Category: Travel Trends

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Travel Tips Travel Trends

2017 brings long weekends for travel enthusiasts. Here’s how you should plan them

2017 is already here. It is always advisable to plan to travel long before for the upcoming extended weekends.  Here are we, to make the job a teeny bit easier for you.

Republic day weekend

A drool-worthy 4 day weekend is here starting from 26th January-29th Jan. The ideal place we have managed to find over that period of time would be skiing on the slopes of Auli, which turns out to be a sort of winter heaven in the month of January.

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Mahashivratri Weekend

During the Shivratri weekend, which would begin on 24th February and extend until 26th February, you must head to Goa. The Goa carnival would be awaiting you. It was started by the Portuguese in 1500’s and celebrated with wild enthusiasm and energy even today. You may opt to stay at cidade de goa for the ease of enjoying the carnival.

The snow-clad highs of Gulmarg in Kashmir would also welcome you as the beautiful white snow does a fine job of justifying why it is called as the Heaven on Earth.

Holi Weekend

On 11th, 12th, and 13th March, Holi weekend would be here. So immerse yourself in the festive colors and head to Vrindavan. The town and the places surrounding it are known to celebrate the festival with a wildness that is rare to see anywhere else in the country.

Hat trick weekend

From April 13th to 16th, it’s 4 days long holiday time and during that period of time, the Phuket biking week is taking place. So, the bikers know where to head to and for others as well, Phuket is one place that demands to be visited at least once. There is no perfect time for doing so. Mapro Strawberry festival at Mahabaleshwar could also be a good stop.

Eid Weekend

From 23rd June to 26th June, the country will be celebrating Eid, so head to Hyderabad or Lucknow to truly enjoy the festival of Ramadan. The Mughlai food served at that place during the festival is just crazy.

A brief trip to Ladakh could also be a great option for little more adventurous ones.

The August Holiday

From 12th to 20th August, the country will celebrate one of the longest holidays sprees in years. Take a trek to Har Ki Dun, known as the place where the Pandavas made their ascent to heaven after living long and eventful lives. The valley dates back 3000 years and offers a lot to savor.

Diwali Weekend

Starting from 14th to 22nd October, a 9 day holiday awaits you. During the Diwali weekend, most of you would prefer to stay at home with their family. But just in case you wanted an outing, the mesmerizing Kangra Valley awaits you with open arms.

And then there is Pushkar, and being a Hindu Pilgrimage, the Diwali celebrations here are off the charts.

Id-e-Milad Weekend

The next year, Id-e-Milad will be observed on 1st Dec. It’s a gazetted holiday and will be followed by a weekend.

This is the time when the ten days long Hornbill Festival gets underway in Nagaland. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and zeal by the locals there. This festival should be on your must-visit list especially if music captures your senses. The peak of the winter season is the time when bird sanctuaries in mainlands are home to thousands of rare and beautiful migratory birds. Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur is a great place for bird watching.

Christmas

The Christmas holiday begins from December 23rd which happens to be Saturday and extends till December 25th, Monday, when Christmas Eve is observed.

During your Christmas vacation, you can plan an ultimate beach vacation at Lakshadweep. Whereas Kalpeni Island represents an ideal setting for scuba diving, Minicoy Island is ideal for activities such as canoeing.

What better way to end the year than with a trip to the most happening spot in India during December. Goa is the place known for beach parties, the Christmas celebrations, and adventure sports that the stunning beaches at cidade de goa have to offer.

So, plan your #ghoomophiro weekends nicely and have fun, for 2017 is full of those nasty extended holidays.

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Culture Travel Tips Travel Trends

Shopper’s Paradise in Delhi, where you can shop till you drop

When it comes to shopping, Delhiites would never have a dearth of options. No matter what their budget is, there always are options where they can have the best shopping experiences. Here are the best places in and around Delhi where you could spend a great evening while doing some shopping.

Dilli Haat- The best among all, Delhi Haat with its small thatched roof cottages is a one-stop shopping destination in Delhi.  The traditional village market has a great ambiance and offers exotic handicrafts, beads, footwear and other handmade artistic pieces from all over the country. The market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., including national holidays. Indian handicrafts and artifacts are the best things to buy.

Janpath and Tibetan Market- The very lively and one of favorite shopping centers for the Delhi people, the market offers goods from everywhere in India and Tibet here. The place is great for buying handicrafts, hippy clothing, home decors, footwear, shoes, paintings and other fashion accessories at surprisingly affordable prices given you have the necessary bargaining skills. The market sets itself up at the center of the city, Connaught place.

Paharganj-

The place is definitely not for the faint of heart as it is chaotic and noisy, yet some of the best bargain shopping in Delhi can be experienced here. Many of the shops located here deal in wholesale selling and export to foreign countries. The place is a shopping haven, lined with shops that are full to the brim with books, music, metal neck pieces and junk jewelry, bags, clothes, shoes, incense, textiles, wooden statues, and handicrafts.

Chandni Chowk- Exploring the items to buy while walking through the narrow alleys amidst the chaos is one great experience in itself. The market has been here for hundreds of years and also known as the symbol of the great Delhi street food. The lanes of Chandni Chowk are segregated into bazaars with different areas of specialization. For fabrics, you should head to Katra Neel. In the Bhagirath Palace area, you’ll find an enormous range of electronics.  Kinari bazaar is the place for everything you need for a wedding, including saris. The market is open daily except for Sundays.

Khan Market- Khan Market is a small, U-shaped shopping market. One of the classiest shopping destinations, in the city, the bargain seekers don’t usually get too happy coming here. Among the branded outlets, the market is known as being the hub for the book lovers and other artistic goods. For Ayurvedic food, medicine, and skin care check out Biotique, and Khadi.

Lajpat Nagar- The chaotic and noisy Lajpat Nagar market provides an interesting glimpse into Indian culture. The roadside stalls and showrooms are always buzzing with the middle class Delhiites hunting for Indian clothing, shoes, bags, accessories including mesmerizing Indian bangles, and home furnishings. The street food is also tongue twisting here. One of this market’s main attractions is the Mehendiwalas, who will apply beautiful henna designs to your hands.

South Extension

The South Extension market, popularly known as South Ex is one of the most posh markets located in South Delhi. Divided into 2 parts –South Extension – I and South Extension – II, the market has numerous shops brimming with leading Indian and International brands you yearn for. It is a perfect place for shopaholics and one of the best markets in Delhi to do some bridal shopping. But ladies, you should have your pockets full of this elite shopping place!

All we think about is looking our best and wearing the best stuff. Isn’t it girls? So all the shopping enthusiasts out there hit these 7 shopping places for buying almost anything you desire on this planet.

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Foodie Travel Trends

Spend many a happy and delicious evenings at Vagator, Goa

Goan cuisines are quite famous for a decent mixture of many cultures and races of people who have ruled over the place. With the essence of it Indian, Italian, continental and Chinese food can be found easily anywhere. Vagator beach is one essential tourist spot and before you plan your visit there, you should know about different eateries options that could come in handy for your visit.

Burger factory- Located on the Anjuna main road, the Burger Factory is a fast food joint that serves some of the most delicious burgers. Choose yours from a wide variety of menu and taste some of the most delicious burgers. The average two people dining cost are about 1100 INR.

Thalassa- Located in Small Vagator, Thalassa is a cafe dealing mostly in the Greek and Mediterranean cuisines for the most part. The food is delicious and the location is just perfect, in small Vagator. The view of sunset from the cafe is amazing and 1500 INR is what you have to pay for a decent meal for two.

Gunpowder- Despite the nearness from the southern India, it is not very easy to locate some good south Indian food places in Goa. Located on Anjuna-Mapusa road, Gunpowder is one simple and delicious exception. Get here to satisfy your cravings for some great south Indian cuisines, by spending 1000 INR for two.

Baba Au Rhum – As the name suggests itself, the restaurant is a sure shot stop for the hippies. The coffees combined with the European food items is just mesmerizing and leaves your mouth with a taste that is practically unforgettable. You would need to spend about 800 INR for a meal.

Lila cafe- Among the cluster of European food serving eateries in Goa, here comes another one. Lila cafe serves German, Italian and continental food on a great variety. This can also be called as one of the most affordable eateries in town as the average per plate cost stands at INR 800. The restaurant is located at Arpora-Siolim road at Anjuna Goa.

Anand Seafood Restaurant- Like the name suggests, Anand is a seafood joint serving some great dishes full of fish, prawns, lobsters and other seafood items. Other than that, the lovers of Chinese food could also visit here. The per meal cost for two people is INR 600.

Antares- This could be called as one of the most famous restaurants in the entire region. For the love of sunsets, you must head here at least once. Sitting outside, taking in the amazing view of the sunset, have a delicious plate of sea food. Just perfect and that too at a cost of 2000 INR, that’s the money well spent.

German Bakery- Ironically, the place doesn’t serve so much of German food. The highlights of the menu are Italian, north Indian and continental food items which are as delicious as they get. The average cost for two is 700 INR and the place is filled with north Indians almost all the time.

Food is an essential part of any journey and in a foodie’s paradise like Goa, your trip could turn into a delicious one.

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Adventure Central India Corporate Outings Travel Trends

Adventure Sports in India, that will make you high!!

With the commencement of many adventure activities in India, the country is becoming a popular site for such sports in the world. It offers many options for exciting recreations because of the diverse landscape across its stretch. Following is a list of some of the thrilling tasks that an adrenaline junkie must undertake in India.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a kind of underwater diving in which the diver uses an apparatus called scuba to breathe underwater.

The best places for Scuba Diving in India include the Andaman Islands, Netrani and Lakshadweep Islands. While Netrani is an ideal choice for those diving for the first time, the waters of Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands are worth exploring for their exquisite coral topography.

 

Paragliding

Paragliding is a competitive and recreational adventure sport of flying paragliders which are free-floating, lightweight, glider aircraft launched by foot with no definite primary structure.

Bir- Billing in Himachal Pradesh is the best Paragliding site in Asia and the second best in the world. Other sites in India include Solang, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh; BedniBugyal, DayaraBugyal, Naukutchiyatal and Dhanolti Ridge in Uttarakhand; Bikaner, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur in Rajasthan; Mahabaleshwar, Deolali, and Matheran in Maharashtra.

Skiing

Skiing too is a recreational as well as competitive activity. It is a transport mode in which the partaker uses skis to drift on snow.

Gulmarg in Kashmir, Auli in Garhwal region, Kufri and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are some of the best places for skiing in India.

Sky Diving

This adventure sport gives one a chance to fly with birds, therefore, it takes a lot of courage to skydive. A part of it involves a free fall till the time the parachute of the diver opens up.

Dhana in Madhya Pradesh, Deesa in Gujrat, Aamby Valley in Maharashtra and Mysore in Karnataka are the places to visit in India if one wants to take part in this sport.

River Rafting

River Rafting is one of India’s most famous adventure sports because of the numerous rivers flowing down from the mighty Himalayas. It uses a blown up raft to traverse across a river and requires team- work to sail through.

Rishikesh, Zanskar, Manali, Kolad, Coorg and Brahmaputra are some of the best river rafting sites in India.

Bungee Jumping

This activity involves jumping from a height while being connected to an elastic rope. The adrenaline rush comes from the free- fall and recoil.

In India, Rishikesh has the highest spot of 83 metres for bungee jumping. Other sites comprise Lonavala, Bengaluru, Goa, and Jagdalpur.

Caving

Caving is an amusement activity of exploring wild and desolated cave systems. Probing in a cave gives another kind of a thrill which cannot be replaced by any other pastime.

Meghalaya in India offers many caving sites which are real gifts of nature. Mawsynram, Siju,  Syndai, and Mawsmai are some of the most famous caves here.

All the adventure lovers out there, time to cross these off your bucket list now!

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Travel Trends Uncategorized

Best places for Hippie Hangouts in India

Hippie culture blossomed in India in 70’s and 80’s and took it by storm. It aroused in the west and the hippies challenged several conventions in terms looks, lifestyle, and the social boundaries. The hippies were, for the most part, despised by the communities, especially India, where the thinking was very orthodox. However, for the most part, the hippie culture got lost somewhere in the tides of time but there are a few traces of it that can still be found every now and then. In India as well, there are many places where the hippie culture is still adored and those places are turning out to be the hangouts spots for the hippies.

Manali– If we say that Manali always was, and still is the dream destination of the hippies, it won’t be hard to believe. One trip in this beautiful North Indian hill station is enough to understand that. Drugs are grown here in abundance and they are available at the cheapest rates. However, Marijuana is the only ‘drug’ they consume to a large extent and Manali is the center for that in India. Now we understand why some people call it the ‘hippie paradise’.

Goa- Goa is the epitome of the word hippie. The psychedelic trance music, cheapest alcohol, and open culture are the things Goa is mostly known for. You are likely to walk into a few hippies on every corner and every street of the place. Several international hippies come here and they never leave, they just buy places here and settle down. There are thousands of examples in Goa, especially near the beaches.

Gokarna– Gokarna, in Karnataka, is mostly known for the Mahabaleshwara temple. Not only the religious spot, it also happens to be a place for religious discovery for many people. One hippie beach around here is named Om, as it is shaped in such way only. Most hippies are the worshippers of lord Shiva, who happened to be a serial cannabis consumer. And then we despise the hippies for following their lord in all his glory!

Hampi- Hampi has made its way into the list of UNESCO world heritage sites and not only because it is historically and religiously significant. But because it actually is a very ancient city and known for its history, but the hippie culture has given it a whole new identity. You are much likely to see hippies dancing on the streets here in pursuit of spiritual highness. Hampi is known for its special smokes and special drinks which are likely to help you attain nirvana, as the hippies say.

Kasol– Talking about hippie locations in India, and not a single mention of Kasol, it is a sin. People from across the globe, let alone the country come here in pursuit of some of the purest form of hash and marijuana.  We can very well call it the hippie center of the world.

There are many other places such as Kodaikanal(Tamil Nadu) and Almora(Uttarakhand) which serve as hippie paradises. There may be many others without any mentions on the internet. People may despise them, but the reality is, it is just a way of living which is not conventional. Pack your bags and get high!!

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Relax Travel Trends

Exotic places to Visit with Your Better Half in India

Spending some quality time with your significant other is not only fun, but it can also be a great chance to connect with them on a spiritual level. And if the surroundings happen to be good and moody, that’s just icing on the cake. However, there are many places in India, where the married couples and the committed ones do visit commonly such as Shimla, Manali, and Rishikesh. But there are still many unexplored places in the country which are as beautiful as the above-mentioned spots, if not more. So, start packing up, because here we go!

Mashobra- A little far away from all the crowds and chirps of Shimla lays this little haven of silence known as Mashobra. This is somehow different from other romantic places around the country. The wild strawberries, orchids and most importantly, the calm around the area makes for a perfect romantic getaway with your partner. Try the cuisines here or just walk around the place hand in hand; this will spark the innermost wild romantic that lies inside you.

Singinawa, MP- When one arrives here, they feel something paranormal stuff going on in there. The reason for the feeling is the romantic vibes that flow here like anything. The picture perfect place is one of the most criminally underrated holiday destinations for the couples. But given that we have tried to make it come to the mainstream light, you may as well give it a chance. Singinawa is my personal recommendation for all those looking for new year bash.

Triund- Have you ever in your felt in your life that you are walking on the clouds? Maybe in a pleasant dream some time, but it becomes so real in a place like this. Located at about 15 kilometers away from McLeodGanj, Triund is the dream of every nature lover. The trek here is tiring at 4 hours time, but it surely is worth a shot with your lover walking beside you.

Kerala Backwaters- The ultimate heaven on the planet, Kerala is the south Indian state full of lustful beauty. The untouched natural beauty is at its very best here. There are many romantic places here from the beaches to the resorts, but what takes the cake are the backwaters in Kerala. A backwater in the evening light is just the thing that you always wanted, but you were unaware of that. This is the beauty at its best and the true love you have for your girlfriend/boyfriend gets more purified here in the arms of beautiful landscapes.

Imphal- The eastern India still remains mostly unexplored by the mainstream, but people who come here knows what most of the country has been missing. The beautiful lush green hills make it a wonderful place to cuddle with your lover and talk for hours. The place is known as the Jewel of India, and you are likely to visit the place again, such is the charm of this little heaven.

When it comes to love, everything is fair. So, taking leave from the offices and steal a trip to one of those places may cost you some money. But it will all be worth it and more.

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Asia Beaches Travel Trends

Bangkok- Why should men have all the fun!

Bangkok is notoriously popular among men, especially the Asians who are on a lookout to have some adult themed fun through the weekend.

For a change, there are more right reasons to visit Bangkok. It could just be a fabulous place for women too and she can make the most of her vacation.

The list of activities to indulge in includes a heavenly shopping experience, a day at a beauty spa, afternoon tea, some low octane sports and not to forget, and a great night out with same-sex partners in crime. Evenings are just as fun taking a stroll in the city and the spicy street food on the way is just an icing on the cake.

 So in case you are planning to spend a week or two in the beautiful country, we have narrowed down a list of activities to do order to make the fullest of your trip.

The shopping run

Bangkok is tantamount with amazing shopping and fabulous malls. Girls don’t forget to visit the world’s largest shopping street comprising 4,332 Shops and 1,285,000 Square Meters of Shopping on a Single Mile!

Bangkok offers a variety of shopping experiences right from Siam Paragon, where you can window shop through the high-end store windows, to Platinum Mall, just down the street. Inside the Platinum Mall, you’ll find literally thousands of shops all selling men’s and women’s fashions. Central World is the biggest shopping mall in Bangkok and also the most popular one with trendy fashion brands.

Karaoke

Unleash the inner singer in you with the Karaoke nights. The ,is located in Thonglor and makes you sing your favorite songs in front of a live audience. Always fantasized to become a rock star eh? This is the place!
The Chocolate Buffet

Don’t be misled by the term Chocolate Buffet as what you will end up finding afternoon tea. Sukhothai hotel is a must visit on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday where it hosts an afternoon tea in their lounge. The travelers are served with fancy French
tea or a glass of champagne. The other things the table includes is savory
sushi, mini chicken pies, and cucumber sandwiches. At only 900 baht, afternoon
tea here is not only delightful and tastes great but also the great value.

The Tasty Food Tour

The Bangkok Food Tour is a great initiation which takes you on a walking tour of
the Bang Rak area near Saphan Taksin BTS. There you will discover plenty of
great restaurants and stalls offering convenient and delicious meals. The Food
Tour experience begins every morning for three hours and during the cool
seasons from November to February an afternoon tour sets out at 14:00.
Beaches

The next thing is to de-stress in Bangkok. So just head south to some of the best beaches in the world, something you just can’t miss in Thailand.
You can board a bus just 3 hours south and end up sipping a mojito on some white sand before sunset. Koh Samet is a popular island among Thai and expat locals and the place is perfect for a real party experience on weekends.


Bangkok markets

Chatuchak is the biggest and most popular market in Thailand and a famous shopping hub studded with smaller, more eclectic shops and markets.

A place for adventurers

 There are fabulous activities to keep up the adventurous spirit right from riding elephants to flying through the jungles or seeking the depths of the ocean. The tourist spots in Thailand are bustling with other independent travelers looking for those unique adventurous experiences. Its place that gives you the perfect opportunity to make new friends and create some memories together!

Women safety in Bangkok is paramount as far as the authorities are concerned. So,

don’t hesitate, women, book your flights now!

Categories
Travel Tips Travel Trends

Here is how travelling can help beat depression

Travelling is fun; there is no second thought on that. But to which level can traveling actually lift the spirits of someone going through the dark phase of their lives??

There is an unsaid reason why most of the people start packing their bags almost every other weekend to have some time off their hectic lives. Most of them may still don’t know it, but traveling acts as a therapy in ways you can’t even imagine when it comes to tackling depression.

It helps you build focus

Focus is what most of us lack in life. Have you ever wondered that planning a travel can keep you occupied? Travel planning on which place to go, what to pack, where to stay and plenty of more things will keep you busy and focused. Apart from your regular job, you will have something to look forward to which will eventually keep you motivated.

It enables you to get adapted to changes

Not everything will go as you planned it to go. There will be many ups and downs during your journey but you will learn how to balance on both the situations. You might get robbed, and have to ask for help from strangers. Your booking gets canceled at the last moment and you keep on wondering where to go. Anything unexpected can happen which will make you stronger for bigger battles of life.

It helps you to build a positive approach

At times often in life, we start losing all the hope and keep giving up on everything. It could be the result of some failure or a setback. What we forget is that failure is not the end of life. You should know how to come out of that mode and get your life on the track. Traveling can help you attain that. The change in the air and surroundings can make you rethink about your life in positive terms.

 It gives you time to be with yourself

Humans are social beings; seldom do we want to be alone in our lives. Traveling alone when you are fighting depression will give you a chance to reinvent yourself and then, sitting alone on the top of a hill staring down into the abyss while counting all your blessings! Who wouldn’t want that and how could that not be enough to think better about yourself?

Helps you meet different people and make friends

Meeting new people at a new place is wonderful in terms of making some new friends. Very often, you meet people who can turn into your lifelong friends.  Just one person can get you out of your misery and there are many chances that you are going to find that person if you act true to yourself. The memories that you make, the talks that you share and the things that you learn from your travel companion could be counted as one of the best moments of life.

You learn to be grateful

Travelling teaches to be grateful towards small and big things of life. The tough times that you face while traveling reminds you of old good times and leaves you grateful for that. Sometimes traveling alone can make you thankful for the family that you have back there at home.

Depression is bad, but there is the cure for everything and traveling is the best thing anybody could bet on relieving depression.

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Staycation Travel Tips Travel Trends

Guess where’s the backpacking trend picking up? It’s Goa

Goa is the wildest location in every traveler’s head. Less for the sightseeing, more for partying, that is Goa in a nutshell. And needless to say, it attracts more students than any other group of society. Goa has ample options for everyone. The students, who cannot just afford to spend thousands on their trips to the businessmen who just wants to take a day or two off. Well, it all is taken care of by the Goa tourism board; there are ample beautiful and comfortable places in Goa where the backpackers can stay.

Zostel Goa, Calangute- The common room of the hostel is illuminated with the lights and gloss, the rooms are well lit and beautifully painted, this is one hostel that reflects the true spirit of Goa. Known as one of the best hostels in the chain, Zostel offers rooms at a rate of 450 starting per night and it’s totally worth it. Located just beside the brilliant Calangute beach, this one is the most popular hostels in Goa.

Noname Guesthouse- Full of clean, shiny and beautiful rooms, Nomane is one of the most popular guesthouses in Goa. Private balconies are there attached with every room and the view of the beach from them is magnificent. Located in Arambol, one of the most crowded places in the entire Goa, Nomane guesthouse is one truly amazing place to spend a few nights.

Cap’s Corner, Calangute- Located between two of the most visited beaches in Goa, Calangute and Baga, this family run hotel started its operations in the year 1995. The rooms are clean and comfortable; the rooftop is wide enough and gives a great view of the ocean on one side and beautiful landscape of Goa from the other. The rooms start from 2000 per night which includes the breakfast. The plus point of the hotel is that away from all the party noises, this place is calmer and more peaceful.

Roadhouse Hostel, Anjuna- This hostel is particularly for the ones who admire the hippie culture. The place is full of all the lights, psychedelic music and wall graffiti of the hippie legends. There are regular activities taking place at the hostel such as music parties and barbeques along with the dance competitions. The average rent for the stay here per night is about 500 rupees.

Evershine Guesthouse, Anjuna- Evershine guesthouse located in Anjuna may not be known very well for its cleanliness or the hygiene but that’s the charm about it. The walls are painted with graffiti where many unsung artists have left their marks on the walls. The place is quite good, separate rooms are available for the bag packers along with some basic amenities required for a good night’s sleep.

Backpacking is just a fresh trend in the country and Goa is one of the very few places in the country where the trend is picking up speed. Goa is full of the places specifically dedicated to the bag packers and wild travelers. So in case you are one, Keep Travelling!!

Categories
Travel Tips Travel Trends

Tips to cope up Demonetization while travelling

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi shunned the nation with the surprise announcement of the ban of 500 and 1000 rupee notes that hit the Indians like a storm. He announced that effective from 9th November, the entire 500 and 1000 Rupee bills will be demonetized with immediate effect and will be replaced by new currency bills of INR 500 & INR 2000. The bold move didn’t settle well with the average citizen and the country went into an emergency like situation. As expected, it has affected a lot of industries very negatively. Tourism, one of the flourishing industries in the country, providing employment to thousands of people will see a lot of ramifications in the arriving phase.

How will demonetization be affecting the travelers?

As India is bidding adieu to all 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, these currency notes are nothing more than a piece of paper. The biggest problems are being faced by the international tourists who are already in the country. For foreign travelers already in India, exchanging home currency into higher denominations of Indian currency during the entire period will pose a huge challenge and for those who already have the older bills of INR 500 & INR 1000, the exchange will be all the more difficult thanks to huge queues in banks and ATMs.

Most of the hotels, dhabas, lounges and eateries in the country are still not equipped with the card or online transactions. Obtaining cash while standing in the huge queues in banks and ATMs is becoming more and more difficult and perhaps, there are no chances of any improvements until a few weeks either. All this has impacted the stay of foreigners who are currently traveling in India.  The basic expenses of food, local travel, and shopping have also become inconvenient for foreign travelers who don’t know what to do with their cash and in case they haven’t paid yet for hotels and sightseeing packages, the woes of demonetization are likely to be higher.

The Indians who are already travelling in India or those who intend to go on a holiday to an Indian destination during 9th November – 30th December 2016 might come up issues while booking if they are looking to buy packages from local agents and pay through cash.

Here are a few ways to cope with the situation.

–Try and go to the places where debits and credit cards are accepted. Although most restaurants and hotels already have online transaction feature, but holds mostly true for the bigger cities. So, it would be better to limit your wanderlust to the metro cities.

-The ATMs in the rural areas are still struggling with massive lines and minimum cash. So in case you fall short on cash, move to the metropolitans where it would be easy to spot an ATM. We just hope that you are lucky enough to successfully withdraw cash within the daily limit before the ATMs run out of cash due to the long persistent queues.

-Despite the demonetization, the government has ordered petrol pumps and railway stations to accept the old currency, so that might be some relief for the travelers.

-Apps like Paytm are also proving to be a great help in dealing with the situation. Most small businesses and shops support online transactions via e-Wallets which are similar to debit/credit card transactions and widely available.

-In offbeat destinations like Kasol, where the availability of ATMs poses a challenge, it is going to be really tough to cope. So we suggest you pay online as much as possible and not to exhaust the cash you hold and carry cash in lower denominations.

Conclusion

The travel sector will no doubt get affected, but if one plays it with the mind, the phase will pass away smoothly. Else, just wait for 50 days as the Prime Minister has asked us to.

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