On a shoe string

The economy is in meltdown, consumer spending is dwindling and the stress levels are at its peak. The will to keep track of fluctuating stock market has died and the fight to preserve...

The deepening economic gloom8217;s detracting the luxe travel scene and is giving way to relatively cheaper destinations

The economy is in meltdown, consumer spending is dwindling and the stress levels are at its peak. The will to keep track of fluctuating stock market has died and the fight to preserve jobs and businesses has emerged instead. In this what8217;s shifted is the definition of holiday. 8220;From luxe to destressing, lavish to minimal and from month long to week long,8221; Mohinder Singh Bajaj of Bajaj Travels Ltd tells us, as he flips through the booking ledger and points out that expensive holidays have seen a decrease of about 40 per cent. 8220;Europe and USA, which were hot destinations last year, have taken a back seat, and Thailand and Bangkok have become popular instead,8221; says Bajaj.

Randeep Singh, an industrialist, who8217;s finally settled down for Thailand, too agrees. 8220;With a slim budget, Thailand is the tops. A package of Rs 28,000 for a three day stay not only assures a relaxing retreat, but is also easy on the pocket,8221; Singh feels that with all the commotion in business set-ups, an economical vacation is much required.

The consumers are not prepared to put a stop on their weeks in the sun even if the economy clouds over, a steady drumbeat of bad economic news is still pushing their confidence to record-low levels, forcing them to opt for cheaper options, says Suresh Yadav of Timber Trail Travel Agency. 8220;Singapore has invited the maximum queries this year,8221; Yadav maintains that the robust mainstream travel industry has felt the pinch.

With globe-trotters going with e-way, 8220;Many have become members of the Couch Surfing Club and are availing free stay at places, to where commuting cost is reasonable,8221; reels Manu Kant, member of the club. Harkirat Singh, who8217;s recently given shape to 8216;Holiday in a tent8217; concept in Hoshiarpur feels that the heritage and calmness of the state, along with its proximity to the city have made Punjab a relaxing retreat. 8220;The lush green farms, dried river beds and the rural ride all make you forget the worldly tensions,8221; he says, greeting a host of guests from Chandigarh and Delhi. But for Vivek Bansal, Global Project Management Expert, Nokia, it8217;s time to make a visit to Goa. 8220;At Rs 15,000, it8217;s no less than a visit to Pattaya. What it misses though is water sports,8221; Bansal nods. When talking about beach places, Bali too comes out popular. Perfect for honeymooners, Sandeep,a computer engineer, now has recommended it to over six couples. 8220;At Rs 25,000 it8217;s a guilt free holiday,8221; he smiles, picking out the best of pictures from the beautiful site.

Besides, as they say, every bad news comes with a silver lining, here too there8217;s a bit to cheer. Abhas Goyal, an engineer with Tech Mahindra, who after last year8217;s lavish holiday in Atlanta, is heading for Singapore, reels, 8220;The sudden and severe drop in consumer travel is creating unusually good opportunities for bargain hunters. Leading airline and hotel bookings are offering big discounts and it8217;s for one to chose for.8221; Bon Voyage!