Month: December 2018

Mountains or Beaches: What does it reveal about your personality?

Posted on by OYO Team

Winter holidays are near, and if you still haven’t decided where to go, this blog might help you choose.

There are a plethora of beautiful places to choose from, so picking the final destination may be a bit of a conundrum. For help, you can let your personality decide this. Will it be the majestic views of the snow-capped ranges that win the moment or will it be the pleasant evening sea breeze that will do its magic? Mountains and beaches cater to different emotions. Deciding between the two is based on a few common factors.

Mountain Lovers

Introvert

If you are someone who does not mind getting lost in the curves and inclines of a secluded hill town, then you have the basic traits of an introvert. The forbidding yet ethereal beauty of the mountains gives you the peace of mind, and the high altitudes and charming winding streets make you celebrate your solitude and go into a creative frame of mind. You thrive when no one is around, and you feel most free when you are the stranger in a new place, ready to be the anonymous observer.

Artistic

Mountains tend to attract the romantics and the artistically inclined. Writers, painters and other artists find inspiration in the hardy terrains. Choosing the serene silence of the mountains also means that you prefer staying connected to the real world while enjoying your own company. Hill stations for you are synonymous with self-discovery—whether it is teatime in the bustling town square or the lonely walk on a pine crested trail.

You prefer to speak less, and you probably love to learn about the lives of others, especially when the culture and traditions are unfamiliar. Your conversations aren’t about the trivial stuff either—as they get longer, the philosopher in you gets unleashed.

Nature Enthusiast

Loving mountains also makes you a nature enthusiast. You don’t control nature in the mountains, it controls you. Those who are addicted to the mountains go there for the breathtaking landscapes, they admire the crimson peaks and steep forests and they feel at home with the rushing sound of the icy waters of a brook in the background.

Mountains are about uncomplicated lifestyles. If you love to serenade your partner with the simple things rather than elaborate gestures, then a mountain getaway is the right choice.

Here are a few destinations which will complement your personality: Shimla, Manali, Gangtok, Shillong and Darjeeling.

Beach Hoppers

Extrovert

Beaches have a more vibrant setting and are ideal for people who prefer to travel with company.  If ‘fun’ and ‘party’ are the words that bring out your lively side, then you’re a beach person. If you choose beaches over mountains, you are more of a social person and do not hesitate in making new friendships wherever you go. You are a go-getter, be it completing a task at the professional front or simply enjoying your holiday to the fullest. Your extrovert personality thrives in the company of others.

Lively

You do not like to spend time doing nothing. Activities make you feel alive and the evenings are when the day really begins. Beach people do not waste time worrying about the future and fun for them is about living in the moment.

The energy on a beach trip is high-octane, fuelled by the chemistry you have with others as much as the destination itself. If you prefer entertainment over introspection, the beach is for you. Beaches are about relationships—whether you are making new ones or reinforcing the old ones. Couples who complement each other’s enthusiasm for a good time will enjoy a beach vacation.

Adventurer

Beachside adventure provides a high-adrenaline rush. It is about exploring deep waters and experiencing high speeds. Cocktails and conversations, dances and serendipitous moments, the many faces of a flea market, the colourful shirts, and the buzz of a beachside bar—these provide the ecosystem for a quintessential extrovert. So, if you like to jump straight into the action and share it with your friends, book a beach destination.

Here are a few destinations to enjoy a memorable holiday: Goa, Puri, Pondicherry, Visakhapatnam and Port Blair.

Let Your Destination Take Over

However, the musings above are not etched in stone. You can have a ball of a time with a large group in a mountain resort, and a beach shack might just be the best place to curl up with a book for hours. Adventurers will enjoy a scuba experience as much as a trek to a base camp. Foodies will enjoy a platter of seafood the same way; they would dig into a hot meal and a warm drink.

What is most important is that you plan your trip well. Research your logistics and make sure that you use a trusted platform to book your hotel rooms. All destinations come with their attractions that will delight any traveller. Be comfortable, stay safe, and let the adventure begin.

10 Best Places to Visit in India in December 2018

Posted on by OYO Team

December is that time of the year when India is at its diverse best. The plains are not scorching hot and the dreamy winter landscapes draw visitors up north. All in all, December is the ideal time to plan a trip. So make your travel list, browse through the best hotel rooms and enjoy a relaxing December. Here are the ten best places to visit in Indian this December.

  1.    Jaipur, Rajasthan

Balcony View from OYO Hotel

From the impressive City Palace to the looming Jaigarh Fort, a royal trip beckons as you explore Jaipur. Rajasthan’s sweltering summers ease away as the year ends, and by December, you can enjoy the perfect combination of sunny afternoons and nippy evenings. Walking around the bazaars and quarters near Hawa Mahal can lead you to some surprising bargains. Cooler temperatures make it easier to explore the ramparts of Amer Palace and Nahargarh Fort in full detail.

  1.    Gangtok, Sikkim

Place to visit around OYO

Sikkim is a state where one can visit a tropical wonderland and frost covered pine forests just hours apart. The undulating highlands give way to some of the most stunning gorges in the world, and since it is winter, the valleys get the attention this time. There is no dearth of places to visit in Gangtok—from the age-old monasteries to the crystal-clear lakes, you will never fall short of interesting options to explore. Apart from unravelling its natural beauty and unique culture, do not forget visiting the Indo-China border to experience the adrenaline rush of patriotism.

  1.    Shillong, Meghalaya

chill scenes with OYO

The ‘Abode of Clouds’ has a few more enthralling destinations for the adventurous traveller to experience. The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is a breathtaking hill station nestled in the Khasi Hills. The manicured gardens, sparkling waterfalls, pristine lakes and a distinct culture—all make it the perfect destination to visit. Also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, it is a wonderful choice to spend a lovely winter time.

  1.    Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is an old favourite for those who want to feel the proper chill of winter in a quintessential hill station. It is a bohemian paradise with its many cafes and restaurants where backpackers from all over the world mingle. Find a Manali hotel that is close to the town centre so that you can enjoy the buzzing scenes of this hill station. There are many activities to enjoy around the town. You can try your hand at snowboarding or skiing at the Solang Pass or enjoy a trek to the Beas Kund.

  1.    Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Imagine a white Christmas landscape straight out of the Alps and you might as well be describing Dalhousie—one of Himachal Pradesh’s most treasured destinations. The colonial charm comes alive because of the well-maintained character and the town is also the base for some exciting treks. One can enjoy some special winter treks into the lower Himalayan landscapes or just explore the dense Deodar forests around.

  1.    Darjeeling, West Bengal

Another popular winter destination of India, Darjeeling offers the best of nature to the visitors. Primarily known for its toy train and tea gardens, this hilly town is much more than that. Offering a peek inside its colonial history, you can discover various secrets of the pre-independence era here. You can also get closer to the flora and fauna of the mountains, visiting Darjeeling’s national park and zoological parks. The snow-clad Himalayas around just make every experience worth it.

  1.    Wayanad, Kerala

A popular town of the north-eastern Kerala, Wayanad is fondly known as the ‘Land of Paddy Fields’ among the region’s tribes. Situated at an altitude of 2100m above the sea-level, Wayanad is known for its dense forests, which are as old as 3,000 years. The best time to explore these forests is during the winters. From the rare flora and fauna to the pristine, freshwater lakes and waterfalls, every experience in Wayanad makes a memory for a lifetime. Visit this amazing town to enjoy nature in its purest form.

  1.    Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

If you want to enjoy a seaside holiday while avoiding an insane tourist footfall, Pondicherry makes a wonderful option. Offering multiple beach options—from golden sands to rock-lined shores, you can choose your beach type and enjoy a relaxing holiday. Also known as ‘India’s French Colony’, Pondicherry’s architecture is a sight to behold. From the bright yellow to the crimson red, there are all shades of colours on the buildings to offer you an alluring sight. You can also indulge in various water activities, making the most of your winters.

  1.    Coorg, Karnataka

Rum, hockey, guns, tigers, plantations—Coorg’s legacy is a mix of the grand and the rustic. December is a great time to visit this most distinctive district in Karnataka—when the temperatures allow for more daytime exploration yet the mountains remain lush. The streams and rivers of Coorg are more placid during this season allowing to have some bucket list moments like waterfall rappelling. For those who like to take it easy, a coffee estate tour or playing with elephants in the famed Dubare Camp might be enticing activities.

  1.   Kochi and Alleppey, Kerala

If you think Kerala’s mountains are too frigid in December, then head off to the coastal city of Kochi. The mild weather makes it possible to explore its historic quarters on foot. An hour away is Allepey—the gateway to Kerala’s mesmerizing backwaters. Spend some time meandering on a traditional houseboat on the gentle waters, admire the countryside framed by palms and canals, and pamper yourself with the world-famous Ayurvedic massages of Kerala.

When you book hotels online make sure you use a trusted platform that assures all the amenities you need. Book rooms in advance to get the best rates. December getaways are just what you need to top up the year. Let it be the catalyst to hit the New Year in a refreshed mood. Call your friends or do it solo, make your winter vacation plans now.

Package vs Independent Itinerary

Posted on by OYO Team

Group Package or Independent Itinerary: How to Make the Right Travel Decision?

Planning a trip is a careful affair, and if the responsibility of the complete itinerary is upon you, you need to answer certain questions? Do you go for the package deal with a good travel agent or do you dig up your resources and knowledge to make an independent itinerary?

A lot of people, especially, young travellers tend to choose the independent itinerary option because of the budget constraints. Package deals are usually preferred by the older groups or those travelling with families. However, budget package deals are also available, and an independent itinerary can sometimes be more expensive than a package one—so a lot more digging in is required.

Let us start by discussing the merits and demerits of each option.

 

Package Tours—Convenient and Hassle-Free

If you want a stress-free trip where you can simply delegate all the responsibilities of planning to an expert, then a package deal is the best choice. If you are travelling to a place where you think security might be a bit underwhelming, then the package deal takes care of that concern too.

Good travel agents are aware of the little things that will make your experience rewarding. From the airport transfers to the kid-friendly places, they can customise your trip to give you the utmost comfort.

 

When Should You Choose the Package Deal?

If you are on a family trip with children, then a package deal might save you considerable time on decision making. Travel agents will know the best family-friendly itineraries, ensuring you some wonderful vacation memories while the little ones too enjoy to the fullest. Package deals are also a good option when you are travelling with older people who cannot spend much on energy and need to be comfortable.

If you are a little inhibited when it comes to travelling, or you are not familiar with the language of the place, a package deal is a good option to fall back on.

 

Demerits of a Package Deal

Package deals take out the serendipity of travel. You will already have an idea of what the entire trip will be like including the timings of your visits and activities. It may also restrict you from changing plans in the middle. However, you can always address these issues with the travel agent and free up some space for impromptu activities.

 

Independent Itineraries—Fun and Surprising

Travel has become a romanticised concept nowadays. Working mechanically all week long is tiring, and travelling provides the right escape to live life without a rigid routine. An independent itinerary fulfils this thirst of open-ended adventure. It gives you complete control over expenditure as you can break down the trip into smaller segments per your comfort and budget. You can free yourself from time-bound restraints and get more time to do the things you want.

Nowadays, independent itineraries have become much easier to plan because of the internet. You can get a good idea of what your lodging and transport options will be like. You can also check forums and travel sites for the traveller reviews and keep an eye on the weather reports.

An independent itinerary allows flexibility. You can stay at a budget accommodation and shift to a luxury resort per comfort. Travellers looking for the authentic, local experience and those who are not fussy about food and transport will prefer the independent itinerary option.

 

When Should You Choose an Independent Itinerary?

Choose the independent option when you are familiar with the people you are travelling with. If you want to experience a destination beneath its touristy layers and get a more realistic portrayal of the place, then an independent itinerary is the best choice.

 

Demerits of an Independent Itinerary

There is a luck factor with an independent itinerary. The experience may not be like it was advertised and if there is a situation (cancellation, local shutdown or similar situations) you may not have the back-up that a package deal provides.

However, enthusiast travellers take such risks without hesitation. According to many, the fun of exploring on your own is irreplaceable by even the best-customised package trips.

 

At the end of the day, whether you choose a package or an independent itinerary, it is up to you and your travel companions to make the best out of the trip.

Goa, Kochi, or Pondi – which beach town are you escaping to this winter?

Posted on by OYO SEO

I hate winters. I might be dying to watch winter come to King’s Landing, but IRL, as soon as the calendar hits November, my mind starts dreading the oncoming chilly days. Spending the better part of your life in east India means you grow up loathing the northern winds. Even a decade of battling Delhi winter couldn’t change that. I hate having to do the whole summer to winter wardrobe overhaul, putting away the comfy dresses and slip-ons and pulling out the boots and jackets. Layering – another name for piling on tonnes of clothes till you look like a bear – is just unbearable. All my vacation plans are always to the beach. I’ll never understand couples who plan honeymoons in Switzerland. Who wants to pay to travel and feel cold? Not me! I flaunt my beach vacay tan like a victory badge, proof of having had a swell time by the sea! Nothing beats staying at a bright, sunny home and soaking in the tropical warmth. And better still if it’s a port town, with bits of colonial history strewn all over. You probably already know which places I am talking about. Goa, Kochi and Pondicherry are always the top three of my ‘escape the winter’ travel list.

GORGEOUS GOA!

I’m always Goa-ready. That’s the first destination that comes up while planning trips, especially during winter. It’s probably the sunniest place in December. New Year in Goa is legendary, but if you are a sucker for quiet, relaxing trips, Goa is ideal for that too. The Portuguese influence all over just adds to the whole old world charm here. I usually select a home or villa not too close to the busy beaches, to stay conveniently away from the mad rush, but not too far from it. Goa has so many such options, each more beautiful and spacious than the other.

Look at this Grecian looking complex in Bambolim. It immediately reminds you of Santorini! The blue and white is just breathtaking. You can spend hours standing on the huge balcony, staring into the distance at farmlands and backwaters. The homes here are so spacious, even the biggest of groups will not feel cramped up.

The Grecian vibes flow throughout the home, with Monaco-inspired wallpaper on the ceiling and blue-white contrasting walls. Big windows and balcony means you never feel shut in, the warm Goan weather will drive every cold memory of winter out of your mind.  

Bambolim is quite close to Panaji, so the main areas of Goa are easily accessible. The Bambolim beach is one of the quieter ones, where you can enjoy water sports and savour amazing food with your peeps. Nothing like the feeling of warm sand and seawater against your skin in peak winters! The thought itself lures me to Goa, every single time.

Goa is also one of my favourite spots to hit when I want to take a break from my crazy friends, and spend some time with myself. I read, write, put on some music and improvise moves. Parra, one of the quieter localities in North Goa, is a favourite among artists. If you want to experience Goan life all by yourself, or with your partner, this is where you go. All you need is a quiet, cozy home surrounded by greenery, and your winter break is sorted.

This OYO Home in Parra is the ideal space to be lost in your own world. You’ll be greeted by the morning sunshine streaming through the big balcony windows. Watch the breeze sway the palm leaves while lunching in the balcony, or read a book in the mood-lit living room in the evening. My favourite way to take a break from the busy city life, frankly.   

PRETTY PONDICHERRY

Sometimes I think I am a bit too partial to Goa. I’ve been there enough times already. Although nothing matches the Goan charm, Pondicherry is my next favourite when it comes to planning winter breaks. There’s something in the air of this union territory – fresh, warm and welcoming. It not only looks and feels very different from Goa, it’s also the closest you get to France without having to brave cold Paris in December! Walking into White Town will transport you straight to France. Even the roads are named in French here.

It’s a vibrant beach town, and the love for colours reflect in the homes you find here, too. When you are in Pondicherry, you do not want to live in a drab home, trust me. A bright and beautiful home is a must if you have to enjoy the Pondi life fully.

Whether you take a walk down the Promenade, watch the waves crash at Rocky beach, or make a day’s trip to Auroville, you’ll always want an equally charming home to return to at the end of the day.

COZY KOCHI

When I am looking to go far, far away from Delhi winter, this is where I head to. The fusion of tropical and colonial vibes of Kochi is to die for. While Goa is clearly Portuguese, and Pondi is French, Kochi is a mix of so many colonial influences that you’ll lose count. Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese houses, Dutch, Jewish and British legacy – you’ll find it all here. It’s a crime not to watch a Kathakali performance here, or buy some spices from the spice market. You’ll love the laid-back vibes of Fort Kochi and the cozy cafes. And the homes are a reflection of the warm tropics, too.

Imagine living in a home with fruity wallpapers on the ceiling and brightly lit spaces. You don’t need to curl up in blankets here, or drink hot coffee to keep you warm. Sunshine is a given, unlike north India in winter. Just the coziness of the home and coconut water will cheer you up. No wonder December is the best time to visit Kochi.

Check out for best time to visit Goa

Winter never gets here, and for me, that’s the best part of being in Kochi, or Pondi, or Goa. You can walk around in cotton tees and chappals, pack light since no jackets and coats are required. The leisurely feel is palpable in all these places, and it just takes off the pressure of always dressing according to the weather. The thought of not having to struggle out of the blanket every morning, or wear socks all the time, is enough for me to plan a trip to either Kochi, Goa or Pondi every winter. What’s your motivation?  

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