How to Plan for Your Next Travel Adventure (After Covid-19)

While the majority of us are currently being forced to stay at home in lockdown, and many of us have had to cancel our vacations and/or reschedule, so it’s no surprise that we’re feeling a bit blue. However, it’s been proven that planning for the future can boost your mood by a significant amount. What’s more, a recent study found that almost one-quarter of people are currently looking for places to travel to once the restrictions have been lifted. We think this sounds like a grand idea, so have put together of things to keep in mind as you plan for your next travel adventure after Covid-19.

Assess Your Risk Tolerance

Speak to any travel experts, and they’ll tell you that the travel industry will rebound from the pandemic quickly; certainly far quicker than most people currently expect. Despite the challenges currently faced by airlines and cruise companies, it won’t be this way forever. Industry experts like John Lovell, president of the Travel Leaders Group, have pointed out that the travel industry has rebounded quickly from other pandemics, and also from national disasters. While assessing your risk tolerance level is important before booking a trip, we should see some amazing deals to destinations all over the world once this is over. Just make sure to plan smart and take reasonable precautions.

Consider Where to Visit

Covid-19 has impacted countries across the globe, with some reaching the peak earlier than others.  It’s fair to assume that the countries that have already seen a peak in cases will be the ones to see restrictions listed first. So, rather than looking at a trip to Southeast Africa, or Asia, for example, it may be better to consider traveling to somewhere in Europe, or even somewhere in your own country.  Many travelers may prefer to enjoy the safety of home, with road trips and staycations a great option for many. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a warmer climate, though. There’s no reason those living in Seattle, Washington can’t take a long, leisurely road trip down to Florida or Tucson AZ. Just make sure to factor in the time change to your sleeping schedule and have a plan for if you need to return home early.

Focus on Value

It’s likely that there will be a lot of tempting travel deals available once the pandemic is over, but experts suggest looking for those that offer value as opposed to cheap prices. Deals that come with packaged flights and meals included are going to offer much more than a cheap airline ticket.  It’s also best to opt for packages with travel operators that you know and trust. Sales that sound too-good-to-be-true could be coming from those trying to stave off bankruptcy, which could lead to more problems in your future. Financially stable, well-known brands are those you want to travel with.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Finally, travel insurance is important anyway, but it’s going to be even more critical in the aftermath of Covid-19.  A reputable travel insurance policy will cover you if the provider you purchase a trip from goes out of business, or if you need to return home due to something outside of your control. It’s recommended to purchase both your travel insurance and your trip on a credit card, too, if you have one for an added level of protection.

While nobody can travel currently, that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to plan your next adventure.  Just be smart and take precautions, and you’ll soon be jetting off on the trip of a lifetime.

Indian Breakfast

Sampling food around the world can be quite fun. Your may be the adventurer in your heart and not afraid of experimenting with food but remember your stomach may not be in synch with what your heart wants. While travelling it is important to make sure you take in only what suits your metabolism and which doesn’t result in you ending up being sick. Nobody wants that! It’s not that the food at home is always better and healthier than the food you get abroad. It’s just that you are not used to the preparation, the spices and moreover weather too plays its part. Hence to prevent any sort of distress like the commonly known ‘Traveller’s Tummy’ you need to have some background on the food that you are eating and of course common-sense to realize what to eat and what to avoid.

India is diverse not only in its culture but in its cuisines too. From Kashmir to Kanya kumari and Arunachal to Gujarat, there are thousands and thousands of cuisines and varieties available to amuse your taste buds. Take the Indian Breakfast for example; there are abundant options at your disposal. Come walk with me taking in the aromas of a few of the Typical Indian Breakfasts.

Typical Indian Breakfast

Depending on the part of the country you are visiting, the dishes available vary too. If you are on a tour of Northern India you would as a rule find poori sabji, poha and paranthas on the breakfast table among a hoard of others. Paranthas are Indian breads made up of pan frying whole wheat dough and are usually stuffed with boiled, mashed and flavoured potatoes, cauliflower, leafy vegetables or cheese. It is usually served with curd or butter or pickles. Poori, on the other hand, is made up of whole wheat flour or refined whole wheat flour dough rolled in small circles and deep fried in vegetable oil or clarified butter; generally served with potato based curries. Parantha and poori are slightly on the higher end of the calorie scale being oily in nature but are otherwise perfect for chilly mornings of the north accompanied with a hot cup of tea. Poha on the other hand is made up of flattened or beaten rice and good for digestion. For the calorie conscious Poha is definitely a great option. It is also a popular breakfast dish all around India often called by different names. It is healthy and will certainly not be a burden to your weight or digestion.

If it’s the south of India that is your destination then the morning aromas will be that of Idlis, Dosas, among other. The south Indian breakfast in general is healthy and of low calorie. Idlis are savoury cakes made up of steamed fermented black lentils and rice and usually two or three inches in diameter. Teamed with chutney or vegetable stew this is an ideal breakfast on the table. Dosas, on the other hand, are fermented pancakes made from rice batter and black lentils served with Vegetable stew again. It is rich in carbohydrates, contains no sugar or saturated fats and good on the body.

Apart from the dishes staple to the part of India you are visiting, you would also find bread and omelettes as a must on the breakfast table. Various Hotels also serve English breakfast along with Indian. In fact you could even find Italian and other Continental delicacies for breakfast depending on the city you are in and the hotel you are staying in.

Hence, breakfast in India wouldn’t be much of a problem in India. However, keep in mind there would be some dishes which would be high on oil and fat content. Considering it may be hot and humid in India, it is best to avoid those options unless your metabolism is trained for spicy breakfasts. Enjoy your Indian breakfast.

My new children’s book about life in India

I am excited for my new children’s book about India. It is called “Namaste World. I am Diya. My life in India.” This book is about a 6-year-old little girl called Diya who lives in Delhi with her mummy and daddy.

She narrates her life in India to other children. She talks about going to school in an auto rickshaw, going to temples, celebrating festivals and general life in India.

This book introduces Indian culture, religion, animals and other various things about India. Kids learn more when other kids tell them things.

Namaste world I am Diya book

This book is ideal for those who will be travelling to India with their children. It’s also ideal for those parents who wants to introduce multiculturalism to their children.

This book introduces India and Indian way of life to children. Children will begin to appreciate that there are kids just like them in other parts of the world.

Watch my video to learn more.

You can buy my book on all Amazon stores. Just search Amazon for – Namaste World. I am Diya.

USA https://www.amazon.com/Namaste-World-Diya-life-India/dp/B085KR53K1/

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Namaste-World-Diya-life-India/dp/B085KR53K1/

Travel Safety Tips Every Student Should Know

Nothing ruins an adventure than getting defrauded or looted away from home. When traveling abroad, it is imperative that you be extra vigilant not to land in the hands of fraudsters and burglars. This post explores some of the safety precautions you can take as a student traveler.

But before we jump into the meat and potatoes of this topic, have you booked your visa yet? If you haven’t or if you are struggling to satisfy the many visa application requirements, it will help if you book a dummy flight itinerary with a reliable travel agency. Get a fake flight reservation instead of paying for an actual airplane ticket before your visa is approved.

Let’s now look at the travel security and safety considerations for traveling students:

1. Stay sober

Getting too drunk or high when you travel is too risky even for a young college student. Anything can be happening around (or to you) without your knowledge. It is okay to enjoy yourself and explore the local nightlife, but you have to do it responsibly. Always focus on what is happening around you – whether you are in a crowded tourist spot or walking along a street.

Eat healthy meals and drink sufficient water before you drink any alcohol. Keep away from hard drugs so you don’t get in trouble with the authorities. Also, note that most drug dealers are potentially nefarious who could have other ulterior motives. They can mislead, rob, or harm you, if not worse.

Eat healthy when traveling

2. Travel in numbers

The bigger your group is, the more the eyes are on your valuables and the more the bodies are available for self-defense. A group is also a much more intimidating physical presence, which helps ward off thieves. Safety aside, traveling as a group is relatively cheaper compared to solo visits. 

3. Write down emergency info

You are traveling to unknown neighborhoods- You must prepare for the unknown. Get the contact information for the local police, ambulance services, nearest embassy or consulate and other local emergency departments. You never know when a disaster will strike. This information is easily accessible on government websites- You just need to know where to look. 

4. Be vigilant with your money

Keep your finances in check while traveling. Set an emergency fund while traveling in case you run into some trouble and you need to book an earlier ticket home or you need emergency medical attention. You can save tons of cash by leveraging college student discounts when booking tours or accommodation.

Avoid being flashy with money as this can attract thieves and pickpockets. Don’t carry wallets in trouser back pockets- pickpockets mostly target those pockets! If you are backpacking, acquire a backpack that is fitted with small lockable pockets where your money and important documents are 100% inaccessible by pickpockets. Lastly, don’t keep all your money in one pocket.

Be vigilant with your money

5. Stay aware of your surrounding

Thieves, burglars, and pickpockets often target tourists who are distracted or disengaged from their surroundings. Try and blend in with the locals and their culture. Ensure that your appearance is almost similar to that of the local students- don’t look different especially in fashion.

As a student, you can learn a new language faster than older tourists. Learn as much as you can. Also, it will help if you could familiarize yourself with the maps of the host city even before leaving home.

6. Keep your important documents safe

Have photocopies of all your important documents, for example, the student ID, passport, and travel tickets in case of theft or loss. Leave some copies at home so that, if need be, your parents/friend can fax or mail it to you. Keep the others in your suitcase as spare copies. Also, avoid keeping all the important documents in the same wallet, or together with your petty cash. Having to remove the documents in public places every time you want to pay for something is a bit too risky.

In case your documents get stolen, report to the nearest police station as fast as you can. You never know what evils a fraudster will commit with your documents, which could precipitate unwanted legal processes and liabilities.

7. Do your research

Get to know your destination in depth before you arrive. You’re a student- doing your homework isn’t a new thing for you. Read reviews online and consult with local students in the safest neighborhoods. Avoid neighborhoods that have been reviewed to have high incidences of crime.

Conclusion

There are many ways of lowering your vulnerability when on the road. Of greatest importance, be composed, lock up your valuables, don’t mingle too much with strangers, and have a first aid kit in case of injuries.

You are now armed with safety travel tips; it’s time to get out and explore the world. Travel safely.

Amritsar- An Ideal Gateway For The Traveller

The iconic and holistic city of Amritsar was historically known as Ramdaspur. Founded in the year 1574 by Guru Ram Das, it is the chief pilgrimage destination of Sikhs around the world. Popularly known as the ‘Golden City’ after the famous Golden Temple or Harmindar Sahib, the beautiful city portrays the rich culture of Punjab.

Explore the rich culture and sacred places in Amritsar

The glorious city of Amritsar plays a vital role in standardising Punjabi language and folk literature. The city speaks loudly about its chivalric history and number of battles which were fought for its independence. People, here, are highly patriotic and have greatly contributed to the freedom struggle. Gidda and Bhangra are the special folk dance and the popular festivals celebrated here include Vaishakhi, Guru Purab, Hola Mohalla and Basant Panchami. Famous temples of the city include:

• Golden Temple: It is known as the holiest shrine for the Sikhs which signifies sacredness and religious fervour. Despite several demolitions, it was built again by Maharaja Ranjit Singh from pure gold. The centre point is the tank or Amrit Sarovar. The city is named after this tank. The tranquillity of the place is divine which can only be felt.
• Akal Takht: Regarded as the ‘Throne to the Immortal,’ it holds great significance to religious and political history. It was built by the sixth Sikh Guru named Guru Hargobind and was built within the complex of Golden Temple.
• Mata Lal Devi Temple: Popularly known as the Mirror Mahal or Sheesh Mahal of Amritsar, women from all over the country visit here to seek blessings from God to bear a child. The temple is famous for uplifting the fertility rate in women.

Other popular temples worth visiting include Mukteswar Mahadev Temple, Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai, Shri Durgiana Temple, Gurdwara Mata Kaulan and so on.

Historical places of Amristar

 Jallianwala Bagh: Located in the Central Amritsar, it is the living memoir of the drastic tragedy in the Indian history commemorating the biggest massacre of April 1919. On the auspicious day of Baisakhi, 13th April 1919, a public meeting was held where the British open fired killing more than 1000 people without any escape. Bullets mark can be seen until today.

• Wagah Border: Located in GT road between Amristar and Lahore, it is the road border crossing between India and Pakistan. Since 1959, a grand ceremony named lowering of flags is held every evening. Indian and Pakistani soldiers in their uniforms perform an energetic parade which is an astonishing scene.
• Ram Bagh: This is the beautiful garden surrounding the famous summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This is the finest garden separated into different sections by water channels and beautiful fountains on it. One can find rare botanical species like Coniferous trees.
• Partition Museum: this is the first-ever museum revealing the trauma and bloody consequences faced by millions of people during the ruthless partition of India and Pakistan.

Experience shopping and lip-smacking food in Amritsar

One can experience the rich culture in the delicacies of Amritsar. The famous Guru ka Langar served at Gurudwaras, Makki ki roti is eaten with sarso-da-saag, Amritsari kulcha or stuffed pita bread and spicy chole are its few vegetarian delicacies. Well, the versions of Chicken tikka and kebabs are highly delicious. The famous rajma chawal and a Lassi to digest all such heavy stuff should be tried. Grab the handicraft products from the local shopping markets. Embroidered shoes, handcrafted textile products and the local salwar suit for women are few things one should buy here.

Blissful experience at Golden Temple during night

A night at the Golden temple is sure to rejuvenate your soul and mind. Peaceful temple environment, experiencing the hopping of fishes in the Amrit Lake which glimmers brightly due to the golden lights is highly mesmerising. Take a visit to the kitchen where Langar is being prepared. One can enjoy the tasty stuff at a huge hall free of cost. The complete ambience is so charming that you would not like to return.

Famous places to visit in Amritsar

Apart from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border, there are many more places which one should surely visit. These include:

• Hall Bazaar: Hall bazaar has a famous Mughal style gate where one can purchase unique ornaments, handicraft and beautiful readymade clothes, best quality books and many more.
• Khair-ud-din Masjid: This mosque was established by Mohamad Khairuddin and is famous for its unique architectural design. It was this place from where the waging of war against the British was announced by Shah Attaullah Bukhari or Tootie-i-Hind.
• Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree: Considered as the most sacred tree of Amritsar is known as the ‘eradicator of suffering.’ The pond beside the tree is believed to cure a person of their pain.
• Gobindgarh Fort: This is the perfect place to know about the past stories of Punjab. It describes 257 years reign starting from Bhangi Misl era and ending with the Indian Army.
• Bliss Aqua World: The perfect water park to eliminate the scorching heat offers varieties of water rides both for adults and children.

How to reach Amritsar?

The city is well connected with other states through different transportation modes. Amritsar International airport connects it from other Indian states and International cities. Check out the best deals at Air India flight booking online portal. It is well connected with the rest part of India through Northern Railway. Several inter-state buses run daily. However, you can even hire a cab or taxi from Patiala, Delhi, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and many more.

Where to stay in Amritsar?

From luxurious to budget hotels, there are many options for all kinds of people. There are options of 5 star, 4-star hotels and Amritsar resorts who want a luxurious stay. Well, the budgeted hotels are also good to stay without any lack of comfort. Be it the stay, food or places to visit, Amritsar welcomes its visitors with a great heart and in a grandeur way.

Keep Calm and Say WAHEGURU