Savants say that adversity builds your character. It also provides an opportunity to introspect and devise new ways to engage yourself.
Staycation is a concept which is trending now a days. During these troubled times when people are afraid of travelling, they are preferring a weekend drive to a resort or a home stay to break monotony.
Lockdown has taken a toll on all of us and it is not just the fear of Covid 19 but also the frustration of working 24*7 which has increased the pressure on us. At the beginning of this crisis, people were still comfortable working from homes (wfh) but as the days are passing by, because of the sheer monotony the routine is taking a toll on many of us.
I vividly remember the date when we got this news of first case of Covid in Kerala on 30th January. First lockdown was announced on 24th of march 2020 and since then we are hoping and waiting for the days to change. The new normal – as it is termed is one of the most frustrating thing that has happened to us.
Why Staycations are becoming popular?
Hoteliers and resort owners are certain that domestic tourism will grow with the growing demand of destinations where people can drive down easily, get a food internet connection and a healthy yet sumptuous meal is served.
There are numerous options these days where-in most of the hotels are coming up with their Staycation packages where they are encouraging long stays since the weekends have turned to working days. The deals are tempting as you are getting even 5-star properties at rates often lower than their off season rate with the full board option. After all, the hospitality industry has suffered the most and is discovering novel ways to recover.
People living in Delhi/NCR prefers driving to Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Now a days, travel agents are offering options of drivecation (chauffer driven cars at doorstep for a drive to a location near to their city).
Mysore, Coorg and Ooty are some of the most sought after locations which are visited by junta from Bangalore. New home stays have come up with the option of group stay, keeping in mind social distancing factors.
Villas in Goa, Lonavala and Mumbai are offering single villa to encourage social distancing. Food is an important factor for many so travellers are also given an option of hygienic cooking at an extra price.
With international travel looking difficult for the time being, it is expected that domestic tourism will gain its importance. Staycation is a concept which will evolve with changing consumer preferences and we may see variegated yet flexible options at great deals. With a hope that economy revives and the industry recovers, we may soon witness more innovations from the market players. After all, most of the innovations have knocked at acute times of crisis as one needs to find novel ways to sustain oneself.
In the fond hope that we stay healthy and happy, let us experience this new buzzword – Staycation.
