Indians gear up for white Christmas, New Year this season: Report

Contrary to the belief that people flock to tropical destinations to beat freezing winters, a study conducted by global travel metasearch engine has revealed that more Indians are gearing up for a snow-filled experience this season.

“With the onset of winter and long breaks during Christmas and New Year, destinations such as Europe and North America are now popular among Indian travellers for a white Christmas with New York topping the list followed by London and Toronto,” global travel search engine KAYAK’s director of India and the Middle East, Abhijit Mishra, said.

A white Christmas in New York city is the fairy tale festive season for travellers as ‘The City Which Never Sleeps’ gives a whimsical experience with a lot of snow and magical atmosphere.

Also Read | India most vacation deprived nation in world: Report

According to KAYAK’s data, there has been an almost ten per cent hike in searches done by Indians planning to travel this season across North America and Europe’s popular destinations for white Christmas and New Year celebrations.

 “There has been an eight per cent year-on-year surge in searches by Indians compared with the corresponding period in the previous year,” said Mishra.

The data is based on searches done by Indian travellers on return flights on KAYAK platform during January till November this year for travelling between January and February 2019.

One of the reasons could be due to the fact that off-season travel brings with it some amazing deals, making these countries perfect for winter travel, Mishra said.

According to KAYAK’s report, New York, London and Toronto are among top three international destinations in travel search portal with a year-on-year increase of 4 per cent, 31 per cent and 50 per cent respectively.

Read More | Meet the uncontacted tribe of Sentinelese people

This pattern suggests that the holiday-makers are keen to experience a snowy Christmas and New Year’s, Mishra said.

Also, like America, winter holidays in Europe are gradually witnessing growth as they (people) do Christmas right.

Within Europe, Reykjavik in Iceland has witnessed the highest growth of 137 per cent in year-on-year searches owing to its beautiful natural wonders, Mishra added.

According to KAYAK’s data, other North American destinations, including Chicago, Boston and Vancouver with 31 per cent, 75 per cent and 43 per cent year-on-year growth in searches respectively, also featured in the list.

These cities have a slightly higher average trip duration period of 15-23 days, compared to European cities ranging from 8-11 days, Mishra said.

For Indian travellers, Christmas will surely be white this season and ring a new year with a new lease on life.

(With PTI inputs)