The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly affected numerous sectors across the globe, and travel was one of the most directly and adversely hit. The wrath of the pandemic still looms large; the first week of November alone recorded around 3,25,000 fresh cases in India. However, with the gradual reopening of the economy on the back of certain government relaxations and safety measures, the travel industry is slowly but surely picking up pace.
As the sector opened up, the country saw many people charting out new travel itineraries, and this trend grew significantly during the recent festive season. According to the annual festive survey by Yatra.com, 61% of respondents were willing to go on a holiday at this time, with 39% making an advance booking for leisure trips for more than a month.
Stay curious, stay safe: Traveling in the time of corona
Although most people tend to spend this time at home, a large cohort has been planning trips to celebrate the festive period in the most sought-after locales with their families. This year, while people are still taking these trips, they are being extra cautious in terms of stringent safety and sanitization processes.
Studying this consumer pattern, leading travel platforms have rapidly adopted safety guidelines to ensure safe and hygienic stays for people. With comprehensive safety measures in place, travel platforms are currently registering the same number of bookings vis-Ã -vis this time last year, indicating the resuming confidence of people in the travel segment.
On their part, travelers are not just curious about understanding the rules and guidelines but are also consciously cooperating and committing to them to ensure their well-being and that of other travelers. With an all-round understanding of the need for stringent norms, festive travel has kicked off in full fervor.
The shift towards offbeat locations
Another interesting trend that has been witnessed this year is that a lot of people are keen to quench their curiosity around offbeat locations. Many people are taking the roads less traveled to discover places that always existed yet remained relatively untouched by travelers. This may be because of the risks involved in visiting hot tourist spots that often attract crowds who break safety protocols and make everyone vulnerable to the viral spread.
In the spirit of exploring unchartered territories, some of the domestic destinations that are expected to attract visitors at this time include Theog, Cheog, Rumsu, Kotkhai, Shangarh, Vagamon, Allepey, and Mukteshwar. What makes these places welcoming even amidst the pandemic is their heavenly offerings such as breath-taking landscapes, delicious local delicacies, traditional culture, adventure sports, and many more.
Safety measures to follow
Even though most of the aforementioned places draw fewer tourists, it is still essential to follow the required safety measures to prevent viral exposure. For instance, travelers are asked to avoid sharing food and cutlery owing to the highly transmissible nature of the virus. They should prefer opting for private vehicles over public transportation to ensure safety. Booking hotels with open-air settings such as rooftop dining to avoid coming into contact with others is also encouraged. And most importantly, wearing hand gloves and masks when out in public and sanitizing/washing hands, especially if you touch common areas by any chance is a must.
We are approaching the end of 2020 with people resuming travel and prepping up for the holidays. As they gear up to meet their families, friends or plan a trip together, it is essential to realize that the pandemic is still with us. And, to prevent any untoward incidents, taking all the necessary precautions is what can keep all of us safe and ensure a virus-free travel experience, at least till we have a vaccine.
