TRAVEL, AGAIN: NOTES FROM A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

It would be an understatement to say COVID-19 has altered the travel landscape. While the industry reckoned with walled-off destinations, countless restrictions, poor patronage, and wary travellers over several months, the end of the pandemic hasn't simply coincided with the reopening of closed destinations and the resumption of cancelled flights

- Manu Sasidharan

In the wake of lockdowns ceasing and people leaving their homes after a long time, there are perceptible changes in how travellers are approaching their globe-trotting adventures. The psychology of travel is also changing, revealing a modern traveller who wants more and better.

THE INTENT OF TRAVEL

As the world opened up, people began abandoning the idea of travelling for the sake of it, instead opting to seek richer and more meaningful experiences. Travel is viewed with greater esteem now-absence makes the heart fonder, after all. In the pandemic's aftermath, travellers are focused on their well-being, with many looking for transformational retreats to recharge themselves emotionally and mentally. Travel has always been about liberation, but that dimension has only become larger as people are no longer restricted and confined to a particular place. And that trend is proven with travellers preferring experiential travel, choosing to explore on their own over guided tours. Similarly, adventure is high on returning travellers' lists: trekking, hiking, scuba diving, and taking in the great outdoors in remote, uncharted terrains are more popular than ever.

In terms of destinations, people are zeroing in on serene nature-based hotspots, moving away from conventional locations as they look to avoid urban excursions. Offbeat destinations like Pantnagar, Leh, and Shillong are popular as they're a far cry from the familiar city sights and sounds people have been constantly surrounded by during the pandemic. And finally, staycations or curated vacations across the country are in demand-personalized vacations are fulfilling travellers' desire to get the most out of their money in places with usually monotonous and repetitive travel experiences.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM