We all know India’s sunshine state packs that vibe round the year, but comes particularly alive when year-end celebrations peak. Sadly, so did air fares and hotel rates.
Well, there’s happy news for you. Goa could well be within your reach to party away the upcoming Christmas-New Year's Eve holiday season. This is according to data that analysed the average room rates of tourist destinations across Asia and beyond between December 22 and 31.
In India, Goa is the most affordable tourist destination, with an average room rate of Rs 7,621, according to global travel aggregator Agoda.
Topping the list is Hat Yai in Thailand, with an average room rate as low as Rs 3,562 equivalent. Closely following is Yogyakarta in Indonesia, Kuching in Malaysia and Dalat in Vietnam. Goa comes in at No. 5 in the trans-continental list.
Goa is followed by Baguio in the Philippines, Nagoya in Japan and Taichung in Taiwan. Closing out the Top 10 is South Korea’s beach-side gambling paradise Busan. Interestingly, average rates at Busan are about double that of Goa.
“2023 has seen a great resurgence in travel across Asia as people reconnect with friends, family and loved ones and that special end-of-year holiday window is likely to be no different” said Krishna Rathi, India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives Country Director, Agoda. “But whether you’re on a solo adventure or making memories with loved ones, traveling during peak season means higher demand, so finding that special bargain can make all the difference,” Rathi added.
Of course, Agoda’s figures are based purely on average room rents, and does not take into account other variables like air fares as well food and drinks. Rates are also as they are now, with no guarantee they won’t spike as we get closer to the ‘season’.
