Hyderabad residents dreaming of a foreign vacation this Christmas and New Year are in for a rude awakening. Travel agencies have hiked prices for international tour packages by a staggering nearly 30%, turning holiday plans into a significant financial burden. The peak-season demand is creating a perfect storm of high costs, with popular destinations becoming exceptionally expensive.
Popular Destinations See Steepest Price Surge
The most sought-after holiday spots are witnessing the sharpest increases. A budget-friendly six-night package covering Malaysia and Singapore, which was available for around ₹70,000 per person just a few weeks ago, has now crossed the ₹1 lakh mark. The situation is even more extreme for the United Arab Emirates. A trip to Dubai has become notably pricier, with packages now starting from ₹1.25 lakh.
Airfares Triple Amid Festive Rush
The financial pinch isn't limited to tour packages. International airfares from Hyderabad have skyrocketed, with tickets costing nearly three times their usual price. For instance, flights connecting Hyderabad and Singapore, which typically range between ₹12,000 and ₹15,000, are now being sold for ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 for travel during the Christmas and New Year period. This dramatic spike is mirrored on other popular routes, including those to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Dubai.
Tour operators point to a combination of factors driving this surge. Strong outbound demand from Indian travellers, significant hikes in hotel rates abroad, and the concentrated year-end travel rush are the primary culprits. The demand is particularly high from families and corporate groups planning their annual vacations. Industry experts warn that these inflated prices are unlikely to cool down for at least the next two weeks.
Expert Advice: Book Early or Explore Alternatives
Given the current scenario, travel agents strongly advise passengers to finalise their plans and book well in advance to possibly secure slightly better rates. Alternatively, they suggest considering off-beat or less conventional destinations to avoid paying a hefty festive premium.
P Nagesh from Pampati Aeroworld Holidays provided some insight. "Those looking for relatively affordable international holiday options during Christmas and New Year can consider destinations such as Bali, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, where tour packages are still available for up to ₹60,000 per person," he said. However, he cautioned that December is traditionally the most expensive travel period of the year, coinciding with year-end breaks for employees.
The message for Hyderabad's aspiring globetrotters is clear: the festive season comes with a premium. Careful planning, flexibility with destinations, and immediate action are key to managing the holiday budget this year-end.
