#Unlock3.0: How & Where Will India Travel Post-COVID? All Details Inside

Pickyourtrail surveyed 2,500+ urban travellers to gauge travel behaviour in the post-pandemic world and important trends to watch out for in 2020 and 2021. Read the complete Pickyourtrail Post-COVID Travel Survey Report here.

• The Maldives emerges as the most popular destination 
• 70% travellers willing to spend 10-20% more for on-trip safety 

As India enters #Unlock 3.0, about 52% modern Indian travellers are hopeful about taking their first post-COVID holiday before December 2020 and are likely to opt for direct flights and self-drive over connecting flights for safety reasons. Homestays (23%), boutique properties (21%) and premium hotel chains (44%) have been voted as the preferred accommodation choice among travellers across the age groups of 20-34 yrs and 35-44 yrs. Please find other key takeaways from the Pickyourtrail Post-COVID Travel Survey Report below. 

The Maldives top choice among couples

The Maldives, mainly being a stay-in destination, has emerged as the most popular choice among Indians to take their first post-COVID international break. The archipelago’s recent shot to fame among Indian celebrities and also its picture-perfect setting for honeymooners and young couples can be credited to this rising trend. 

Northeast India emerges as popular choice

While Kerala and Goa are among the popular choices for Indians to take their first post-COVID break, the pandemic has also triggered young travellers to opt for more offbeat destinations such as the Northeast India which offers varied travel experiences—from conquering the highest motorable road, Nathula Pass, on a bike or boating in the transparent waters of Dawki River near the Indo-Bangladesh border or even signing up for the colourful Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. 

Indians warm up to Staycations 

Staycations = Safe-Vacations. With COVID-19 forcing almost all of humanity to stay indoors, the modern Indian traveller is fast adopting the western travel trend of Staycations at premium properties in close proximity to their homes. About 22% respondents voted Staycations as their go-to option before they resume domestic or international travel.

Express Getaways take prominence; Dubai IPL 2020 likely to boost India-Dubai travel 

As per the survey findings, Indians are apprehensive about booking long-haul destinations at the moment and would rather place their bets on Express Getaways closer home, such as Dubai, Sri Lanka and Bali. The announcement of Dubai IPL 2020 has also triggered positive sentiment among travellers looking at going on short breaks. 

Respondent demographics: A total of 2,500+ urban travellers were surveyed for this report. Please find the detailed split as per age and city below.

Bengaluru: 17% Chennai: 35% Delhi/NCR + Mumbai + other metros: 48%

20-34 yrs: 51% 35-44 yrs: 30% 45+yrs : 19%

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