Long weekend getaways and self-drive adventures dominate 2023 final quarter  

Team L&M

As the final quarter of the year unfolds, it brings forth a sequence of extended weekends, a gift from festive occasions and well-planned time off. The notion of embracing a revitalising escape, free from the rigors of lengthy travel, finds resonance among families and individual adventurers alike. These extended weekends are no longer seen as mere breaks from the monotony but as opportunities to embark on memorable journeys that offer the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. With the final quarter of the year being studded with long weekends such as the Gandhi Jayanti long weekend from September 30 to October 2, and the Guru Nanak Jayanti from November 25-27, both drivecations and staycations coupled with the changing landscape of travel across India are set to experience a surge.
The rise of weekend drivecations has breathed new life into the Indian tourism sector. Previously overlooked smaller towns and lesser-known gems are experiencing a surge in footfall, catalyzing local economies and revitalizing communities. This revitalisation has not gone unnoticed by Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), as they bear witness to a growing stream of bookings propelled by the preference for short getaways. Interestingly, this trend shift has prompted OTAs to expand their offerings to include curated road trip packages and promote self-drive car rentals, such as IndusGo, Revv, Zoomcar, as an add-on.

The Shift towards Drivecations:
Drivecations refer to vacations where travelers opt for road trips to explore nearby destinations using one’s own vehicle, thus reviving the joy of the journey itself. Drivecations provide a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, offering travelers the chance to explore lesser-known locales while maintaining a sense of security. This burgeoning trend is poised to bring about a surge in the demand for self-drive car rental services in India. This trend is gaining traction for several reasons:

• Flexibility and Freedom: Drivecations offer the freedom to explore at one’s own pace. Travelers can modify their itineraries spontaneously, allowing for unexpected detours and off-the-beaten-path discoveries
• Safety and Control: With health and safety concerns paramount, drivecations minimize the need for public transportation and crowded spaces
• Cost-Effective: By eliminating airfare and reducing accommodation expenses, drivecations are often a more budget-friendly option for families and solo travelers alike
• Discovering Hidden Gems: Travelers are now exploring lesser-known destinations and local attractions that might have been overlooked in favor of more distant locales

Drivecations driving up hotel and Self-Drive Car Rental bookings:
As wanderlust finds its voice, hotels across the country are poised to witness a surge in demand, catering to travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a change of scenery. From cozy retreats nestled in the hills to luxurious beachfront resorts, accommodations of all types are preparing to accommodate the influx of guests eager to make the most of these well-timed breaks.
Recognising the shifting preferences of travelers, the self-drive car rental industry in India too is gearing up to meet the increased demand during the last quarter of the year. Companies are focusing on enhancing their fleets, improving customer experiences, and implementing stringent sanitization measures to ensure the safety of their customers. To ensure a hassle free experience, self-drive car rental companies like IndusGo also provide doorstep delivery and pickup of cars alongside an app-based phygital experience for the customers. Additionally, many self-drive car rental services are offering flexible booking options, attractive discounts, and customised travel packages to entice drivecationers.
The rise of drivecations marks a significant transformation in how people approach vacations. The last quarter of the year is primed to witness an upswing in the demand for self-drive car rental services in India as travelers seek the perfect blend of adventure, safety, and personalization. With changing work dynamics, a plethora of long weekends, and the desire for contactless travel, drivecations are here to stay. As the self-drive car rental industry adapts and innovates, it stands ready to play a crucial role in facilitating this exciting new trend in Indian travel culture.