Spring Getaway Awaits? Agoda Names Tirupati Top Budget-Friendly Spot in India

Spring Getaway Awaits? Agoda Names Tirupati Top Budget-Friendly Spot in India

NewsVoir

New Delhi [India], March 24: The digital travel platform Agoda has released its roster of the most economical locations for spring travel in April and May 2025. Whether you’re seeking tranquil shores or vibrant urban centers, these spots provide cost-aware tourists with opportunities to discover new places affordably.
Phong Nha
,
Vietnam
Topping the list with an average room rate of merely Rs. 2,300 per night, Tirupati in India emerges as the most affordable destination this spring, rendering it an excellent option for those who wish to explore both cultural and natural attractions during this season.

Phong Nha
,
Vietnam
The cities of Jaipur, India (INR 2,431 per night), Tirupati, India (INR 2,952 per night), and Hat Yai, Thailand (INR 3,473 per night) stand out as some of the most cost-effective travel spots. These places provide an excellent mix of cultural experiences, delicious food, and picturesque views, perfect for a spring vacation.

Matteo Frigerio, the Chief Marketing Officer at Agoda, stated, “In April and May, Asia experiences high tourist activity due to various holidays such as
Golden Week
In Japan and during Songkran in Thailand, demand surges. However, travelers can take comfort knowing—Agoda provides excellent deals on lodging, flights, and experiences. Numerous wallet-friendly locations show that economical travel remains accessible, even throughout peak times.

The ranking for the Most Affordable Spring Destinations is derived from the average cost of rooms in the top twenty preferred locations spanning nine Asian markets, providing visitors with an overview of budget-friendly choices.

1.
Phong Nha
,
Vietnam
(Rs. 2,431)

Renowned for its stunning caverns and verdant scenery,
Phong Nha
serves as a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Tourists have the opportunity to discover the
UNESCO
-listed
Phong Nha
Visit Ke Bang National Park, which houses some of the planet’s biggest caverns, or take a peaceful cruise down the Son River. You can also explore the region through hiking trails, bicycle rides, and cultural immersion activities.

2. Tirupati, India (INR 2,952)

Tirupati houses the famed Venkateswara Temple, among the busiest pilgrimages globally, known particularly for its special Tirupati laddu—a distinctive confection steeped deeply in culture and religion. The city not only attracts those seeking spirituality but also provides an enriching cultural immersion through lively festivities, classical melodies, and delectable Southern Indian dishes. Tourists have additional options such as visiting tranquil Talakona Falls, meandering around verdant Sri Venkateswara National Park, or delving into history at ancient Chandragiri Fort, thus blending scenic allure with past grandeur during their visit.

3. Hat Yai, Thailand (฿3,473)

In Agoda’s ranking of budget-friendly destinations for Christmas, Hat Yai secured the top spot and maintained its position among the most favored spots during springtime in Thailand when Songkran and various other festivities take place. Renowned for its numerous bustling markets and delectable street cuisine, Hat Yai acts as an ideal starting point for exploring adjacent coastal areas and island getaways, thus offering a multifaceted experience particularly suitable for travelers visiting during the spring season.

4. Padang, Indonesia (IDR 3,473)

Renowned for its gastronomic legacy, Padang serves as an idyllic destination for food lovers with signature delicacies including Rendang and Sate Padang. Travelers have the opportunity to discover breathtaking shores like Air Manis Beach or embark on a brief journey to the Mentawai Islands for some surfing and snorkeling adventures. Additionally, the historical richness and cultural sites of the city enhance its appeal.

5. Bacolod, Philippines (₱ 3,994)

Referred to as the “City of Smiles,” Bacolod extends a welcoming embrace with its relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can delve into history at sites such as The Ruins, an impressive estate dating back to the early twentieth century, or savor the local cuisine, particularly the renowned chicken inasal. With their amiable residents and vibrant celebrations, Bacolod transforms into a charming getaway during the spring season.

6. Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia (MYR 4,168)

Kuala Terengganu, a stunning seaside destination, features picturesque shores, authentic handicrafts, and bustling bazaars. Tourists have the opportunity to visit the famous Crystal Mosque or embark on a vessel journey to Redang Island for some snorkeling and scuba diving adventures. Additionally, the area’s deep-rooted cultural legacy, particularly its expertise in batik production, provides an exclusive encounter for visitors.

7. Gimpo, South Korea (₩5,731)

Situated close to Seoul, Gimpo provides a more tranquil option featuring picturesque parks and rich historical attractions. Tourists have the opportunity to visit the National Aviation Museum or wander through the serene surroundings of the Gimpo Sculpture Park. With its stunning natural landscapes such as Mount Munsu and the Han River, this city serves as an ideal spot for enjoying the calming essence of South Korean springs and their enchanting cherry blossoms.

8. Narita, Japan (₹ 6,165)

Outside of its function as an airport serving Tokyo, Narita emerges as a delightful destination featuring ancient temples and beautiful gardens. Tourists have the opportunity to visit Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, this venerable Buddhist site sprawls across serene surroundings. Those arriving during spring will find delight in viewing cherry blossoms within Naritasan Park and may relish regional specialties such as grilled eel.

9. Pingtung, Taiwan (NT$ 6,860)

Pingtung serves as an entry point to the captivating south of Taiwan, featuring stunning beaches, bustling night markets, and a deep-rooted cultural legacy. Tourists have the opportunity to discover Kenting National Park, renowned for its breathtaking seaside landscapes and numerous recreational pursuits. Additionally, the city’s vibrant marketplaces and distinctive culinary offerings offer a delightful experience of Taiwan’s exclusive tastes.

Agoda offers more than 5 million vacation homes, 130,000 flight paths, and 300,000 experiences to help you organize an ideal spring break trip. Check out Agoda.com/deals or get the Agoda mobile application for top-notch discounts.

*For this ranking, Agoda examined the mean cost of rooms across the top twenty locations within each region, using data from booking records. The study encompassed reservations made during January or February 2025 for stays occurring between 1 April and 31 May 2025. Please note that these figures represent average costs which may fluctuate and do not come with any guarantees.

Agoda, a leading online travel company, enables everyone to explore the globe affordably through excellent savings on over 5 million accommodations globally—ranging from hotels to vacation rentals—as well as flight bookings, excursions, and additional services. Available in 39 different languages via both agoda.com and the Agoda mobile application, customers also benefit from round-the-clock assistance.

Based in Singapore, Agoda is a subsidiary of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG), with over 7,000 employees across 27 regions focused on using cutting-edge technology to simplify the travel experience.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLOSURE: The aforementioned press release has been supplied by
NewsVoir
ANI shall not bear any responsibility for the content thereof.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

We Quit Our Jobs to Travel the World: Discover Our Secret to Free Hotels

We Quit Our Jobs to Travel the World: Discover Our Secret to Free Hotels



  • Silvi and Lucas have discovered an amazing loophole to bypass hotel expenses.



  • They claim the hack has enabled them to travel to some of the most expensive countries around the globe.



  • EXPLORE MORE: Top nations for migrants to relocate to in 2025 unveiled

A pair of individuals shared their story about leaving their careers behind for twelve months to explore different parts of the globe, thanks to an effective financial strategy they employed.

Silvi Drebenstedt and Lucas Roth successfully ticked off their dream travel locations without emptying their wallets.

The duo, at ages 29 and 33, have managed to save significant sums of money by steering clear of expensive accommodations.

Rather, they take care of houses or pets — a responsibility that once included tending to a group of alpacas.
Hawaii
, spend time with a budgie in Australia and assist fishermen in
Indonesia
.

‘Silvi mentioned that accommodation typically tends to be one of the largest costs when traveling; consequently, house sitting significantly reduced our expenditures.’
Luxury Travel Daily
.

‘Looking after the alpacas in Hawaii was definitely the highlight of our pet-sitting journey so far.

The proprietor, Christine, was exceptionally friendly and provided us with an extensive orientation on how to care for the alpacas.

Dorothy, the eldest alpaca, held a special place in our hearts – she needed specially prepared soft food and possessed an incredibly serene and sagacious demeanor.



‘A memorable instance was assisting in weighing Rose, a new-born alpaca, as Lucas held her in his arms on the scales.’

‘Christine also showed us how to spin wool, and it was incredibly intriguing.’

We undoubtedly saved quite a bit through house-sitting — although it’s difficult to provide an precise figure, I’m certain it amounted to multiple thousands of euros.

The pair — who paused their careers in an office setting to go traveling — utilized the app for assistance.
Trusted Housesitters
To assist in pairing them with individuals who needed someone to manage their homes and pet-sit while they were absent.

Apart from their exciting journey with alpacas, they also had a memorable experience dog-sitting in New York during Christmastime. They explored glaciers while visiting Argentina and relished travels to Mexico, Taiwan, and Switzerland as well.

They have returned to their homeland of Germany but continue to relish periodic housesitting escapades.

Silvi stated, “That particular year kept us without work.”

We paused our work temporarily to dive deeply into the adventure.

We still like to stay in hotels occasionally, but house sitting is a significant aspect of our travels.

We have since had a delightful stay in Switzerland, which was a marvelous experience.

As we typically housesit in pricier nations such as the United States, Australia, and Switzerland, the financial benefits have indeed been significant.

‘Housesitting has enabled us to explore these locations without continually stressing over accommodation expenses – something that frequently hinders travelers.’

Read more

Ghana and Morocco Eye Visa-Free Travel Agreement

Ghana and Morocco Eye Visa-Free Travel Agreement

Ghana is moving forward with efforts to enable visa-free travel for its citizens visiting Morocco. According to Samuel Okudzeto, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, both nations have consented to establish an accord that will remove visa restrictions for various types of visitors.

On a post made on the social media site X (previously known as Twitter), Okudzeto mentioned that the accord would shortly be submitted to the legislatures of both countries for approval. This comment came after his talks with Imane Ouaadil, who serves as Morocco’s ambassador to Ghana, which took place during the previous week.

The Ghanaian minister further emphasized the pledges made during the discussions to enhance collaboration in agriculture, tourism, and security sectors. Moreover, Morocco has opted to double the number of scholarships available for Ghanaian students pursuing their studies there, increasing them from 90 to 180.

Based on the Visa Index, citizens of Ghana need a visa to visit Morocco and should apply beforehand. Additionally, they require visas for 123 other nations, whereas e-visas can be obtained for travel to 38 destinations.

The post
Ghana aims for visa-free travel arrangement with Morocco
appeared first on
SANGGRALOKAEnglish – Morocco News
.

Saudi Arabia’s Travel Surplus Reaches Nearly SAR50 Billion in 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Travel Surplus Reaches Nearly SAR50 Billion in 2024

Riyadh
[
Saudi Arabia
], April 4 (ANI/WAM):
Saudi Arabia
‘s
tourism sector
reached a record surplus of SAR 49.8 billion in the 2024 travel sector, marking a 7.8% rise from 2023, as stated in a press release from the Tourism Ministry.

The announcement relayed via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) stated that this growth was driven by a 13.8% rise in expenditure by incoming visitors, which amounted to approximately SAR 153.6 billion in 2024. This estimate is derived from initial balance of payments figures provided by the Saudi Central Bank for the same year.

The ministry credited the notable increase in the 2024 travel account surplus to coordinated initiatives across the Saudi tourism sector, designed to bolster the industry and boost its impact on the nation’s economy. The statement highlighted that this achievement underscores the successful execution of top-tier practices in tourism advancement, improved service offerings, and robust governmental partnerships—efforts aligned with achieving the objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. (ANI/WAM)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

Hajj 2025: Sanwo-Olu Urges the Ill to Stay Home

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State advised residents planning to go on the 2025 Hajj to make sure they are in good health prior to undertaking their journey.

The governor additionally encouraged the inhabitants to keep thanking God for their renewal, progress, and shared advancement as a result of the recently completed Ramadan fasting period.

He addressed the First Family of Lagos State and officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs during their Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The event titled “Indeed My Lord, I Am Ready for Whatever Good You Wish to Bestow Upon Me” took place at the Lagos House in Marina.

At the event, the governor offered his congratulations to Muslims for completing their month-long fasting during Ramadan.

He stated: “Starting from May, individuals going to Mecca will commence their journeys. Make sure you maintain good health.”

Should you fall sick, avoid going on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage; remain in Nigeria and offer your prayers instead. May Allah continue to protect our peace and harmony. We shall persist in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr.

“I thank all our religious leaders for teaching us more about the holy book. I wish us more celebrations in good health.”

Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu also spoke, encouraging community members to be compassionate towards those less fortunate among them.

She stated, “While we join in the festivities, let us not forget those who are less fortunate and offer assistance to them.”

Genuine devotion extends past ceremonies; it involves reflecting on how we interact with each other and how we aid in improving our country and society.

I urge us to strengthen our belief in Nigeria and continue to pray with determination.

Dr. Munirudeen Ar-Riyardy from Lagos State University of Education, who was invited as the guest speaker, encouraged Nigerians during his address to shun sinful acts in order to receive divine favor from God.

Ar-Riyardy stated: “The lecture focuses on the trials of life and maintaining our faith in God despite the difficulties. It emphasizes not cursing our leaders and staying away from sin.”

Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat urged Lagos residents to treat each other kindly.

Hamzat stated: “Exhibit understanding, demonstrate kindness, treat your neighbors well, and keep faith in the divine benevolence.”

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

Explore 6 Hidden Gem Archaeological Sites from Sicily to the Costa Brava: A Lifetime Adventure in Europe

Explore 6 Hidden Gem Archaeological Sites from Sicily to the Costa Brava: A Lifetime Adventure in Europe

Europe is home to numerous remarkable archaeological sites that often go unnoticed by the broader public. Away from the throngs at Pompeii or the Valley of the Temples in Sicily, we have compiled a list of six intriguing locations worth visiting.

Empúries, Spain

Located on the
Costa Brava
Empúries was established as an ancient harbor by Greek settlers circa 575 BC and later evolved into a Roman colony. Despite its limited recognition beyond Spanish borders, this location stands out because it provides evidence of both civilizations coexisting within the same area.

At this location, guests can marvel at mosaics, temples, bathhouses, and historic streets, providing a breathtaking vista of the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, visiting the site’s museum is essential as it offers valuable insights into the Greek colonization period in Iberia.


Interested in discovering Europe? These articles can guide you toward your next exciting journey:

  • This ancient tavern in Ireland, dating back 1,000 years, holds the title of being the oldest in Europe and offers an excellent selection of Irish brews along with regional whiskies.
  • From Pompeii to Delphi, these are the 6 European archaeological sites you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
  • The 7 most highly awaited exhibitions to check out in Europe during 2025

Pantalica Necropolis, Italy (Sicily)

Even though it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pantalica, situated close to Syracuse, frequently gets less attention compared to other well-known attractions in Sicily.

Nevertheless, this necropolis situated on a rocky plateau holds more than 5,000 tombs hewn from the stone, with origins tracing back to the Late Bronze Age (13th century BCE).

th

-7

th

The area, dating back to centuries BC, boasts a stunning natural setting, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

Butrint, Albania

This lesser-known website stands as one of the archaeological jewels.
the Balkans
Inhabited from prehistoric periods onwards, Butrint has been influenced by various civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians.

The location includes a Greek theater, Roman bathhouses, and a baptistery decorated with beautifully preserved mosaic artworks. Encircled by verdant surroundings and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it stays fairly unvisited, providing a serene experience for visitors.

Carnuntum, Austria

A significant historical settlement close to Vienna, Carnuntum served as an important military and trading center during the time of the Roman Empire. Apart from its well-preserved archaeological remains, this location is distinguished by detailed recreations of structures, which vividly bring the past into focus.

Residences, thermal baths, and a Roman villa have been rebuilt employing traditional methods, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the everyday existence of people during Roman times just as they experienced it back then.

Saint-Martin-de-Corléans, Italy

While less renowned compared to nearby alpine locations, Saint-Martin-de-Corléans is an exquisite site found in 1969 in Aosta, Italy. This location showcases a series of archaeological strata ranging from the Neolithic period through to the Bronze Age.

At this location, guests can witness stone arrangements, grand burial sites, and various intricately designed funeral monuments. Additionally, the onsite museum provides an exceptional tour with its contemporary and engaging exhibits.

Noviodunum, Romania

Situated along the shores of the Danube, Noviodunum functioned as an important military stronghold for both the Roman and subsequent Byzantine Empires. In the first century BC, it acted as the command center for the emperor’s naval forces. Despite being rarely explored by visitors, this location provides a captivating look at the legacy of Roman Dacia.

Tourists can view the remnants of both military and civil buildings, as well as military artifacts found during excavation efforts.