Travel Tips

Travel has become an integral part of our life especially during vacation time. Moreover, we may have to travel as part of our business or profession as well. Here are some tips that may be useful for a pleasurable and comfortable travel.

1. Travel light

Luggage has to be minimized. We all know how much it can hinder our mobility carrying heavy, bulging bags and other things. As for as possible try to reduce the 'burden'.

2. Proper planning

Be well organized. Plan a trip well-ahead. Visualize mentally each and every minute details about travel. Make notes. Take out your pencil/pen and note-pad. Write down everything clearly. Travel with a definite purpose. Make a detailed tour plan, note it down. Write a list of things to carry, to do, to buy etc.

3. Tickets, Passport, Identification

Needless to say, these are very important while traveling.
It's easy to 'forget' such important things but remember, if you are traveling with a group by 'forgetting' such things you will erode the pleasure of others in the group. So always check and recheck these things, visa etc.
Also keep these things safely. Use the hotel's safety box.

4. Cabin baggage and Checked-in baggage

Different airlines have different rules and regulations regarding cabin and checked-in baggages. Browse their websites and find out the details. Don't forget to ask the Travel Agent about the latest rules. Excess 'kilos' can sometimes burn a large hole in your pocket.

5. Customs and Visas

Clarify all the doubts regarding the currencies you carry, customs rules and regulations and Visas.
Now-a-days things can become very difficult in cares of some errors or omissions.

6. Contact relatives / friends / acquaintances

If you know someone and you think its OK, contact them days ahead of your travel.
This will make them also comfortable. Surprise visits can be tricky sometimes, some may consider it is an invasion of privacy. Moreover, it is a good idea to ask them about the local situation at your destination. After all, we don't want to travel to a place where some riots are taking place.

7. Important addresses / maps / Travel guide

In addition to the addresses of contacts stored in your mobile phone it is better to have an address book while traveling. Hardcopy comes handy at times ! You can download and print tourist maps that are freely available on the Internet.
Get one in local language also, taxi drivers will appreciate it. Try to get a travel guide as well. You can pick one guide book from travel agency.

8. Toileteries, medicines, and other personal items.

Stock all these plenty. Tissue papers, refreshing towels etc will never become useless during travel. You may have personal preferences regarding toilet items; so it is better to stock those rather than deciding to buy those at your destination. It may not be available others and it might be difficult to locate a store sometimes. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen lotion and moisturizer.

9. Eatables

Your favorite crackers, breakfast cereals, toffees...well it is always better to pack these items.
Munching your favorites will lighten your mood during the lull moments while traveling.

10. Books / CD's / DVD's / MP3/4 player / magazines / ipod etc....

Nothing to elaborate upon such things. You know these are really a must.

11. Safety

This is something that requires a lot of attention. Wherever you go, whatever you do, whomsoever you are with....always be safe.
Take calculated risks during travel if you would really like to take risk....well you can become adventurous but be safe!
Trust your instincts !
Try to be practical !

12. Make the trip filled with happiness

Lot of misunderstandings can develop when you travel in a group. Make conscious effort to minimize it and try nullify it ASAP.
Find out happiness in everything that you see. Fill each and every moment with joy. Instill happiness into your mind....Laugh wholeheartedly a lot....Smile....
Feed your mind with happiness....

Bon Voyage!!!

Travel safely - some tips!

Safety during travel should be given topmost priority.
Traveling carelessly will attract trouble. There is a tendency for people to drop off their usual guard during vacation travel. Such callous attitude may invite trouble.

Have a definite plan

The tour plan should be charted out days in advance with all the details taken care of. Every member of the group should be aware of all the details of the tour plan. There should be a team leader.
Each member of the group should feel free to discuss openly their concerns, ideas etc to make the travel pleasurable. If you feel that you won't fit perfectly in a group it is better to avoid travel with them. Tell them 'NO' politely.

Beware of strangers and touts

Here, you will have to trust your instincts and gut feelings. Research a lot about the places you are going to visit. Browse the internet, read the blogs, you will get plenty of info.
Ask the Hotel concierge or the tour desk about the the tourist spots. Most of the hotels have reliable tour planners. Give priority to safety even of it costs a little more.
As far as possible avoid touts. There will be lot of touts around tourist spots to distract you. Keep a distance from them.

Safety in places of stay

Stay in a reputed place. Avoid shady dwellings. Any concerns should be immediately notified to the people at reception desk. Keep the doors and windows locked especially when you sleep.
Use the safety latch and peephole. Refuse stay in interconnected rooms. Keep a flashlight, candles and matches ready in the case of an unlikely event of power failure. Never allow strangers to visit you in your room, meet them at the lobby. Handle the electrical appliances safely. Make sure the room you stay is safe!

Important contacts / telephone numbers

Note down the telephone numbers of tourist police and other emergency numbers.

Passport / tickets / identification / money / keys

Safely keep all these with you. Extra pockets in clothes will be useful. Use the safe deposit locker in the room.
Handle money carefully. Never attract unwanted attention by showing off money, jewellery etc. Always be on the guard. Watch out for pick pockets!

Avoid shady places

Dark alleys, shady dwellings....well....it is common sense these places are dangerous. Keep away....
Be safe! Go to reputed joints to have food and drink if needed. Return to Hotel well before late night.

Enjoy a safe travel especially during vacation!