Movies play key role year for holiday plans: Travel Survey

Annual survey puts Kashmir on top of preferred domestic places for holiday goers, closely followed by Ladakh, Goa and Kerala

Movies played a key role this year for domestic travellers with flicks like "Queen" and "Ek Tha Tiger" inspiring vacationers to embark on a summer holiday, according to a new survey.

While Kangana Ranaut in "Queen" travels to locales in Amsterdam and France, the 'Summer Survey 2014' by travel portal Yatra released recently pegged Thailand, Europe and UK as top international destinations for Indian travellers.

Also, actors Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone topped the most sought after celebrity companions for a holiday, says the survey that queried respondents on their dream companions.

Cricketers Virat Kohli and M S Dhoni figured in the top five of the list of male celebrities while Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif made up the list of desirable female celeb travel companions.

"Highway", "Shaadi ke side effects", "Krrish 3", "Ek tha Tiger" as well as Hollywood releases like "Wolf of Wall Street" and "Sex on the City" were cited in the survey which queried people on movies that inspired them to travel this summer.

The annual survey, which polled a total of 15000 respondents this year and put Kashmir on top of preferred domestic places for holiday goers, closely followed by Ladakh, Goa and Kerala.

Hill destinations Shimla and Manali followed by scenic Andaman and Nicobar Islands were also preferred on travellers' wishlist, according to the poll.

Compared to 2013, when 93% respondents said they were planning a vacation, this year only 83% respondents said they planned to go on a vacation.

"45% polled are willing to spend in the range Rs 25,000 - Rs 40,000 in the year 2014-2015 while 40% travellers were willing to spend Rs 10000 - Rs 20000 for a vacation in the year 2013-2014," says the survey.

Relaxation and adventure sports topped list of activities that holiday goers said they looked forward to while planning a vacation. Romantic getaways, backpacking activities and pilgrimage sites were other top preferences on vacationers minds.

While 74% travellers preferred to take flights, 12% opted to go on trains, 9% opted for cars, 4% want to go on a bus and 1% chose to go on a cruise.