Chirag Agarwal, Co-founder & COO, TravClan
The Indian holiday season truly comes alive during Diwali. For many, it’s an opportunity to travel back home to be with family, while for others, it offers the perfect excuse to take a much-needed vacation. However, travelling during this festive season comes with its challenges. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, here are five things to consider when planning your itinerary.
Overcrowding at Popular Destinations:
As surprising as it may sound, Diwali celebrations aren’t just limited to India—they’ve become global events! Cities like London, Dubai, and Singapore go all out with public displays and Diwali-themed events, thanks to the widespread Indian diaspora. Even destinations in Thailand and Bali have their local renditions of the festivities. However, with this festivity comes the crowd, and whether you want to experience the celebrations or avoid them altogether, you need to be prepared.
If travelling within India, Rishikesh, Varanasi, and the popular cities of Rajasthan have gained immense popularity for their unique Diwali celebrations. If witnessing grand Diwali celebrations is part of your plan make sure to allow extra time in your schedule for navigating through large crowds. Alternatively, if you’re just looking for a peaceful getaway, consider offbeat locations or book stays at places slightly outside the main tourist zones to avoid the holiday rush.
Hotel Overbooking and Limited Availability:
If you’re travelling during Diwali, finding a decent hotel at a reasonable rate can be challenging. Many properties increase their prices weeks in advance, and the most popular hotels tend to sell out quickly. Even when you manage to book a place, there’s always a slim chance of overbooking, which could mean being turned away at the last minute. One way to avoid this nightmare is to book well in advance and confirm your reservation directly with the hotel closer to your check-in date. It’s also smart to go through trusted booking platforms that offer guarantees, so you aren’t left scrambling for accommodations when you arrive.
Higher Flight Fares and Travel Delays:
Air travel around Diwali can be chaotic. With many people flying home to celebrate or vacation, flights become more expensive and airports get crowded. If you haven’t booked your flight yet, brace yourself for higher fares. I highly recommend setting fare alerts well in advance to catch any dips in pricing. Delays are common during this time, especially at major airports. Try to avoid flying on the peak Diwali days and be mindful of connecting flights. If your itinerary involves crucial connections or long layovers, be prepared for longer waiting times. It’s always a good idea to book flights that offer some compensation or free rescheduling options in case of cancellations.
Holiday Surcharges and Hidden Costs:
Diwali often comes with extra expenses—something travellers sometimes overlook. Hotels may impose holiday surcharges, requiring a minimum stay of two or three nights. Some even make gala dinners or festive events compulsory as part of your booking, adding unexpected costs. The same applies to transportation. Finding taxis or ride-hailing services might become tricky during Diwali evenings, especially in busy towns where drivers might prefer to stay home for the celebrations. Those who are available may charge higher fares. It’s wise to pre-arrange transportation whenever possible to avoid last-minute surprises.
Restrictions and Limited Services:
Depending on where you are travelling, keep in mind that many local services may not operate as usual. Depending on where you are, shops might close early, public transport may have altered schedules, and some restaurants or bars could restrict alcohol sales in line with Diwali customs. Some restrictions might be culturally routed so it’s best to be informed. To avoid disappointment, do a little research before your trip. For instance, if you’re travelling to a destination like Udaipur, where celebrations include community events, check whether popular markets or attractions will have adjusted hours.
Travelling during Diwali can be magical, but only if you plan wisely. This is where booking through a trusted travel agent can make a world of difference. With their industry expertise, agents often have insights on less crowded alternatives, and the ability to secure last-minute bookings.
More importantly, if something doesn’t go according to plan—like a delayed flight or a hotel mix-up—having an agent in your corner ensures that you aren’t left to manage the chaos alone. Whether you want to dive into the heart of Diwali celebrations or escape to a quiet retreat, working with a travel agent makes the entire experience smoother and stress-free. So, plan, lean on the experts if needed, and focus on enjoying a hassle-free holiday.
Wishing you safe travels and a joyous Diwali!
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