US-Europe too costly as rupee falls, Kolkata tourists fly to foreign shores closer home
Times of India | 27 December 2025
Kolkata: The falling rupee is quietly changing the way Kolkatans travel this winter. As overseas holidays linked to the US dollar become costlier, travellers are reshaping their travel plans and opting for shorter, well-budgeted international trips that offer easy visas, predictable expenses and packed experiences within a few days.
Travel planners in the city say the weaker rupee has made people far more careful with spending, but it has not dampened their desire to travel. Long-haul holidays to Europe and the US are being replaced by compact foreign tours, with destinations such as Vietnam and Dubai emerging as favourites. Strong air link, safety, and clarity on costs are key reasons behind the shift.
Tour operators said the recent spate of disruptions in IndiGo flights has also played a role. Several travellers who planned trips to Kashmir or the Andamans cancelled at the last moment and instead booked short international holidays, citing better flight availability and fewer last-minute uncertainties abroad.
"What stands out this winter is the profile of people travelling at short notice," said Karan Agarwal, director of Cox & Kings. "Nearly 45% of our last-minute bookings are from families with children and senior citizens. Dubai works well for them because of its safety, medical facilities, and indoor attractions. Vietnam, on the other hand, is seeing strong interest from young adults and first-time international travellers."
According to Cox & Kings data, international bookings made within 15 to 20 days before departure are up nearly 30% compared to last winter. More than 65% of these trips are under five days, reflecting a preference for destinations that offer multiple experiences in a short span, without the currency shock associated with Europe or the US.
The rupee has remained under pressure through late 2025, touching record lows against the US dollar amid foreign fund outflows, global trade uncertainties, and strong dollar demand. Despite steady domestic growth, the Indian currency remains among Asia's weakest performers this year, though analysts expect some recovery in 2026.
As of Dec 25, one US dollar was trading around Rs 89.6 to Rs 89.9. The Thai baht stood at roughly Rs 2.9, while the UAE dirham was about Rs 24.6. One rupee was around 313 Vietnamese dong.
Gagan Malhotra, chief operating officer of BookMyForex.com, said travellers are also becoming smarter about managing foreign exchange. "Instead of bulk purchases, they are choosing destination-specific currencies and reload options. In 2025, Asian currencies like the Vietnamese dong and Japanese yen saw strong growth, reflecting rising travel to these regions," he said.
Against this backdrop, Vietnam has emerged as the season's standout value destination, particularly among millennials, Gen Z travellers, and young couples. Despite winter being its peak season, the ease of getting an e-visa and improving air connectivity have encouraged steady late bookings.
"Europe was simply out of reach this year," said Arabinda Das from Behala, who recently returned from a five-day Vietnam trip with his wife. "With the rupee where it is, Vietnam gives us beaches, nightlife, and culture without burning a hole in the pocket. Our entire trip cost less than what a Europe visa alone would have."
"Vietnam is no longer just for backpackers," said Anjani Dhanuka, chairman (east) of Travel Agents Association of India. "Young professionals, groups of friends, and first-time international travellers are choosing it because it offers beaches, culture, food, and nature in a single itinerary at a very affordable cost."
Popular experiences include overnight cruises in HaLong Bay, heritage stays in Hoi An, Hanoi's café culture and food trails, and scenic nature-led trips in northern Vietnam — all at relatively lower prices.
Booking platforms say this move towards short-haul international travel is part of a broader behavioural shift, helped by easier visas and visa-free access. "This segment continues to show strong momentum," said Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip.