Pune: Exploring offbeat destinations appears to be the new trend offering travellers a chance to break away from the conventional and dive into unique experiences . Hidden gems or alternate holiday locations are giving Indians a glimpse into local cultures and untouched landscapes. In December last year, NIBM resident Shahrukh Faquih and his family visited Morocco for a vacation.
“We visited around five cities in Morocco over 10 days. It was a fabulous experience. Right from the food to the culture, we enjoyed every bit of it.
Some of us even enrolled in a local surf school there,” he said. Whether it’s the mystical beauty of Faroe Islands with its dramatic cliffs, the unspoiled beaches of Mozambique, or the historic charm of Azerbaijan, travellers are seeking a break from the ordinary. Mumbai resident, Siddha Vora, went on an all-women’s trip to Azerbaijan recently.
“The country is a rich mix of cultural heritage and modern landscapes. The visa process was also very straight forward,” she said. A combination of easy visa processes and visa on arrival options is making these alternate destinations popular among Indian travellers.
A report on Travel Trends 2024 by SkyScanner showed that Da Nang in Vietnam, Almaty in Kazakhstan and Baku in Azerbaijan have seen the biggest year-on-year increase in searches, with food, culture and weather being key factors driving holiday choices. “Tours to Europe are taking a backseat, as people are looking for alternative destinat.
