Planning your next holiday? 4 things to consider

November 11, 2020 10:59 am | Updated 10:59 am IST

After the gap year that was 2020, everyone is bracing to explore the outdoors in 2021 as lockdowns ease and restrictions get lifted. The global pandemic took away the luxury of travelling in 2020 and to compensate for that, holidays are on the top of everyone’s bucket list for 2021.

International borders are opening up but there is a growing preference among Indian travellers for domestic, exotic locations. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a distinct change in our travelling behaviour – from one or two international vacations a year, Indians are now keen to take multiple domestic holidays. Staycations, workations and weekend getaways are the trends set to pick up in the coming year.

 

Chances are, you might have been browsing your Instagram feeds looking for travel inspirations to plan a domestic holiday in 2021. However, before you start packing, start planning to make your post-pandemic trip a safe one:

    1.  Mode of transport : The debate over flying versus driving will linger in our living rooms for months to come. While air travel has begun, it isn’t safe for all to journey by air just yet. It is imperative to not overexpose the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions to public modes of transport like trains, flights and buses. Considering the safety of your family, it is best to opt for the classic road trip and drive within the safety of your car.

    2.  Safety on road : While embarking on your journey, stock up on masks and other precautionary materials like sanitisers, shields, gloves, etc. The pandemic has taught us lessons on how to avoid personal contact and practise social distancing by accessing everything online. It is best to not carry any documents in a physical format that will be exchanged by multiple hands. Avoid using cash as much as possible and opt for online transactions for money transfers and making any payments on the go. Try to limit the number of pit stops on your way to the destination, unless you want to stretch your legs on long-distance trips. If you are concerned about the hygiene of the restaurants you plan to eat at, carry home food, water and snacks to keep all the passengers satisfied.

    3.  Private spaces over hotel stays : For obvious reasons, safety and cleanliness will be on the top of your list while booking a place to stay. Private villas, homestays are preferable to crowded hotels in the current scenario. You might have to compromise on the luxuries that come with living at a fully-equipped resort, but you will be happier with not exposing your family to potential infection.  

    4.  Reliable travel companion : What you need on your long-awaited road trip is a car that is economical in terms of fuel consumption, dependable on rough roads, spacious for rear passengers and ample boot space. One such car is the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, an impressive compact SUV in the sub-4 meter segment that will meet all your requirements. Here’s why: -

 

a.  Sporty design : The muscular exterior design, complete with a new chrome grille, 16-inch precision-cut alloy wheels, gives it a premium SUV look. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza boasts of LED Projector Headlamps with dual function LED DRLs that ensure safe driving in the night. Additionally, the auto-dimming IRVM helps to view the rear action on late-night drives.

    b.  Solid engine : Imagine hitting the road and ending up with a car that feels less than adequate on the highways. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza comes equipped with 1.5-litre K-series, BS6 compliant petrol engine which churns out 103 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The powerful engine allows for smooth acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 11.8 seconds. The well-tuned suspension guarantees a restful ride, taking care of bumpy roads and potholes.

    c.  Comfort first : Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza seduces you with its styling and performance, that too without compromising on comfort. The SUV has generous space for occupants and the driver, even those who are above 6-ft. The front seats are designed in a manner that gives sufficient knee room to the rear passengers. Two or three occupants can enjoy the ride by converting the foldable armrest in the back. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza makes an impression with ample boot space and a giant trunk - apt for your luggage on family vacations. 

    d.  Impressive mileage : If you desire to avoid stopovers for refuelling on your road trip, fuel economy ought to be your prime concern. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza comes with Smart Hybrid technology that has Idle Stop-Start and Torque Assist functions which help improve fuel efficiency and enhance driving performance, respectively. It provides a mileage of 18.75 km/l* in AT and a frugal 17.03 km/l* in MT.

    e.  Secured space : Safety is never an afterthought for families planning to drive for hours to reach their holiday destination. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza comes with safety features like high-speed alerts, parking sensors, auto-sensing door lock, ISOFIX anchors for child seats, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt pretensioners, auto headlamps, and more. If you need further reassurance, the SUV has received four stars in the Global NCAP crash tests.

 So, if you have locked-in your destination, it’s time to hit the road!

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