In the wake of a global pandemic that drastically altered the way we travel, a new trend emerged and swiftly gained popularity, drivecation. A drivecation, as the name suggests, involves taking a vacation that is within driving distance of one’s home. This phenomenon has provided travellers with a new way to explore new destinations.
What Is Drivecation?
The popularity of long weekends is no longer seen as mere breaks from the monotony but as opportunities to embark on experiences. The weekend drivecation trend has given the Indian tourism industry new vitality.
Smaller cities and lesser-known treasures are seeing an increase in visitors, which is boosting the local economy and reviving neighbourhoods. There’s an increase in reservations driven by travellers’ inclination for quick getaways. Intriguingly, this shift in consumer behaviour has led OTAs to broaden their product offers to include hand-picked road trip packages and to market self-drive car rentals like IndusGo, Revv, and Zoomcar as a useful add-ons.
The self-drive automobile rental business in India is preparing to meet the increasing demand. Self-drive car rental firms like IndusGo also offer doorstep delivery and pickup of cars for consumers. They are coupled with an app-based physical experience, to ensure a hassle-free experience. Numerous self-drive vehicle rental agencies also provide flexible booking choices, alluring discounts, and unique trip bundles.
The popularity of drivecations represents a dramatic shift in how people see vacations. The self-drive auto rental sector is poised to play a significant role in facilitating this exciting new trend.
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Where Are Indians Driving Mostly Over Weekends?
Many people often overlook the wonders that exist within a few hours’ drive from their homes. Here are the places most Indians travel to:
- Historical Cities: Many weekend travellers are keen to explore its rich heritage. Cities like Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, and Hampi offer a glimpse into India’s glorious past through their magnificent forts, palaces, temples, and historical sites.
- Cultural Retreats: Weekend getaways to cultural hubs like Udaipur, Varanasi, and Pushkar allow visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions, rituals, and festivals.
- Offbeat Hideaways: Locations like Spiti Valley, Ziro, Gokarna, and Tawang provide serene landscapes, untouched by commercialization, where travellers can disconnect from the chaos of city life.
- Scenic Drives: Sometimes, the journey itself is the destination. The Leh-Ladakh Highway, the Mumbai-Goa coastal drive, and the Bangalore-Ooty are scenic drives. They provide travellers with stunning vistas, natural wonders, and opportunities for spontaneous exploration.
So, where are you heading to this upcoming long weekend?
Cover image credits: Canva
First Published: September 01, 2023 2:24 PM