Leisure travel picks up momentum as Indians start coming out of homes

Hyderabad: Travel for leisure, weddings, anniversaries and catching up with family has begun after the completion of one or two doses of vaccine with the preferred destinations being Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune and Mumbai.

There have been over 4.5 lakh bookings since June as people have started inter-state travel between Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana.

Rohit Sharma, COO at AbhiBus, says, "There has been a welcome surge in leisure travel after vaccination. Bookings in June indicate that the travel industry is set for revival."

Southern and Western Railways have also seen a marginal increase on the longer routes, though it is not the case with short distances. Reportedly, people are opting for destinations where new Covid-19 cases are less.

According to Shika Varun, "Since we were at home all the time and wanted a change, we decided to go to Mumbai to visit a friend. It was a 20-day tour as we did not wish to stay for just a few days because the purpose would have been defeated."

Similarly Joshi's from Bangalore had not met their family in Hyderabad and decided to crash in for a fortnight.

According to Anil Joshi, a techie, "We decided to move out once everyone in the family was vaccinated. Now that has been achieved a trip was undertaken while diligently following the Covid protocol. There won’t be any major outdoor celebrations but only partying at home with family."

There are many in the city for kitty parties, and select community gatherings. They are opting for resorts, open terrace hotels or farmhouses in the city outskirts.

Meanwhile, around 1,34,51,309 people from the state have been vaccinated with 1,09,39,898 of them taking the first jab.

With the threat of a third wave looming large, many people remain unsure of whether they must opt for a leisure break.