Rakesh Chaudhary, an adventure seeker had trekked through several dense jungles and deep valleys around the India but was wondering where to go next. That was until he heard about Costa Rica. A week-long trip later, he did not want to return home from South America. "I had covered almost all of India and wanted something new. So, I chose Costa Rica and am proud of my decision. It's a mesmerizing place. I never wanted to come back to Delhi," Chaudhary, manager at an international bank, told IANS.
A rise in disposable incomes and changes in lifestyle patterns and exposure to the world through the internet have led Indians to explore offbeat destinations and spend much more on vacations, say travel experts. Those with deep pockets and spare time are heading to eastern Europe, Africa or even Latin America while others continue to flock to short haul destinations like Thailand and Singapore, but keep away from the general tourist spots. "An ever increasing number of Indian travellers are opting for places like Kao Mai, Phi Phi islands and Hua Hin in Thailand instead of just Bangkok and Phuket. The numbers of such people are rising," Manmeet Ahluwalia, marketing head of online travel portal Expedia India, told IANS. "Working professionals who can't afford a long holiday constitute the largest number of travellers to these short-haul destinations," he added.
