I started documenting my travel journeys in the year 2013 as a part of my research work. Meanwhile, I also developed a strong connection with this activity. It gave me a sense of happiness and empowerment. I interviewed people from the remote places, documented things and captured many day to day activities. This is how I started enjoying as a researcher and as a travel enthusiast. However, every time I travelled I learned new things and picked up many habits; in order to make my journey more fruitful.
It does not matter with whom you are planning your travels, but there are 9 things you should do while you travel. These few habits not only saves your time and energy but also helps you plan your expenses.
Well!! to be honest, I just want to say, “Journey of thousand miles begins with a single step” -Lao Tzu. However, all these years of travelling made me realize a little planning and research can give you an amazing experience. Here are few things to follow and plan before you go on a trip.
1. Read Travel Blogs
Yes!! It may sound obvious but it is very helpful. Travelling to a place needs lot’s of research in terms of many things, therefore, reading about the place before planning is a must. In fact, this is the very first thing you should do while planning a vacation or trip. Travel blogs are best resource to gather various information, such as, where to go? what to see? transportation? accommodation? etc. In addition to this you also get a basic idea to formulate your itinerary accordingly.
Now a days, there is a sea of travel blogs online to go through. These contents are curated by people with personal experiences. Regardless, it gives you a better understanding of your destination and helps you organize the trip with much ease. Some of my personal favorite travel blogs to mention are
And last but not the least You people can also follow me for some ideas…Hahahahh!!
2. Check the weather Conditions and best season
This is a extremely important task. A holiday or a trip should be planned in tune with the season and weather conditions of the particular destination. Trust me, you don’t want your holiday to a snow wonderland to turn into a nightmare or a beach holiday to a hot and humid day. The season of a particular place determines what you are going to enjoy and experience in that particular place.
For instance, a few years ago I went to Goa in extreme summer season. The Sun was so harsh we hardly used to get out on the beach and the humid was unbearable. In order to avoid such situations you must plan accordingly. An app or a google search of previous years can give a fairly correct idea.
3. Check Public Holidays and Festivals
This is something very new to me as well. Earlier I was never into this aspect of exploring. However, during my second visit to Bhutan I realized “how fun and amazing” it is to experience something new from a different culture. At the time of my visit to Bhutan in February the country was celebrating the birth day of his Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. It was a three day celebration and the whole country was in festive mood. The carnivals on the road, street market and a three day cleaning program was going on in the entire country. This was a very unique experience for me. But I was not prepared for this as I had no idea of the celebration. On one hand I saw a festive like environment in Bhutan and on the other I couldn’t visit ‘Tashi Chuu Dzong’ one of the major attractions in Thimphu. Because it was closed and there were no cabs available for the celebration. Hence, always keep check on holidays and festivals for that uninterrupted expedition.
4. Try Local Cuisine
This is one thing I swear by. Every time I travel to a new place I make sure to try local cuisine and explore nearby local market. It is often a good idea to do some research and find out some local delicacies of the place you are visiting. This way it becomes easier for you to enjoy. In addition to that you can also look into various popular places that serve such dishes and cuisines in order to make out the most.
I often prepare a list of these things and do a prior research what I want to eat and where? so that it saves me time and I feel wise as well, Just kidding!!
For instance, my trip to Paris and Italy would have been really disappointing if I haven’t had Crepe and Pizza. I would have never knew that Bhutanese cuisine is so rich with Hantey’s and Dashi. Last but not the least Pooran poli and Chicken Rassa would have been just names for me. You see there are so many things we can learn and that too by only travelling and having fun. Next time keep in mind.
5. Capture Moments for Memories
How do you remember and look back all those beautiful memories of the trips that you have taken so far? I am sure you look at the pictures that are captured. So try to create memories that will keep the experience alive for you in future.
However, please don’t get addicted and spend all the time only capturing images and moments. It is definitely important but only if you are able to create good memories not that you remember only clicking. I remember being too addicted to capturing images in my earlier days, trust me I do not even remember where I went.
6. Try to stay at different locations (In case of long vacations)
If you are planning a long vacation I suggest staying at different locations. This makes your trip diverse in experience and also lively. Because staying at one location and travelling back and forth to sights is tiering. For example, I stayed at two different cities in Bhutan in order to make my travelling much easier and less tiering. Because the places and monuments I intended to explore where very far from one location to another. I planned my trip and stayed in Thimphu to explore all the locations in and around the capital city and later shifted to Paro for the early morning tracking to “Paro Taksang”. This allowed me to experience two locations of the country, as well as gave me a peaceful experience without hustle.
This being said, it may not be the case if you are travelling with kids or babies. In this case you might want to take short trips and a comfortable location to stay. The trip becomes more of a relaxing one and not much exploring.
7. Buy a Souvenir
Some may or may not agree with me but I always believe in bringing a souvenir back home. It may not be a fancy or precious one but a simple fridge magnet can also remind you of a beautiful day in a particular place. I always buy something local or at least something that symbolizes that place. I keep it as a collection and remember my days of that particular place. This is something similar to capturing memories.
Apart from this there are also some places that only run on tourism, so buying these products is also a contribution to the economy that helps the people live a good life.
8. Be Respectful and Polite
It is very important to be respectful and polite when you are travelling. I remember being helped by an unknown poor person in Paris when I was lost. He even gave me his metro tickets to travel back to hotel. After that a gentleman from Pakistan guided me the metro route. This is what kindness does. Being polite and showing respect to people is the most basic we can do for the local in order to thank them that they allowed us to visit their place/home.
No doubt there are people who are ready to rob you as well but that doesn’t mean everyone is mean and greedy.
9. Be Organized
Being organized on a trip is very important. You must keep track of your whole itinerary as well as belongings. It is better to be prepared then running for that last minute. To conclude, a smart traveler always pays attention and does research before a trip.
Dear readers, I am sure these tips are going to help you organize your next trip. Till then happy reading.
Love,
JintyR.
