Vaccine brings hope, most Indian travellers plan a trip in the next two months

Indians are looking forward to planning their next holiday as the vaccine rolls out. According to a MakeMyTrip survey, it indicates that once vaccinated, 81 per cent of the respondents will be seen travelling for leisure, 55 per cent will travel to visit friends and relatives (VFR), and 46 per cent will return to travelling for business or work.

And we’re already getting excited with just the thought as more than 65 per cent of Indian travellers are actively searching and planning a vacation within the next two months. Till date, more than 70 per cent of the respondents have taken a trip since Phase 1 of Unlock – with nearly 40 per cent of the travellers undertaking one or two mini vacations and 18 per cent taking more than three trips during the pandemic.

Close bubble
In the months following the unlock, while people preferred travelling with family and spouse, post vaccination - travellers are looking forward to firm up travel plans with their friends (48 per cent), colleagues (20 per cent) and finding solace in solo travel (23 per cent). What’s also interesting is that over 65 per cent of the respondents are comfortable with booking group tours post taking the jab.


Safe travels first priority
When it comes to planning a holiday, safety and hygiene is high on the list. Travellers do not wish to let the guard down post the vaccination as well. Over 50 per cent of the travellers will continue to prioritize safety and hygiene when travelling, whereas 45 per cent indicated that they will be slightly more relaxed but will still remain cautious. While preference for premium properties will remain strong, travellers, majorly in the age group of 18 years to 30 years will be seen actively considering alternative accommodation properties including villas, homestays and apartments. About 95 per cent of the respondents indicated that customer reviews post unlock will remain an important parameter while shortlisting hotel properties in the future.

Hit the road
Over 70 per cent respondents voted in favour of road trips to nearby destinations or leisure hotspots within 300kms from home city –with ~80 per cent opting to drive in their own personal vehicles, even after getting vaccinated. Almost 86 per cent travellers have shown comfort in travelling to distant leisure hotspots in the coming months.

Adventure begins
Freedom to explore the destination will be back on the cards post-vaccination. Travellers will prefer stepping out of the hotel premises for local sightseeing and activities (85 per cent) and indulge in local delicacies and flavours (72 per cent). More than 70 per cent of the surveyed are looking forward to indulge in adventure activities whereas nearly 40 per cent are waiting to return to cricket stadiums, concert grounds and other community events.

Amongst destinations, travellers will be seen going after immersive experiences that suit their varied travel mood and interests –with many opting for a natural escape in the hills (67 per cent); relaxing holiday at beach resorts in Goa or Puducherry (63 per cent); soaking in the thrill of adventure tours at national parks or sanctuaries (38 per cent); celebrating magnificence of heritage spots in Jaipur and Udaipur; and visiting popular pilgrimage sites (28 per cent) and more.