Last Call for Vacation!

Photo: Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo

Adventure and travelling has recently seeped into our society, be it among the upper or middle class. Weekend getaways have become a regular activity for us as we look forward to international destinations. What used to be once the pleasure for the richest is now affordable by the middle class. A number of travel packages promise a trip in Europe, and that too right within one's budget. This new trend makes the holiday season a little more interesting. As we come closer to the upcoming Eid holidays, this too can be added to the list of Eid entertainment, along with shemais (a traditional sweet dish) and punjabis (traditional men's wear).

Destinations such as India, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal and Sri Lanka – not too far from Bangladesh – are considered to be popular choices among tourists. "People start to book their travels way before the month of Ramadan," says Azhar Ali, Manager at Path Finder, a popular travel agency. "We get so many travelers that it's hard to book flights at one point." Most of these packages start from 25,000 takas and goes up depending on the clients' needs. One can even find two to three star hotel deals, renting houses or booking 5 star hotels through these packages.

Many hotels abroad also offer various deals to ease the trip. Hotels like Ambassador in Bangkok, Thailand and Sheraton in Malaysia are giving away discounts up to 45 percent. Other than their own package deals, travel agencies also cater to the visitor's own choices. "There are some who want to travel cheap but maybe stay in a luxury hotel. We can manage that by making custom packages," says Masum Shahriar, executive at Dragon Travels.

Social Media and travel websites also play a vital role when it comes to organising these trips. Not only do trips become affordable, but also memorable, only if you visit the proper websites. Travel Booking BD Limited (TBBD), a popular online travel agensy, has given the lowest prices to travel this Eid. They are covering destinations from Spain, London, Portugal to Malaysia, India and so much more. "We do all our research and preparations before hand, so that we can find the best deals," says Kashef Rahman, CEO of TBBD. "We also constantly keep contact with our representatives there, so that our customers don't face any kind of hassle."

However, the best way to go about it is – doing it yourself. With an international credit card, the internet helps you out with the simple procedures. "The aim is to plan ahead. That way, it's easier to score the best deals. My wife and I have booked rooms which cost USD 300 a night, USD 70 a night, only because we planned ahead," says Shafayetul Wadud, a service holder and a regular traveler. Websites such as Trip Advisor or Expedia also offer great deals for visitors who want to research, explore and plan themselves.

So this Eid along with the festivities lets pack our suitcases and go far away for a little while – the perfect way to temporarily forget this jam packed city we love so dearly!