4 Popular Travel Trends in India 2022 #TravelRecommends

The world has started to embrace the new normal since the beginning of the global pandemic in March 2020. Everyone has confined themselves within the four walls of their houses to curb the spread of the virus for months and as a result, the tourism industry was badly affected. In India, the tourism economy was significantly low during all three waves of the pandemic barring a sporadic increase in travelers' enthusiasm during the lockdown relaxations. However, the future of the tourism industry is optimistic as demands have started to soar high during the holiday seasons. Many travelers have changed their preference for domestic destinations due to the pandemic and the airlines' restrictions, because of which the domestic tourism industry is likely to remain flourishing. There also has been a notable change in the travel plans over the last two years which will continue to be trending in 2022.

Introduction of Staycations and Workcations

The concept of staycations and workcations has continued to emerge since the first wave of the pandemic. During staycations, people check into the local hotels, resorts, homestays, or at the outskirts of the city for a short time to get rid of the boredom at home and it doesn't require traveling for a long time to take a break from the daily schedule. Workcations have become popular due to the work-from-home options for many employees during the pandemic. Due to the flexibility of remote work, people can travel to their favorite destinations, check into the accommodations which provide options for a longer stay and good network connectivity, and explore the places while continuing with their daily work. These have led to the increased demand for boutique hotels, hostels, and homestays among travelers across the states of Goa, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, etc. and they are eager to explore the local culture and indulge in the local cuisines.

Exploring Offbeat Locations

Travelers have started to explore the lesser-known options beyond the popular tourist destinations to avoid the crowds and stay closer to nature. Be it adventurous trips with friends, or leisurely trips with families, people prefer to visit places that are unheard of and less crowded than the popular tourist destinations. In the last few years, there has been an increase in touristry activities at places like Jibhi and Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Sangti Valley and Shergaon in Arunachal, Varkala and Wayanad in Kerala, Sakleshpura and Maravanthe in Karnataka, Dudhsagar Falls in Goa, Binsar and Chakauri in Uttarakhand, etc. and this trend is expected to continue this year as well.

Increased Demand for Luxury Travel

Luxury travel has always been a niche segment for travelers and due to the increased emphasis on health safety during trips, people have started to opt for Heritage Homes, Havelis, and Luxurious Villas at exotic locations. To compensate the stay-at-home during the months of lockdown, people are ready to shell out some extra cash for high-end travel experiences. In the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and West Bengal, there are many popular Heritage Havelis like Umaid Bhavan Palace, Rambagh Palace, Neemrana Fort, Bawali Rajbari, Bari Kothi, etc. which flatter the tourists with splendor and world-class facilities. The luxurious Houseboats and Wellness Resorts of Kerala are also in high demand since travelers want to relax in a serene environment, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Popularity of Caravan Tourism

After the pandemic, people want to avoid traveling by crowded trains and buses and stay in a home away from home without sharing many amenities. This has led to the popularity of Caravans in India which gives the freedom to live and travel in a hassle-free manner. Flexibility, connectivity, and comfort are the key factors that have contributed to the growth of caravan tourism. Several states like Maharashtra, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka have started to focus on the development of caravan parks where caravans can be stationed in tourist destinations with adequate facilities. The most popular caravans that are available for rent for touring around India are LuxeCamper, Wacation Wheels, Trippy Wheels, Camper Trails, etc. The mini homes-on-wheels let travelers save money on accommodation and transport and maintain distance from others while traveling.