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Thomas Cook, SOTC Travel expand China holiday portfolio for Indians
Thomas Cook India and SOTC are expanding their China holiday offerings. This comes as direct flights resume and visa processes ease, boosting Indian travel interest. Internal data shows strong bookings even in off-peak seasons. China's infrastructure also supports business and MICE travel. New regions and experiences are being introduced to cater to modern Indian travelers.
Over 2,000 Sikhs to visit Pakistan for Guru Nanak birth anniversary
Over two thousand Indian Sikhs will arrive in Lahore through the Wagah border for the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The main event takes place on November 5 at Gurdwara Janamasthan Nankana Sahib. Pilgrims will visit several significant gurdwaras during their ten-day trip. Security arrangements are in place for the visitors.
Daylight saving time ends: What to know before clocks fall back on November 2
Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the United States will officially end on Sunday, November 2, 2025, when clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local time. The annual “fall back” marks the shift from Daylight Saving to Standard Time, signaling shorter days and longer nights as winter approaches.
Egypt unveils world's largest museum dedicated to single civilisation
Egypt unveils the colossal Grand Egyptian Museum, a 20-year project aimed at revitalizing its tourism sector. Housing over 50,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, the museum's opening is a significant cultural event. This megaproject, a key initiative by President el-Sissi, seeks to boost the economy by attracting millions of tourists annually.
Vietnam's ancient town Hoi An works to restore tourism after devastating floods
Residents in Vietnam's ancient town of Hoi An are cleaning up after severe flooding receded. Torrential rains caused widespread damage, submerging homes and businesses, with shop owners determined to rebuild. Authorities warn of continued heavy rain, raising concerns about renewed flooding in the central region.
What tourists should know as Thailand enters year-long mourning after Queen Mother’s death
Thailand has entered a period of national mourning following the loss of the beloved Queen Mother Sirikit. Despite this sorrowful time, the country still warmly welcomes tourists, with most attractions and services operating as normal. Visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully during their stay. Notable landmarks, including the Grand Palace, will reopen their doors post-November 8.
6 things to know about the Grand Egyptian Museum
After two decades of anticipation, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is ready for its grand opening on Saturday near the ancient Pyramids of Giza, just outside Cairo.Spread across 24,000 square metres of permanent exhibition space, the museum will showcase massive statues and artefacts from Egypt’s ancient civilisation.Described by Egyptian officials as “the largest cultural building of the 21st century,” the project has been under construction since 2002, with an investment of around $1 billion. It aims to attract over 5 million visitors every year and boost Egypt’s tourism-driven economy.
Portugal and Spain to launch Lisbon-Madrid high-speed train line
Portugal and Spain will launch their first direct high-speed train service between Lisbon and Madrid by 2034. Initially a five-hour journey, it will be reduced to three hours with the introduction of high-speed trains. This initiative, supported by the European Commission, aims to enhance sustainable mobility and European cohesion.
Saudi Arabia shortens Umrah visa validity to one month; unused visas to be cancelled after 30 days
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reduced Umrah visa validity to one month from issuance, with unused visas automatically cancelled after 30 days. This aims to manage a surge in pilgrims and streamline arrivals, with the permitted stay in the Kingdom remaining three months. All visa types are now eligible for Umrah, facilitated by the digital Nusuk platform.
Sri Lanka removes Electronic Travel Authorisation requirement for tourists
Sri Lanka has removed the requirement for tourists to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival. The Department of Immigration and Emigration announced the withdrawal of this rule. All visa and ETA services will continue as before October 15. Travellers can apply for visas using the previous process. India remains Sri Lanka's largest tourism market.
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8 must-visit places around the world to explore this Halloween
Halloween brings with it a spirit of mystery, and for thrill-seekers, haunted destinations around the world offer a unique experience. From ghost towns to ancient castles, these places are steeped in eerie legends and strange sightings.
Thomas Cook India, SOTC Travel launches private Van Tours for small groups of travellers
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have introduced private Van Tours for small groups, offering structured yet flexible holidays. This new format caters to the rising demand for short-haul international trips, blending group tour affordability with personalized itineraries. Targeting families and friends, these seven-day tours cover popular Asian and Middle Eastern destinations, starting from ₹38,000.
IndiGo to launch direct Bengaluru–Riyadh flights from November 16
IndiGo will connect Bengaluru and Riyadh with direct flights from November 16, 2025. This new route will use an Airbus A320 aircraft. It aims to improve travel for business, workforce, and leisure between India and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh becomes the second Saudi city linked to Bengaluru. IndiGo already flies to four Saudi cities. Bookings are now open.
Unseasonably heavy snowfall halts Everest tourism in Nepal, Tibet
Mount Everest's Nepali and Chinese sides are closed to tourism due to unseasonally heavy snow, with a helicopter crashing while attempting to rescue stranded trekkers. Cyclone Montha is bringing more severe weather, causing icy roads and poor visibility on the Tibetan side. This follows an earlier blizzard that stranded hundreds on Everest's Tibetan face.
Middle East's Schengen style GCC Visa vs e-visa: How much will travellers pay compared to current visa costs?
Travel across the Gulf is set to become easier and cheaper. A new Unified GCC Visa will soon allow residents to visit six countries with a single permit. This initiative aims to boost tourism and business by cutting costs and paperwork. The visa will be modelled on Europe's Schengen system.
This is the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, and it's not in India
Hiltl, the world's oldest continuously operating vegetarian restaurant, began in Zurich in 1898 with Ambrosius Hiltl, who adopted a vegetarian diet for health reasons. His family later introduced Indian flavors in the mid-20th century, transforming the menu and establishing a global symbol of plant-based dining. The restaurant now operates on a pay-by-weight buffet model, emphasizing mindful eating and sustainability.
