Planning Your Summer Vacation? You Can't Miss These Deals!

It is scorching hot - both outside and inside. The AC grunts with voltage fluctuations, while the kids are running restless and asking untiringly, “Where are we going for a summer vacation?”. Add to that complains like “But my teacher asked us to write an essay on how I spent my summer vacations”. As much as you would like to personally give that teacher a piece of your mind, truth be told, the kids have earned their break and the teacher is clearly on their side.

summer-holidays

The Why

Everyone must go on a summer vacation every year. If I had my way, I would make it a law. It is primarily important for two reasons:

A summer vacation is a great way to bond with your family and also escape the office, bumper to bumper traffic and mundane chores.
Collecting data for the kids home work! Come on, let’s be honest, how many of us have actually written that essay!

The Where

Now that you’re convinced to finally go on a summer vacation, the next important question is where? When I was younger, I distinctly remember my dad calling a family meeting and sitting with his leather bound atlas and asking us to choose a place; playing geography quizzes all along. Then mom like a referee would keep rejecting the fancy places on grounds of the extravagant expenditures involved.

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Planning a vacation though fun, was time-consuming back then. These days, thanks to the joys of modern technology, zeroing on a destination is much easier! Finding something to suit your budget from the most frugal to most luxuriant has never been easier. But all said and done, a summer holiday can be quite stressful if not planned properly.

The How

For a wholesome holiday, go to a destination when it’s celebrating a local festival or event. A vibrant potpourri of culture, local ethos and real colours of the city come alive during such a time. Well, come to think of it, what is Allahabad without Kumbh Mela? When you plan your summer holiday in sync with a festival, these are the fringe benefits as well:

1. There is no dearth of things to do. Plenty of programs, fairs and activities to keep you engaged.

2. You don’t need to explore every corner of the town looking for culture. Culture will come to you.

3. The destination will be at its best during an event or festival. Abundant displays of local culture, customs, handicrafts and even local food.

4. If you are a photographer you’re in for a real treat, if you love shopping you get the best bargains, if you’re on a family vacation you have enough to keep the kids busy.

Basically, you’re sorted!

Ah…The Problem

However, there is just one hitch – the crowds. During a popular festival, the destination is usually crowded. Both tourists and locals throng to join in the celebrations.

The Solution

Your solution here is impeccable planning. Book your flight, hotel and event tickets well in advance. Chalk out your itinerary and make adequate arrangements. Online booking facilities have made all this easy and seamless.

summer-holiday-travel

My list of Top 5 Destinations That Host Summer Festivals

1. Ooty Summer Festival, Ooty: Spend a refreshing summer in Ooty, the ‘Queen of Hills’ while they celebrate the Summer Festival in May. Ooty looks like a beautiful bride bedecked with flowers standing coyly against the stoic Nilgiri mountains. A sight to behold!

2. Mount Abu Summer Festival, Mount Abu: Enjoy the many delights of Mount Abu’s Summer Festival in May. Acclaimed as the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is every bit worth a visit. During the Summer Festival, experience the rich and diverse culture of Rajasthan firsthand.

3. Champakulam Boat Race, Kerala: Row your boat in June at the Champakulam Boat Race, an event which is 500 years old. At the Pambha river, beautifully decorated boats stand in queue and with the blowing of trumpet the majestic race begins.

4. Sindhu Darshan Festival, Leh: The Sindhu Darshan Festival celebrated from first week of June is the perfect time to visit Leh. A tribute to India and the Indus, the Sindhu Darshan Festival is symbolic of national unity and communal harmony.

5. Chosker Festival, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh Experience a spiritual high in the North East during Chosker Festival celebration. This is the time when indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Monpa and the Sherdukpens actively participate in the celebration.