My father served Indian Air Force for 32 long years!
Ooops .what has that got to do with travelling tips .<>
ok, let me continue.
He made us all travel a lot, pack bags every few years and head for another city / state /(No, not country)
We also had a good number of trips in and around the city we were stationed in.
So, from childhood I got a chance to travel a lot around our beautiful country.
Then, came the shining light in my life - My husband. Another travel freak.
So, 1 and 1 made 4 in our case. We both share love for travelling and visiting interesting places. So, here I am - Happily travelling even after my marriage - this time purely as a tourist(My husband is not clad in Sky blue like my dad but has bio chips embedded somewhere in his brains:)
So, that was a background of why I can’t stop myself from throwing a few tips on travellng out of my experience.
I would love to hear from you to add on to my own experiences.
So, here is my Laundry List of things to do before you jump on the vehicle of your choice for that romantic holiday in Goa or a trip abroad.
Remember - these are very generic tips suited for every type of travel. For more specific tips related to your travel, mail me at .@.com
Know your destination well - Knowing about anywhere on earth is a breeze now, courtesy internet. Hit google and Voila! You can know anything you want about anywhere from Tuticorin to Timbuktu. Read as much as you can, about the place, culture, people, places around it, history, local traditions, weather, accomodation, best time to visit etc. Talk to anyone who already have been there earlier.
Reserve accomodation - Reserving an accomodation before you leave should always be the preferred mechanism over impromptu landing and scurrying in all directions for a room. I understand it’s not always possible but it always helps.
Travellers in Off season, can risk going in for on-the-spot accomodations.
Enough clothes -
Lady of the house : I don’t have enough clothes for the trip.
Man of the house: 2 set of jeans/T-shirts for me is enough.
If this looks like your household talks at packing time, take my word - Extra pair of clothes are almost always required for both men/women and extra extra for children.(Mothers of toddlers, please excuse us here - your list is endless, I know:)
Pack clothes commensurate with your days of travel, including days of journeys. Always be pessimistic on this front while packing. Never assume that you’ll be able to wash them during your travel.
First Aid - This is not just a tip. It’s a MUST. Always keep your medical kit including any regular medicines you are on, in your hand baggage or anywhere it’s readily reachable. Not in the trenches of your suitcase. If you do not have enough information about what to include in a First Aid box, your local pharma guy will be able to help you. Or else, read reviews from respected doctors on MS.
Travel light - Now, that’s a paradoxical tip, considering I just advised you to pack clothes pessimistically. The idea is have a little more than your calculation. Not to pack every expensive dress/perfume you bought recently at WestSide:) It’s a discretionary thing for everyone. I as a rule, always travel with not more than 2 medium sized air bags.
Minimal Jewellery (Strictly for Ladies) - Nothing to elaborate here. Title is self explanatory. Taking minimal jewellery ensures minimal risk of losing it. Travelling is not a shaadi, where opulence is required.
Slippers/Floaters - Apart from the fancy sandal that you are going to wear, remember to pack your slippers. It’s one of those few things that you can guarantee to forget initially or remember at the last end.
Maintain a checklist - Before I start packing, I create a checklist and stick it to the wall just above the packing venue(Generally our bedroom). As we keep packing things, we strike them off the list. That way, we reduce our chances of forgetting essentials and being aware of what Desirables are not packed, so we can handle situations better.
Some of the other things, that I generally prefer to keep in my handbag-
Small Deo, Nailcutter, Comb, Safetypins, minimal makeup, wet tissues, handkerchiefs, Needle & Thread, Tooth brush/paste, pen, pocket diary, map of place, Torch.
Well.that’s it from me. Happy Travelling:)