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How to maximize your summer travel experience?

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, shares exclusive insights…

The travel industry is back and booming as people are excited about travel once again, reaffirming the remarkable resilience of the sector and the unyielding spirit of travellers to explore the world.

So what can be done to mitigate these circumstances and preserve the relaxing experience we are all searching for?​ Here are some top tips for travelling this summer:   

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia, Booking.com.

Prepare, prepare, prepare

We know there is something exhilarating about booking a last-minute getaway. But preparing in advance can avoid any last-minute hiccups where possible. Furthermore, it gives you time to acquaint yourself with the journey beforehand and review critical details, such as accommodation location, passport and visa validity. The summer months can be particularly busy and planning ahead and avoiding overlooking these details can save you the stress of scrambling for accommodations and potentially paying inflated prices. So, whether your passports are already stamped and tickets to a spectacular hillside destination booked, solidify your plans beforehand for more control and peace of mind. Embrace the preparation as each step holds its own magic. 

Be flexible

Travel in the new normal requires being open to adapting to the changes in the travel landscape. One way would be to spend your vacation off-grid and away from the hustle and bustle of busy cities and tourist hotspots to avoid some of the delays that come with traveling in and around busier destinations. Alternatively, be forthcoming in planning your itinerary around the expected visa turnaround time or plan trips to countries that are relatively prompt in offering visas. Or consider opting for destinations that offer visas on arrival. If you can afford to, travel during off-peak/ shoulder seasons. This has its own perks – with better deals, fewer crowds and shorter airport queues – it’s a win-win! With nearly 75% of Indian travellers looking to prioritize value for money, travelling during non-peak seasons ensures a more relaxed, cost-effective and smoother travel experience. Alternative accommodations such as homes, villas, boathouses, tree houses, chalets and other unique places to stay can also be explored for those seeking unconventional stays and wanting to experience the local culture.   

Trust the technology

The use of technology has become inevitable in the age of modern travel. It is considered a reliable and practical tool that can simplify the experience of voyaging for everyone. Hence, when researching and booking your trip online, a critical step is selecting a website that delivers a one-stop solution for all requirements. For instance, accommodation-hotels, alternatives like homes, apartments, domestic and international flights, on-ground transportation-trams, rails, cabs, and attractions such as tickets for museums and castles, among others. Hence, a connected trip is a step towards a seamless journey.   

Embrace the unexpected 

Despite meticulous planning, travel, as we all know, doesn’t always go as planned. If you do end up getting delayed, try to make the most of the facilities; shop, savor local cuisines, or even relax and make the most of your airport lounge. Also, if you have a valid visa and can leave the airport, explore the city’s sights and attractions. Shift your perspective and turn the pause into an adventure en route to the final destination. Stay flexible and remember that unexpected twists often lead to memorable experiences and stories. Â