Foreign holidays turn cheaper as rupee rises against US dollar

Airlines are also coming up with offers to attract travellers. Emirates has announced a special May 19-25 ticket sale, offering discounts of up to 10% for passengers booking economy class tickets for a range of cities from any of its 10 Indian destinations.

Kamal Kumar had planned a family vacation to the US last October, but the sliding rupee rendered a long-haul trip too expensive.

Kumar, who runs a hotel management institute in Delhi, settled for a shorter three-night trip to nearby Bangkok. With the rupee rising to an 11-month high against the dollar and schools closing for summer vacations, Kumar and his family are now headed for the US for a 10-day trip next week.

The strengthening rupee has brought many like Kumar back to the booking counter, according to travel agencies.

“Bookings have picked up and this was bound to happen,” said Rajji Rai, chairman, Swift Travel International Ltd. “With the rupee gaining against the dollar it means substantial saving for the Indian traveller.”

“Our trip to the US would be at least Rs. 3 lakh cheaper despite this being the peak travel season,” said Kumar, is travelling with his wife and two children. “A strong rupee means we save on everything from tickets to hotels to food.”

“Outbound travel had dipped in the last few months but bookings have picked up now,” said Rai. “We expect a spurt in bookings,” said Rai.

Airlines are also coming up with offers to attract travellers. Emirates has announced a special May 19-25 ticket sale, offering discounts of up to 10% for passengers booking economy class tickets for a range of cities from any of its 10 Indian destinations.