Author: Travel and Tourism Desk

Passengers travelling through Mumbai on May 7 should be prepared for disruptions, as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will remain shut for six hours during the day. The airport will suspend all flight operations from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and during this period, no aircraft will be allowed to take off or land. The closure has been planned in advance as part of the airport’s annual pre-monsoon runway maintenance, which is considered essential to ensure safe flight operations during the heavy rains that Mumbai experiences every year. The maintenance work focuses on checking and repairing the runway surface, drainage…

The Mumbai–Pune Expressway has long been one of India’s busiest and most important highways. Every day, thousands of people travel between the two cities for work, business, and leisure. But if you have ever taken this route, you would know that the journey is not always smooth, especially in the ghat section near Lonavala. Sharp turns, heavy traffic, and frequent accidents have made this stretch stressful for many travellers. Now, things are set to change with the opening of the much-awaited Mumbai–Pune Missing Link. It is being seen as a major upgrade to the expressway. But what exactly is this…

As summer travel plans begin to take shape, Marriott Bonvoy has introduced a limited-period Summer Resort Offer, inviting travellers to embrace spontaneous holidays across more than 50 destinations in India. Designed for those who often delay their travel plans, the offer encourages last-minute getaways with attractive savings and added benefits. Valid for bookings until 30 June 2026, the offer applies to stays between 1 May and 30 June 2026. Members can enjoy an additional 10 per cent discount on room rates, daily buffet breakfast, and 20 per cent savings on food and beverages. These benefits aim to make short breaks…

S Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International’s global portfolio, has officially opened Le Méridien Surat, marking the brand’s entry into one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres. Situated along the banks of the Tapi River, the hotel introduces a refined blend of contemporary design, cultural storytelling, and curated experiences to the city. Known as India’s Diamond City, Surat is celebrated for its thriving textile and diamond industries, as well as its vibrant street food culture. Reflecting this dynamic identity, Le Méridien Surat offers travellers a stay that seamlessly connects modern luxury with local heritage. The hotel features 185…

The best travel hack? Stop planning around sights. Start planning around your appetite. The following is a representative story based on experiences commonly shared by Indian travellers. Priya, a Mumbai-based marketing professional, had been saving up for Paris for three years. She had the mood board ready for the Eiffel Tower at golden hour, a café au lait on a cobbled street, a croissant from a boulangerie. Then she landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, checked into her hotel, and went looking for dinner. What followed was 45 minutes of standing outside restaurants, squinting at menus, trying to figure out…

Turkish Airlines has steadily built a reputation as one of the world’s most connected and culturally rich airlines. With its hub in Istanbul, the airline operates flights to more countries than any other carrier, making it a key bridge between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Founded in 1933, Turkish Airlines has grown from a small regional carrier into a global aviation powerhouse. Today, it flies to over 300 destinations across more than 120 countries. This expansive network allows travellers to connect seamlessly across continents, often with shorter layovers compared to other international hubs. One of the airline’s biggest strengths…

Jamaica has marked a strong comeback in its tourism sector, surpassing one million visitors following recent hurricane-related disruptions. The milestone highlights the island’s resilience and growing appeal as a long-haul destination for global travellers, including those from India. The recovery comes after a period of weather-related challenges that had temporarily impacted tourism operations. However, coordinated efforts by the government, tourism authorities, and industry stakeholders ensured a swift restoration of services. This proactive response helped Jamaica maintain visitor confidence and sustain demand across its key travel segments. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett emphasised that the sector’s ability to bounce back reflects years…

Marriott International has strengthened its presence in India with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, marking the brand’s debut in Andhra Pradesh. Positioned in one of the country’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations, the hotel aims to cater to pilgrims, business travellers and leisure guests with a blend of comfort and modern amenities. Located close to the revered Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the property benefits from strong connectivity. It is just a short drive from both the railway station and Tirupati Airport, making it a convenient choice for visitors arriving from across the country. The hotel has been designed to offer…

Turkish Airlines has expanded its footprint in the United Kingdom by adding London Stansted Airport to its growing flight network, making it the airline’s third gateway in the UK capital after London Heathrow and London Gatwick. The move marks another important step in the carrier’s strategy to strengthen its position in one of its key international markets. With the launch of services to Stansted, Turkish Airlines now serves six destinations across the United Kingdom, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Together with Dublin, the airline’s total weekly frequencies across the United Kingdom and Ireland will rise to 168 during…

From happiness’s quiet realms, we cross hemispheres to where vast horizons promise renewal: New Zealand and Australia, lands of dramatic landscapes and laid-back vibes. In 2026, these countries score highly on global happiness and livability metrics. New Zealand ranks seventh in the World Happiness Report with a score of 7.12, while Australia sits tenth with 7.06. Numbeo notes Australia’s quality of life at 194.8. Here, livability merges adventure with security, providing an ideal refuge for those seeking space, serenity, and escape from crowded urban density. New Zealand, or Aotearoa, stuns with its natural diversity. Auckland’s harbours shimmer beside Fiordland’s misty…