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