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Road Trips, Staycations And Micro Vacays Among Post-Unlock Trends: Travel Companies
Himachal, Andaman Among Preferred Destinations Post Unlock Trends
Sabina Chopra, Co-founder, and COO Corporate Travel & Head Industry, Yatra.com, says, “We have witnessed quite an increase in booking inquiries, especially from metro cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, for short-haul leisure destinations like Lonavala, Shimla, and Manali. “ Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel, adds, “Himachal, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andaman are the most preferred destinations. We’re seeing an uptick in inquiries for quick escapes like back-to-nature and beach destinations, while stay-cations and road trips are a popular first choice. We have also noted that micro trips are a rising travel trend.
Weekend Travel is on the List
This year, trip organizers are seeing a surge in weekend travel. Vipul Prakash of MakeMyTrip, says, “Our booking patterns indicate that confidence is building again in travel. We are also seeing people book weekend gateways and staycation with many booking hotels stays for a minimum of two to three nights. The average stay is limited to one night or two at max.”
Luxury Resort, Plantation Villas a Hit with Families.
Daniel D’souza of SOTC travel, says, “Families that have been separated are now looking forward to reunion holidays. As travelers seek less crowded accommodations and travel options, we are seeing an increase in demand for private tours, villas, private homes, and boutique properties. They are opting for accommodations such as colonial bungalows, plantation villas (coffee/tea estates), and heritage properties.” While in the last two months, most travels comprised immediate bookings due to emergencies, now people are planning vacations weeks in advance. Saujanya Shrivastava, Chief Operating Officer, Flights SBU, MakeMyTrip, says, “Our data indicate a rise in flight bookings with an advance purchase window of over a week. This shows that people are planning to travel a week or so in advance.”
Safety Steps Taken By Trip Organisers
- Flexibility in rebooking/changes, free cancellation
- Assured-insured-secured program
- Doctor-on-call-24×7 service in partnership with hospitals
- Safe holiday helpline
- COVID negative certification services
Source: Delhi Times – The Times of India: 22 June 2021
