The Return Of Wanderlust

A year of stay-at-home lockdowns and some still on, travelling responsibly, albeit for reflection, fun, or just because you want to, has led to a rising trend of revenge tourism

- Sanika Achrekar

After staying in for almost a year, people are craving for the adrenaline rush of travelling, and something as basic as a staycation in the same city is sufficing for some. We always wondered in our history classes how people dealt with major historic events and here we are, part of a pandemic, figuring out how to navigate it.

Many are making up for lost time by splurging on leisure travel, calling it a sort of ‘revenge travel’ to celebrate the easing down of the pandemic, and completing it with picturesque views in fancy locations. Not only are people back to booking international flights and carving out time for long-overdue getaways, but they’re opting for luxurious vacations. Think booking flights six months in advance, country hopping, exotic islands, and splurging on stays.

With the staggered unlock last year, travel was back with a vengeance. Popularly termed as revenge travel, people were yearning to head out. And so, week-long and even month-long stays ruled the roost. However, post the second wave, it has been more about the need to take a break. Devendra Parulekar, founder, SaffronStays, says “Revenge travel is more for tourist spots — the choice of accommodation doesn’t matter. It’s not the same for our homes. Discerning travellers, who want to have a good time without a mask at a safe and sanitised place, choose private villas like our homes. The frequency of breaks amongst our guests has increased, but it is not revenge travel. Right now, any place that you can travel to in your car is perfect. If you live in Mumbai, Pune, or Gujarat, Palghar, Mulshi, Kamshet, Igatpuri, Khopoli, and Mahabaleshwar are a few options. Popular tourist destinations like Lonavala, Alibaug, Karjat, and Nashik continue to remain so.”