Tag: Travel Tips

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Travel Tips

How we manage our finances for Travelling?

It is the most widely asked question to every traveler, “How do you save enough money to travel?” But the thing is, it is easy if you plan right and have your priorities straight. It is easier for people like us aka #ghoomophirosisters whose long-term goal is to just travel and experience things and places because then it is the only place we will invest in and would save for.

How to save enough for travels:

  1. Income and Expenses: The basic idea is to work, earn and then use that money to travel but the problem comes when you can’t ‘save’ enough. This is because people generally pay more attention to the earning than the expenses. The payments on mortgages, rent, cars, food, it all creates a dent in your income and takes away the money from your savings. So instead of just simply working hard on earning more money, cut back on unnecessary expenditure. Adjust to an old phone instead of a new model. Shift to a place with low living costs. Don’t eat out much and spend money unnecessarily because every penny you waste could help your travel expenses.
  1. Half a year policy: Many travelers work a full-time job for half a year and then use the money they saved for traveling for the other half. We ourselves like this approach better than most and did it for my beginning years of traveling when I was just kick starting. It worked great for a while till I chose to take up traveling full-time. So, for newbies, I’d suggest this approach. It is the most stable approach too and you get to travel consecutively with no breaks, without having to worry too much about the financial situation. The main problem that arises is taking those 6 months off though.
  1. No luxuries: You don’t have to completely become a hardcore budget traveler but don’t expect total luxury holiday either. The best thing I do is use the money I have saved for traveling judiciously. Planning and traveling off-season helps a lot. I spend time in finding good but affordable accommodations and doing a little research about the place I’m visiting to find how I’ll be able to save a few bucks. Usually, there are certain perks reserved for travelers.
  1. Travel wisely: Don’t spend more than you have. Plan your destinations according to budget. Use smart tricks like having credit cards with traveling perks and using the same airlines to get loyalty points and then cashing them out for more travels. But what becomes even more important than money for traveling is time. If you limit your expenses, you’ll save money and would have to work less, thus saving time for travel as well.

How to earn while travelling:

  1. Freelancing: This is the lifesaver of every traveler because instead of having to bear a 9 to 5 job, you can work from anywhere, even while traveling. Since there is internet access almost everywhere, one can work on the go. Earn while travelling. What more could you want? It puts any of your talents like creative writing, web designing etc. to good use. But it is better to work a little beforehand to save before going on travels. But the freedom and flexibility that being a freelancer provides are just what a traveler needs.

 

  1. Travel Blogging: It does sound like the most attractive option but it is not always the easiest thing. Many travelers are unable to support themselves through travel blogging alone because it DOES need a lot of hard work to be put in and originality of ideas because there ARE a lot of travel bloggers out there doing fantastic jobs already. But if you are able to run a successful travel blogging site, then you can monetize it and collaborate with brands to help in funding your travels.

Managing the finances:

  1. Budgeting: The time spent planning the budget for everything from flight, accommodation, transport, and food along with extra expenses is what helps out in not going overboard with the money while traveling. It does get hard to always stick to the budget but it eases off the load and keeps you cautious of how much of your savings you will be utilizing and not end up spending more than you can afford on a trip where it could be easy to travel cheaply.

  1. Finding a term plan: As travel insurance is quite an important part of traveling, so is life insurance! That is why finding the right term plan is an important aspect of managing your finances. Reason? A term insurance plan or a term plan is highly economical with respect to the high coverage they provide. As much exciting travel can be, we also need to be prepared for any contingencies. That’s why a term plan is designed to take care of your loved ones in case of your disability or any critical illnesses. Plus, they come with excellent tax benefits under sec 80 C and 10(10D), which means you can save more to complete your travel plans. If you wish to know more about how much premium is needed for a term plan, you can use a premium calculator to know what fits your requirements.

    Some easy tips:

    1. The best things in life come free to us: Might sound absurd to people who think traveling is some sort of glamorous life with people who have lots of money. That’s not the case. You can enjoy traveling with just a backpack, hitchhiking and enjoying nature. Because usually, the part that I like most about a place are the views and scenic beauty. And there’s no money required for enjoying nature as far as I know. Instead of going to a popular and expensive spot in a place, go to a park or in the countryside. Enjoy spots that are free.
    2. Priorities: Is traveling a short-term or long-term thing for you? Act accordingly. Live your life, work, spend accordingly. Because Travelling is not just an option, it is a lifestyle and many people just keep ‘wishing’ to travel, not really doing it. So, decide what to do and go do it. All the other things fall into place after you have decided to risk it. While you work or spend time with friends hanging out at places, it should always be at the back of your mind.

    In the end, I will just say money is not the real deciding factor in traveling no matter popular beliefs. Anyone can choose travelling over a stable life and then make their way through affording it. And once you have taken the plunge, you learn the tricks through experience and find your own creative ways of earning while travelling and saving money too. I could just as easily give up travelling and get a fulltime job for earning money but I would never trade the life I have right now, the total freedom, the wanderer soul for anything.

    About Aegon Life:

    Aegon Life Insurance Company Limited launched its pan-India operations in July 2008 with a vision to be the most recommended new age life insurance Company. The fulfillment of this vision is based on having a complete product suite, superior technology, providing customized advice and enhancing the overall customer experience. This joint venture adopts a local approach with the power of global expertise to facilitate a direct to customer approach, leveraging digital platforms to bring transparent solutions to customers and to prioritize their needs. Aegon is one of the world’s leading financial services organizations, providing life insurance, pensions and asset management and Bennett, Coleman & Company, India’s leading media conglomerate, have come together to launch Aegon Life Insurance.

    About Term Plans:

    If your insurance needs are specific and time-bound, term insurance plans are perfect for you. These plans are ideal for policyholders looking for life insurance cover with benefits for a specified period that can be availed by paying a small amount of premium. Term plans are economical and offer high life coverage. They are also designed to take care of your loved ones in case of disability or any critical illnesses.

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Travel Tips

A travel plan for every weekend of the year.

On the off chance that you suspected that 2017 was the time of explorers, then look at the long weekends of 2018 that are set to fill your year with travel.

To allow you to plan travels ahead of time, we have proposed the best destinations to visit in each weekend of 2018. From going to the Rann Utsav in January and celebrating in Goa in the main seven day stretch of February to spending summers in the crisp grasp of the Himalayas; 2018 is the time of travel!

Starting with January

1) From January 20 to 22 (Weekend + Basant Panchami)

Visit: Rann of Kutch for the Rann Utsav which is a four-month long festival of Kutch’s way of life, music and dynamic quality. Beginning in November, and ending in February, the Rann Utsav gives explorers enough time to enjoy the beautiful salt panes. The airplane terminal closest to the Rann of Kutch is Bhuj Airport.

2)January 26 to 28 (Weekend + Republic Day)

Visit: Diu is the beach destination of India known for its gorgeous beaches. Since the best time to visit Diu is from October to April, the Republic Day weekend is the ideal time to plan a beach getaway here. The town is arranged on a little island off the southern coast of Gujarat and is set apart by its Portuguese architecture, making it the perfect hideaway for people with an artistic outlook as well as writers.

Moving on to February

3) February 10 to 13 ( Weekend+ Mahashivratri+ 1 day leave)

Visit: While Goa may be flocked up during winter for tourists seeking solace in its warm beaches, this party destination is perfect for the February getaway. And there is more to Goa than just the beaches and parties. Make the most of the vacation by trying offbeat things in Goa.

4) February 16 to 18 (Weekend + Losar) Only for Dharamshala, Ladakh, and Sikkim.

Visit: The Tibetan New Year or Losar is celebrated with much festivity and intensity by Buddhists in Ladakh. Monasteries which take after the Tibetan school of Buddhism are decked with customary celebratory props and ornaments, and individuals from Tibetan settlements meet up for the beginning of another new year. There will, in any case, be snow in Ladakh during Losar, so check the climate before booking flight tickets.

Then there’s March

5)March 2 to 4 (Holi + Weekend)

Visit: Try exciting underwater life on Andaman’s Havelock Island. It is a backpacker’s paradise and one of the popular destinations of Andamans. The main attraction is that it is one of the best diving destinations in all of South Asia.

6)March 29 to April 1 (Mahavir Jayanti+ Good Friday+ Weekend)

Visit: Cherish the beauty of the marvelous Dal lake in Srinagar. The place is filled with popular tourist attractions from the floating gardens to buildings with historical importance like Hari Parbat, Hazratbal Dargah, Chashme Shahi and Shankaracharya Mandir. Then there is the already mentioned Dal lake which is the life-blood of Jhelum river that flows through Kashmir Valley. What’s even more beautiful is that during winters, its surface freezes and people play ice hockey on the lake.

Following with April to May

7)April 27 to May 1 (One day leave+Weekend+Buddha Purnima+ Maharashtra day) The last one only for Maharashtra.

Visit: This long weekend of 2018 is ideal for a climb to the Khuppar top in Pabbar Valley of Himachal. Start by taking an overnight bus to Shimla, from that point take another local bus to Khara Pathar or Giri Ganga. The trek begins from Giri Ganga and can take 4-5 hours relying on your speed. The trail to Kuppar Bugyal begins from Giri Ganga. For reaching Giri Ganga you can either trek from Kharapthar or drive straightforwardly from Shimla. Just go on the road till you find a trail of the thick forest at Giri Ganga. Then start walking towards the top where the Kuppar Bugyal meadow is.

June

8) June 15 to 17 (Idul’ Fitr+ Weekend)

Visit: Travel to Tirthan Valley located near Aut. It is a getaway village to the Green Himalayan National Park. If you are traveling from Delhi to Tirthan, take a bus going to Manali and get off at Aut. From there on, normal buses are available between bus stands of Tirthan region, Banjar bein the biggest one.. Then after that, you can get buses for Gushaini, Jalori, and Jibhi.

There are many things to do once you have reached like going hiking or staying at the apple orchard. You can also begin a multi-day trek in Great Himalayan National park or fish in Tirthan river.

August

9) August 15 to 17 (Independence day + one day leave+ Parsi New Year) The last one only for Gujarat and Mumbai

Visit: This destination is mainly for all the nature lovers out there. Located just 10 km away from the beautiful town of Munnar is Anamudi Shola National Park. It is an adventurous and picturesque place to visit and you can visit the Thoovanan Waterfall or the banks of Pamba River. Another trek from Karimutti Forest station can take you to Chinnar river with many other beautiful waterfalls. That forest walk is the perfect opportunity to view rare flora as well as wildlife.

10)August 22 to 26 (Idul’Zuha +One day leave+ Onam+ Weekend) Onam for Kerala only.

Visit: Shillong is loaded with remnants of its British heritage, that can be found in its architecture and the cuisines found on generally menus. Known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, it is one of the must-visit places. The spectacular Umiam is a man-made lake with Barapani as its local name. It’s one of Shillong’s most famous spots to visit. The Wards Lake is another man-made creation and sightseers run to this destination for the most part for the boat rides. The huge number of waterfalls swarming the city – Sweet, Bishop and Beadon, and Elephant falls assume a critical part of Shillong’s tourism. To witness a brilliant view of the whole city, the Shillong Peak at 1695 msl is the perfect spot. While visiting Shillong, remember to explore the excellent Golf Course, that is roosted at a height of 5200ft.

September

11)September 1 to 3 (Weekend + Janamashtami)

Visit: Go for a trek at Kalsubai near Mumbai which is the highest peak of the Sahyadri ranges at the height of 5400 feet. Situated at Ahmednagar and Nashik District border in Bhanardara region, the peak is named after Kalsubai Temple. The temple itself attracts many pilgrims along with several hikers to this spot throughout the whole year. It has an easy route as well as stairs for better access. It takes 4 hours to reach the peak from Mumbai and around the same time to wrap up the trek.

12)September 13 to 16 (Ganesh Chaturthi +One day off+ Weekend)

Visit: A two-hour long road trip through mountain roads of Ravi Valley would take you to Bharmour which is situated at the edge of Budil Valley. It is 60 km away from Chamba in Himachal Pradesh. Along with ancient temples dating back to 626 AD, the place also paves way for the adventurous treks of Shivalik and Dhauladhar ranges. There are also trails to Bara bhangal, Manimahesh Lake, Thamsar Pass and Keylong via Kalicho pass. But in case you aren’t a trekker, you can explore the nearby villages of Bharmour which house the semi-nomadic Gaddi community

October

13)September 29 to October 2 (Weekend+1 day leave+ Gandhi Jayanti)

Visit: Travel away from the influences of capitalism in a small temple town in Karnataka called Gokarna. Though it was originally popular because of the Mahabaleshwar temple which is believed to be the house of original image of Lord Shiva’s Lingam, it has recently gotten more attention because of its unadulterated beach.

14)October 18 to 21 (Ram Navami + Dussera + Weekend)

Visit: Madhya Pradesh is known for its alluring temples dating back to 10th century. The heritage trail starts from Khajuraho temples and passes through Orissa while ending up at Jhansi. All of these spots give off a unique experience about Central India’s history, telling the stories of Rani Lakshmibai from warrior kingdom of Jhansi and the temple dedicated to Shiva and Matanga who is the Hindu ‘god of love’.

November

15)November 3 to 11 (Weekend + Dhanteras & Diwali + Bhai Duj + 3 days off + Weekend)

 Visit: On the borders of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar (Burma), the beautiful nation of Bhutan (otherwise known as Kingdom of Druk Yul) is dabbed with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, multicolored monasteries, apple plantations and candyfloss clouds. Despite the fact that Bhutan offers a variety of activities for travelers, sitting for a quite long time, listening to devout songs and hymns over the diverse monasteries is the approach to truly absorb the tranquillity that surrounds the air of this Himalayan kingdom. Visit this land of happiness for this long weekend of 2018.

December

16)December 22 to 25 (Weekend+ one-day leave+ Christmas)

 Visit: Touted as the sublime city that has never been vanquished, Bundi, is a shrouded pearl of Rajasthan. Located near Kota, travelers frequently go through Bundi without paying regard to more than 50 preserved baoris (step-wells) that are spread across the city. With multiple havelis, cave paintings and a lovely waterfall (Bhimlat), Bundi has something each traveller. Bundi is a place with surprises at every corner and places such as the Bundi Palace, Chitrashala, Taragarh Fort, Rani ji ki Baori, Dabhai ka Kund, Nawal Sagar, Sukh Mahal and Shikhar Burj, will particularly take your breath away.

 

Hope you have started your travel savings now!!

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Travel Tips

Tips to find the cheapest flight

Travelling by air in India can easily make a dent in your pockets especially since international flights sometimes turn out to be cheaper than domestic flights. So for those who wish to explore exotic destinations within India, it can be a hard task to find flight tickets that fit their budget.

Flight expense can be a big part of the overall travelling expense. Therefore, finding a right deal when it comes to air tickets is as important as picking a destination or choosing a place to stay. Since airlines are under huge pressure to making profits, it is hard to find a great deal but it can happen if you know the right ways. That is why we are here with a list of tips to help out and find cheaper tickets for Air travel:

Keep an Eye on Last minute deals:

Since many airlines sometimes lower their price rates four to six days before departure, in order to be able to run a full flight. Taking advantage of the situation, you can enjoy airfare slashes by keeping an eye out for such last minute deals. This would work if you already have a visa or are certain that you would get a visa on arrival. This last-minute option can easily be the cheapest option for air travel.

Newsletter Subscription of Airlines

Airlines tend to offer better deals firstly with their newsletter subscribers so if you already have a travel destination in mind, just subscribe to the email newsletter of low cost and full-service airlines of that region. Air Asia and Tiger India would be the newsletter recommendations if you wish to travel to Malaysia. You would be surprised at the low-cost airfare you would have to pay.

Don’t keep the Travel days and dates rigid

Weekends are more popular timing for people flying so the airlines get filled up quickly during this time. The same does not happen in the middle of the week from Tuesday to Thursday. So the flights during these days are comparatively cheaper. It is common knowledge that flight tickets during busy days like festivals, holidays etc is expensive. So, choose to find tickets a day or two before or after to avail cheaper rates.

Compare Prices across multiple travel sites

Today, there are so many travel sites available each offering different prices for the same journey. Therefore, it is better to compare these prices before booking the tickets. Sometimes, there may be an offer or a scheme or a discount going on across one of the sites which you may avail to book cheaper flight tickets. There are many websites available online and each runs a unique algorithm which is why results may vary. Try different sites for domestic and international travel. It would be best if you search across many such sites to find the best rates.

Round trips with the same airline

In India as well as some international locations, this happens. Many airlines offer round-trip fares which are discounted. It would cost less to book a round trip ticket with the same airline than two one-way tickets. But this only works as long as you are flying in and out of the same destination. Such schemes can be really helpful in reducing costs of air travel. So before booking a ticket, check if you can get offers on round-trip tickets.

Avoid travelling at peak hour

The flights taking off at peak hour and convenient times are also the most expensive at times. Therefore, flights with late night or early morning time slots can often be cheaper because other people avoid travelling at that hour. This can end up making you tired but saves money so there’s that. Moreover, you can always relax once you have reached your destination Travellers often have to go the extra mile for saving cash and sometimes one must sacrifice leisure to save money.

Avoid established and larger airports

Flying to low-cost airline hubs can actually save a few bucks. Since larger airports tend to charge airlines hefty fees, the airlines, in turn, raise the ticket prices. But at low cost, less popular airline hubs, you can find low-cost airlines. These hubs may be located at a different airport or a short drive away from the city and if you’re lucky, in the city as well. The main idea is to find such low-cost hubs and then use other modes of travel to reach the main destination. What this process costs in terms of time, it makes up for in terms of money.

A small example is if you are planning to travel to Manila. Many flights will take you to the Nino Aquino International Airport but there is also another low-cost airline hub that takes you to Clark International Airport which is located 2 hours outside of Manila.

Planning months in future

When all else fails, go back to the basic and traditional method of saving money and that is planning ahead. The best way to find cheapest tickets is making booking months in advance. You can find full-service airlines at a lower cost and there really is no downside to this. As long as you can plan in advance (about 3 to 6 months), you will be able to get the best airfares with no trouble. But a flight isn’t all you need so if you are capable of planning well in advance, which isn’t always an easy job, then only opt for this method.

Just be flexible and smart in picking where you go and how you go there. But remember not to waste too much time in trying to find the cheapest ticket. Don’t give it more than an hour or you’ll be scratching your brain more than you should. Just follow the tips mentioned above and give it around 40 minutes. After that, just finish the process and don’t think too much on it.

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Travel Tips Travel Trends

How ghoomophirosisters survived solo travel!!

The very idea of traveling solo is pretty much like watching an old Martin Scorsese horror flick in an empty movie theater. It sends a chill down your spine and makes you imagine traveling to some of the darkest places on the earth infested with man-eating creatures like those in Wrong Turn movies. However, traveling solo is a blown out of proportion concept based on some rare whimsical experiences of insecure travelers from different parts of the world. It is not really related to any third-grade gory movie’s plot, which has travelers chopped in pieces innovatively by zombies.

Traveling solo is rather a divine experience that can answer some of the most beautiful mysteries of your life. But to be on your feet and exploring, you need some real motivation that may come in the form of a good way to spend your free time. Here are a few good tips for you to pass your time while traveling solo.

Read about the city

If you are an avid reader then this can come in handy. Buy a book or read online about the city you are traveling in to pass your time when you are not traveling.

Strike a conversation with local people

Once you are done traveling for the day, strike an unforgettable conversation with the local people of the city. Local people can sometimes unveil an unknown side of the city that nobody finds in books or just anywhere in the world.

Explore the city on your feet

Traveling solo actually gives you more time to explore a city your way. So there is no chance you will require a piece of advice on spending your free time in a good way. Inhale a handful of fresh air, taste their local delicacies, drink a cup of tea or coffee or just whatever they have on offer for you. Remember food is the best way to know a city and by walking around like a local you embrace the city.

Document your travel

If traveling solo is boring, it is time to indulge in some real adventure. How about giving birth to a photographer in you? Pack your camera one more time, set out to some mysterious destinations, and capture the memories with colors designed by you. Or just start writing down your experience on a diary or click pictures.

Do Your Homework before booking your trip

Thanks to the Internet which has made easier to read more your potential destination. Usually, official tourism websites showcase the rosiest of pictures to attract visitors. Blogs like ghoomophiro.com can be a real help for in-depth information from locals about safety and culture.

Pack Smart
When traveling solo make sure you pack all of your essentials in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost. Carry a complete set of clothes for different weather conditions such as for hot, cold, and wet weather. Don’t forget your walking shoes, medication, and all of your identification documents and everyday technology items.
Always have some emergency cash and keep it in a secret place.

Be Aware
Personal safety and protection of your belongings can be a big concern but needn’t be such a fear that so that you become obsessed with it. Don’t dress like an obvious “tourist” with all those fanny pack cameras swinging and don’t flash money, expensive technology or wear expensive jewelry. Dress up simple like a local.

Traveling solo is a boon in disguise. Very few have this opportunity in their lives. Our tips above won’t let you waste it.

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Travel Tips Travel Trends

Desire to climb the top of the world? Follow these acclimatization tips

Traveling to the Himalayas is on every traveler’s bucket list but high altitude can spoil the fun if you take them lightly. High altitudes are related to acute mountain sickness that can cause a headache, nausea, vomiting, and even shortness of breath. These signs of mountain sickness are common if you happen to fly directly to high altitudes such as Ladakh.

Signs of acute mountain sickness occur normally at the height of 3,048 meters and above. The best way to cure these symptoms is acclimatization, which is a process to adjust to a gradual change in environment. You can even descend if the problem persists or even take medicine prescribed by any medical practitioner.

Here is the guide to better acclimatize in high altitudes.

Climb an Altitude Gradually

If you don’t want to face any mountain sickness then you should opt for the golden rule of climbing an altitude. That is staying overnight after climbing 10,000 feet. This will help your body adjust to falling temperature gradually and you will not suffer from any mountain sickness signs.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water with ORS.  Do not just drink plain water but also keep hydrated yourself with loads of juice, tea, soup, and milk etc. ORS will replenish the minerals that you have lost while climbing the altitude. Do not drink too much coffee as it will dehydrate you. Hydration will keep the oxygen supply sufficient.

Do Not Sleep at Higher Altitudes   

The performance of the respiratory system of your body slows down at higher altitudes. So it is recommended that you come down lower altitudes to sleep always.

Do Not Indulge in Too Much Physical Activity

While climbing high altitudes it is recommended that you do not indulge in unnecessary physical activity. It will leave you tired and breathless, which can make your journey even more exhausting. Stay calm and at peace.

Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol

Smoking, tobacco, and alcohol consumption leave dehydrated and lead to the slower performance of the respiratory drive. This can prove a problem especially when you sleep at altitudes.

Stay Warm

You should wear proper clothes and gears to keep your body warm and dry. While sleeping you should ensure that your sleeping bag is designed to beat the cold. Keep extra woolens, blankets, and quilts at your rescue.

Take a Proper Diet

Apart from taking fluids to keep yourself hydrated, it is important to take a proper diet as well. Eat loads of carbohydrates to keep your body energetic and going. Increase the intake of carbohydrates up to 70%. Most of the calories should come from you carbohydrate intake.

Do Not Sleep During the Day

Your respiratory performance slows down when you sleep. If you sleep during the day then you are not in a state to do other important tasks in the day. So stay awake and keep yourself involved in light activities to not feel tired and sleepy.

Carry Medicines

It is advisable to consult with your doctor before heading to holidays at high altitudes. They will prescribe you important medicines that will come in handy.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can be an unpleasant experience that can reduce the enjoyment of activities. In addition, if not managed appropriately and the symptoms are ignored, it can result in a more serious illness which can lead to death. The above methods during your adventure trip can help you prevent developing acute mountain sickness

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Foodie Staycation Travel Trends

Why Taj Group of Hotels is my preferred choice?

From its first hotel Taj Palace in Mumbai, 1903 to its resorts and chains world over now, Taj Group is the symbol of unprecedented luxury for people around the globe. Touted as one of the world’s oldest luxury hotel and resorts chain, Taj Group has served some of the most elite people from India and abroad. Top notch politicians, Hollywood stars, musicians, sports stars, etc., all have been on the guest list of the Taj Group. We try to explore as to why Taj Group is still the milestone of luxury even after more than 100 years in the industry and we land up choosing Taj Properties in our stay. Here we go:

One of the World’s largest hotel groups

Taj Hotel and Resorts started their operations in the year 1899 and have not looked back ever since. After spending more than 100 years in the industry, Taj Group is still the most popular name on the bucket list of luxury travelers visiting India. Taj Hotel Groups has more than 108 hotels and resorts in India and 17 hotels other parts of the world.This makes it one of the largest hotel groups functioning currently.

The Unmatched Standards of Luxury

Several magazines have declared Taj as the best hotel group in the world and southern Asia. The main reasons why Taj is still on top of the list of best luxury hotels even after so many years is its unmatched standards of luxury. The hotel combines the luxury of Indian royalty with a dash of classic British sophistication. Their Indian hospitality is an out-of-the-world experience. Its guest can’t get enough of it.

One of the most beautiful hotels in the world

A scene of Octopussy (the James Bond movie) was shot in The Lake Palace, Udaipur, which is part of the Taj Group. Established right in the middle of an exotic lake in the land of the royalty of India, Rajasthan, the hotel appears like a white pearl studded in a blue diamond.Millions of tourists from across the world throng the hotel to catch its glimpse. For them, it is not just a hotel but also a major attraction in the heart of the town. Not to miss, their property in Maldives Taj Exotica boasts of being one of the best in the world, and believe us, it truly resonates it name and charm.

The world-class cuisine

No matter how beautiful or luxurious a hotel is if it does not serve good food then it is all worth no use. Taj group earns its reputation for serving its guest with the world’s best food. It hosts some of the world’s best restaurants such as House of Ming, Varq and the famous international eatery Machan. All high-profile politicians from around the world love to dine here whenever they visit India.

Taj Group also showcases some of the most exotic spa experience with lavish swimming pool. Being one of the most visited hotels in the world, the hotel also organizes guided tours for its guest.

Since its inception in the year 1899, Taj Group has achieved countless milestones during its long journey. It is the symbol of royalty, luxury, and comfort around the world. It is worth the experience. Applying to their Epicure Membership always comes handy.

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Travel Tips

Packing for a winter vacation to Ladakh? Here are 6 special tips you need to know

The month of October is on the corner and cold fragrance in the environment is casting a spell. The winter is slowly trying to settle in the lap of Himalayas, overlooking some of the most beautiful landscapes all clad in the white gold. But this is not the time to stay closed behind the doors. Come out and unleash a true traveler in you ready to explore a beauty packed with spiritual discoveries.

Winter tourism in Ladakh is arguably the best thing to happen in the life of a true traveler. If you are also setting out for this once in a lifetime journey then you should keep a note of a few important things. Here is the guide to 6 special tips for the winter trip to Ladakh that will come in handy:

Be prepared for high altitudes

Traveling to Ladakh in any season is an exotic task filled with endless excitement, adventure, fun, and indelible memories. If you are planning to make a trip in winters then you should prepare for it like you are going to a war. High altitude can be a big problem for a lot of people in Ladakh. Learn about acclimation. Consult with your doctor and keep a stack of important medicines that come in handy in case you fall sick.

Get the Best Sleeping Gears Especially Designed to Beat the Cold

Your sleeping bag should be designed to beat the temperature as low as -10 degrees if you are in Ladakh in the winter season. You can also carry a fleece bag that you can insert in your sleeping bag to increase the layer. Keep extra quilts and blankets at your rescue. Pack yourself while sleeping. Make sure that no body part is exposed to cold air.

Carry Enough Cash for Stay

While looking to book a hotel or accommodation, do not expect much discount because most of the hotels will be closed and the ones which will be open, will charge almost the same amount of tariff and sometimes you might have to shell out far more in order to include heating facilities, which of course comes with a cost. So prepare your budget for accommodation well.

Prepare a decent budget for transport

In the winters, most buses cease their services to tourist places in Ladakh. The only rescue is a taxi that a private taxi. Prepare your budget accordingly so that you can easily afford a private taxi there and taxi prices like we all know are quite hefty in Leh – Ladakh.

Check weather forecasts

Snowfall in winter season can block main roads. You can get stuck in Ladakh for unlimited days. Hence, keep a few days in buffer otherwise it will become a problem for you.

Enjoy Every Bit of the Trip and Experience Everything

Ladakh is one of the most beautiful places on earth. So explore this magnificent place on the planet from all angles. Do not let the winter be the hindrance in your journey. Eat what you get and travel wherever your feet take you.

Remember, traveling to your favorite destinations can be best enjoyed only when you are fully prepared to face a few challenges, which every new destination has a new soul.

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Travel Tips

Tips to avoid Vertigo while travelling

Whether it is a serious medical condition or general dizziness caused by traveling, it need not keep you from enjoying your trip. Still, it is better to be prepared and with a few tips and words of precaution, you can travel carefree without worrying too much about vertigo.

(a)    Keep yourself hydrated by drinking liquids such as water and juice. Do not drink heavier liquids or something extremely sweet. Alcoholic beverages are also a BIG NO.

(b)    Eat solid food such as nuts but no fatty or oily food. Eating easily digestible food before the trip is a good idea as well.

(c)    Keep your eyes on the horizon and not on moving objects because that can cause Vertigo.

Prescription:

Consult your doctor before going on the trip and ask if you need a change in medication for your travel plans. Keep your medication as well as prescription or a letter from the doctor with you at all times. This will help you get through customs as well as get the right treatment in the worst situation in the place where you travel to. Take your pills half an hour before traveling. Also, take enough medicine to last you for the span of the trip.

Insurance:

Get yourself insurance with a good Health insurance and Travel insurance plan preferably one with Vertigo in the plans. It is important if you have a medical condition and can be a great help in assuring that you will get the necessary medical help if needed. There are many policies in the market so you should do your research before picking a policy hastily. Moreover, keep your travel insurance policy papers with you during traveling. You will need to keep them handy in case of emergencies.

VertiGo Exercise app:

There is an app available on Play store that helps you keep a handle on vertigo through both visual and audio guides. It tells you about the correct postures in situations which manage your body equilibrium and thus prevents vertigo symptoms. While I can be really helpful during travel, you can also use it daily to manage your vertigo.

Pack essentials:

Apart from your medications, prescriptions, travel insurance and all the above-mentioned stuff, you need to pack some essentials that will keep the symptoms of vertigo at bay. A pair of dark sunglasses (to avoid sun’s glare) and appropriate shoes are a must. Avoid wearing heels and opt for comfortable flats. The shoes should have non-slippery soles and something that keeps you steady. And just to be safe, carry a foldable walking stick even if you do not generally use one. Bring earmuffs with you during traveling as well. Being extra careful during traveling is necessary to avoid mishaps.  Also, traveling with friends, or family or just another companion is a good idea.

What to do and not do:

Normal traveling and sight-seeing are all fun and good. But do not attempt something extreme like tough hikes or mountain climbing and deep sea diving. Instead go to museums, visit the popular attractions of the place and try delicious cuisines. The change in the altitude caused by adventure sports such as scuba diving etc can cause vertigo. Avoid triggers that can cause a dizzy spell and check the medical facilities at the place you are traveling to.

Get a room on ground floor of the hotel and mention that while booking. Make sure there is nothing in your way to make you trip in the room. If there is, get it removed.

These are some simple ways to take care of your Vertigo while traveling and this condition shouldn’t stop you from taking a trip to your dream destination. As long as you are careful, you can enjoy completely and have a great vacation with no worries.

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Travel Tips

Click pictures from your smartphone like a pro in few easy tips

Before the era of the smart phones dawned upon us, there were cameras. In order to take a picture, a good one to be more precise, it was required to have a good knowledge of the complicated camera functions. But once the smartphones arrived in our lives, they took away the need to capture the beautiful moments of life in the cameras. Still clicking good pictures from your smartphone is not everyone’s cup of tea. You need to be a pro at it!!

Below are a few tips that could come in handy if you want to be one of those smartphone photographers.

Use Grid lines- One of easiest ways to get perfectly balanced shot is to use the grid options effectively. The grid lines form 9 little boxes on the screen and you need to balance them effectively using the ‘rule of thirds’, usually used in the professional photography. If you place the points of interests within the boxes, the image will be better to look at and well balanced.

Focus on one subject- Usually; the photographs taken from the phone have just one subject that you want to click. Take some time in balancing the focus on that particular subject and keep a sharp focus on that point until you press the capture button.

Editing- Editing is necessary. More often than not, the framing gets weird and you end up including some things in your photo unintentionally. Use the editor effectively in order to crop out the unwanted portion of the picture or to give the clicked image a sharper edge.

Love the negative space- The negative space in a picture is that particular area that doesn’t serve any special purpose to the image, such as a clear sky in the background, or a wide landscape. However, using a negative space effectively can make the image look professional of the highest degree.

Play with angles- Playing with the different point of views can be a lot of fun and it can give your image a distinct edge. As most of the images taken from a smartphone are either straight angled or bird’s view, using some unexpected angle can be a great display of your talent as a photographer. However, in case you have gone quite overboard with that one, there always are the ways to fix that in the edit.

Reflections- There is something artistic about including reflections in your photograph. Just make your subject stand on the bank of a lake and click a well-balanced photograph equally giving enough space in the final image to the real subject and the reflection. You will know what it can do to your image.

Color blocking- How great it looks when the entire image is in black and white except for one object. Although this could only be done during the editing, but the effect is extremely crazy looking and gives your photograph a wicked but beautiful charm.

The journey to become a smartphone photographer is long but worth it!

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Travel Tips

Why Jet Airways is our favourite?

Based in the financial capital of India, Mumbai, Jet airways happens to be the second largest airline company in India. It’s one of the busiest as well as its flights roam nonstop around the country in about 45 destinations and on the foreign shores, it has 20 destinations under its belt in 19 different nations. The popularity of Jet Airways has always been high among the Indians since its arrival on the airports and there are ample reasons for that.

One reason being the first class services that it provides for the business class. Space is sufficient enough to give you a feeling of being in the bedroom of a five-star hotel. Flying at a height of 40,000 feet above the land isn’t easy but Jet Airways make it quite dreamy and an amazing experience to have. And about the cuisines, the five-course meals are no rarity in the international flights but it is on another level on the Jet Airways. World’s finest cooks are there to satisfy your taste buds and the most expensive of beverages are here. Other than that, there is the signature Jet Airways cocktail that is quite wonderful and of the best taste, you have ever experienced.

The personal 23-inch screen and a headphone are provided along with a number of DVDs of the best movies from all over the world to keep you entertained through the long and tiring flights. Overall, the experience is what one would call the best one ever.

If the first class services didn’t make you fall in love with it, the Premiere class facilities may do the trick. First, the seats, the unique arrangement of the seats make it easy for you to stretch your legs and the long flights don’t seem tiring anymore. The laptop socket at every seat will let you keep your laptop on to keep you entertained. The ‘Dine Anytime’ features provided exclusively by the Jet airways will let you have your favorite snack or meal almost anytime. The entertainment quotient is amazing as well as you will be given a choice to choose among countless Hollywood and Bollywood film DVDs to select from and view them on a 15.4-inch screen.

The Economy class may very well be the basic of all. But comparing it with others, it is way more comfortable for the tourists. The seats shift themselves into ergonomic positions automatically as you stretch them and the comfort that is provided is magnificent. The culinary pleasures are top notch as well. With the menu card consisting of dozens of Indian and international food items, the flight isn’t going to let you be hungry. The Hammock headrests are the definition of comfort and help you as you try to doze off during the longer travels.

For all the classes of the population, Jet Airways have something special for each of them. No wonder they have steered their way to become the second largest airlines in the country. We chose Jet Airways because they are the best. If the above-mentioned services and features didn’t convince you on that, we don’t know what will.

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