Priya Pathiyan
Deputy Editor
There’s a ‘see change’ in the way Indians travel. We are going across the world, not just to ‘see’ the sights, but also to witness once-in-a-lifetime live events. The recent India-Pakistan match of the T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia was a case in point. Not only did a friend and her young son plan an entire trip around it, as did hundreds of other Indians, but it went from being a live event to a life event, thanks to the exciting finish.
Another couple has planned a month-long itinerary around the upcoming FIFA World Cup, booking top seats at many matches. Not only will they be exploring Qatar, which is hosting the FIFA World Cup, but the adjacent countries of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will also benefit from their custom.
I know so many people who also follow play schedules of their favourite musicians and sometimes take special detours on holidays to take in a concert, if not do a trip specially for it. A couple of friends went to watch Ed Sheeran in Amsterdam and took the opportunity to catch Lady Gaga and Coldplay in action while they transited through Paris on the return.
I’ve seen this trend on the rise closer home too, with mega music, art, and cultural events across the country, from Goa to Arunachal Pradesh and everything in between, bringing people together in large numbers. And then there are the exclusive events, the private concerts and glamorous gatherings that have a discerning audience in attendance.
Speaking of which, here’s a heads up to our upcoming TravelDine Jazz Nights at the Leela hotels in three cities across November and December.
Visit the Jazz Nights page on TravelDine to delve deeper into this pathbreaking genre of music or watch our video of the week to get to know the artistes who will be performing. Soulful, spirited, and sensational, these live concerts will certainly be worth travelling for. Will I see you there?