Hello Niyo Community! 
Welcome to the very first edition of The Niyo Pulse.
Letās be honest, traveling in 2026 isnāt just about booking a ticket anymore. Itās about navigating sudden visa waivers, dodging weather disruptions, and making sure your money goes further in a volatile market.
Thatās why we bring you The Pulse.
Starting today, every Tuesday & Thursday, we are cutting through the noise to bring you the only 4 updates that actually matter to your passport and your wallet. Consider this your cheat sheet to traveling smarter.
Here is what is happening in the world right now. 
1.The Fog is Back 
If you are flying out of Delhi (DEL) or North India this week, keep your airline app open.
Dense winter fog has triggered CAT III low-visibility procedures at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Yesterday (5th Jan 2026), over 128 flights across major carriers, including IndiGo and Air India, experienced delays.
Niyo Action: Stuck abroad or facing a long layover on your return? Donāt just sit at the gate getting bored. Use your Niyo Global Card to access select international lounges, grab a meal, and relax in comfort before your flight.
Suggested Read: Check the 2025 International Lounge Access List Here
2.Visa-Free 2026 
It is official: Thailand and Malaysia have confirmed their visa-free entry policies for Indians will continue through 2026.
- Thailand: Up to 60 days visa-free.
- Malaysia: Up to 30 days visa-free.
The catch: Thailand is stricter about the āDigital Arrival Cardā this year. Make sure you fill it out online 72 hours before your flight to avoid queues at immigration.
3.USD vs INR Watch 
The forex market is seeing volatility today as global markets react to the new yearās geopolitical shifts. The USD to INR rate is currently wavering. (Visa rate INR 90.31)
- Why it matters: If you are planning a trip to the US, Europe, or Dubai later this month, your trip budget might fluctuate.
4. Coolcationing
With 2025 being a record-hot year, the biggest travel trend for 2026 is āCoolcationingā, skipping the beach to go somewhere freezing.
Bookings for Norway, Iceland, and Almaty (Kazakhstan) are up 40% among Indian travelers this month.
Did you know? Kazakhstan offers visa-free entry for Indians for up to 14 days.
Suggested Reads:
7-Day Kazakhstan Itinerary: Mountains, Lakes & Nomadic Adventures
Top 10 Things to Do in Kazakhstan: Quick Guide for Indian Travellers
Are you affected by the fog delays today? Let us know in the comments below which airport you are flying from!
See you on Thursday with new updates!
Sources: The Economic Times (Aviation), Royal Thai Embassy, Google Finance (Forex), Virtuoso Travel Report.