Indians looking to chill out in icy NY, London this winter

Contrary to the belief that people flock to tropical destinations to beat freezing winters, a study 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.

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.

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

Mishra pointed out this could be due to the fact that off-season travel brings with it some amazing deals, making these countries perfect for winter travel. 

The top three international destinations - New York, London and Toronto witnessed a year-on-year increase of 4 per cent, 31 per cent and 50 per cent in travel searches

respectively.

This pattern suggests that the holiday-makers are keen to experience a snowy Christmas and New Year's, it added. Also, winter holidays in Europe are gradually witnessing growth.

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, he 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.

(With inputs from agencies.)