This Diwali vacation, families are looking to experiment with their travelling plans. Exploring new places in domestic travel is the new trend.

“Going to places like Mahabaleshwar or Lonavala does not make sense. They are commercialised and we have been there several times,” said Vrinda Choughule, a Mahim resident who has decided to go on an eight-day vacation to Coorg. Coorg, surprisingly happens to be one of the most happening destinations amongst vacation-goers.“My family wanted to be close to greenery and hence we chose Coorg. Besides, it’s nice living at a home stay,” said a traveller from Borivli who will be visiting Coorg, Vainad and Kabini.

Cheap rentals and a greater distance from home rank high on the list when choosing a destination. “The per head cost is around Rs20-25,000 for places like Coorg and these can also be customised according to preference enhancing their appeal,” said Yogesh Lele, director of Dadar based Sanyog Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Another destination that is hot on to-do list is wild life sanctuaries. The sanctuaries appeal to people who are tired of the same old hills and beaches. “A lot of youngsters like going with their families to places like Gir, Kanha and Ranthambore. Besides the novelty of a safari ride, they like being in the lap of nature,” said Gaurav Athalye, director of Jungle Lore, a Mahim-based tour operator. “My brother and I have planned a trip to Ranthambore this year. We like Rajasthan and feel that this is the right time to go there as the weather will be pleasant too,” said Vidhi Salla, a 27-year-old Kandivli resident.

In the international market, it is popular destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand that are still the favourites fro travellers. “Better connectivity and cheaper travel is what attracts people to these palces,” said Iqbal Mullah, president of Travel agents association of India.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Daily News & Analysis / Home> Mumbai> Report / by DNA Correspondent, Place: Mumbai, Agency: DNA / Sunday, November 04th, 2012