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Indians are embracing wanderlust this festive season, using the break to embark on new journeys and make their travel dreams come true. From enjoying local delicacies to immersing in new cultures, Indian travellers are all set to fill this season with lasting travel memories.  

Recent findings from KAYAK, found that 98% of the respondents plan to travel within India over the festive period while 60% want to travel internationally^. 

KAYAK has partnered with Mrunal Thakur, an Indian actor and avid traveller, to share her travel memories and encourage Indians to book that long-awaited trip this Diwali.

KAYAK has hand-picked deals to our most popular destinations to help you save on your next getaway!*

Here’s the full picture of Mrunal’s greatest travel memories, upcoming Diwali travel plans, and top bucket list destinations.

Mrunal’s Diwali Celebrations With A Side Of Enchanting Destinations 

This year, my Diwali plans are quite exciting. I’ll be celebrating the festival in the United States with my crew due to my ongoing shooting schedule.

Packing Light Is Mrunal’s Greatest Travel Hack 

My top travel hack is a simple yet effective one – pack light. Even when venturing into regions with unpredictable weather, I carry a versatile jacket and adaptable outfits. I embrace the spontaneity of backpacking, often deciding on accommodations as I go. KAYAK has become my trusted companion, offering unparalleled convenience in planning my trips. Carrying essential medicines, prearranging currency and making basic bookings, like hiring a car, are non-negotiable. Researching my destination and connecting with friends living there are integral parts of my travel routine.

Mrunal’s Bucket List Destinations

Dest Egypt Abu Simbel Temple | Getty Images

A couple of destinations have been on my bucket list for a while. Egypt tops the list because I’ve always wanted to see the Pyramids in person. The sheer grandeur of these ancient structures is awe-inspiring. Another destination I’m eager to explore is Paris. The European charm, the vibrant culture, and the allure of the city have piqued my curiosity.

My passion for travel goes beyond the destinations themselves. It’s about creating meaningful memories, connecting with people, and embracing the world’s diversity. 

So go on, heed the call of wanderlust – you’re bound to end up someplace super special. Wishing you a Happy Diwali with luminous adventures! 

Embracing Wanderlust and Reaching Magical Places

Travelling has always held a special place in my heart. It’s not just about visiting new places; it’s about creating lasting memories and connections. 

Embracing my curiosity for discovery has taken me to truly fascinating destinations around the world. I especially love the hills, and Dehradun and Ooty are my top picks in India. Internationally, London and New York hold a special place in my heart. The people, culture, and the overall vibes in these cities make me feel like I truly belong. 

But, the one destination that truly feels like home to me is my grandmother’s home in Dhule, Maharashtra. I have countless childhood memories there, and I make it a point to keep going back whenever I can. 

Recounting Diwali Travel Memories 

One Diwali, I embarked on a memorable road trip from Delhi to Amritsar with my masi (aunt). What made this trip unforgettable were the traditional Diwali snacks we savoured during the journey. The yummy chaklis, shankarpadi, and chiwda added a delightful touch to our road trip. The simple joy of spending quality time with family while indulging in these treats left an indelible mark on my heart.

My most cherished travel memories involve my dad and our regular road trips. On these journeys, I would sit in the front seat with my dad playing car number plate games and solving math problems for hours. These trips created an unbreakable bond between us. 

To find and compare great deals on flights, hotels and car hire – visit KAYAK.co.in and use the Best Time to Travel tool to find the perfect time to go on your next holiday.  

^KAYAK.co.in’s Diwali travel intention survey was conducted from 11th and 20th August 2023 by a third-party researcher, YouGov on behalf of KAYAK, who surveyed 1209 urban Indians of both genders aged 18+, from top 6 cities of India (Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad)

*Based on the top 20 domestic and international searches conducted between 01-04-2023 to 11-07-2023 for the travel period 25-07-2023 to 31-12-2023 originating from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

About the author

KAYAK Since 2004, KAYAK has been revolutionising the travel industry. Metasearch for travel? No one was doing it. Until we did. Today, we process billions of queries across our platforms each year for travel information, helping millions of travellers around the globe make confident decisions. With every query, KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to show travellers the information they need to find the right flights, hotels, hire cars and holiday packages.

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