Great Experience With Sheth Group.

Brought a house at one of the best projects by Sheth Group. Must say the flats , the designs, the architecture are all really good. I got the flat that I wished for and didn't pay a single rupee more than what I promised. 

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THE WORLD THROUGH ITS BURGERS

For many travellers, a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe in any new city is a thing to definitely tick off their list. Have a drink, feel the vibe and buy a T shirt: that’s me. Despite the fact that HRC runs as a family-friendly cafe / restaurant in many places, I have never paid much attention to the food there.

Till recently, when I was invited for a burger tasting event at my friendly neighbourhood Hard Rock Cafe. The occasion was a preview of their World Burger Tour (from June 1 – July 31), which, as you have guessed right, is an offering of the most delectable tastes from all over the world, enfolded in a bun.

The late afternoon session started with a dazzling array of special cocktails (a bad idea for me, given that I had eaten nothing since breakfast and it was already past 3 pm then).And oh, every one of them had a surprise twist – they were all topped with beer, in keeping with the mood of the festival.

We started with an El Matador (luckily, the serving sizes were small shot glasses), with fresh strawberry, basil leaves, Bacardi rum and fresh lime juice topped with beer. And in rapid succession, we went through others with whiskey, rum, gin, liqueur and much more. At the end of this tasting session, it was all I could do to wait for the burgers.

And then they arrived at the table – and what an array! Chef Niranjan came to our table to talk about each of these burgers and the inspiration behind them.

The burger options did live up to its promise of world food – with tastes ranging from Mediterranean to Mexican, Lebanese, Italian and even Indian. And to my pleasant surprise, four of the eight burger options were vegetarian, a nod to the eating culture of this country. The chef also explained how each of the burgers had been designed keeping in mind local tastes and expectations.

I did try a bite (or more) of the vegetarian burgers – and my favourite was the Mexican Quesedilla Veg Burger – with the flavours of polenta, sweet corns, beans and vegetables, avocado and nacho straws, all flavoured with a tangy enchilada salsa. You tell me, what is not to like?!

At the end of this burger marathon, there was one more waiting for us – the Burgerthon organised by the HRC guys. And as the sole woman in the group, I was batting (eating) for all womankind as I competed with guys who clearly knew their burgers and beer. To my credit, I finished half the burger and got rewarded with a huge Jagerbomb for my efforts!

The World Burger Tour is on at all Hard Rock Cafes in India till July 31st – go bite into that juicy burger now and come back to tell me about it here!

5 REASONS TO VISIT LADAKH IN WINTER

If you think Ladakh, you think snow-capped mountains and cerulean lakes and picture postcard scenes. But then, you also think summer months, the peak season between May and October when the world descends upon this region. Have you ever considered a trip to Ladakh in winter? Just before you begin to freeze at the thought, let me give you some reasons why you should plan that trip right now – sure, it is not a holiday to plan at the last minute since you need to be physically and mentally prepared for it. But I was in Ladakh last week and I am saying from experience that given the right kind of clothes and accessories and the right place to stay, Ladakh in winter can be a pleasant dream.

The delight begins right from the time you land; since road travel from Manali or Srinagar is not possible, the only way is to fly in to Leh. And when you do, for more than half the way, you are greeted by sights such as this. There are no crowds jostling for space as you walk on Leh market road, no photo bombing when you try to take a pic near the Chang-La or Khardung-La boards (if they are open) and no dozens of curious monastery hoppers who zip in and out of the big monasteries on a tight schedule.

Here are my top five reasons you should consider a trip to Ladakh in winter:

1. Have it all to yourself

As I said earlier, this is the only time of the year you will have Ladakh almost to yourself, sharing space only with locals and a few other intrepid souls such as yourself. Imagine this, if you make a day trip to Pangong lake, you can be an Idiot all by yourself there (since it shot to fame as the 3 Idiots Lake). You can actually hear the monks’ prayer when you visit Thiksey early in the morning, and at Lamayuru, you get to see the moonscapes around the monastery in awed silence.

2. Soak in some culture

Although monastery festivals happen through the year, this season is when you will find almost only locals making up the crowd, which means significantly lesser crowd. I was at the Spituk gustor, the festival at Spituk monastery, which is observed with masked dances, and it was a wonderful experience. The crowds were waiting in excited anticipation when we went in and took our seats to watch the dances. It was interesting to see the kind of devotion the locals showed towards the monastery and the lamas who took part in these dances. Then there is also the festival of the oracles at Matho every February / March, when specially chosen oracles (through a lottery system) get into a trance and perform some breath-taking activities, like running along the ramparts of the monastery (blindfolded, it is said) – although I have never seen this festival myself, it is one of the not to be missed Ladakh experiences.

3. Try your hand at ice hockey – or watch a match

In the summer months, outdoor activities like polo and rafting are very popular in Ladakh – but come winter, when everything freezes over, ice hockey takes the place of all other sports. Rinks are created at every available place and local teams take part in these games with gusto – and several outside teams too land up to compete with the locals. Even if you don’t know how to handle a hockey stick, watch a match for a novel sporting experience.

(image courtesy: indianholiday.com)

4. Go in search of the elusive snow leopard

Now this can be a challenge, even for hardy outdoorsy types and dedicated wildlife enthusiasts – because the endangered snow leopard is one shy, elusive creature, and sightings are extremely rare. Looking for it means camping out in the open and sometimes walking for hours tracking its movements in the Rumbak Valley or Hemis National Park. But people who have done it claim that the snow leopard is one of the most beautiful creatures they have seen, worth every moment of the tough sighting process.

5. Walk on water (ice actually) on the Zanskar

When the Zanskar freezes completely, it is time for the popular chadar trek, which attracts seasoned trekkers from all over the world. The trek begins at Chilling and takes place over 8-9 days. The Chadar is counted as among the most challenging and difficult treks in the world, with places where the river is only 5 metres wide. I would never dare try such a trek, but for city slickers like me, there is stunning scenery everywhere, to make for stunning photo-ops.

And finally, a bonus reason:

6. Luxuriate at The Grand Dragon, Ladakh

Seriously, central heating and running hot water are luxuries in Ladakh at any time, especially so in winter. At TGDL, you get these and more, in the form of warm hospitality and large rooms overlooking the Stok Kangri. I had a variety of food experiences here, from barbecues at minus 15 degrees (think vodka and hot chocolate, jacket potatoes and tasted marshmallows, grilled sausages and mushrooms), to home-cooked Ladakhi food straight from the owners’ kitchens.

(image courtesy: The Grand Dragon Ladakh)

I loved the little thoughtful touches in my room, such as a lip-balm (a must, must for this dry season), apricot scrub and cream, plates of dry fruits to keep up the energy levels, and parkas for sitting out in the open and for long car journeys. When you are not in the mood for an outing, stay back at the hotel for a steam and sauna session, or get them to arrange for a session with an oracle, where you can ask questions about your future.

In short, the perfect place to base yourself during your winter sojourn to Ladakh, a warm place to come back to at the end of cold, tiring days.

Have you been to Ladakh in winter? If so, what has your experience been? Or would you plan to now, in the future?

Such an Awesome experience with Sheth Group

I went to buy a house try investing with Sheth Group. I had a really good time buying a residential house for my Family. There are not many builders who don’t trouble you and give you the best flat and best deal. I did not pay a single rupee more than what I had promised and I got a flat of my choice at the time I wanted with all the possible facilities.  

MY STORY: This is Why I Can Not Stop Travelling by Indian Trains

The sun was pink and gold as it rose over the plains, getting bigger and bigger as the train sped through the fields. I was standing at the door of Trivandrum Mail, with the morning breeze on my face, watching the silhouettes of coconut trees lighten.

I’ve stood near the doors of countless trains, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend or relative, and each time, it gives me a high that doesn’t quite compare to any other.

I have always romanticized Indian train travels. But nowadays, I constantly meet people who turn up their noses when I mention that I’d prefer trains, and the first thing they ask is how I can stand to use the loos (a valid question, at that). They think I’m crazy that I’d rather spend hours on a train than spend a similar amount of money on a quicker and ‘more comfortable’ mode of transport. I hasten to say that in this world’s lack of time, I find taking a train almost luxurious – it is a true means of escape.

My love for trains might have begun when I was a kid; when we were taken once or twice every year to long-distance train journeys. Of course the window seat was a treat, and if you saw the engine turn while looking out of it, the purpose of the entire trip was served.

Photo Credit: Flickr

But the real affair began when I was in college and regularly travelled in the trains’ general compartment between Chennai and Bangalore. It was then that I started noticing people around me (unavoidable when you’re shoulder to shoulder) and was fascinated by the insight into human behaviour that those train journeys provided.

My college had a railway track passing through the campus. For two years, my hostel room window overlooked the tracks, and my roommates and I soon knew which train to expect at what time, depending on the day of the week. We saw never-ending goods trains (the coaches of which I would count), blue-and-silver trains, red trains, trains with banian ads on them, and lone engines that chugged along. I think it was sometime around then that it actually hit me that there are so many people in India. Never once did we see a train with only a few people in it. They were always packed, with elbows sticking out of windows, people sitting and standing at the doors.

Sometimes, while walking to class, a train would pass by and I would catch someone’s eyes. I could not help but wonder about the stories of these people. So many stories must’ve passed us by; coal from Dhanbad, oil tankers, humble locals and powerful cross-country trains.

Photo Credit: Rajesh Barua/Flickr

Travelling by sleeper class helps one understand the sights, smells and sounds of India and her people. Having open windows is a plus – looking out from behind a rain-stained A/C window doesn’t quite do justice. I also find the lack of privacy on sleeper coaches part amusing, part endearing and part annoying.

A few years ago, exasperated with the unrelenting Great Indian Staring Habit, I took it upon myself to outstare fellow passengers, who would look away only momentarily before resuming the activity. There’s no escape. You’re forced into either making conversation or very consciously avoiding eye contact.

There is a bewildering variety of people on trains whom I keenly observe to collect material for my comics and writing. There’s someone sprawled out with their luggage carelessly dumped all over the place, and then there are others periodically checking their chained bags under the seat. If there’s an uncle talking loudly over the phone, there’s a teenage girl whispering, clutching her bags.

Someone chucks food out of the window (something that makes my blood boil); someone else collects the trash and deposits it in the waste bin. There are tentative smiles that quickly grow into animated chats, there is the sharing of packed food, switching of berths and bonding over chai.

‘Native’ places are discussed, common ground is discovered, and everybody relaxes once the initial ice is broken.

Photo Credit: Flickr

Late comers usually enter with the ‘Which station is this?’ question, addressed to nobody in particular, and responded to by 4-5 people at least. In A/C compartments though, sometimes the curtains are closed and not much exchange takes place.

Being on a train somehow makes me get into long metaphysical conversations with myself – it gives me the time and mental space to think about where I’m going (figuratively).

It’s a zen-like zone to be in.

I once saw a lone farmer in the middle of an enormous field, with a little thatch roof and I suddenly wondered if that made him more Indian than I am. I feel a strong connection with India while I travel by train – perhaps because of the people I meet, the glimpses of seemingly impenetrable acres of land. Perhaps because of the station vendors selling food at the window.

Perhaps it’s because of station names that surprise me every time I find one that I hadn’t heard of before. Perhaps it’s the impulsive and sudden kindness of strangers. Perhaps it’s the rich landscape that ranges from dry deserts to lush green mountains. And perhaps it’s also the reality check and the questions that come with witnessing beautiful fields lead into dirty, trash-strewn town outskirts.

I feel more grounded when I travel by train (I can’t say the same about air travel). Of course there are problems, starting with booking the ticket to having to hurriedly alight with your luggage intact at a two-minute stop. Yes, there is much scope for improvement – a better website, cleaner loos (and a population that is more educated about hygiene), cleaner stations, safety measures, and a plethora of other things.

But the Indian Railways definitely has a charm of its own, one that I find irresistible. And I’m going to keep going back.

Places and Attractions to see in Mumbai

Gateway of India 

By aarosh

One of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 when they were on the way to Delhi. This structure was completed in 1924, some years after the visit of the King and Queen. Ironically this was the place from where the British troops left India when she gained Independence in 1947. This place is always teeming with local and outstation tourists. One will also find photographers approaching tourists to take their photos with the Gateway of India in the background. You will also find vendors selling peanuts, ice creams and other memorabilia. One can take a boat from here to the Elephanta Caves, a cruise in the Arabian Sea or to Alibaug. After the recent Mumbai attacks the police have a check post to search tourists. There is a separate line for ladies which are manned by female constables. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Taj Mahal Hotel

By aarosh

It is situated opposite the Gateway of India. There are 2 hotels here, the colonial styled Taj Mahal Hotel and the modern Taj Intercontinental. One of the stories goes like this: a prominent Parsi industrialist Jamshedji Tata was denied entry to the ‘White’s Only’ Watson’s Hotel. So he decided to build the The Taj in 1903. It is one of the best hotels of India and is an establishment of outstanding elegance and character. During the recent attacks a part of the colonial hotel was set on fire. Now it has been renovated and business is on as usual. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Wellington Fountain

By aarosh

This was built to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Wellington in 1801. Now renamed as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk is surrounded by some classic colonial buildings. These consist of the Majestic Hotel (MLA Hostel), the Art Deco Regal Cinema, Indo Gothic Sailors’ Home (Police Headquarters), Edwardian National Gallery of Modern Art and the Indo-Saracenic Prince of Wales Museum (Chattrapati Shivaji Vastusangralay). Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Colaba Causeway

By avi1010

The path from Regal Cinema extending till Afghan Church Is called Colaba Causeway. This was constructed in 1838 to connect Colaba with the main city. It is now renamed as the Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg. You will find many shops, restaurants, hotels and residential buildings in this stretch. The most famous residential complex is Cusrow Baug which was a predominantly Parsi Colony. One of the famous restaurants is the 1871 established Leopold Café and Bar. This place was also a target during the recent attack on Mumbai. The owners have renovated the café; however they have left the bullets holes from the attacks. Café Mondegar is also one such joint which is frequented by youngsters. Further south is Sassoon Docks which is a wholesale fish market. There is a buzz in this place from early morning when the fishermen sell the fishes, prawns, crabs which they have caught from the seas. The Afghan Church is the end of Colaba. This Neo-Gothic church was built between 1847 and 1858 in memory of the soldiers who died during the First Afghan War. In the garden you will find a memorial for the martyrs. One can also enjoy the sunset from the Mumbai Port Trust Garden. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Kala Ghoda

The region from Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk to Mumbai University is known as Kala Ghoda. A statue of King Edward VII on a horse stood here and hence the name Kala Ghoda (Black Horse). This statue now has been moved to Victoria Garden (Jijamata Udyan – Mumbai Zoo). This region is home to quite a few cafes, restaurants, boutiques and shops and is the hub of cultural activity. There are a few more colonial buildings here. Venetian Gothic Elphinstone College, David Sassoon Library, the Neo-Classical Army and Navy Building, Esplanade Mansion (known as Watson’s Hotel earlier), Old Secretariat, Mumbai University Complex (which also contains the Rajabai Clock Tower) and the High Court.
Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Horniman Circle 

This open area was the market where traders used to buy and sell bales of cotton. This open space was converted to a garden in 1869 and called Elphinstone Circle. It was renamed as Horniman Circle after independence. The annual Kala Ghoda festival is held here during the first week of February every year. This garden is also surrounded by many colonial buildings. The entire circle is surrounded by Neo-Classical buildings having a uniform façade, pedestrian arcade and terracotta keystones. The Neo-Classical Town Hall, the Neo-Gothic Elphinstone Building, the Neo-Classical British Bank of Middle East, Brady House and Readymoney Mansion. On the Western side you will see the city’s oldest church, St. Thomas Cathedral.
Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Flora Fountain

By aarosh

The intersection of Veer Nariman Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Dadabhai Naoroji Road. This fountain was erected in 1869 and it was shipped from England. This area has now been renamed as Hutatma Chowk (Martyr’s Square) due to a Martyrs’ Memorial erected by the Maharashtra Government in 1960. On DN Road are some more colonial buildings like Venetian Neo-Gothic façade JN Petit Institute and Library, Art Deco Vatcha Agiary (Parsi Fire Temple), Indo-Saracenic Times of India Building and the Municipal Corporation Building. You will also find the pedestrian arcade filled with vendors selling clothes, electronic gadgets, books, stamps, coins, leather items etc. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Victoria Terminus

By aarosh

Also known as the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Victoria Terminus is one of the best examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in India. It was named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubileee and was completed in 1888. This building was decorated by local craftsmen and art students. This is now the head quarters of Central Railway catering to over 1200 trains and more than 2 million passengers every day. This is a World Heritage Site. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Crawford Market

By Nasirkhan

Situated towards the North of CST, Crawford Market is a lively market where around 3000 tonnes of fresh daily produce ranging from fruit and flowers to fish can be found. Now renamed as Jyotiba Phule Market. Diagonally across from here you will see Jama Masjid, Mumbadevi Temple (Mumbai is named after this temple) and streets full of markets specializing in different produce. Zaveri Bazaar for jewellery, Mangaldas Market for clothes, Bhuleshwar Market for fruits and vegetables, Lohar Chawl for electrical goods, Chor bazaar (Thief Market) almost any thing under the sun, Mirchi Gully for nuts, dry fruits and spices, Tamba Kanta for kitchenware and CP Tank, Bhuleshwar for bangles and other accessories. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Marine Drive

By Sama

It stretches from NCPA (National Centre for Peforming Arts) to Chowpatty Beach. Well known as the Queen’s Necklace. This stretch is usually crowded through out the day. In the morning and evening joggers and walkers frequent this stretch. It is a good place to watch the procession during Ganesh Visarjan. Chowpatty beach is well known for its snacks like Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Pav Bhaji, Faloodas, Kulfis, Ice Cream and Paan. However it is best not to venture into the waters here. This is also the place where many big Sarvajanik Ganeshostav immerse their Ganesh idols including the famous Lalbaughcha Raja. Nearest Railway Station is Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) for NCPA end or Charni Road on the western line for Chowpatty end.

Malabar Hill 

By snonymous

Home to the rich and Famous in Mumbai. You would find the official residence of the Governor, Chief Minister, cabinet ministers here. It is also home to Kamla Nehru Park and the Hanging Gardens. On the opposite end of the garden the ancient Banganga Tank is located. According to legend Lord Rama stopped here while searching for his wife Sita. He was thirsty and asked Lakshman for some water. Lakshman shot an arrow in the ground and water gushed out. This is said to be a tributary of the Ganges hence the name Banganga (Ganga from the arrows). There is the ancient Walkeshwar Temple also in the neighbourhood. One can also visit the Babulnath temple in this vicinity. Nearest Railway Station is Charni Road on the western line.

Elephanta Caves

By Mega City

As mentioned earlier you can get a ferry to reach here from the Gateway of India. The island where the caves are situated was called Gharapuri. The Portugese called these islands the Elephanta Island after they saw a huge statue of an elephant at the entrance. Now this statue has been moved in the Bhau Daji Lad Museum complex. The caves complex consist of Hindu and Buddhist caves. The most famous statue is the Maheshmurti. One can spend around 3 hours at leisure here. There are also 2 cannons from the British era on the top of a hillock in the islands. There is a toy train which can be availed by the tourists to reach near the base of the climb to the caves. Nearest Railway Station is CST on central line or Churchgate (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk) on western line.

Mahalaxmi Temple

By Lou Wilson

One of the famous temples in Mumbai. It is situated on the Bhulabhai Desai Road. This temple is crowded during Navratri and one has to wait in the queue for quite some time to have a darshan of the Goddess. Nearest Railway Station is Mahalaxmi on western line and Parel on the central line.

Haji Ali Dargah

It is a mosque and tomb, of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, situated in the sea near Mahalaxmi Temple. It is possible to visit this dargah only during low tide when the walkway to the temple is accessible.
Nearest Railway Station is Mahalaxmi on western line and Parel on the central line.

Siddhivinayak Temple

The temple in Mumbai dedicated of Lord Ganesh and is situated in Prabhadevi. Many prominent personalities have visited this temple. It is heavily crowded during Angaraki Chaturthi which is a Sankashti Chaturthi falling on a Tuesday. Devotees walk from far away places to the temple during this day. I have walked twice to this temple from Vashi in Navi Mumbai.
Nearest Railway Station is Dadar on both the lines.

Jijamata Udyan

By snonymous

Also known as the Victoria Garden and Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Victoria & Albert Museum), Jijamata Udyan is the Zoo in Mumbai. There is a huge garden in this area with many different types of trees. The zoo is in a state of disrepair with few animals. There were talks going on to renovate the zoo so that it meets international standards. You will also find the Kala Ghoda statue along with statues of British personalities in this garden. Just outside the garden is the Bhau Daji Lad Museum the first museum in Mumbai established in 1855. This museum houses a large number of archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai, clay models, silver and copper ware and costumes.
Nearest Railway Station is Byculla on the central line.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

By naveenamohanrao

One of the major national parks existing within a metropolis limit in the world. There are many walking trails in this park. There is a Tiger Safari and Lion Safari which can be done by caged mini buses. Kanheri Caves also falls under the jurisdiction of this park. Nearest Railway Station is Borivali on the western line. Get down on the East side.

Juhu Beach

By snonymous

Famous as the place where majority of the Bollywood stars reside. This is beach is frequented by locals and tourist alike. Just like Chowpatty Beach you will find stalls selling Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Pav Bhaji, Kulfis and Ice Creams here. This place is where most of the immersion of Ganesh idols are done from the western suburbs. Nearest Railway Station is Santacruz or Vile Parle on the western line. Get down on the West side.

Bandra Bandstand

Bandra is also called as the Queen of the suburbs. You can spend the evening leisurely at Bandra Bandstand enjoying the sunset. You can also see the fort and the sealink bridge. This place is frequently visited by families in the evenings. Shahrukh Khan's residenece is near by. One can also visit Mount Mary Church. One can reach the church via a small lane right next to Mannat.
Nearest Railway Station is Bandra on western line.

Mani Bhavan

Mani Bhavan is the Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It was from here that Gandhiji initiated the Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat movements. Now this former residence is converted into Gandhi's Museum and Library.
Nearest Railway Station is Grant Road on western line.
NOTE: For bus routes check out go4mumbai.com's Complete List of BEST Bus Stops in Mumbai. Mumbai Suburban Rail Map

My 30 Best Travel Tips After 4 Years Traveling The World

t’s now been 4 years since I sold everything and left the United States to travel the world. These are the best travel tips I’ve discovered along the way.
It all started when I took a one-way flight from Miami to Guatemala City, leaping nervously into the unknown and leaving much of my old life behind while embarking on an epic travel adventure around the world.
It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve learned a lot since I first left. To celebrate my 4 year “travelversary”, I’ve decided to share a collection of my best and most useful travel tips to help inspire you to make travel a priority in your life.
Feel free to share your own best travel tips at the end!

1. Patience Is Important

Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Life is much too short to be angry & annoyed all the time. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be another one. ATMs out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and explore. Sometimes freakouts happen regardless.
Just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.

2. Wake Up Early

Rise at sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to soft diffused light, and usually easier to interact with locals. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; touts, scammers, and criminals sleep in.

READ MORE: 15 Common Travel Scams

Travel Tip: Laugh at Yourself

3. Laugh At Yourself

You will definitely look like a fool many times when traveling to new places. Rather than get embarrassed, laugh at yourself. Don’t be afraid to screw up, and don’t take life so seriously.
Once a whole bus full of Guatemalans laughed with glee when I forced our driver to stop so I could urgently pee on the side of the road. Returning to the bus and laughing with them gave me new friends for the rest of the journey.

4. Stash Extra Cash

Cash is king around the world. To cover your ass in an emergency, make sure to stash some in a few different places. I recommend at least a couple hundred dollars worth. If you lose your wallet, your card stops working, or the ATMs run out of money, you’ll be glad you did.
Some of my favorite stash spots include socks, under shoe inserts, a toiletry bag, around the frame of a backpack, even sewn behind a patch on your bag.

READ MORE: How To Protect Your Money Traveling

Travel Tip: Meet Local People

5. Meet Local People

Make it a point to avoid other travelers from time to time and start conversations with local people. Basic English is spoken widely all over the world, so it’s easier to communicate with them than you might think, especially when you combine hand gestures and body language.
Learn from those who live in the country you’re visiting. People enrich your travels more than sights do.

6. Pack A Scarf

I happen to use a shemagh, but sarongs also work great. This simple piece of cotton cloth is one of my most useful travel accessories with many different practical applications. It’s great for sun protection, a makeshift towel, carrying stuff around, an eye mask, and much more.
I can’t tell you how many times a scarf has come in handy around the world.

Travel Tip: Observe Daily Life

7. Observe Daily Life

If you really want to get a feel for the pulse of a place, I recommend spending a few hours sitting in a park or on a busy street corner by yourself just watching day to day life happen in front of you.
Slow down your thoughts and pay close attention to the details around you. The smells, the colors, human interactions, and sounds. It’s a kind of meditation — and you’ll see stuff you never noticed before.

8. Back Everything Up

When my laptop computer was stolen in Panama, having most of my important documents and photos backed up saved my ass. Keep both digital and physical copies of your passport, visas, driver’s license, birth certificate, health insurance card, serial numbers, and important phone numbers ready to go in case of an emergency.
Backup your files & photos on an external hard drive as well as online with software like Backblaze.

Travel Tip: Take Lots of Photos

9. Take Lots Of Photos

You may only see these places & meet these people once in your lifetime. Remember them forever with plenty of photos. Don’t worry about looking like a “tourist”. Are you traveling to look cool? No one cares. Great photos are the ultimate souvenir.
They don’t cost anything, they’re easy to share with others, and they don’t take up space in your luggage. Just remember once you have your shot to get out from behind the lens and enjoy the view.

10. There’s Always A Way

Nothing is impossible. If you are having trouble going somewhere or doing something, don’t give up. You just haven’t found the best solution or met the right person yet. Don’t listen to those who say it can’t be done.
Perseverance pays off. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told what I want isn’t possible, only to prove it wrong later when I don’t listen to the advice and try anyway.

Travel Tip: Smile & Say Hello

11. Smile & Say Hello

Having trouble interacting with locals? Do people seem unfriendly? Maybe it’s your body language. One of my best travel tips is to make eye contact and smile as you walk by. If they smile back, say hello in the local language too. This is a fast way to make new friends.
You can’t expect everyone to just walk around with a big stupid grin on their face. That’s your job. Usually all it takes is for you to initiate contact and they’ll open up.

12. Splurge A Bit

I’m a huge fan of budget travel, as it allows you to travel longer and actually experience more of the fascinating world we live in rather than waste your hard-earned money on stuff you don’t need. In fact you can travel many places for $50 a day with no problems.
That said, living on a shoestring gets old after a while. It’s nice (and healthy) to go over your budget occasionally. Book a few days at a nice hotel, eat out at a fancy restaurant, or spend a wild night on the town.

Travel Tip: Keep an Open Mind

13. Keep An Open Mind

Don’t judge the lifestyles of others if different from your own. Listen to opinions you don’t agree with. It’s arrogant to assume your views are correct and other people are wrong. Practice empathy and put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Embrace different possibilities, opportunities, people, suggestions and interests. Ask questions. You don’t have to agree, but you may be surprised what you’ll learn.

14. Try Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing.org is a large online community of travelers who share their spare rooms or couches with strangers for free. If you truly want to experience a country and it’s people, staying with a local is the way to go.
There are millions of couchsurfers around the world willing to host you and provide recommendations. It’s fun and safe too. Expensive hotels are not the only option, there are all kinds of cheap travel accommodation options out there.

Travel Tip: Volunteer Occasionally

15. Volunteer Occasionally

Make it a point to volunteer some of your time for worthwhile projects when traveling. Not only is it a very rewarding experience, but you’ll often learn more about the country and its people while also making new friends.
There’s a great site called Grassroots Volunteering where you can search for highly recommended volunteer opportunities around the world.

16. Pack Ear Plugs

This should actually be #1 on the list. I love my earplugs! Muffle the sounds of crying babies, drunk Australians, barking dogs, honking horns, dormitory sex, natural gas salesmen, and more. A traveler’s best friend. These are my favorite earplugs for comfort & effectiveness.

READ MORE: My Complete Travel Gear Guide

Travel Tip: Don’t Be Afraid

17. Don’t Be Afraid

The world is not nearly as dangerous as the media makes it out to be. Keep an eye out for sketchy situations but don’t let that be the focus of your whole trip. Use common sense and you’ll be ok. Most people are friendly, trustworthy, generous, and willing to help you out.
This goes for women too. I realize I’m not a woman, but I’ve met plenty of experienced female travelers who agree.

18. Get Lost On Purpose

If you want to see the parts of town where real people live & work, you need to go visit them. The best way to do this is on foot — without knowing exactly where you’re going. Write down the name of your hotel so you can catch a taxi back if needed, then just pick a direction and start walking.
Don’t worry too much about stumbling into dangerous neighborhoods either, as locals will generally warn you before you get that far.

Travel Tip: Eat Local Food

19. Eat Local Food

Think you already know what Mexican food tastes like? You’re probably wrong. Taste a bit of everything when you travel, especially if you don’t know what it is. Ask local people for recommendations. Eat street food from vendors with big lines out front.
I’ve been very sick only twice in my travels. Don’t be scared of the food.

READ MORE: The Food Traveler’s Handbook

20. Say Yes Often

Be impulsive and say yes when someone randomly invites you to meet their family, try a new activity, or explore a place you didn’t know existed. It’s these unexpected and unplanned situations that add spice to your travels and always turn into the best stories later.
Accept the kindness of strangers when you travel — you’ll have plenty of opportunities.

Travel Tip: Slow Down

21. Slow Down

Please don’t try to cram 6 countries into 6 weeks of travel. All the good stuff happens when you really take the time to explore. You’ll learn about activities that aren’t in your guidebook and meet people who are eager to show you around.
I can honestly say that NONE of my best travel experiences happened within the first few days of arriving somewhere. Spend more time in fewer places for maximum enjoyment.

22. Keep Good Notes

My memory for details sucks. When I first started traveling the world 4 years ago, I didn’t keep a good journal, and now I’m regretting it. Information like the names of people I met, conversations I had, feelings about a new experience, or what a particular town smelled like.
If you ever want to write about your travels, these details are handy. These days I use an incredible note-taking app called Evernote, which I use as my 2nd brain. So useful for all kinds of applications — from planning trips to journaling about them later.

Travel Tip: Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

23. Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Challenge yourself to try things that normally give you anxiety. The more you do this, the more that anxiety will fade away. Not a hiker? Go on more hikes. Have trouble talking to strangers? Talk to everyone. Scared of weird food? Eat the weirdest thing you can find.
The reason this works so well while traveling is because everything is already so different, what’s one more new/uncomfortable experience?

24. Don’t Plan Too Much

I cringe when readers ask how many days they should spend in a particular country or city. The truth is I have no idea what you’ll enjoy or who you’ll meet. I thought I’d rocket through Nicaragua in a week or two, but ended up living there for 4 months.
My advice is to pick a starting point, 1 or 2 must-do activities, and an ending point (or not). Then just let the universe determine the rest.

Travel Tip: Pack Less Stuff

25. Pack Less Stuff

You don’t need 1/2 the gear you think you do to travel anywhere. We’ve all done it. It’s a right of passage for travelers to slowly become better at packing less. My first backpack was 70 liters packed full, my current bag is only 38 liters.
As a full-time vagabond, everything I own fits on my back. If you’re not sure about packing something, you don’t need it. It’s also possible to buy most things at your destination country if you discover you need them.

26. Listen To Podcasts

Podcasts are awesome. It’s like creating your own personal radio station and filling it with shows and music you always want to listen to. I never thought I’d actually look forward to a 10 hour bus ride. But with podcasts, it’s possible (well, as long as the seats are comfortable).
Time will fly by as you listen to incredible storytelling, fun music, or interviews with experts. Here are some of my favorites: This American Life, The Moth, RISK!, Radiolab, Smart Passive Income, and Electro-Swing.

Travel Tip: Treat Your Body Well

27. Treat Your Body Well

Travel can throw your body out of whack. When you’re moving from place to place it’s difficult to maintain a workout routine, and many of us slack off. Or we don’t sleep enough. Or we eat too many cupcakes. I’m guilty of not flossing my teeth.
Remember to be nice to your body. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, eat healthy, use sunscreen, and exercise often (check out this bodyweight routine, no gym required!). And, yes, flossing too I guess.

28. Stay In Touch

Remember to call your family & friends from time to time. Maybe surprise them and go old-school by sending a postcard (it’s in the mail, Mom!). Travel isn’t lonely, far from it. You constantly meet other people. But many of those relationships are fleeting. So maintaining a strong connection with the people who know you best is important.

Travel Tip: Get Off the Beaten Path

29. Get Off The Beaten Path

I know it’s cliché, but you should still attempt it. Seek out interesting and unusual places that don’t see much tourism. Many memorable travel experiences have happened to me in areas that are not easy to visit. By all means travel to popular sites, but don’t rule out other locations just because they’re not on the tourist trail.
Although please realize that just because an area is remote or dangerous doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a life-changing experience.

30. Travel More

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed over the past 4 years, it’s that many people back home love to tell me how lucky I am while making excuses why they can’t travel. It’s too expensive. They can’t get time off work.
Who will feed their pets?
When I suggest solutions to these “problems”, they still don’t take action. Why? Because they’re often hiding behind the true reason: they’re scared.
Unfortunately most people who wait to travel the world never do.
You don’t need to sell all your worldly possessions and become a homeless vagabond like me. Just get out there more than you do now. Start with a weekend in a different state. Then maybe try a week in the country next door.
The new car, remodeling project, and iPhone can wait. If you truly want to travel more, you can make it happen. Career breaks are possible. You have friends who would love to watch your pets.
It’s a big, beautiful, exciting, and fascinating world out there.
Explore some of it now, rather than later. ★

How to Travel the World

Travel The World

Want to know how to travel the world? I’ve put together a huge page full of useful world travel resources that should point you in the right direction.
Learn how I fund my adventures, how to find cheap flights, how to save money for travel, how start a travel blog, and more.

READ NEXT: Useful Budget Travel Resources

What are some of your favorite travel tips?

Thank you Seth Group

If you are someone who is planning to buy a house in Mumbai and do not know which builder to trust, check out all the projects by Sheth Group. Few of my friends have invested with them and recently I also made an Investment for a residential area for my family. My experience of buying my dream house was just amazing and stress free. I now live a luxurious lifestyle thanks to the projects of Sheth Group.

Where to visit in India in November 2016

November is a great month to travel in India, in the west and centre of the country the rains have gone and the weather starts becoming pleasant. It is also peak festival season in India, so there is no shortage of things to see in Incredible India. Here are some suggestions from IMers of places to visit in India in November 2016:

1. Rajasthan

By camelgirl

One of the most popular destinations in India, Rajasthan is always a great place to visit. This November there are a few different fairs that make it well worth a special visit. 

• Pushkar Fair will be held from 9th to 17th November 2013 (according to the Hindu Calendar it commences on Ashtmi, the 8th day of the Lunar calendar, and ends on Purnima or Full Moon in the month of Kartika), A favorite of IMers it is a carnival of everything camel, from camel herders to camel races, Pushkar Fair must be seen to be believed. You can find some great information about Pushkar Fair, including tips on where to stay on the IM forums.
• At the same time as Pushkar Fair is the Kolayat Fair (also known as Kapil Muni Fair) in the district of Bikaner.  There is a cattle fair where you can watch buffaloes, horses and of course cattle being sold, and prizes awarded to the best breeders. The town of Kolayat also has a spiritual lake with 52 ghats where you can take a holy dip. 
• The small town of Bundi hosts Bundi Utsav from 20th to 21st November, or in the month of Kartika according to the Hindu Calendar. It is a fun fair with turban tying competitions, kite flying and a street procession, all adding to the festivities. The town itself is beautiful and well worth passing through, just see FNQ Jen’s account of her visit to Bundi Utsav.

2. Odisha (or Orissa) 

By Mistral

Located on the east coast of India, Odisha is on the tourist trail primarily due to the magnificent Konark Temple, but there is more to see in this gorgeous state. During November there are a couple of festivals that are well worth heading east to Odisha for. Just bear in mind that the region is impacted by the north-east monsoon at this time and Cyclone Phailin has just passed through the region as well, so it is worthwhile checking weather reports before heading to Odisha. If it is fine to go, then do check out these great festivals:

• Puri Beach Festival will be held from 23rd to 27th November this year. It is a celebration of the culture, art, craft, sport and cuisine of Odisha, where you can see classical folk dances, sample local gourmet treats and even participate in creating sand sculptures on the beach. Of course, no beach festival is complete without a bit of beach volleyball either, or perhaps try your hand at Malkhamb (pole gymnastics).
• The Hindu festival of Kartik Purnima is held across India on November 17 (the 15th day of the full moon in the month of Karitka), but the best place to see it is the seaside town of Cuttack in Odisha. Here they celebrate the town's maritime history by floating hundreds of tiny brightly colored boats on the water, that have been created out of a wide range of materials from cork to lace. At the same time is the lively fair of Bali Yatra where people get together and celebrate.

3. Bihar 

Home to Buddha’s famous Bodhi Tree, Bihar is also known for holding one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia. Sonepur Mela will be held for a fortnight after the full moon in the month of Kartika, this year it will start from 18th November in the northern town of Sonepur. The market will come alive with cattle, elephants and almost anything else you can imagine for sale, it is great fun.
If you happen to be in Bihar a bit earlier, also don’t miss seeing Chhath Puja in Patna which will be held on November 8th. Chhath Puja is traditonally held on the 6th day after Diwali in the month of Kartika.

4. Kolkata, West Bengal

Diwali is the largest festival in India, and one of the best places to experience it is Kolkata. Diwali falls 20 days after Dussehra and is on the dark moon or no moon day (called Amavasya) in the month of Kartika.
In West Bengal they see in this Indian holiday at midnight by performing the Kali Puja, which will be held on 3rd November in 2013. You can find out more about Kali Puja in our guide to Diwali 2013.

5. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year, but during November it is lit up for Diwali (held on 3rd November 2013) and then again for Ganga Mahotsav, when thousands of clay lamps are lit and floated down the river. It is a sight not to be missed! Ganga Mahotsav is a festival held on the holy Ganges River from Prabodhani Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima (or full moon) which will be the 14th to 17th November in 2013. As part of the festival there are also different cultural programs including classical music, dance and Vedic hymns.

6. Amritsar, Punjab 

The festival of Bandi (or BandiShor Divas) celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind from prison, and signifies liberation for the Sikh community. It is a great time to visit the Golden Temple, which will be glowing with hundreds of lights and fireworks. This year Bandi, which is traditionally held on new moon day in the month of Ashvin, actually coincides with Diwali on 3rd November due to the positioning of the moon.
Another major Sikh celebration, Guru Nanak Jayanti will be held on 17th November, 2013 as that is the day of the full moon in the month of Kartika. This celebrates the birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Gurpurab and is one of the most important Sikh festivals. Fiski describes it as an ostentatious celebration, where the Golden Temple is lit up and joyous festivities take over Amritsar. You can read about their  memories of Guru Nanak Jayanti on the IM forums.

7. Hampi, Karnataka

The stunning town of Hampi is a favorite of many IMers, and for good reason. Once the capital of Vijayanagara Empire, some of the ruins that are scattered across this town date back to the first century.  There is something for everyone here, marvel at the ancient temples, climb to the top of Anjaneya Hill where Hanuman is believed to have been born or just sit riverside and enjoy the peace and tranquility. November is a great time to visit Hampi, as the weather starts to cool down and the holiday crowds haven’t yet arrived. There was a festival that was held in Hampi from 3rd to 5th November, but it doesn’t seem to have occurred for the past few years, with the main Hampi Utsav now held in January.
If you are visiting, check out our Hampi guide which has everything you need to know about this fascinating town.

8. Darjeeling, Sikkim

With a name synonymous with tea, it is no surprise that Darjeeling hosts a festival in honor of this aromatic leaf. The Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival will be held this year from 23rd November to 3rd December in the town of Teesta. You can try a wide range of brews that are grown locally, and even do some tea-plucking of your own.  There are also a range of other organised activities that you can do whilst you are there, including nature walks and wildlife safaris.

9. Shillong, Meghalaya

By Karmain_19a

One of the most beautiful parts of India, Shillong is located in the North Eastern state of Meghalaya. In November it comes alive with several different festivals. 

• The Autumn Festival will be held from 1st to 3rd November 2013 and showcases many cultural facets of the region. From exhibitions of indigenous fabrics to local music, this festival celebrates both the turn of the seasons and the many tribes of Meghalaya. 
• A couple of weeks later Shillong hosts the Nongkrem Dance Festival, also known as Ka Pomblang Nongkrem.  This is one of the most famous festivals in Meghalaya and commemorates the harvest season, so it is traditionally held once the sowing season has finished. People give thanks for a bountiful harvest and there are prayers, animal sacrifice and of course dance. There are some accounts that indicate the religious festivities go on for five days, but according to the official Meghalaya Tourism site the dance festival goes for just two days. 

10. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Whilst November isn’t the normal tourist season to visit Ladakh, it is still quite possible to go to this region during the winter. Just heed some good advice from fellow IMers about visiting Ladakh in November and you are on your way.
The monastic Chemrey Angchok Festival is traditionally held on the 28th and 29th day of the 9th month of the Tibetan Calendar, which this year is the 30th November to 1st December. It is celebrated in the valley of Changla, about 45 kms from Leh. With Buddhist and Tibetan parades, dance performances and folk artists, the festival acts out Tibetan and Buddhist lore, celebrating the victory of good over evil.

Other Festivals

There are many other festivals held across India during the month of November, so drop a note on the IM Forums if you are searching for something nearby. If you are in Gujarat drop into the Shamlaji or Vautha Fairs, or in God’s Own Country of Kerala there are numerous regional festivals, you can find a schedule of them on the Kerala Tourism website.

Other Things to See and Do in India in November

November sees the beginning of the main wildlife season in India with many of the bird sanctuaries and wildlife parks opening again after the monsoon shutdown. It is a great time to get out in the great outdoors or start planning your next wildlife adventure.