Category: 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!!

Categories
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 Accessories Travel Tips Travel Trends

Gifts you can gift to your Traveller Buddies

Every family has one traveler who is almost never home and same is the case with every friend circle, where one guy/girl is known to make all the plans and seems enthusiastic almost always. If a special occasion is approaching, you may be looking for a kickass gift to give it to them but you want to give something useful for his alter ego who is a crazy travel freak. Here are a few things that can be given be to the travel junkies which they would love absolutely.

Tickets to someplace – Domestic Flight tickets can be shared with your family members that can push them to travel & explore on their special days.  Air India Flights usually have such available gift vouchers.

A travel book- A traveler while traveling, reading a book about traveling, it sounds funny but amazing at the very same time. There is no better gift than a great book or novel really and if that is about the love for traveling, that is just an icing on the cake. So, yes, get them a book full of stories or essays about the travels and you will be in their good books for a very long time.

Scratch Map- The goal of every traveler is to see the whole world. Almost all of them have the ‘travel the world’ part at the top spot on their wish list. The scratch map would make them very happy and even more determined to fulfill their goals. As they keep scratching off more and more destinations, you will be there with them in their proud moment which also includes a gift you gifted them.

Kindle- This is one of the most sophisticated gifts that you can give to your loved ones really. It will help pass the time during the long trips in the bus, flights or trains. While carrying books may be a little more uncomfortable for them, a kindle can come in really handy. And the best things would be uploading a few of their favorite books in there.

Travel Mug- Gifting coffee mugs on the birthdays are pretty routine. Everybody does that. A travel mug can be a pretty kickass gift for somebody who is almost always out traveling, whether it’s a business trip or a holiday. The stainless steel travel mug will come in handy to carry hot coffee or cold water for long period of times.

Sleep masks with earplugs- A good sleep is what everybody desires. The need is even higher in the case of the travelers. They don’t have much time to sleep on their trips, so they take rest while on road or in the air. The sleep mask can aid them in having a peaceful sleep.

Small hair dryer- Especially for the women, hair is something they want to make look perfect almost all the time. Gifting them a small hairdryer may make their life a little bit easier while they are away on travel. As it doesn’t take much space in the travel pack, it’s perfect on-road accessory for travelers.

Travel Backpacks – A good travel backpack is often the most important item for a traveler. It’s a travel companion that carries the most needed things for you, most importantly it fits your laptop and a DSLR camera and anything else that you would like to carry for the trip.

DSLR Lens – It’s an incredible thing to gift to your friend who has a passion and love for photography and loves taking incessant photos of anything and everything.  What best gifting a DSLR? You can pose too for a picture along with your friend 😉

Travelers are different, so are their preferences, surprising them with something different will make them really happy to have you as a friend or family.

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Travel Tips Travel Trends

Tips for travelling on the economy budget

One question that often pops in #ghoomophirosisters’ inbox is how to plan a budget trip or say, how we manage so many trips in a year. We thought to cater to this question through this post with the tips and hacks that we personally execute while we plan our travel.

Plan ahead: All plans made at the last moment would cost you much more than if you plan ahead for the future. Playing your cards right can lower your cost and you can get the cultural experience that you always wanted. Use the best time to book tools to take advantage of travel packages and early deals. So decide a destination and then start scouting deals.

Off-season: Everything is more expensive during peak season. It is better to travel offseason. By peak season, I mean apart general holidays, spring and summer holidays. Booking your flight ticket and hotel reservations during the off-season can cut down your costs.

Flight price alerts: Flight ticket prices fickle frequently and they keep changing. So to get the best deals you need price alerts especially if you are planning your trip in advance. This way when the prices drop, you will be the first one to know.

A Bed and Breakfast Versus a luxury hotel: A BnB will offer you comfort and warmth at half the price. In most countries, you can easily find cheap and comfy Bed and Breakfast.

Avoid eating out or at touristy restaurants: If you are traveling to a new place, the best thing to do is try the cheap street food. That would tell you more about the eating culture of the place than any high priced restaurant. Moreover, locals will serve you better food for less money. Better yet, order the daily special.

Baggage: Travelling light and checking your luggage limitations by weighing and measuring your luggage can help avoid any nasty overcharges. We love Vistara Airlines for this.

Cards with incentives: Some credit card companies offer additional incentives like international travel insurance and often tie up with flights so that you get incentives on flight tickets. Therefore, you will be making huge savings by using these Gold, Diamond and Platinum cards.

Utilize free internet connections: Avoid additional roaming charges by utilizing free internet/ Wi-Fi whenever available. Airports are the best places to leverage this facility.

Additional benefits: If your holiday destination/ hotel offer additional benefits like free complimentary meals and accommodation for kids that would help your budget. Food and accommodations make for a huge part of holiday expense, so it is also essential to know that lunches are cheaper than dinner.

Check for hotel offers Packaged deals for hotel prices like “buy two nights and get one free” or “free spa services” are always a good idea to explore.

Embrace Public Transport: Buses and trains are much cheaper than cabs and taxis. A journey on an overnight train can save you one less night in a hotel and might cost you cheaper than a plane.

Use ATMs instead of traveler’s checks: You can get cash cheaper and faster and if you make less and larger withdrawals, you will have to pay less transaction fee. Just remember to keep that cash safe.

If you are a frequent traveler, you can avail loyalty points offered by flights and hotels to save even more. Vistara Airlines offer some great deals for their frequent flyers. The best thing you can do is making smarter choices. And in the end, it is all about having fun. Sometimes you can have more fun by exploring places on foot and blending in with the locals. Learn about the tax refund schemes for foreigner’s retail purchases. Try luxurious camping options and have a fun filled, cheap and unusual trip.

We wish your travel gets easy, economical with the above hacks and you do not think twice while planning your vacations.

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Adventure Inspiration Travel Tips Travel Trends

Letter to Indian Parents: Let your daughters travel solo

Dear Indian Parent,

We all know the bond Indian parents have with their kids. Moreover, the way they keep their child a part of the family even after he has become self-reliant and starts a family of his own. That bond between a parent and a child is incomprehensibly strong but the second you told your daughter that she couldn’t go on that weekend trip with her friends, you broke her heart.

We understand you are being protective. The world is a big harsh place but if you don’t let your child go out into the world, face those hardships, travel across borders and see the kindness of strangers, you will be robbing them of the simple joys of life.I understand your mentality of having your kid get good grades, join a stable job, start a family but

We understand your mentality of having your kid get good grades, join a stable job, start a family but traveling is not a ‘luxury’ for the rich like it was before. Now, it is a necessity for the wandering soul. Today, the youth is more curious and hates to be confined. You could see the wanderlust in your child’s eye when they mention some far off place. And you can see the sadness too when you shoot down their hopes at ever being there.

Today, technology had made it too easy to stay in touch and the internet has made it convenient to know all you can about the place you visit. So, even with all these precautions, if you don’t let the apple of your eye, get on a bus with a backpack and go seek out the greater perhaps, then what is the point of all those years of education and nourishment?

Humans weren’t meant for routine and staying at the same place. In the heart of every one is a little spark of passion towards seeing the whole world and its wonders. And life is the greatest teacher imaginable.

When you send your daughter to go see the world, she will come back a more compassionate, self-reliant and gentle soul than when she left. Despite all the fears of uncertainty that one is thrown in the midst of in the start, most of us, we make it in the end. We adapt and adjust. You pamper your kids, indulge their every wish, teach them to be fair, strong and kind but don’t allow them the freedom to ever be that. How can they be with you always behind them, supporting them when they fall, correcting them when they go wrong?

Some lessons, one needs to learn on his own. And the world is so wide, its secrets vast and beautiful. Don’t you wish to let your child witness all of it, before they go back to the mundane routine and stability which is a cage from which there is no escaping?

Being a travel blogger myself, this is the one question that I have come across a lot. I am an Indian. How do I persuade my parents to let me travel? Even self-reliant independent people have asked this question which makes me wonder, what keeps them from just walking out of their families and just doing what they want anyway?

Love and respect.

So, shouldn’t you consider their feelings as well? Yes, they will have to take on many responsibilities and be careful. There will be times when they struggle but in the end, they will come back with a smile on their faces and lots of experience tagging behind them. Even you would be amazed at the stories they will have and the transformation that would have occurred. They will become everything you wanted them to be, and more.

So the next time your child asks you, “Can I go on this trip?”

Say yes.

Happy Travelling

Ghoomophirosisters

 

Categories
Travel Tips

Can’t wait to begin your holiday trip? Here are 6 tips to sail through the airport security

All right! Traveling to some exotic dream destination is one of the best moments of your life. You have packed your bags, set out to the airport, and everything is going just the way you wanted except the one. In excitement, we tend to neglect some basic airport etiquettes that make security checks at airports a lot more stressful and time-consuming than we can imagine. This spoils the fun of traveling from the very first moment.

Here is the quick guide to help you breeze through airport security checks like the back of your hand.

Know your airport by visiting its website

Knowing the layout of your airport comes in handy if you seriously do not want to waste your time at security checks. The best way to learn about the layout of your airport is through its official website where all the information is available.

Different airports have different rules and regulations. In some, you might have to go through just one quick security check while some unnecessarily force you to go through several checkpoints. If you know about the checkpoints, you can prepare yourself accordingly. You can also learn about the pedestrian traffic at the airports to avoid last time rush.

Be the early bird

It is always advisable to arrive 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight at the airport. It helps you learn the layout of the airport and also avoid any delays whatsoever. Arriving early is also important to get latest updates on your flight schedule. By reaching airport early, you can know about a particular security check in detail and prepare yourself mentally for it.

Ensure your carry on

Make sure that your carry-on luggage is good to go. Check the airlines’ official website before packing your luggage. If you have the entire right luggage in your carry-on, you will spend less at the security checks obviously.

Good passengers are also judged by their shoes

If you really want to spend less time at the security checkpoints, then you have to play it really smart. Wear slip-ons instead of shoes with laces. Otherwise, you will be wasting your time untying your shoe laces then tying them back. You will hold all the passengers in the queue due to this.

Keep your liquids on the top

You are advised to keep your liquids on the top of your bag to avoid any delays. Security personnel will definitely ask you to take out your liquids and you wouldn’t want to delay the entire process by searching for them in your bags. Keep them all in one small bag on the top so as to speed up the screening process.

No Iron Men allowed at the security check points

This is the basic thing we all know about. Put all the metals in the bin at the security checkpoints. Otherwise, it will set off the alarm of door framed metal detectors.

Consider security checks at airports as your first step to a great holiday in an exotic destination. It is up to if you can make it good by opting all the above mentioned tips breeze through airports.

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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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North India Spiritual Hubs Travel Tips

Some best travel tips for Varanasi

All right! Traveling alone to just any part of Varanasi is more adventurous than finding crystal skulls with Indiana Jones in the kingdom of Akator. There is an exotic cultural amalgam in one corner and a deep feeling of the renaissance in another. But your unprepared trip to Varanasi can turn you into a spiritual Zombie without a map in the desert. We bring you some of the best tips that come in handy if you are exploring the destination of Gods, holy Varanasi in India. Here we go:

Best way to arrive in Varanasi

If you are already in India exploring other places, then take a flight to Delhi and from there you can take a direct train to Varanasi. From the Varanasi railway station, you can opt for a variety of modes of transport. From tumtum to fancy motor rickshaws with some gravity-defying passengers, you are on your own all the way.

Go the street way

Varanasi is a small holy destination. Not really an ideal city for those looking for some really good authentic Indian food restaurants. To say, there are just none. You have to roam around on the streets filled with devotees around the world and naked Aghoris openly smoking marijuana on the ghats. Try the food you get on small roadside eateries. That’s the real flavor of India and Varanasi. Some of the best Indian dishes are there on the street. Gorge on some spicy Kachoris and cool yourself off with delicious lassis (buttermilk) in the glasses designed for Hulk.

It is recommended that you reserve a room in the hotel in advance so that you can grab a better deal. Otherwise, you will have to be a really great bargainer. You can though get some really affordable guides right when you step out of Varanasi station. Invest in one.

One of the best things about Varanasi is that you can cover it on your feet. There is just no need to plan anything special for sightseeing in the holy place. The real thing is right there on the ghats. People from around the world come to wash off their sins here. The cremation rituals connect you to the world of spiritual nirvana. You get to see a colorful tableau of different beliefs, religions, and cultures altogether. You live it all right there on the ghats.

No pictures of the cremation rituals allowed on the Ghats

Part of your daily walk will entail seeing the cremations on the Ganga but remember you cannot take pictures of cremation rituals being performed by just anybody on the ghats. It is considered as the disrespect by the family members of the deceased. Keep both camera and phone turned off, if you are planning to just witness the ritual. Ask for permission before clicking Aghoris and Sadhus

The streets of Varanasi are all filled with colorful Sadhus and Aghoris smoking marijuana like chimneys. Some of them are scary while others are interesting. However, do not click their pictures without valid permissions. They can charge you a hefty fee or just get offended for no reason.

The Vishwanath Temple is the most celebrated and it is said that it is not open to foreigners.

Rickshaw-wallah scams: Here is one tip to avoid the scam.

One should be aware of the rickshaw wallah scams. If your driver tells you that your hotel has burned down or the road is closed but they know another hotel it just means they are asking for the commission. Do not fall in the trap, rather refuse to pay unless you arrive at your destination and check you really are at the right destination before getting out.

You might get lost in the alleys

The alleys are small and in plenty, they will give you a feel of the real Varanasi. You’ll almost certainly get lost but ultimately they lead you to the main road from where you can start all over again. Make sure to ask for your business card from your guesthouse and carry it along with you. So that in the case of any confusion you can ask people for directions when it’s time to get back home.

Too much PAAN everywhere

People here love Paan! You will find all the dudes chewing it and the sad part, they split it all over the place and roll it at lots of booths..so just be careful!! Although paan is popular all over India but you would have never seen so much of paan as they indulge in at this place.

Varanasi is one of the most popular places to visit in Northern India. It helps you get on the road of self-discovery and the travel tips above make the journey a lot easier.

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