I was very fortunate as a child to travel around the world thanks to my dad who worked for an American airline. Later on one of my jobs provided me the opportunity to travel around India. Little did I know that I was destined to continue to travel.
I turned 33 this year. I have visited 11 countries so far. If I manage to visit 2 new countries every year by the time I retire at the age of 67 (All Things Being Equal), I will have visited a total of 68 new countries. For company there is always my husband who shares my excitement of visiting new worlds. Living in Europe provide easy access to many countries and having an Indian passport makes acquiring visas to many others simple.
Let me warn you before you go ahead reading any related posts that there is rarely a mention of fancy places to stay and eat. Our main criteria are a comfortable bed, a clean bathroom and preferably a kitchen. Hostels, budget hotels (hostelworld.com) or BnBs (airbnb.com) work just fine. Breakfast is usually complimentary and if the hostel has a kitchen we cook dinner with fresh produce from the local market. Lunchtime is when we go all out to try the local favourites.
Although ready-made holiday packages appear attractive in terms of price and places covered, they may not be the best for you. They might pack in too much on a day, have fixed menus, offer the standard sites that every tourist does and limit your interaction with the locals.
If you like spontaneity, time to relax and be your own boss then chalk out your own itinerary. There are several blogs and websites offering unique information and tips based on individual experiences. Once you reach your destination talk to fellow tourists and your hosts for recommendations.
2. Travel light and keep an extra bag to get back souvenirs. Apart from the decorative items you may pick up, set aside a budget and keep room in your luggage for local produce like nuts and spices.
3. When shopping and eating out move away from the tourist attractions to areas where you hear less English being spoken and see more locals who know what they are purchasing. And don't shy away from bargaining when shopping. You might uncover a hidden talent!
4. Read up about weather conditions and topography and carry along appropriate clothing, head gear, lotions and most importantly footwear. Some countries may also have dress codes. Keep them in mind when packing your luggage.
5. Don't forget to take with you enough and a little more backup of the local currency. Check about exchange rates, commissions and withdrawals at ATMs. Some countries are not very open to the use of credit cards.
6. Be informed about converter plugs and voltage standards in the country and take with you chargers, battery packs and SD cards for your phones, tablets and cameras.
7. Learn to say a few greetings in the local language and win hearts.
8. Download an offline map on your phone or tab. Our recommendation Nokia maps.
9. Most importantly keep an open mind and heart and be respectful of the culture you will soon be a part of, even if for a few days.
Pack your bags, jet set, go!
I turned 33 this year. I have visited 11 countries so far. If I manage to visit 2 new countries every year by the time I retire at the age of 67 (All Things Being Equal), I will have visited a total of 68 new countries. For company there is always my husband who shares my excitement of visiting new worlds. Living in Europe provide easy access to many countries and having an Indian passport makes acquiring visas to many others simple.
Let me warn you before you go ahead reading any related posts that there is rarely a mention of fancy places to stay and eat. Our main criteria are a comfortable bed, a clean bathroom and preferably a kitchen. Hostels, budget hotels (hostelworld.com) or BnBs (airbnb.com) work just fine. Breakfast is usually complimentary and if the hostel has a kitchen we cook dinner with fresh produce from the local market. Lunchtime is when we go all out to try the local favourites.
Based on our experience here are a few tips when planning a holiday.
1. Draw your own tentative plan before the start of your trip.Although ready-made holiday packages appear attractive in terms of price and places covered, they may not be the best for you. They might pack in too much on a day, have fixed menus, offer the standard sites that every tourist does and limit your interaction with the locals.
If you like spontaneity, time to relax and be your own boss then chalk out your own itinerary. There are several blogs and websites offering unique information and tips based on individual experiences. Once you reach your destination talk to fellow tourists and your hosts for recommendations.
2. Travel light and keep an extra bag to get back souvenirs. Apart from the decorative items you may pick up, set aside a budget and keep room in your luggage for local produce like nuts and spices.
3. When shopping and eating out move away from the tourist attractions to areas where you hear less English being spoken and see more locals who know what they are purchasing. And don't shy away from bargaining when shopping. You might uncover a hidden talent!
4. Read up about weather conditions and topography and carry along appropriate clothing, head gear, lotions and most importantly footwear. Some countries may also have dress codes. Keep them in mind when packing your luggage.
5. Don't forget to take with you enough and a little more backup of the local currency. Check about exchange rates, commissions and withdrawals at ATMs. Some countries are not very open to the use of credit cards.
6. Be informed about converter plugs and voltage standards in the country and take with you chargers, battery packs and SD cards for your phones, tablets and cameras.
7. Learn to say a few greetings in the local language and win hearts.
8. Download an offline map on your phone or tab. Our recommendation Nokia maps.
9. Most importantly keep an open mind and heart and be respectful of the culture you will soon be a part of, even if for a few days.
Pack your bags, jet set, go!
