Footloose Amdavadis, make the most of long weekends

Leaves are difficult to get and fancy destinations also burn a hole in your pockets, but even short breaks have their charm. Especially when monsoon adds its misty magic to make the holidays more rejuvenating and doubles the joy of vacationing. While the ‘beaches versus hills’ debate continues, with the slew of ‘long weekends’ this year, there’s time to revamp your travel plans.
Offbeat destinations
Most Amdavadis are avid travelers and having explored the conventional destinations, they are always looking forward to exploring new places. Rohan Kothari, a travel organizer says, “There is a demand to visit places like Norway and Iceland. Amdavadis want to see the northern lights and go on an Arctic cruise. In that sense, high-end travel is looking up.” The trend of indulging in adventure sports in New Zealand and Dubai is also trending. Kothari adds, “There still aren’t a lot of people who want to sky dive or bungee jump,” he says.
Suggested places: Valley of Flowers — Kaas Plateau (Maharashtra), Northern lights – Norway
Lured by luxury
The city is seeing more takers for luxury travel. Exclusive and personalized travel experiences are customised keeping in mind Amdavadi travelers who can afford to loosen their purse-strings when they put on their travel shoes. “Luxury resorts offer excellent facilities to delectable cuisines, the best views and most relaxing spa services. Besides hotels, even cruises seem to be redefining luxury travelling,” says Zara Sheikh who indulges in luxury trips, twice a year. “Theme based spa, detoxing, yoga and wellness retreats are sought after by travellers. However, going to such places overseas involves a huge expenditure, as these are more costly outside India,” says Rohan.
Suggested places: Macau for its casinos, Palace resorts of Udaipur, Balasinor in Gujarat
Budget trips
Young travelers are keen on travelling in the country especially within smaller budgets and to unexplored destinations. With a little help from the internet, or recommendations from friends (and travel shows/magazines) – planning a value for money trip can also bring in an element of adventure, providing the much needed adrenaline rush. Marketing professional Abhishek Patel says, “Trekking and hiking are cheaper options. Opting for a budget trip means you learn to adjust and make the most of the holiday.”
For young professionals, stealing a weekend from hectic work schedules is ideal to unwind.
Suggested places: Jugnoo Valley, Kamlighat (Rajasthan), Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Bonderam Festival Goa
Business meets leisure
Combining business and travel has always trended big time amongst Amdavadis. “I have seen that Gujaratis love to splurge on lavish trips and if at the same time we are getting work done, it’s a win-win situation,” quips Saloni Gandhi who recently travelled with her father to learn about the nitty gritties of their business. “I went to Luxembourg in the roughest weather but had the best time meeting people from Germany. The chance to explore a place is an added bonus,” she shares.
Suggested places: Hong Kong, Mainland China
Cultural purists
For some travelers, savouring every bit of the native culture tops their must-do list. Natasha Patidar, an ad professional, says, “I want to know about local handicrafts, about the people who make them, their traditions. I love going to monuments and knowing the history behind them. It helps one connect to the place, its people and their beliefs.” Also being a travel and photography enthusiast makes you see the landscapes, architecture and infrastructure in a different light, she adds.
Suggested places: Champaner-Pavagadh Arcahelogical Park, Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
Going solo
For some people, the entire point of travelling is exploring an unknown place, all by yourself. “When I am travelling solo to an unknown city/country, I read up thoroughly on the internet, especially about the cuisine because I am a foodie. I look at the most underrated food joints, visit museums and art galleries and walk around endlessly,” says Bineka Sadhnani, a literature student.
Tip: It is best to talk to the locals before you explore any new places.
Suggested places: Kumbalgarh-Ranakpur, Bhutan
Road trips and places offering visa on arrival are predictably popular. So, which travel tribe do you belong to and where are you heading next?
Long weekends this year
• Independence Day Weekend: August 13-15 (Saturday-Monday)
• Janamashtami Weekend: August 25-28 (Thursday-Sunday)
• Ganesh Chaturthi Weekend: September 3-5 (Saturday-Monday)
• Bakri Eid Weekend: September 10-12 (Saturday-Monday)
• Dussehra/Durga Puja Weekend: October 8-12 (Saturday-Wednesday)
• Diwali Weekend: October 28-30 (Friday-Sunday)
• Guru Nanak Jayanti Weekend: November 12-14 (Saturday-Monday)
• Id-e-Milad Weekend: December 10-13 (Saturday-Tuesday)