With extended weekends and holiday packages available at a steal, it is boom time for travel agencies. From specialised packages to freebies, these agencies are leaving no stone unturned to lure the globetrotter.

The city’s love for the hills becomes evident during the long weekends as many of them prefer to cosy up in Kasauli, Shimla and other nearby hill stations.

Travel managers say most packages sold are for Himachal Pradesh. “Kasauli, Naldehra and Chail remain a hot favourite among people in the tricity. Apart from being beautiful destinations, these places also have proximity factor working in their favour,” says Prabhpreet Singh Sandhu of Globe Planners.

The average cost of a weekend at a hill station in Himachal varies between Rs 4,000 to 6,000 per person which includes meals and stay at a three- star hotel.

“The previous weekend was completely packed in most of the resorts in Himachal. While the demand for the hill state is always high, we registered an increase of 30 per cent in bookings in this month for Himachal alone,” shares Vaibhav Sharma, of Skylark Travels.

Uttrakhand has also emerged as another favourite destination this holiday season followed by Kerala and Goa. Among international destinations, Kuala Lumpur, Thailand and Singapore are the preferred choices.

Travel agents agree that till a few years ago, people were wary of spending too much for a holiday. “People want value for their money. This is why we have specially designed packages for the single traveller, family as well as couples and at an affordable price,” states Sarabjit Singh, who runs a travel agency in Sector 9.

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