Logic says planning leads to fewer glitches on the road but my experience has been quite on the contrary. The best trips have been the ones that have just cropped out of nowhere and ended as the most memorable. Maybe that is due to the fact that I have no biwi-baccha(wife and kids) to deal with. At least going by the experiences of my married pals, single travel is the best(They don’t admit it openly though especially in front of their so called better halves).
Well, you just can’t go on a trip just by yourself, a few things can prove to be quite helpful when on the road or at your destination. Some things, that you can easily do away with but others that are absolutely essential.
Chalti ka Naam Gaadi:
In my opinion travelling is best when you are driving down and have the convenience of a vehicle. Unless you are moving around in a city like NewYork, you are bound to feel the need for something that can take you easily from one place to other. If you can afford to have a driver, then it is great. In India, most car rentals come with a driver package though. In case you plan to drive, it is better to have a second driver to take some of the load off especially if you planning on something like a cross country expedition.
Bhaisaab, Dilli kitni door hai?
’Real men do need directions.’ . It is high time we got away with some stupid adages that were probably created when the so called real men never ventured out of their village limits. Maps save time. Keep a road map in your car or in your bag at all times. You don’t need a’National Geographic’ atlas. A more local map would serve better. You never know where you are going to land at, so the earlier you can get on track, the better. If you are travelling to a fixed destination and are not much interested in exploring the country side on the way, better log onto YahooMaps or MapQuest and print out a road map for your travel.
Waha se kiya hai telephone:
When you are at a different place, it is inevitable that group splits up. The bad girls would want to check out the latest road side stuff and the good gals and guys would want to check out the local beer. You don’t want to waste time haggling with the roadside jewellery shop owner, when you could rather chill out in a pub or something. However, for guys who take this suggestion seriously, I am not responsible for that mark on your forehead caused by you know who.
A cell phone surely saves time when you have group members with varying interests. Keep one for yourself and hand over the other to the group that goes exploring. Along with a cell phone, the phone numbers of the concerned parties would be useful too. There are other advantages to this as well. You can ring up your old childhood friend(you studied together in KG but haven’t seen him/her ever since) or that distant uncle/aunt who lives in the city. Settle for a couch and avoid staying in a lodge. While travelling every buck counts, beer is so expensive these days.
Zara Muskurana Tho:
A great trip is incomplete without pictures. After all you need a proof that you have seen the’White House’. A good camera is a great companion. If you a frequent traveler, then it is recommended that you invest in a good camera, a 4MP digital one or a SLR.
Make sure you carry the film yourself. Sometimes it is difficult to get the film of your choice at many tourist destinations or for that matter, films are hard to come by even in the jungles of south India. Always get your films scanned by hand at the airport in case you are flying especially those in the range above 400ASA.
Saat Samundar Paar:
If you are planning on international travel, then nothing can more indispensable than valid documents. Passports, visas, your kindergarten marksheets etc. Make sure you guard them with your life. One of my friends misplaced his passport in London and had a great time in the aftermath. It is best to avoid getting into such situations. If you are one of the fortunate ones, who lose their documents midway, it is best to head to the embassy and try to explain to them that you are not an illegal immigrant, who came hidden in a crate on a freighter or something. Good Luck!
Jungle Mei Mangal:
If you are planning on something specific like trekking or camping, then make sure you carry the necessary gear. A good pair of shoes with a good grip, clothes that are suited for the weather. some light food, a waterbottle, a first aid kit, a pair of binoculars, extra pair of socks and clothes, a torch, a sleeping bag, a tent. Don’t carry anything that is not necessary, for example 100 lbs of firewood or microwaveable food. Try to travel as light as possible.
In addition to the things mentioned above, it is more important to have a bit of these as well, a clear and an open mind, a keen eye, sharp ears and a fit body. Travel is an enjoyable activity. Do make sure you have memories to match. Leave just footprints and shoot only with your camera especially in a jungle. It is really ugly to visit tourist spots where the earlier group refused to clean up and went on a littering spree. Make sure you are not one of them. Most importantly have lots of fun and take lots of pictures. If you are in East Tennessee, contact me anytime.:-) Enjoy!
Damo