r/desitravellers

I’m trying to make a real, fully refundable hotel booking that I can show at immigration if they ask. I don’t want a dummy or fake reservation, just a genuine booking with free cancellation.

On Booking(dot)com, some options ask for payment upfront, and I’m worried it could turn into a problem later when I try to get the refund.

Has anyone done this before? A few things I’d like to know:

• Which websites or booking options work best for free cancellation with a proper confirmation?
• Is it safer to pick “pay at property” or “free cancellation, no prepayment” options?
• Did you run into any refund delays or issues after cancelling?

I have a Yatra app voucher of Rs 5000.
If anyone wants to use it let me know.
Valid till 21/10/2026.

Hey everyone,

​Need a quick reality check from folks who have applied for e-Visas recently.

​Application date: 3rd Oct (Applied today on the official portal)

​Flight date: 14th Oct, 12:00 AM (midnight)

​Working days available: Exactly 7 working days (excluding weekends)

​I know standard processing times are usually quoted around 3–5 working days, but with two weekends sitting right in between, the timeline feels tight.

​Am I overthinking this, or should I be worried? For those who applied recently through the official portal:

​How many working days did your approval actually take?

​Is there any way to track or escalate if it gets stuck close to Day 6 or 7?

​Appreciate any recent experiences or advice. Thanks in advance!

Hi Everyone,

I’m travelling to Japan from 16 Nov to 2 Dec 2026. I’ve found a KIX → DEL flight for approx 33k on 2nd Dec. Onward ticket from DEL->NRT is already booked.

Would you recommend booking it now (~2 months in advance), or keeping an eye on the fare for a few more weeks?

Also, I have a 15-day Japan visa. If I arrive on 17 Nov, is 2 Dec correctly considered the last permissible departure date, with 17 Nov as Day 0 and 18 Nov as Day 1?

Thanks

Hey everyone,

I take my parents on one major trip every January. Last year we did Gujarat (heritage + spiritual), and this past January we covered Maharashtra (all 5 Jyotirlingas, Shirdi, etc.), which cost us around ₹1L for the three of us starting from Delhi.

We are now planning our January 2027 trip (5 to 7 days) and could use some advice from folks who’ve done similar trips with senior parents.

Context & Preferences:

Group: 3 adults (me + parents).

Budget: ₹1.0L – ₹1.2L total (covering flights from Delhi, decent 3-star hotels, local private cab, vegetarian food, and VIP/special darshans).

Focus: Spiritual tourism / heritage / major temples.

Already covered: UP (Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura/Vrindavan), MP (Ujjain, Omkareshwar, etc.), Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Please let me know your suggestions along with approx budget

Hey everyone,

I am planning to visit north east this december with friends (6 people). Dates are 25th dec to 2nd Jan. Which north east state is best to visit in this time. Pls suggest. Thanks

Me and my friend are planning a 6 day trip from 16th October to 21st October to Himachal. Where should we go? Please suggest as you like, we are very confused. We can go by Car from Lucknow, or by Air to Chandigarh and then by taxi.