Hyderabad: Planning an international holiday this Christmas and New Year may burn a big hole in your pocket, with travel agencies hiking international tour package prices by nearly 30% amid peak-season demand.Popular destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the UAE have seen the steepest surge. A budget six-night Malaysia–Singapore package, which cost around Rs70,000 just a few weeks ago, has now crossed Rs 1 lakh each. A trip to Dubai has become even more expensive, with packages starting at Rs 1.25 lakh.If that’s not all, international airfares have jumped nearly threefold. Flights between Hyderabad and Singapore, which typically cost Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000, are now being sold at Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 for travel during Christmas and New Year. Similar spikes are being seen on routes to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Dubai.Tour operators attribute the surge to strong outbound demand, hotel price hikes, and year-end travel rush, especially from families and corporate travellers planning year-end vacations. With prices unlikely to cool down until the next two weeks, travel agents advise passengers to book well in advance or consider off-beat destinations to avoid paying a festive premium.“Those looking for relatively affordable international holiday options during Christmas and New Year can consider destinations such as Bali, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, where tour packages are still available for up to Rs 60,000 per person. However, Dec is traditionally the most expensive travel period of the year, as employees take year-end breaks,” said P Nagesh from Pampati Aeroworld Holidays.
