Cool holidays

Savita Kohli, a senior manager with IBM, has just holidayed in Singapore with her husband and daughter. Her spending pattern - around Rs 1 lakh for a 5-day break in Goa to a under Rs 2 lakh 5-day holiday in Singapore - is typical of most upper middle-class to top-end travellers in India.

Savita Kohli, a senior manager with IBM, has just holidayed in Singapore with her husband and daughter. Her spending pattern - around Rs 1 lakh for a 5-day break in Goa to a under Rs 2 lakh 5-day holiday in Singapore - is typical of most upper middle-class to top-end travellers in India.

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Kohli's list of top 5 international destinations - Singapore, Sydney, London, Hong Kong and Paris - and top 5 domestic ones - Shimla, Manali, Goa, Naukitchiatal, Ram garh - with a few exceptions is, what travel agents say, is the standard travel-plan of this segment. Kerala is also hot property but can sometimes be sidestepped because of the rush from top-dollar foreign travellers. The Andamans are also a big draw.

Anand Kandadai, Head- Holidays, MakeMyTrip.com, says the spending is also decided by duration. "Our domestic packages cost around Rs 40,000 which includes stay in top hotels. An international package could start from Rs 25-26,000 and go upto Rs 65-70,000 depending on destination and inclusions."

Deepak Tuli, head, Goibibo, confirms travellers are detail-seeking now. The best suite, Merc pickups, zero waiting time at the reception area, down to the lettering of cakes are things to-end customers expect.

Manoj Gursahani, MD, Vamoose, says the top-end traveller is more into experimental tourism, "a vineyard or a farm-stay for example. Spain has picked up since the film Zindagi na milegi Dobara."

"Earlier Indians would do Europe in 21 days touching 8 countries. Now s/he would like to explore, linger," says Gursahani.