Mouni Roy takes a step towards sustainable travel, chooses an eco-friendly accommodation to explore the historic city of Istanbul
/Mouni Roy takes a step toward sustainable travel, and chooses an eco-friendly accommodation to explore the historic city of Istanbul with the love of her life, Suraj Nambiar
The Brahmāstra actress seen exploring the streets of Istanbul, takes to Instagram to share videos of her holiday with husband and friends!
India, June 2022: Indian television turned Bollywood actress Mouni Roy recently took her most-awaited summer vacation to Istanbul with her husband, Suraj Nambiar and her close friends. The actress took to Instagram to share glimpses of her summer vacation where she is seen exploring the beautiful streets of Istanbul, in her summer florals, looking very much in love with her better half. A mindful and responsible traveler that she is, Mouni selected a sustainable accommodation, making a considerate choice through Booking.com, the leading travel brand that offers a unique filter that lets one select accommodation that is sustainable.
Talking about her love for travel, Mouni said, “Finally got the much-needed break and Booking.com made it happen. Here I am in the beautiful city of Istanbul with my love, Suraj. Both Suraj and I have a knack for historical places and while we have traveled a lot together, this is our first time together in Istanbul! I booked my holiday on Booking.com which made the entire booking experience so easy and seamless and helped us find a sustainable property using the Travel Sustainable filter. Can't wait to explore Istanbul and show you how mesmerizing this city is!”
Mouni posted a video on Instagram where she can be seen day-dreaming of a vacation and then fulfills the same by booking her stay on Booking.com. Mouni is seen cherishing the experiences in Istanbul as she walks hand-in-hand with Suraj, exploring the local monuments, sipping on some refreshing Turkish tea, commuting by local cabs and enjoying a romantic dinner with her ‘forever’.
Booking.com Reveals 7 Travel Predictions for 2022
/
Booking.com Reveals 7 Travel Predictions for 2022
In its most extensive travel predictions research to date, the digital travel leader reveals a renewed sense of optimism amongst Indian travellers, fueling a hunger to embrace the new normal and get back out to fully experience the world in the year ahead
Mumbai, 13th December 2021 - While COVID-19 is not yet in the rearview mirror, an indefatigable sense of hope for travel is beginning to take its place. To explore this rolling wave of travel optimism, Booking.com has commissioned extensive research with more than 24,000 travellers across 31 countries and territories 1 including India, combining it with its proprietary data and insights as a digital travel leader for the past 25 years, to predict how travel will continue to be redefined in 2022.
As per Booking.com’s ‘Travel Predictions 2022 Research’, 2022 will be the year to make the most of unpredictability and start making up for lost vacation time in a big way, with the number of travellers who feel they need to do so having increased by 52% since last year*. Booking.com’s predictions reveal how people will be reigniting the travel spark in the upcoming year. Whether it’s as an essential part of a self-care regime or the thrill of just saying yes to whatever travel opportunities and experiences come their way, it’s all about seizing the day in 2022 and making every trip matter.
Vitamin Vacay: Travel will become an essential part of self-care
More so than daily exercise or mindful meditation, getting away on vacation will become THE form of self-care in 2022, with over 84% of Indian travellers affirming that travel helps their mental and emotional wellbeing more than other forms of rest and relaxation. After more than a year of ever-evolving travel restrictions, the important benefits that travel has on health and wellbeing are now being acknowledged. Booking.com’s Travel Predictions research reveals that 85% of Indian travellers believe that having a vacation planned has a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing and 69% of Indian travellers say that they didn’t realize how important travel was to their wellbeing until it was no longer an option.
Resetting the Out Of (Home) Office : Vacation time will be strictly work free
When the pandemic hit, homes across the globe became our offices too, and the novelty of working remotely was realized. However, in 2022 we’ll see a significant rise in people wanting to take back control in a bid to firmly re-establish a healthy work-life balance as vacation time itself will be strictly work-free for 77% of Indian travellers in 2022, which wasn’t always the case in 2021 with home and remote work lives blurred. And with 76% of Indian travellers claiming to have worked more hours using less vacation days during the pandemic, we expect to see more people setting their well deserved out of (home) office messages in 2022.
All the First-Time Feels: The anticipation of the journey will be as exciting as the destination
While many of us may have forgotten where our passport is or even just how to pack, all that out-of-practice travel awkwardness will give way to a genuine sense of delight for even the most routine aspects of our trips in 2022. After feeling ‘stuck’ for so long, rather than rushing through the journey, travellers will be relishing every moment. Each ‘first’ of our trips in 2022 will be a moment to savor, with a majority of Indian travellers saying that simple pleasures such as feeling the sun on their skin (75%) or seeing a body of water of some kind instantly improves their mood for the better (84%). Even the uncertainty of navigating public transportation in a new city in a foreign language is something 75% of Indian travellers say they’ll enjoy while 84% of Indian travellers say that travel is more enjoyable when the journey feels like part of the trip itself. After such a long period of limited options, recapturing that first-time feel and leaning in to every single moment will be a hallmark of trips in 2022.
Community First: Authentic connection with the local community will be priority
As restrictions caused travel to slow in many parts of the world, the pandemic forced us to make the most of what was on our doorsteps. From supporting independently owned businesses to spending more time than ever at the neighborhood park, our relationship with the community around us has rekindled. In 2022, this desire to connect authentically with the local community will continue on vacation too, as we seek to be more mindful about every trip we take and ensure our impact on the places we visit and the people who live there is positive. To this effect, 78% of Indian travellers agree it’s important that their trip is beneficial to the local community at their destination and 75% of Indian travellers would appreciate an app or website that provides recommendations on destinations where an increase in tourism would have a positive impact on the local community.
Swipe Right on New Places and Faces: 2022 will finally be the time to branch out and make new connections
For many, the pandemic meant spending an extended and intense period with our closest friends and loved ones, but vacations in 2022 will be an opportunity to branch out and make some new connections. As 81% of Indian travellers want to meet new people while away, we expect to see travellers using their vacations as an opportunity to expand their usual social circles, with 77% of Indian travellers looking forward to socializing while on vacation. A resurgence of holiday romances is also predicted with 77% hoping for a holiday romance on their next trip.
Just Say Yes: People will be saying YES to travel, making up for the lost travel time
After so long of being told “no” travellers are reclaiming a more positive way of thinking for 2022. The coming year will bring the very best of improv to travel, with us responding to each unexpected twist and turn in the trip with an emphatic “yes, and…”. To that end, nearly 83% of Indian travellers agree they will say yes to any vacation opportunity if budget allows. 79% of Indian travellers are more open to different types of vacation than before the pandemic and 65% of Indian travellers won’t mind where they go on vacation as long as it’s the type of trip they want, they’re just happy to be away from home. Adopting a positive mentality will open up even more of the world to travellers than ever before, with many taking a more adventurous approach to their holiday choices, and maybe even their companions.
Embracing the Unpredictable: People will use technology to embrace travels continued unpredictability
Uncertainty will continue to be a constant in travel in 2022, and while we cannot change or predict every new surprise and challenge that fate has in store for us, we will embrace it. Having leaned on technology in a variety of ways to stay connected and inspired over the past year and a half, our favorite apps will continue to help us navigate the unknown on our trips, with 76% of Indian travellers agreeing that technology helps alleviate the anxiety around traveling. Technology will continue to smooth out the unforeseen bumps in the road with increasing finesse and proactivity.
Ritu Mehrotra, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com said, “As we look towards the year ahead, we’re seeing a lot of anticipation for Indian travellers to return to travel. Whether it’s domestically or abroad or just saying yes to whatever travel opportunity comes their way, it’s our mission to make it easier for everyone to explore again, when the time is right. We will be there for travellers - offering the widest choice, great value and the easiest experience from anywhere and on any device - so people can reclaim their travel mojo and enjoy all of the unforgettable experiences this world has to offer, when it's safe to do so again.”
National Day Handloom Day | Destinations to add to your bucket list for homegrown handlooms
/This National Handloom Day, here are some destinations to add to your bucket list for homegrown handlooms
7th August 2015 was declared as National Handloom Day with an aim to generate awareness around the importance of the handloom industry in India. Being celebrated in its 7th year, this day also focuses on the contribution of handloom to the socio-economic development of the country and increase the income of the weavers. From Madhya Pradesh’s Maheshwari handloom to Karnataka’s Ilkal fabric, Booking.com, the leading travel brand, has curated a list of destinations for fabric, fashion, and handloom loyalists to visit and shop the most exquisite fabrics as and when it’s safe to do so.
1. Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) for Maheshwari handloom
Home to India’s richest handloom fabric traditions, Maheshwar is a small town in the city of Khargone district in Madhya Pradesh. The history of the fabric dates back to the 18th century when its intricate design became a huge hit amongst the royal circle. This fine handloom today not only represents Indian handlooms at an international market but also promotes the craftsmanship of Indian laborers. Travelers visiting Maheshwar must definitely get their hands on colorful Maheshwari sarees. While in Maheshwar, travellers can also visit the Ahilya Fort situated on the banks of Narmada, Holkar fort and the famous Rajwada.
2. Ilkal (Karnataka) for Ilkal handloom
Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Ilkal is an ancient weaving center famous for its Ilkah handloom. Travellers visiting Ilkal will be fascinated with the detailing of the saree which is made with a technique called Tope Teni, where the pallu is weaved with the body of the saree. Ilkal saree also takes its name from the town of Ilkal and the distinctive feature of Ilkal sarees is the use of a form of embroidery called Kasuti. The designs used in Kasuti reflect traditional patterns like palanquins, elephants, and lotuses which are embroidered onto Ilkal sarees. After trying on Ilkal sarees, travellers can also explore the city of Ilkal by visiting Banashankari Temple, Badami Cave temple, Lad Khan temple, and Durga Temple.
3. Sualkuchi (Assam) for Golden Muga Silk
Situated on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra, Sualkuchi is famous for its centuries-old heritage of weaving. Other than the picturesque tea gardens, the beautiful monasteries, and delicious local food, travelers should visit the village of Sualkuchi and shop the lovely Muga silk. This rare form of quintessential fabric has gained popularity and has been worn by women for centuries. The gorgeous fabric is known for its extreme durability and natural yellowish-golden tint. Legends have it that it was once only reserved for the ladies of the royal family. In fact, it is often compared to being as expensive as buying gold.
4. Bishnupur (West Bengal) for Baluchari sarees
The word ‘Baluchari’ means sandy river bank, signifying the origins of the handloom to a small village called Baluchar situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. The handloom is known for its depictions of mythological scenes on the pallu of the saree. Located in West Bengal, Bishnupur is a small town that is currently the only place where one can find authentic Baluchari sarees. When it is safe to travel, one can visit Bishnupur to add Baluchari saree to their collection. Bishnupur is also home to temples, heritage sites and museums which can make your trip a memorable one.
5. Patan (Gujarat) for Patola saree
Patola, a double ikat woven saree, translates into ‘Queen of Silk’ and is one of the finest silk sarees produced in Patan, known to be a capital of Gujarat in medieval times. The history of the Patola sarees date back to the 12th century, where it is said that the handloom craft was introduced by the salvi caste who are believed to migrate to Gujarat with the intention of acquiring the patronage of the Solanki Rajputs, who used to dress in patola silk themselves on special occasions. The patola saree is quite an expensive handloom due to the nature of its technique, and is today manufactured only by a handful of weavers in Patan. Patan has an old world charm, where travellers can find beautiful attractions like Jain temple, Hemachandracharya Gyan Mandir, Khan Sarovar, Rani ki Vav and Sahastrilanga Talav.
