Love is universal; and so is wanderlust. Travel transcends all boundaries – irrespective of who you are, where you’re from and what you do, one thing’s for sure – people love to travel. After putting plans on hold for the past two years, people across the world are set to celebrate love on their own terms.
This Valentine’s Day, to understand the world’s love for travel, global travel technology platform OYO rolled out the first edition of its global Valentine’s Day consumer index ‘Let Love In With Travel 2022’. This survey covers approximately 2000 respondents across India, the UK, the USA, Indonesia, and Germany.
From India’s love for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Old Bollywood songs during road trips, sipping chai during sunrise, OYO’s report reveals interesting tidbits about the world’s love affair with travel.
A third of the respondents surveyed in India have already made travel plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Out of these, nearly 62% of respondents are looking to treat their loved ones to a quick getaway to a nearby destination. This was followed by a preference for road trips to scenic destinations. On the other hand, those who wanted to keep V-Day a low-key affair want to stay indoors, order food and watch movies.
Travel is a huge part of bonding with your loved ones, be it a trip to Goa with friends, or heading to Manali with your folks. The world took this for granted until the pandemic pulled the brakes on travel plans. 2 out of 3 respondents said they appreciate vacations with loved ones more today than pre-pandemic days. Indian respondents don’t take their holidays for granted anymore.
Nearly 38% said they travel to spend quality time and share meaningful experiences with loved ones. This was followed by 26% who take to travelling for a break from the routine, whereas another 25% said they love exploring new places and cultures. A whopping 84% also believe that travel strengthens their relationships with loved ones.
Every year, as the calendar turns to February, idyllic places take centre stage in the imaginations of travellers around the world. OYO’s customer survey shows that the majority of respondents in India are looking to spend the day by the beach in Goa, followed by the cozy hillside of Manali. The survey further reveals that experience has become the centre stage for all travel plans across the globe.
Here’s how travellers in India are set to #LetLoveIn with travel!
- ‘Love is in the air’ – which city around the world best defines this statement? Indian respondents voted for none other than the ‘City of Love’ itself – Paris, followed by Goa and Kolkata
- Without a surprise, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is India’s favorite travel movie. Talk about classic spontaneous road trips making a comeback! Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani came in as a close second
- While on road trips, nearly 41% of Indian respondents said they enjoy driving to the tunes of old Bollywood songs. Indian Hip Hop or Punjabi music took the second spot on traveler’s road trip playlists
- Talk about sipping on your hot cup of chai while watching the sunrise. Yes, a majority of respondents said this was their go-to morning ritual while traveling. Indians also love going for an early morning walk or listening to music at the first sight of sunlight
- Gifting is the ultimate love language. So what do Indians buy their loved ones from their holiday? 32% would buy clothes or accessories, while 22% said they would grab some local specialties for their loved ones back home
- India’s top international wishlist for V-Day? With 28% each, India remains divided picking between Paris and Maldives. Switzerland takes the third spot
How can we talk about Valentine’s Day without dream proposals? Well well, 31% said they would prefer the question to be popped on a cruise during sunset in Goa. 18% said they would say yes while enjoying snowfall at a homestay in Himachal Pradesh
