Haven't planned your vacation yet? Abhilasha Ojha tells you where to log on.
AIRLINE DEALS
Lufthansa Airlines has announced a special “mind-blowing May offer” not just as a summer promotion but also for completing 50 years of operations in India. So, yes, there’s a lot on offer:
Rs 24,900 for a trip to New York city, Rs 27,900 to Atlanta and Philadelphia. Washington and Chicago for Rs 24,900 (rates exclude taxes, fees and surcharges). For details, log on to: www.lufthansa-india.com. (Do check swine flu updates before planning a trip to the US.)
Malaysian Airlines too has announced its deals for this summer. A Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur-Mumbai trip costs you just Rs 9,228 (conditions apply). The airline is also tying up with its UAE sector to offer spa holidays. Log on www.malaysiaairlines.com/in/en/home.aspx.
Sarovar Hotels and IndiGo have announced a marketing tie-up for frequent travellers. The terms of this tie-up will benefit both guests staying at Sarovar Hotels and frequent Indigo flyers. The arrangement allows guests staying at select Sarovar Hotels, across 26 destinations in India, to avail of a 10 per cent discount on their next travel booking with IndiGo. While IndiGo flyers can avail of up to 25 per cent discount on published room tariff, 10 per cent discount on holiday stay packages and 10 per cent discount on restaurant dining at select Sarovar properties. Log on: www.sarovarhotels.com and indigo.in for details.
Go Air’s Summer Bonanza 2009 packages in Delhi, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Cochin and Bengalooru sectors start at Rs 500 (one way, conditions apply). They’ve also got GoBusiness which promise the comfort of business class at the price one pays for economy class travel. The airline also offers the benefit of carrying luggage up to 25 kg (economy) and 35 kg (GoBusiness). Log on: goair.com.
More From This Section
Singapore Airlines announces its special IPL Fever deal, a ticket to Johannesburg at Rs 51,000 (including taxes, to be booked by May 24, 2009). To tie in with the special fare, the airline is also offering a special Singapore stopover with packages starting from $1, to include hotel accommodation, airport transfers and shopping vouchers at Changi airport (conditions apply). Log on: www.singaporeair.com.
LUXURY
Thomas Cook’s Kenyan Safari, a five- nights, six-day package starting from Rs 40,400+$940, includes airfare and stay at top-quality hotels and lodges, full spread breakfasts, city tour and one night stay in Nairobi, visits to national parks, Nyahururu Falls, Baboon cliff and two-night stay at Masai Mara besides other highlights. Log on: thomascook.com for more details.
Kuoni Travels offers a Private Journey to Melbourne, a four-night luxury package at Rs 44,525 plus Australian $899. Log on: www.kuoniindia.com.
Six Senses, Thailand, has announced a special four day package at its hill pool villa for 2009 summer. The package (details can be found after you send a personalised query on sixsenses.com) includes individual wellness consultation, spa cuisine meals, spa treatments (choose from Thai, detoxifying, foot reflexology and other massages) and fitness programmes.
Wine trails: Package for seven nights with a self-drive option takes you to vineyards, wine tasting and even truffle hunting. ¤1,115 (twin sharing) excluding car rentals (which costs ¤75 daily, 100 km), this package includes airfare, excursions and much more. For details: mercury-india.com.
BUDGET HOLIDAYS
Yatra.com: “Uniquely Singapore Weekends” packages for weekend getaways to Singapore start at Rs 19,990, in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board.
Makemytrip.com offers Amazing Thailand, a 4 night-5 day package with two days each in Pattaya and Bangkok. Despite witnessing political turmoil it is still finding takers at throwaway prices. This package costs Rs 21,999 and includes stay in four-star hotels, airfare (including taxes), one dinner, lunch and city tours.
A three-night, four-day trip to Leh and Ladakh, including accommodation and airfare, meals and stopovers at Shanti Stupa, other monasteries, Stok Palace and Sindhu Ghat. Rs 7,750 (per night, twin sharing). For details: mountaintrails.com or call + 91 11 64663444/64663555 for more details.
Deals on zoomtra.com offer 25 per cent off on hotel booking at cleartrip.com with HDFC credit cards. Flat 25 per cent cash back on hotels like Trident, Lemon Tree, Fortune, Royal Orchid, Ginger at travelguru.com. Rs 2,500 off on hotel bookings at Travelocity.com. Special travel e-vouchers from ICICI credit and debit cards.
IPL SPECIAL
We’ve already told you about Singapore Airlines’ package. Thomas Cook has special ones too. Its Bouncers&Yorkers is a four-night, five-day trip to Johannesburg which will let you watch the semi-finals and the finals of this year’s IPL. The total cost for the trip (per person) is around Rs 58,500 and this includes return economy class airfare (from Mumbai) on South African Airways, accommodation, breakfast, transfers and match tickets.
