Slashed fares see city’s urban wanderers booking their next flight

While international destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia remain popular, an increasing number of people prefer the routine haunts such as Goa, Kerala, Mysore, Ooty and Port Blair. The market, said experts, is still growing as the younger crowd is traveling more often than before. Poornima K, a city-based entrepreneur, scouts for deals on air fares regularly. 

A budget traveller, she said that offers like these are perfect for those who are looking to travel without spending a bomb. “Towards the beginning of the year I look out for discounts on air fares. It is perfect time to make my travel plans in a certain budget. I have been hooked to the airline sites to check out the best possible fares,” said the travel enthusiast, whose next destination is Sri Lanka. Monish Ragava, a filmmaker, has travelled around Asia, on a budget. 

“The fares are quite cheap in low-cost airlines, especially if you book a few months ahead. However, you can’t easily cancel, if your travel date has changed. I have used these offers over the past few years to travel around Asia,” he pointed out. While these deals may be popular among budget travellers, those who are looking to travel immediately may have to shell out more. 

“These offers are good for those planning their travels over the April-May timeframe. Otherwise, the fares are quite high, if one wants to go out immediately. People prefer nearer destinations such as Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, since it is within the budget. When it comes to domestic destinations, people, especially youngsters, prefer taking shorter trips. So locales such as Goa, Kerala, Mysore, Port Blair and even Ooty and Kodaikanal still remain top favourites,” said Syed Aziz Ahmed, Director of Amazing Travels. 

A spokesperson for AirAsia said, “Popular international holiday destinations frequented by travellers from Chennai are Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bali.”