Kicking off with events in Bengaluru and Goa on May 10, goREADS will feature interactive bookish hangouts where authors across genres, languages, and lived experiences vibe with readers over book talks, creative sessions, workshops, Q&As, and more, all in the social, design-first spaces – goSTOPS is renowned for. Whether you’re a city-dweller looking to meet your literary idol or a traveller craving a plot twist in your itinerary, goREADS promises an experience that’s meaningful, memorable, and creatively inspiring.

The first leg of goREADS brings two powerful voices to the fore. At its tech-powered hostel in HSR, Bengaluru, goSTOPS will host Shinie Antony, prolific author and founder of the Bangalore Literature Festival, for a freewheeling discussion about her books — including Can’t, Eden Abandoned and Hell Hath No Fury — and her experience curating one of the country’s most respected literary events. This scintillating and insightful session will be moderated by esteemed journalist and literature enthusiast Monika Monalisa.

Meanwhile, in Goa, writer Michelle Mendonça Bambawale will take over goSTOPS Vagator with a discussion on her book Becoming Goan, with renowned journalist Sneha Vakharia. This will be followed by a candid Q&A session. Her talk will delve into the deeply personal journey of moving to Goa during the COVID-19 pandemic, rediscovering her ancestry, and finding her place in a city that often plays muse to many.

Sharing her thoughts on the launch of this new literary IP, Pallavi Agarwal, Founder & CEO at goSTOPS, said, “At goSTOPS, we’ve always believed that travel is much more than just ticking off destinations. It’s about discovery, connection, and stories you carry home with you. With goREADS, we’re doubling down on our mission to make travel meaningful. We are creating spaces where backpackers and bibliophiles come together, and where ideas, like memories, are shared long after checkout. This is the kind of community-driven experience that we believe the young traveller is hungry for — something real and refreshingly different.”

Shinie Antony, author and founder of, Bangalore Literature Festival, noted, “Stories are a form of travel, taking our soul from point A to point B. The journey may be emotional, intellectual, or physical, but ultimately all travel is spiritual.”

Michelle Mendonça Bambawale, author, added, “Travel is a transformative experience, and for me, moving to Goa amidst the pandemic was one such event. Through the inaugural goREADS event, I hope to inspire young travellers to read more, write, and document their journeys as they explore new destinations, since good storytelling can only happen when there’s a personal touch to stories.”

goREADS is designed to evolve as a series of year-round literary events that champion diverse voices and encourage authentic expression, be it through spontaneous readings, creative workshops, or literary collabs. By tapping into the storytelling power of literature, goSTOPS is building yet another touchpoint for travellers and communities to engage beyond the usual. It’s what the brand has always done best — turn hostels into hubs for community spirit, creativity, and discovery. 

Because at goSTOPS, every stay has a story, and now, with goREADS, you can hear it read aloud.

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Fare Lock enables customers to lock in or reserve a selected fare for 48 hours for a fixed, nominal fee, while they simultaneously firm up their travel itineraries. This helps customers to plan their travels without having to worry about unexpected fluctuations in fares and availability for their preferred flight options. The feature is available for flight options at least 10 days away from the date of booking the service.

To use the service, Air India customers simply need to choose the flight options that they most prefer and are likely to finalize, select the Fare Lock option in the booking flow, and pay a non-refundable fee. Customers can later return to their bookings on the website or mobile app to confirm their bookings at the pre-selected fares by using the ‘Manage Booking’ option.

Fare Lock is available at the following fees (inclusive of taxes) varying by route and applicable per passenger per ticket:

Fare Lock, an addition to Air India’s growing portfolio of ancillary offerings, is designed to enhance the overall travel experience for its customers. By leveraging advanced technology and integrating the service with Amadeus in the booking flow, Air India continues to lead the way in catering to the diverse needs of its customers.

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INDIA: IndiGo, India’s preferred carrier, has announced additional flights between Delhi and Phuket, Thailand, starting from June 01, 2024. Responding to the growing demand from business and leisure travelers, the airline is doubling its current frequency from 7 to an impressive 14 flights per week.

With the advantage of visa-free entry to Thailand, these additional flights will boost travel, trade, and tourism between both nations, thereby fostering stronger bilateral ties.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to add new flights on the Delhi-Phuket route taking our frequencies from the current 7 to 14 a week. These are in addition to our 7 flights a week from Delhi to Bangkok. In line with our commitment to ‘giving wings to the nation’ and enabling travel aspirations, these flights will cater to the increasing domestic demand to explore Thailand’s largest island. With convenient visa rules, spectacular beaches, shopping & entertainment, Thailand has always been a prominent travel hub in Southeast Asia. IndiGo remains committed to delivering on its promise of affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across an unparalleled network.”

Thailand is one of the top travel destinations in the world offering varied and rewarding experiences, ranging from the vibrant marketplaces of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Phuket. Known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and offers a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. It is famous for its magnificent white sand, majestic sea water, beautiful temples, lively towns, and delicious food. The islands of Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are stunning places that provide immaculate beaches, glistening oceans, and bright coral reefs, making them the perfect tropical retreats.

IndiGo has increased the frequency of direct connectivity between Phuket and Delhi, along with seamless connections to other destinations including Bengaluru and Mumbai.

Customers who wish to plan their travel can book tickets via our official website http://www.goIndiGo.in or through our mobile app. The introduction of these flights will further bolster the airline’s international connectivity.

Flight schedule:

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Using its two-class configured Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, Air India will operate on the new European route on four days every week – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Air India’s new service will provide travelers in Switzerland, as well as those in southern Germany and western Austria with a non-stop option to travel to Delhi, and onward to destinations across Air India’s growing route network, particularly in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Air India flight AI151 will depart Delhi at 1405hrs, arriving in Zurich at 1915hrs. AI152 will depart Zurich at 2050hrs, arriving in Delhi at 0805hrs the next day. The schedule enables travelers to conveniently connect to Air India’s flights from Delhi to popular destinations, such as Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka,
Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Melbourne, Phuket, Singapore, and Sydney, amongst others.   

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, of Air India, said: “This new route strengthens the ties between India and Switzerland, which are not only major trading partners but also boast a vibrant exchange of people. With over 250 Swiss companies operating in India, hundreds of Indian companies in Switzerland, and a growing Indian diaspora of nearly 18,000, these flights will cater to a strong demand for business and leisure travel in both directions.”

“Switzerland, a consistently top-ranking European destination for Indian tourists, will now be even more accessible, with these flights further solidifying the economic and cultural bridges between the two nations,” Wilson added.

Travelers can look forward to great comfort and care when traveling with Air India, from the warm Indian hospitality of its cabin crew to the choice of international and authentic Indian cuisine on board and complimentary beverages. 

Air India currently operates a total of 60 weekly flights to and from six cities in mainland Europe, namely Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, and Vienna.

Bookings for flights to Zurich are being progressively opened across channels, including Air India’s website, and mobile app, via travel agents as well as online travel agents.

Departure and arrival times are displayed in local times. +1 denotes next-day arrival.

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