A North India Trip – Part 1

Planning the trip

This is one unique trip well planned, organized, coordinated by ourselves. Unique coz we were 2 groups starting from 2 different locations and got to meet and proceed for a trip. Well planned coz we did not have any one else in our destinations to guide us or make arrangements for stay or travel. We carefully distributed data collection and consolidated it after our study. All stay and travel were either arranged through internet and later on through telephonic confirmation. Of course all this would not have been not possible few years back, definitely a lot of progress has happened and hence has facilitated the travel without anyone's help in these cities.

Now where do I start...May be from preparatory stages itself, this will help many to plan ahead for a trip. To begin with we had 2 groups one from Chennai and another from Bangalore. There were aspects on what's the best possible means, which all places we should not miss, how many days we can afford leave for, what more we can add in given time, last but not least budget. Given the constraint that all of us are working, taking more than weeks holiday was out of question. Also a week is good enough time to relax and rejuvenate oneself.

Next was a poll on places to visit. Taj Mahal and Vaishno Devi were under must see for us...Based on other polls, distance and feasibility we decided to explore Amritsar too. To top it all, we were 2 lovely couple exploring north ,cant help but visit a hill station..!! We checked out options..and Patnitop was finalized based on few blogs/reviews. All this we decided considering minimal waste of time in travel, making best use of time in sightseeing, considering fatigue after a days trip, as well as having rest after Vaishno Devi visit.

Having decided the places to visit, next was to check out options to travel without exceeding budget. We checked out flight options and fortunately we had a Bangalore and Chennai flights landing at Delhi around same time (harldy 10 mins away). So we decided our first meeting point will be Delhi airport.

Our final trip plan was like this: Chennai/Bangalore – Delhi – Jammu – Katra(Vaishnodevi) – Patnitop – Jammu – Amritsar – Delhi

Some Travel Tips....

Planning is the most important phase of any trip….because as the planning, so the trip!!!!

Planning the travel: Research & home work should be your key words now…

• Start planning 1 or 2 months prior, which helps you decide means of transport, no of days required, and cheapest stay options.
• While planning keep in mind the age groups and plan for contingencies
• Do not plan too many places for short vacations. You need to consider time for rest, time for travel etc.
• Do not plan different means of travel for short duration. Consider delays in railways/flight/Bus and keep a reserve 3-4 hours in case of emergency.
• If you are traveling by road, check as many packages with different travellers. You can round off the best after checking the deals.
• Do a google on blogs and reviews and available data collection on the travels and packages provided. Study on bad experiences given by other bloggers.
• Do a study on Place to visit, days the spot will be open and then plan your visits etc

Planning the Wardrobe! Mix n Match!!

• Plan your wardrobe to minimize luggage due to clothes/shoes or other accessories.
• Do a study on temperatures in places of your visits and plan your wardrobe accordingly.
• Like in winter plan for 2 or 3 jeans and consider changing the Tees/Tops, instead of different sets of winter clothes.
• In summer try to pair the Tees with skirts instead of jeans, consider using mix match with your salwars and reduce luggage. Opt for lighter shades as much as possible.
• Make sure you have good pair of trekking shoes which is comfortable. Its good to invest on a good pair once which can last for years.
• If on a visit during winter/ to a hill station, don’t forget to carry your scarf and sweater.
• Depending on temperatures in hill stations have Thermals as an option.
• An extra bedsheet is also advisable.
• Keep options to store your sweated clothes in another baggage or separate them in plastic covers. Take along additional covers and newspapers.
• Buy a good Travel kit which can accommodate shaving sets/comb, tooth brush, tooth paste, perfumes and accessories. Women can keep a separate kit for their accessories.
• Plan your wardrobe based on the location you plan to visit after studying the restrictions. For eg, some temples insist on women wearing saris/skirts only. Salwars might be restricted.

Planning the Baggage.. ‘Lesser the better!’ should be your Mantra

• Keep your onward luggage as minimal if you are a shopaholic, coz you will end up with too many luggages on your return.
• You can keep your wardrobe minimal incase you are shopping for clothes at your destination.
• List the items which you will pack only on day of travel like mobile chargers, pills if any, spectacles etc
• Carry an extra lock other than you baggage locks to lock your room (of course if it is possible) and travel tension free.
• Carry a small back pack which can accommodate your camera, hats, socks, Travel notes, water and such essentials during local sightseeing.

Planning the Shopping! Stick to your budget and save your pockets!

• Do a study on things you will get at your destinations, and try to plan your must buys.
• Do a study on good souvenir shops, which can be trusted and is also economical.
• Have a note on the expenses made in your mobile or PDA, which helps you to track mismatches.

Have a Contingency plan! Be Prepared!

• Have a first aid kit which essentially has medicines for fever, throat pain, stomach upsets, Acidity issues, Band aids, wounds/burns, muscle pain etc
• Know a few words in local language which can come handy for bargaining with autos or shopkeepers.
• Distribute your cash in hand between different people and luggage to handle theft etc.
• Have your close relations informed on your date of travel and contact numbers at your destinations

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