Sri Lanka are Udawalawe National Park, Adam’s Peak, Kandy, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Anuradhapura, Bentota, etc., to explore whale and dolphin watching, ancient dagobas, safari adventures, tea plantations, etc. 4. Dubai Yet another Middle-Eastern gem, Dubai remains a top pick for honeymooners for its luxe and extravagant experiences. The cosmopolitan city is lined with innumerable skyscrapers, home to man-made Palm Islands and serves as a shopper’s paradise with the world’s largest shopping mall. Couples can explore the city’s charm with the desert in the surroundings to experience varied activities like desert safari, camel rides, dune bashing, etc.; the luxury yachts in the marina can also be explored for best-in-class luxurious hospitality. Burj Khalifa Lake, Burj Al Arab, etc., are popular attractions which must not be missed by honeymooners. 5. Maldives Honeymoongoers from India have it set in their minds that whenever it comes to spending the dreamy honeymoon, this island destination tops the list. The Maldives has ruled over the honeymoon market in India and the world over popularly for its bespoke hotels and resorts, seaplane experiences, clear waters, tranquillity, and, of course, the marine life and therapeutic water activities.

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One of the UK's 'best hidden beaches' has incredible views and features in multiple films

Tucked away in East Sussex is a quiet pebble beach which has been described as one of the "best hidden beaches" in the UK despite having starred in multiple films due to its incredible views. The beach was included in the top 10 best hidden beaches in the UK compiled by Sykes Holiday Cottages, who describe it as "one of those secret beaches where you can simply immerse yourself in the area’s rich history". The beach is dominated by the white chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters which loom overhead to the east and sits at the mouth of the Cuckmere river. One of the most iconic spots for views is looking out over the coastguard cottages towards the cliffs. Thanks to this backdrop, the beach has been used as a location in numerous films including Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The beach offers a fantastic place for walkers, dog walkers and simply those who want to sit down beneath the sun and soak up the views. Cuckmere Haven is also a popular spot for anglers.

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May train strikes: How will the next rail drivers’ walk-out affect passengers?

National rail strikes by train drivers will enter a third summer with a series of “rolling” walk-outs, one region at a time, during May. Members of the Aslef union aim to halt thousands of trains on 7, 8 and 9 May 2024 – with commuters who normally go to the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday among the targets. The aim is to disrupt services on the 14 rail firms in England that are controlled by the UK government and represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). Rolling strikes cause maximum disruption for minimum loss of pay. In addition, six days of overtime bans will cause further cancellations from 6 to 11 May. The first day is the early May bank holiday, while the last coincides with Take That performing in Manchester. The previous national industrial action by train drivers, comprising an overtime ban and rolling regional walk-outs, hit passengers in April. Industrial action by Aslef train drivers in their dispute over pay and working arrangements began in July 2022. The union is demanding a no-strings pay award, but rail firms – directed by ministers – say any increase is contingent on radical reforms to working practices in order to reduce public subsidies. During the dispute, hundreds of millions of journeys have been cancelled. Billions of pounds have been lost to the UK economy – particularly hospitality businesses. Taxpayers are pumping cash into an increasingly decrepit and unreliable railway to the tune of £90 per second on top of the normal subsidy. Over the course of a year, that amounts to £2.8bn in addtional public cash. The quarrel has become increasingly bitter, with no sign of any progress towards a settlement. Caught in the middle of a seemingly intractable dispute: the passenger. In a snap social media poll for The Independent that garnered 2,142 responses, one in three passengers say they will permanently travel less after the industrial action finally ends. For passengers, these are the key questions and answers. Which rail firms are involved? Aslef is in dispute with the 14 train operating companies (TOCs) that are contracted by the UK government to provide rail services.

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Airlines now required to offer cash refunds for canceled flights, delays and luggage woes

HOUSTON – Airlines will now be forced to offer full refunds for flights that don’t get off the ground or are delayed, among other issues. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the new rule on Wednesday. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg calling this new set of regulations the end of the “refund runaround.” In the rule released the U.S. DOT, airlines will now be required to offer automatic full cash refunds for all canceled flights as well as significantly changed flights. “No more refund runaround, and no more defaulting to a travel credit that expires,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. This includes domestic flights delayed by more than three hours and international flights delayed by six hours, flights arriving or leaving from a different airport, added connections or if passengers are downgraded to a lower class. The rule also takes effect if a connection is at an airport or on a flight using a different plane that are less accessible or accommodating to someone with a disability. “In the past, you have to run through hoops, rings of a fire before you could get stuff,” travel expert Pete Trabucco said. “And I think it sounds very fair and even to everyone. Not just if you complain,” Amanda Watson, who was traveling to Houston’s Hobby Airport from Vermont, added. Your bags are also impacted by the new regulations. If luggage is lost or delayed by more than 12 hours for domestic flights and 15-30 hours for international flights, passengers will be entitled to a full refund. “It’s an automatic prompt, and you want it in cash or in the original way,” Trabucco explained. “It’s not that a lot,” Wanda Gates-Monroe said. “But to just to know I’d get my cash back would be awesome.” The groundbreaking regulations doesn’t stop there. Hidden fees were also tackled by the Department of Transportation’s policy. Airlines now need to be upfront about “junk fees,” which include hidden baggage charges and other fees that are tacked on later or at the airport during check-in. “Passengers should know how much it’ll add to your total ticket price, to check or carry on a bag, or to change or cancel your flight,” Buttigieg said. Federal leaders and travel experts alike call this a monumental win for passengers travelling in the skies over the United States. However, is this truly as good as it sounds? “Holds the airlines accountable, and I just hope that it doesn’t make all the prices go up overall,” Watson added. “The airlines always take care of themselves.” “It’s good for the customer and the consumer, but at the same time, it might not be good for them. And yes, they might have to raise pricing,” Trabucco responded. The Department of Transportation mandates that airlines comply with the regulations within six months for automatic refunds.

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Indian passport is the second cheapest passport in the world, after UAE

In a recent update, the Indian passport has come across as the second cheapest to obtain passport in the world after the UAE. Indian passports are also the cheapest in terms of cost per year of validity. However, with an Indian passport, people can only travel to 62 nations visa-free. The number one spot taken by the UAE is cheapest in cost of acquisition and number of countries for visa-free access. The study was done by Compare the Market AU, which is an Australian firm. It studied the cost of acquisition of passports of different countries and the cost-effectiveness per year of validity and also their value in terms of the number of nations that it provides visa-free access to. The study found Mexico the most expensive passport, costing USD 231.05 for 10 years. Australia was a little cheaper at USD 225.78 for a 10-year passport. As per a press statement by the firm, India had the second cheapest passport on the list overall, costing USD 18.07 for a validity of 10 years while the UAE has USD 17.70 for a 5-year passport. In terms of cost per year of validity, India had the cheapest passport with a cost of USD 1.81 per year. South Africa and Kenya were in second and third place, at about USD 3.05 and USD 3.09 respectively. The statement further mentioned that the travel insurance comparison experts compiled a list of passport fees around the world and compared them based on price, years validity and power, finding some nations’ passport power can come with a high price tag. While Indian passports offer economic advantages, their visa-free access is limited, contrasting with countries like Australia, the USA, and Canada, which, despite their passport power, incur relatively higher fees. Considering the importance of passports, many opt for travel insurance to mitigate expenses incurred from loss, theft, or damage abroad. Adrian Taylor, Executive General Manager of General Insurance at Compare the Market, emphasises the value of travel insurance in alleviating stress during unforeseen circumstances, ensuring peace of mind while traveling. He said, “Nobody wants to be stressed out on their holidays. Damage, loss or theft of your important documents is an unfortunate risk many people face while overseas. Depending on your policy, travel insurance may be able to help cover the cost of a replacement if you need to apply for one,’’ says Taylor.

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