Skyscanner understands how addictive exploring the world is once the travel bug bites and, equally the frustration of arriving at the destination of your Instagram dreams only to find a sea of selfie sticks. Avoid the push and shove this year with Skyscanner’s top pick of alternative holiday destinations.
China
China, the world’s most populated country, is home to an incredible combination of cultures, languages and cuisines, and more megacities than any other country. Escape the crowds of tourists jostling for the best angle of bucket list sites and travel north to China’s neighbor, the rustically beautiful Mongolia. Skyscanner’s data shows, so far in 2016 there are 32 times less travellers searching for flights to Mongolia than China*.With one of the lowest population densities in the world, Mongolia invites tourists for the Nadaam festival, a yearly gathering combing the sporting tradition of the place with the ornamental aspects; A trip across the Gobi Desert on reindeers and camels; A must taste of fermented mare’s milk (airag) or fermented camel’s milk.
Italy
Everyone dreams of exploring Italy, but when they do it’s just too crowded. Take a break from sites teeming with tourists and drive 90 minutes from Indian travellers’ second most favourite Italian city**, Milan to Lake Como.One of the most luxurious destinations in Italy (as if that was possible), Lake Como’s deep-blue waters are set against the rugged, forested foothills of the Alps and what better way to enjoy the view than from the lake itself? Hop on a boat and soak in the green lush mountains and spy into some of the exorbitant villas and five star hotels that occupy Lake Como’s shores.
Mauritius
Did you know that 40% of Mauritian population is in Port Louis? Which may seem a lot for the island country. Focus on Rodrigues Island, a remote holiday island which is also known as vegetarian’s haven with some mouthwatering delicacies, with a mixed platter of food served at popular names such as Les Copains d’Abord and Mon Choix among others. The island retreat offers colonial architecture and is home to fruit bats and giant tortoises, plus underground caves like the stalactite-filled Grande Caverne.
Thailand
A holiday to Thailand is easiest to plan and features in Indian traveller’s top ten destinations so far in 2016***.Think Bangkok for shopping, Pattaya for nightlife and Koh Samui for beaches. With this, one may think that they are done with Thailand, not even close. Travel south of Karon Beach, Phuket and find the pristine bay of Kata that lends itself wonderfully to solitude. The beach is far away from town and traffic, lined with casuarina trees that provide a relaxing shade and good snorkeling is just a short swim away.
South India
While India can invoke many travel inspirations, let’s focus on South India but not on Chennai or Bangalore instead, plan for Coorg. Nestled down south close to Madikeri, it is a tiny place away from the hustle bustle of megacity Bangalore. Once home to royalty, it is blessed with green valleys and towering hills. The majestic Abbi Falls are poised in perfection with the spiritual marker Byle Kuppe that is one of the biggest Tibetan settlements down South. The cuisine highlights are the Pork ribs and spice infused Prawn curry. Coorg is a must visit away from the parched lands of Delhi as it is perennially wet and make the pork taste better.
Notes to editor:
*Data based on Skyscanner’s global flight searches to China vs Mongolia from 1st January 2016 to 30th June 2016. Flight searches to China accounted for 1.27% of Skyscanner’s total global searches between 1st January to 30th June 2016 compared to searches to Mongolia which accounted for 0.04% of global searches.
**Data based on flight searches from India to Italy between 1st January 2016 to 30th June 2016. Milan accounted for 31.35% of searches to Italy from India during this period, second to Rome which attracted 42.89% of searches from India to Italy.
*** Thailand was India’s 5th most searched destination between 1st January 2016 and 30th June 2016.
