EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Planning a wedding? Hidden costs that can derail your budget and drain your savings
Vendor fine print, last-minute guests and family pressure can push your wedding bill way above the initial budget. Here’s how to spot the hidden costs before they hit you. You could also maintain a dedicated savings account or have one person oversee expenses to track payments for every function and ceremony, especially if various family members are doing the spending.
India's rich turn to concierge cards for things money alone can't buy
Luxury concierge firms like Sulit Lifestyle and Lunar Tales are catering to ultra-high-net-worth clients in India. These firms focus on sourcing rare luxury items that are often hard to find. Requests for such products have significantly increased in recent years, underscoring rising demand. Clients are willing to pay substantial premiums for speed and exclusivity when acquiring these items.
Indian travellers in Dubai can get up to AED 100 off at Dubai Duty Free using UPI
Indian travellers can now enjoy a 10% discount at Dubai Duty Free by using India's UPI for payments. This initiative, introduced by NPCI International, simplifies transactions for shoppers while eliminating the need for cash. With this exclusive offer, Indian visitors can experience a more rewarding shopping journey in Dubai, enhancing the convenience of their travel experience.
Finland invites singles rejected on dating apps on a free trip to meet life partners over dinner; check eligibility and how to apply; registration closing soon
Finland invites singles: Finland is offering singles an unusual chance to find love through a dinner-date experience in the world's happiest country. The selected participants will get a free trip, with applications closing soon. Who can apply, what does the experience involve and how can interested singles register?
Corporate offsites, incentive trips make a comeback as companies resume travel plans
Corporate offsites and incentive trips are witnessing a revival as companies resume travel plans. Businesses are now scheduling deferred trips alongside new programmes for enhanced team engagement. Popular destinations include both domestic locations like Goa and international options such as Japan and Thailand. Companies aim to create curated experiences that foster collaboration and learning among employees. The focus remains on building connections and strengthening team culture during these offsites.
Rs. 15 lakh crore of revenue, questioned by authorities – and the real worry was where the cash went
A company can report a loan, an advance, or an investment even after the cash has moved beyond its control. Sometimes the explanation is legitimate. Sometimes the money has been used for a purpose shareholders never approved. How does this happen?
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Air India and Standard Chartered offer Maharaja Club status to eligible clients in the UAE and Singapore
Air India has announced a partnership with Standard Chartered to enhance services for affluent clients. Eligible clients in Singapore and the UAE will gain access to the Maharaja Club loyalty program. Members can enjoy various travel benefits, including additional baggage allowance and airport lounge access. The partnership also aims to provide dedicated banking and wealth management services for international needs.
Mizoram’s Hnahsin Kut ends: Cosmos festival in Champhai logs 22.5 million social reach, eyes year-round tourism
Hnahsin Kut, also known as the Cosmos Festival, recently concluded in Champhai after eleven days of celebration. Organised by Champhai Nature Conservancy, the festival highlighted the importance of community-led tourism initiatives. The event attracted significant participation, boosting local tourism and economy through stalls and entertainment. Visitors were encouraged to explore Champhai's natural and cultural attractions beyond the festival grounds.
Want an early signal on the economy and stocks this festive season? Watch 19 stocks, and what their managements say in the next 20 days
There is a set of companies that sees the shape of the economy before economists do. They know when a household decides to spend or hold back; to buy better things or cheaper ones. This festive season, what these companies sell, and what they say about it afterwards, will tell you more about where consumption is headed than any official number. Watch them closely. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
No Wi-Fi, more wellness: Indian travellers are rewriting their holiday plans for 2027
Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2027 report identifies seven emerging travel trends among Indians, from wellness holidays and music-led trips to history-inspired journeys and destination choices driven by currency value. The report found that 58 per cent of Indian travellers plan to travel abroad more in 2027, even as 67 per cent have changed or considered changing a holiday destination to find better value.
Visa denied, trip cancelled: Can travel insurance help you recover your losses?
Some insurers now reimburse visa fees if your application is rejected. But modest payouts, exclusions and multiple conditions can limit the cover’s value. Some exclusions include passport issues, such as damage, expiry or invalidity, an invalid reference letter, or in adequate financial means to support the stay in the destination country.
Why global investors are turning to Georgia for real estate opportunities in 2026
Alliance Group designates 2026 as a pivotal year for international stakeholders targeting Georgia's dynamic real estate landscape. The nation has witnessed substantial increases in residential property transactions, luring buyers from India and Europe. Tbilisi and Batumi stand out with impressive rental yields, while rising GDP and tourism profits bolster investment allure. Additionally, favorable policy adjustments cater to high-net-worth individuals keen on tapping into Georgian real estate opportunities.
Hidden cost of travel: Visa fees, card markups, optional tours and tips that can add 25-40% to budget; here's how to plan for them
Many travelers fail to account for hidden costs while planning international journeys, often only considering major expenses. These overlooked charges can hike trip costs by 25-40%, creating budget overruns. It's vital to include local transport, dining, and extra fees in your budget to avoid unexpected financial surprises. Employing effective budgeting techniques ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience abroad.
Where Does China Fit in Your Company’s Innovation Strategy?
For decades, multinationals treated China primarily as either a vast growth market or a rising competitive threat. But as growth slows, competition intensifies, and operating conditions become more difficult, many firms are rethinking China’s role. Increasingly, they are using the country not just as a destination market but as a platform for accelerating innovation—leveraging its fast-moving regulatory environment, tightly integrated R&D and manufacturing ecosystems, and deep engineering talent pools to speed learning, validate technologies, and scale capabilities globally. Companies including Pfizer, Michelin, BMW, Bosch, and Nvidia illustrate how firms are using China to shorten innovation cycles while managing geopolitical and operational risks by defining China’s precise role within their global innovation system, designing for controlled knowledge-sharing, and avoiding overdependence through diversified R&D and supply chains.
New indicator for New India: 25 stocks whose numbers can reveal what is in store for the economy and the stock market
For decades, there was a familiar way to understand the Indian consumer. Economists waited for GDP, industrial production, inflation, credit growth and other official numbers, and then used them to work out whether households were spending more or pulling back. Those indicators still matter. But the Indian consumer has changed faster than the dashboard used to track consumption and spending patterns. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
Quote of the day by Richard Branson, 'Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming' offers timeless life advice on success, career, ambition, personal growth, teaches us why missed opportunities aren’t the end, how entrepreneurs can stay ready for next big chance
Richard Branson’s quote is a reminder that entrepreneurship is a journey rather than a single moment of success. Missing one opportunity, losing one deal or experiencing one failure does not necessarily determine what happens next. New technologies, changing markets, evolving customer needs and unexpected connections can continually create fresh possibilities. The practical message is to learn from setbacks without becoming trapped by them, stay alert without chasing everything and prepare continuously for the next opening.
In 1950s, this transport was considered luxury travel before SUVs and private jets came along. It had a washroom, heating and air conditioning
In 1954, Greyhound transformed bus travel with its Scenicruiser, featuring a raised observation deck, panoramic windows, air conditioning and reclining seats. Built to make highway journeys feel luxurious, the futuristic coach became an icon of American transportation. More than seven decades later, a surviving example heading to auction offers a glimpse into an era when the journey mattered as much as the destination.
Quote of the day by Prince Harry, 'You've got to have fun in life. Otherwise, wow - imagine life without fun' offers life lesson advice on why fun, happiness, enjoying life matter more than we realize
Quote of the day by Prince Harry is a simple celebration of something people can easily overlook: the right to enjoy being alive. Fun does not have to mean extravagance, irresponsibility or constant entertainment. It can be found in friendship, family, creativity, travel, hobbies, humor, nature and unexpected moments that make an ordinary day memorable.
ARSBC bought HMCS Chaudière from Canada’s Defence Department for $1 plus 7 cents GST; after its reef conversion, glass tunicates came to cover much of the vessel
The Canadian warship HMCS Chaudière was acquired for a symbolic price and subsequently sunk, transforming it into a vibrant artificial reef. This habitat supports various aquatic species, demonstrating that artificial structures can compete with natural reefs in promoting marine biodiversity. However, local communities have voiced concerns regarding potential shellfish contamination, emphasizing the dual challenge of environmental innovation and responsible waste management.
Swiggy forays into dedicated travel concierge service with CREW
Swiggy's CREW platform has launched as a dedicated personal travel concierge service. This service plans, books, and curates entire journeys with on-site assistance. CREW offers round-the-clock support and real-time itinerary changes for travellers. Human concierges, backed by AI, provide fast and personalized responses. Travellers can access exclusive hotel rates and priority pricing through CREW's network.
Thomas Cook India, SOTC Travel to launch Bengaluru-Lakshadweep charter flights
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel will launch exclusive charter flights to Lakshadweep from Bengaluru. These flights will operate five times between Bengaluru and Agatti starting in December. This premium holiday package includes charter connectivity and all-inclusive beach experiences.
Dear creators, stop using these: 10 social media clichés that audiences are tired of seeing
The content cliché factory keeps rolling and has attained a whole new level of virality on social media. Pratishtha Bagai has a word of advice for creators: Hit refresh on overused terms.
Abu Dhabi launches travel programme offering free entry visa for Indian tourists
Abu Dhabi's tourism department is offering free UAE entry visas to Indian passport holders. This initiative applies to bookings made between August 1 and October 31, 2026. Travelers must book a minimum three-night stay in Abu Dhabi to qualify. This program aims to make Abu Dhabi more accessible and attractive for Indian visitors. The department will cover visa costs for up to twenty thousand travelers during this pilot phase.
Tourism ministry, IndiGo join hands to promote India as global tourism destination
The tourism ministry and IndiGo have partnered to promote India as a global destination. This strategic collaboration will utilize digital and print media extensively. IndiGo's network will amplify India's tourism message to wider audiences. The campaign will showcase India's diverse cultural and natural attractions. This initiative aims to enhance India's visibility in key markets.
Avoiding America is the new cool thing
The piece urges wealthy travelers to look beyond the US, warning that the country is declining and increasingly exclusive under MAGA politics. It suggests exploring countries like Japan, Australia, Germany, Argentina, China, Canada, and New Zealand, where money buys comfort, quality of life is high, and foreigners are welcomed—essentially advising the rich to skip the US and enjoy better experiences elsewhere.
19 countries are now must-go places
New travel restrictions imposed by the US could boost tourism in the affected nations. Destinations like Libya, Afghanistan, and Iran may see increased interest from adventurous travelers. These countries offer unique cultural and natural attractions. A shared experience of being blacklisted could foster stronger bonds between these nations. Travelers may explore alternatives to traditional American destinations.
Heard and McDonald, new go-to place
Heard and McDonald Islands, 4,000 km southwest of Australia, are gaining attention as a hot, new destination. This uninhabited, icy locale offers thrilling experiences such as viewing an active volcano, spotting unique wildlife, and enjoying locally-sourced food and drinks. A two-week voyage is required to reach this exclusive destination.
Opulent odysseys: Top business leaders share their ultimate luxury travel experiences
Luxury travel varies based on personal preferences, encompassing exotic locations, privacy, and premium hotels. Insights from top professionals reveal unique experiences ranging from secluded beach resorts and gourmet destinations to immersive nature excursions and pristine island getaways.
The unusual suspects: A luxe bucket list of lesser-known travel destinations
The ‘Mona Lisa’, Stonehenge, Palace of Versailles — these fabled tourist spots are dreadfully overcrowded. Try these lesser-known, but just as intriguing destinations.
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