"I will be travelling to Europe for a few days. A very Happy New Year to everyone," the Congress vice-president tweeted. "Hope the new year brings much joy and happiness to you and everyone close to you!"
He provided no other detail, nor did his party. As the BJP began taking pot shots on the social media at Rahul's alleged love of holidaying overseas, Congress spokespersons preferred not to join issue.
Certain known pro-BJP trolls wondered how Rahul could leave the country at a time theNational Herald case, in which he and his mother Sonia Gandhi are among the accused, is in progress. According to the Congress, the court has not imposed travel restrictions and the next hearing is only in February.
Earlier this year, Rahul's absence from Parliament through the first half of the budget session had prompted some to question his commitment to politics.
Returning for the post-recess part of the session, Rahul began taking a more aggressive position on issues both inside and outside Parliament.
Later in September, there was a fresh round of speculation as Rahul embarked on another foreign visit - to Aspen in Colarado, the US - to attend a leadership conference.
Some reports suggested he had not been registered for the "Weekend with Charlie Rose" meeting. Rahul settled the issue by tweeting a photograph of himself listening to a discussion at the conference.