Exodus from city for Jan 26 weekend

Starting Thursday, several Mumbaiites will leave for a short vacation as compared to the Republic Day week last year.

Starting Thursday, several Mumbaiites will leave for a short vacation as compared to the Republic Day week last year.

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According to travel operators, January 26 being a Thursday, many people from the city are set to bunk work on Friday "We have witnessed a 15% rise in bookings during the Republic Day week as compared to last year," said Neelu Singh, chief operating officer, Ezeego1.com, a travel portal.

While advance planners are setting off for foreign destinations such as Dubai and Bangkok, those deciding at the last minute have booked resorts in Lonavla and Goa.

Nerul resident Divya Iyer booked herself and her husband a three-day stay at a three-star hotel in Ganpatiphule, close to Ratnagiri. It cost her Rs9000.

"Although the offer is not as cheap as compared to my previous trips, we took it up because of adds-on such as a free spa treatment and fine dining experience," said Iyer, a 28-year-old entrepreneur.

Dubai is witnessing massive traffic especially owing to the month long shopping festival that started on January 5. "We have witnessed significant flight bookings at the last minute though the fares are about 15% higher than normal," said Anup Kanuga, owner Bathija Travels.