Desi means dream destination for holiday-makers this year
By - Plaka Nandi

After WTC attacks, Amdavadis are shunning foreign are shunning foreign shores and preferring to head for holiday spots in the country This year, the heart is where the
home is.

As far as holidays go, that is. Those wanting to head far from the madding crowd this year are shunning foreign shores and opting for desi destinations. Or else, they’re simply staying home. Till last year, countries like the US, Europe, Singapore and Dubai were dream destinations. These places a paradise for shoppers attracted a large number of Amdavadis as they were great spots to sightsee as well as do their Diwali shopping.

This year, there has been a complete turnaround. There are few holiday-makers opting for tours to US, Europe, Singapore or Malaysia. "Until last year, most people preferred to go to the US or Europe or some other foreign destination. However, this year there are not even a handful of visitors to these places," says Shimul Shroff of Global Connections. The preferred destinations are nearer home Royal Rajasthan and God’s Own Country Kerala.

The reason: these are quiet places which lend themselves to a restful holiday. ‘A small place without much havoc or chaos and which has a quiet and peaceful environment is the first choice of many. Quite a few of the travellers are opting to visit places like Udaipuror part of Kerala. There are also a lot of takers for ‘Chhota Kashmir’ in Madhya Pradesh," says Yamal Nanavati of Travel Time.

His partner Manish Bhatt adds that not even 20 per cent people have opted for foreign climes as compared to last year. "Normally airlines raise their fares during the festival but not this year. Despite reducing fares the are still finding few takers," he adds.

‘.‘We had planned to go on a tour to the US this Diwali. We had made plans to celebrate Diwali there with an nonresident Indian friend and stay for about a month or so. However; after the terrorist attacks on the United States we decided against it," says Roni Vermama and if going to foreign shores is a must, then holiday-makers prefer heading for countries like Thailand.

"We were planning to visit the US this Diwali vacation. Due to the conditions prevailing there, we now plan to visit Bangkok. We will leave on ‘Bhaibij’ after celebrating Diwali at our place?" says Digvijay Raman, an executive in a private firm.

He’s a rarity though as most are opting for Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Kochi or Chhota Kashmir "We wanted to visit a quiet place, somewhere peaceful. As Udaipur and surrounding areas seemed like a good place, we decided on this destination. But we want to go on our holiday after the festival as Diwali has to be in the house with friends and family," says Arpit Mehta, a businessman.

What comes through ultimately is the fact that very few people are planning to go on a vacation this festival season. One of the main reasons for this is said to be the recession in the market.

"The response this time is far less than what is was last year. And those planning a holiday are opting for safety the West and the South, not the North," says Mahesh Dudakiya, of Shakti Travels.

Many are also planning family reunions in the wake of the quake. ‘Till last years, we used to visit some place or the other every Diwali. However, this year, the whole family, including my five uncles, have decided to celebrate the festival together.

"After about six years all of us will he together for Diwali. My grandma wants us to caelebrate this festival together. Things might change anytime, she feels." Says Rohan Desai, a CA student.