After working from home for now over seven months due to COVID-19 outbreak, it’s time to refresh and rejuvenate. This Diwali people are preferring inter-state road trips and beach destinations, said a survey. As many states in India are gradually Unlocking, people are now ready to step out and explore new places with a new normal (ensuring COVID-19 protocols and hygiene).

According to OYO Hotels & Homes, after staying homebound for months on end, this Diwali, Indians are preferring inter-state road trips and beach destinations.

According to the platforms Diwali booking trends, Jaipur, Kerala, Goa, Visakhapatnam, and Varanasi top the charts as the most popular leisure destinations among travellers. The data further highlights Jaipur to be the most popular choice among travellers across North India, with an influx of tourists from nearby cities like Delhi NCR and Lucknow.

Across South India, travellers from Chennai and Bangalore are heading out on road trips to Kochi in Kerala, the southwest coast of India. Goa, India's beach capital, on the other hand, is attracting travellers from across the country. The majority of bookings are from Pune, followed by Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Commenting on this trend, Harshit Vyas, SVP & COO - Franchise Business, OYO India & South Asia, said: "The festive season combined with gradual unlocks has resulted in a surge in leisure travel since September 2020. As states open up their borders to welcome tourists, OYO and the entire hospitality industry, continue to offer safe experiences that lead to rising consumer confidence among travellers. As per our Diwali booking trends, with social distancing becoming a way of life and people opting for safer travel options, road trips are here to stay, therefore, leading to an increase in inter-state travel during Diwali and the upcoming holiday season this year. We expect leisure destinations to continue gaining momentum in the coming months with rising consumer optimism for travel. We would also like to express our gratitude towards our asset partners and all employees who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we stand ready to welcome travellers safely once again."

(With inputs from IANS)