Gone are those days when you had to restrict yourself to just your travel agency’s plan or route of journey. Today, you get to plan your itinerary and customise your journey, thanks to customer-centric travel companies that prioritise your needs and aspirations over a rigid travel plan.
Internet penetration has made the world a lot easier. Srinath Shankar, co-founder of city-based travel-tech company PickYourTrail says, “The young travellers especially have a lot of aspirations and we go that extra mile to give them that Instagram worthy experience.”
The company optimises the travel routes, which in turn optimises the cost. “We have two kinds of travellers. The Do-it-yourself travellers are well-informed. We just give them the content, including the best cost for the itinerary, based on which they can make a conscious choice. The second type are the ones too busy to chalk out their itinerary. We personalise it for them, based on the type of vacation it is (honeymoon/ family trip), put them in touch with destination experts who build the itinerary for them on the platform.”
MakeMyTrip is also treading the same path. It creates a sightseeing itinerary and also allows the patrons the liberty to decide for themselves. Its new Weekend Getaway category allows users to choose from specially curated itineraries for over 100 destinations.
Vipul Prakash, COO, MakeMyTrip, says, “Today, technology plays a vital role in boosting the travel industry and travel consumption of the digitally savvy consumers by providing personalised offerings, meaningful information and great choice. The new age travellers are more evolved and informed about their travel choices, they are not just experimental in selecting destinations, they are also willing to explore specially curated holidays centred around themes of their choice.”
Patricia Thomas
Patricia Thomas, who has been travelling with a group of 10 women for years now, says, “Earlier it would be tailor-made package. But today we can do easy comparison online. We care able to figure out ourselves and don’t have to rely on agencies.”
Shylaja Chetlur
About companies planning the itineraries, Shylaja Chetlur, actor, film-maker and an avid traveller, feels, “I would ask for suggestions, but always prefer to take the call. I am open to taking advice from travel experts, but let me decide for myself what will be more convenient for me.”
