What does a holiday look like when the plan is to have no plan at all? This week, we’re looking at travel in all its wonderfully different forms — from navigating Bangkok after a major deluge to embracing the growing appeal of the ‘stillcation’, where doing absolutely nothing is, well, the whole point. And if your idea of a perfect escape involves minimal small talk, quiet train rides and a private bowl of ramen, we make the case for why Japan might just be your dream destination.
There’s plenty here for history and architecture lovers, too. We’re following the Chola trail through Southeast Asia, exploring seven astonishing monuments carved from single rocks, and looking at five Indian heritage sites that have just received a UNESCO boost. Elsewhere, train stations become destinations in their own right, while India’s streets reveal a completely different personality after dark — from late-night food alleys to markets that come alive before sunrise.
And for the practical traveller, we’ve got you covered. IRCTC’s international holiday packages offer a way to explore overseas destinations through all-inclusive group itineraries, while new fare-protection features could soften the sting if your flight gets cheaper after you book. Plus, before you splurge on that wildlife holiday, we look at what you’re actually paying for beyond the safari — because the room rate is only part of the story.
So, settle in, grab your beverage of choice, and let’s get into it!
Thinking of Bangkok? Here’s what travellers need to know after the floods
Bangkok is recovering from severe flooding, but the picture is mixed for travellers. While major tourist attractions, central neighbourhoods and urban rail networks remain operational, some low-lying areas, roads and airport operations are still facing disruption. Here’s what to know before you go, from flights and public transport to the weather and areas where extra caution is needed.
What if your next holiday had no itinerary? Meet the ‘stillcation’
No hopping between cities, no racing to the next landmark, no guilt about spending half the day with a book. The ‘stillcation’ flips the idea of a perfect holiday on its head — choosing one quiet place, slowing right down and making doing absolutely nothing the whole point.
Japan, but make it introvert-friendly: Why this could be your dream getaway
From private ramen booths and solo karaoke to quiet trains, self-checkouts and ryokans that let you dine in your own room. If your ideal holiday means exploring, eating and unwinding without the pressure of constant small talk, this could be the escape for you.
The Chola trail in Southeast Asia
Long before modern borders split the region, the Bay of Bengal connected South India with the kingdoms of Southeast Asia through trade, travel and cultural exchange. From jungle-shrouded sanctuaries to intricately carved Shiva temples, these lesser-known Hindu monuments reveal how Indian architecture, mythology and craftsmanship travelled deep into the Mekong basin.
The impossible-looking monuments carved from a single rock
No cranes, no heavy machinery, just chisels, hammers and an almost absurd amount of human effort. From the giant Kailasa Temple in India and the Great Sphinx of Giza to Petra’s Treasury and the Moai of Rapa Nui, these seven monuments reveal just how far ancient builders could push the limits of stone.
When India’s streets come alive after dark
While most of the country is asleep, some markets and food alleys are only just getting started. From centuries-old culinary lanes catering to late-shift workers to buzzing open-air plazas operating well past midnight, here are six notable nocturnal food hubs across the country.
Five Indian heritage gems just got a UNESCO boost
Five Indian heritage entries have been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List, including four sites in Madhya Pradesh. From the ancient murals of Bagh Caves and Gupta-era Udayagiri to Gond heritage, the temples of the Chambal Valley and sites linked to Satyagraha in India and South Africa, here’s a look at the places now in the spotlight.
When train stations become the destination
From an underground station in Naples and a metro hub inspired by Riyadh’s desert landscape to Melbourne’s cathedral-like Town Hall Station, these striking passenger stations show how architecture can transform even the most everyday part of a journey. Here’s a look at the stations named among the world’s most beautiful in the 2026 Prix Versailles list.
Fancy an overseas holiday? IRCTC has you covered
IRCTC’s travel offerings go beyond domestic rail journeys, with fixed outbound packages covering international destinations. From Dubai and Singapore to Japan and multi-country European itineraries, these all-inclusive group tours bundle flights, hotels, meals, sightseeing, transfers and travel insurance.
Wildlife holidays: What you’re really paying for beyond the safari
A wildlife getaway can cost considerably more than the headline safari or room rate suggests. From park charges and naturalists to food, local experiences, and activities for different age groups, here’s what travellers should consider when planning and paying for a wildlife holiday.
Flight fares fell after booking? Here’s who offers price protection
Flight prices can change after you book, but some travel platforms now offer ways to protect travellers against fare drops or cheaper comparable fares. MakeMyTrip, HappyFares, Goibibo, EaseMyTrip and Cleartrip have different forms of price or fare protection — here’s how each one works and what the limits are.
