Even as Indians are rated as the world’s second worst toursists, they are tripping up a storm. Fow two yesr, whats HOT has been your fathful traveling companion. Now we round up what curried favour with Indian tourists this year. Belt up for the ride!

Truly Asia, What say?? MALAYSIA

Call it the power of marketing but Malaysia made it to everyone’s carefully built itineraries this year. What worked for it: The proximity (its in the short-haul sector) and the cost factor, which goes down well with the Indian tourists!

Paris Je T’aime FRANCE

According to a travel website survey, Indians are the world’s second worst tourists, a step behind the French. So what happens when the two meet? Mayhem and table manners that can make stone-age men appear genteel! Yet Indians made a beeline for Paris, famed for its food, wine, architecture and very laidback lifestyle that appeal to the Indian holiday traveler.

Whether you are a first-timer or a local, Paris is surely one of the most exciting, enticing cities in the world. Brimming with iconic attractions – Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs-Elysees, Musee d’ Orsay, Moulin Rouge – there’s never a shortage of activities, Its easy to take Paris at face value and visit only the tried and tested attractions. But why not stray from the usual? Here’s a brand new face of the French Capital…

Staying in Style

There are more opportunities to meet Parisians if you stay in one of the many new boutique or design hotels that are changing the accommodation scene in Paris Hotel Chat-Noir (meaning ‘Black Cat’) at Clichy, where we put up, was trendy, comfortable and reasonable.Another such place is Murano Urban Resort. The corridors give a nightlife feel and it is a great place for some drinks and dinner.

Sweet Nothings

First off all, we headed straight to the happening high street, ChampsElysees, Located at 75th avenue is Laduree, the Mecca of Parisian pastry. The menu runs the gamut from traditional croissants, pretzels, sandwiches, salads and short-crust pastries to the best macaroons in the town. Macaroons are, in fact, the speciality here and they come in flavours like velvet-blackcurrant. Liquorice, lemon and Morello cherries, to name a few.

Interestingly, the story of Parisian tea rooms is intimately linked to the Laduree family’s. They had one advantage over the other cafes: Women were welcome! The place attracted David holder of the holder group, who decided to upgrade the famous house, making it Paris’ pastry Mecca.

While commuting within the city, think trains.

Learn a few words of French. Many Parisian speak excellent English but they appreciate attempts to respect their language. Budget for jazz evening – It’s a great experience, available throughout the city.