Nearly 31.7% of Indians are willing to travel after 2020 whereas 36% plan to do after 3 months, says Zostel’s Travel Survey 2020

The survey conducted among 1196 respondents primarily from the metros and tier-1 cities across the country indicates that 63% of males are inclined towards traveling in the next 1-2 months in comparison to 37% of females

The coronavirus pandemic had unprecedentedly put a halt to all traveling plans this year. With the easing of travel restrictions around the world, Zostel, a community-led, experience-driven ecosystem recently conducted a survey to understand consumer sentiment and their willingness to travel after 2020.

According to the findings, around 31.7% of Indians are willing to travel after 2020 whereas 36% plan to do so this year itself after 3 months. It also highlighted that 54.8% are willing to travel solo, 23.2% want to travel in a group and 21.9% want to travel as couples.

While mountains are the most preferred travel destination for 70.1% of respondents followed by 23.9% for beaches and 5.2% for cities. The survey conducted among 1196 respondents primarily from the metros and tier-1 cities across the country indicate that 63% of males are inclined towards traveling in the next 1-2 months in comparison to 37% of females. While the males have shown likeliness towards mountains over beaches and deserts for travel, females are more likely to choose desert-based locations over beaches and mountains.

According to the survey, the new travel trends show a gradual return of confidence of people to travel, with safety becoming the major factor, influencing the decision of 47.7% travelers. To further ensure safety, 39.3% are showing their inclination towards taking their own transport for traveling. Solo travelers remain the most likely to travel in the near future, with couple and group enthusiasm gradually rising. However, they are showing less tendency to share common areas with social distancing compared to solo travelers.

Basis of the key findings and the new travel trends, Zostel has come up with some significant recommendations to make traveling easier and hassle-free for Indians. Those who are open to traveling as a couple or in groups in the next 1-3 months should plan their stay arrangements well in advance. While Group-based travelers are more likely to make their stay arrangements at mountain destinations, couples prefer beach stay arrangements. Moreover, as people are not willing to share common halls, travel arrangements should be accordingly made in properties that pay key attention to social distancing.

For free-spirited travelers who prefer journeying solo, Zostel is offering specialized dorms that have only 50% occupancy and promise ample personal space. Those traveling in groups will have the option to book an entire dorm for themselves.