There have been drastic changes in travel preferences and behaviors due to pandemic. MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel company, shares a list of definitive travel trends that will define how Indians will travel in 2022. These trends have been identified and packaged basis booking data and patterns as observed over the past year on the platform.
Shorter, and more frequent instant getaways will become a the new travel norm: People have learnt to slow down and appreciate an unhurried life during the pandemic (and that’s great!) but what they now refuse to settle for is spending weeks and months to plan and book a travel break with friends and family. It’s living in the now or never –with many people planning and booking an instant getaway or holiday at the first possible opportunity. Booking patterns on MakeMyTrip indicate that there has been a significant increase in bookings for weekend getaways, with many people booking closer to the date of travel.
Couples, group of friends and families will increasingly prefer lodging in a home-away-from-home in 2022: Safety, hygiene and limited contact with people outside of ones circles have now become the new travel normal. People now actively search for homestays or alternative accommodations that offer a comfort of home at a home-away-from-home. There has been a 70% increase in bookings for homestays in Goa, Manali, Udaipur, Ooty, Lonavala, Srinagar, Darjeeling and other popular tourist hotspots this year. As per advance searches on the platform there will be more takers for homestays located in these destinations in 2022.
Offbeat destinations will make their way to the top of the travel bucket-list: Indian travellers are turning towards exploring lesser-known or hidden travel gems that offer tranquility and divinity. Karjat, Mashobra, Pahalgam, Shimoga and Mukteshwar have already made their way through to the travel bucket-list of Indian travellers who seek solemn serenity. Data on the platform indicates that there has been a 40% increase in searches for stays in some of these destinations with majority of the bookings made by couples and group of young adventures. Searches and bookings for homestays in offbeat destinations including Bir, Varkala, Kasol, Hampi, Tirthan Valley, Araku Valley and Panchgani are also expected to go up in the coming months.
Travellers will add immersive experiences to luxury travel to up the wow factor: Discerning and luxury seekers will continue to look for high-end travel experiences that conflate culturally authentic travel experiences with hyper-local experiences. Across all age groups, travellers will be seen splurging on immersive travel experiences that allow them to indulge in luxury along with offer options to explore the destination like a local. On MakeMyTrip, the ultra-premium and super luxury hotels segment grew by over 100% and the premium segment witnessed a growth of 40% during the pandemic.
Travellers will demand assurance, insurance and convenience at all times when travelling: Travel solutions that offer flexibility, comfort and assurance will be actively searched and opted for in 2022. Be it, air fare lock option that allows travellers to lock fares for up to seven days, to COVID-19 insurance that provides a coverage of INR 2 lacs (per customer), to zero cancellation policy among others – travellers will continue to opt for flexible booking and payment options in the future.
