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    Skyscanner reveals top destinations for 2018

    Synopsis

    The New Year will bring hopes of new travel destinations for the wanderlust bitten.

    ET Bureau
    NEW DELHI: Global travel app Skyscanner stated it has analysed and spotted top travel trends for 2017 and new destinations for 2018.

    Top destinations for 2018

    The New Year will bring hopes of new travel destinations for the wanderlust bitten, based on searches on Skyscanner India's app over the past three years, we can see some exciting global locations are emerging as the new 'go to' vacation destinations for Indian travellers.

    Skyscanner witnessed an average increase of over 80% on searches from Indian travellers for these thrilling locations since 2016. Each destination is a mélange of the new with the old; Picturesque hubs with touches of history and culture, marking these as travel goals for 2018.

    Top Destinations for 2018 - YoY increase

    1. Gold Coast, Australia - 142%
    2. Hanoi, Vietnam - 81%
    3. Prague, Czech Republic - 71 %
    4. Cairo, Egypt - 64%
    5. Koh Samui, Thailand - 50%

    Multi-city on the rise
    Skyscanner's data shows the trend for multi-city trips is growing fast, in 2017 Indian travellers drove a 31% increase in usage of Skyscanner's multi-city search function compared to 2016. Evidence of this trend is further strengthened by results from a recent study in which 50% of millennial travellers claiming they are likely to visit more than one city on their vacations.

    Image article boday

    Hanoi, Vietnam.

    Travel with plans
    In 2017, Skyscanner noted a trend to plan ahead for travel among Indians. For international holidays, 58% of the travelers are likely to book tickets 30-8 days before departure while only 12% will leave it to the last minute. On the contrary, local travel warranted more spontaneity as 21% travelers booked last minute and only 49% travelers booked 30-8 days before departure.

    Most popular destinations of 2017
    Select global destinations, which are perhaps the usual hot spots, are firmly holding the attention of Indian travellers. Skyscanner reported exceptional searches from Indian to these holiday havens. Considering their proximity, popularity, and relevance, these cities continue to reign the travel sphere from India.

    Image article boday

    Dubai.

    TOP DESTINATIONS IN 2017

    1. Dubai
    2. Bangkok
    3. Bali
    4. Singapore
    5. London

    Popular destinations become more affordable
    Travellers visiting top global destinations Dubai, Bangkok, Bali and Singapore bagged a bargain in 2017 when a dip in flight fares saved travellers up to 20%. Since 2015 airfares to Dubai, Bangkok, Bali and Singapore have reduced by 20%, 16%, 15% and 12%, respectively. Bucking this trend, flight prices to London - Indian traveller's second favourite international destination - witnessed a sharp dip in 2016 but before prices rose again by 9% in 2017.

    Image article boday

    London Museum, London. (Image: Thinkstock)

    Fly in comfort
    Skyscanner noted that a whopping 89% travelers opt for full service carrier that comprises of entertainment, checked baggage, meals, beverages and comforts such as blankets and pillows in the ticket price; while, only 11% prefer low cost carrier which comes with no meals and no frills.

    Long weekend travel
    In 2017, the global travel search app witnessed the Republic Day weekend as the most popular long weekend for a quick trip. With data indicating the last week of January was the most searched long weekend, Indian travellers appear to want to start the new year with a holiday.
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