Back on the road: Here’s why drivable vacations and 'workations' will be the way forward in the future

None of us imagined that the summer of 2020 would be about staying indoors and being confined within the sealed borders of our states. We did not imagine that our car tanks would be full of fuel but we could not plan any getaways with our families due to the pandemic.

And even when the lockdown is lifted, travel, as we know it, won’t be the same anymore.

As the most used term of 2020, ‘the new normal’ will see its own version in the travel and tourism industry as well. Every crisis brings forth a new trend across businesses and is a silver lining in disguise for a few. Think demonetisation and digital payment industry. The fact of the matter is, the players in the Indian hospitality and tourism industries will have to reinvent themselves if they want to stay afloat.

Here are some of the changes that are up ahead if you are planning a vacation once the pandemic is over…

Take a long drive

Quick getaways, vacation rentals, private vehicles, and “drestinations” (drive-to destinations) will be the top keywords of travel in the future. People will avoid taking flights, trains, and buses, and will prefer travelling in their private cars.

Globally, places that have opened up will see people preferring cycles over private cabs and riding to their destinations. The tourism market will imitate this model. Travelling in one’s private car will be preferred over the rest of the ways of travel at least for a while.

And so, it is certain that quick weekend getaways at drivable distances will see a spike. So long, long vacays. and drivable weekend vacations are the way ahead.

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Book a vacation home

The reason why we choose to remain indoors is that we do know not who we may come in touch the moment we step out. When zeroing in on a place to stay while on a holiday, this fear will persist.

Amidst such uncertainty, knowing that you are staying at a private vacation home will allay those fears. And so, homes with an onsite caretaking staff and cooks who ensure regular sanitisation, adhere to standards of safety and hygiene measures and are FOSTAC (Food Safety Training and Certification) -compliant will thrive.

We believe that there’s going to be a significant shift in the way people travel and choose their destinations. Earlier, luxury was the key highlight before choosing a place. Now, it will all be about safety and privacy. The bathtubs, room service, and a choice of meals will be taken over by the certainty of having a pool villa, lawns, and open spaces all to yourself.

Skip adventure holidays

Waterfalls, adventure activities, street-side shopping, and temple and fort visits, among other things, will take a huge hit post-lockdown.

And so, destinations with a scenic locale and with experiences within the home will have a huge fan following.

For instance, instead of adventure holidays, you might enjoy other activities like catching the reflection of the moon in a lake, enjoying an organic meal in an outdoor dining area, going on a nature trail or going on an apple plucking spree in an orchard.

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Plan a ‘workation’

A 'workation' is a vacation that allows you to work remotely at a holiday destination and adding leisure moments that let you unwind, relax and be more productive.

Sometimes just a change of scene can help you recharge and feel refreshed. Why not plan a ‘work-action’ from holiday homes in Goa, Alibaug, Lonavala, Mussoorie, or Ooty!

Since most of us are now quite equipped to work remotely, look for holiday destinations with residences that have dedicated spaces for work, with high-speed internet and inspiring surroundings. This is the reason why ‘workations’ at fully serviced private vacation homes will be on the rise.

A swim, a game of TT, carom or simply relaxing in the confines of a home away from home will be quite a hit. In a set-up like this, you will be able to escape the drab and mentally exhausting routine you've had to follow at home.

Get ready for a long holiday

Travelling in large groups wasn’t an uncommon sight 6-7 months ago. However, at least for a while, this looks like a thing of the past. In the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen smaller groups heading out of the city.

In a not-so-surprising turn of events, weekend getaways have been replaced by longer stays. And the range is as disparate as 4-5 days to 4-5 months! People are working, celebrating annual festivals and birthdays at private villas.

Until we have a vaccine, long and medium-term stays will rule the travel and tourism industry

So, don’t put your holiday plans on hold. Take a drive to a vacation home, plan a new set of holiday activities or get away from your workstation at home and plan a ‘workation’ instead. There are unlimited options for those who are looking for holiday at a home away from home.