This Mother's Day, Gift Memories: Experiential Travel Takes Center Stage
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In an age when the greatest luxury is quality time, Mother's Day travel represents a powerful new language of gratitude: one that blends relaxation.
In an era where meaning outweighs material, the way we celebrate special occasions like Mother's Day is undergoing a thoughtful transformation. Indian consumers are increasingly moving beyond traditional gifts to embrace experiences—especially travel—as the ultimate expression of love, gratitude, and togetherness.
'Indian consumers are increasingly choosing to celebrate special occasions like Mother's Day through experiences rather than traditional gifts," says Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. 'Travel offers the perfect solution—to express appreciation for mothers while offering the dual benefit of rejuvenation and quality me-time."
The shift is clear: families are seeking not just destinations, but soulful experiences that allow them to reconnect and recharge. Tranquil, wellness-focused domestic getaways are topping wishlists this year, with the serene backwaters of Kerala, the peaceful retreats of Kumarakom, the lush landscapes of Wayanad, and the coastal calm of South Goa and Pondicherry seeing strong demand. For those yearning for cooler climates, the misty hills of Himachal, Uttarakhand, Munnar, and Coonoor offer a refreshing escape.
This evolving mindset around gifting is also reflected in broader industry trends. 'The approach to gifting on occasions such as Mother's Day is undergoing a transformation, with a strong preference emerging for meaningful, experience-led celebrations," shares SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel. 'Travel is increasingly being viewed as a thoughtful and contemporary gift that fosters wellness and togetherness."
He notes a rising interest in curated stays that add deeper layers to the travel experience—think plantation bungalows in Coorg, heritage villas in Darjeeling, and nature-focused resorts that offer immersive, sensory connections with the environment. The focus is on slow, soulful travel rather than the traditional tick-box sightseeing tours.
Meanwhile, Nandakumar observes that destinations like Bali, known for its wellness retreats, the Maldives with its exclusive island resorts, and Abu Dhabi's harmonious blend of luxury and culture, are highly sought after for those looking to elevate their celebrations with a touch of global elegance.
More than just vacations, these journeys are becoming heartfelt gifts—a way to express love beyond words, to bond over new experiences, and to create memories that last a lifetime.
In an age when the greatest luxury is quality time, Mother's Day travel represents a powerful new language of gratitude: one that blends relaxation, discovery, and the simple joy of being together.
First Published:
April 29, 2025, 07:57 IST
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