If you have ever performed a Google search on any other search engine, you can easily find thousands of articles sharing travel tips and tricks as well as travel hacks. Most of these articles tend to share generic tips and tricks that most people already know about. For those who are in search of new and unique travel hacks that they did not know about, this article is for you.
When it comes to planning a trip away, naturally you want to organise the more luxurious and relaxing trip possible. There is no point heading off abroad on your next vacay without spending the time living in luxury and unwinding from the stresses and strains of everyday life. After all, rest, recuperation, and luxury are what travel is all about.
Of course, while you might dream of having the most luxurious trip possible, your bank account may not have the funds to support it. Holidays are meant to relax you, but if you head off abroad on a trip that you can’t afford, you will spend the entirety of your time away focusing on that, which will effectively ruin your trip.
That's why it is important to understand that travelling in style does not have to mean breaking the bank. Believe it or not, it is possible to travel in luxury without breaking the bank, it is just a case of knowing what steps you need to take to make luxury travel more affordable, that's all. In this article, you will learn about travel hacks you didn't know about. Read on to find out more.
If you are a keen traveller, you will know that it is often difficult for the initial idea of what you want from a trip to marry up with the actual reality once you are travelling as a hobby for real. This feeling of disconnect is something which can often be disappointing, but it is just one of those things.
It is likely that you are resolved to it at least a little if you have been travelling for a particularly long time or many times in the past. However that does not mean that you need to just accept it. If you do want to change it, there are actually many things you can do to make it a little better on yourself.
Almost everything about the passenger experience is more negotiable than you might think. There are lots of ways to hack this, especially if you plan to travel frequently. None of them are rocket science, but getting the basics right can make you infinitely happier while traveling.
The truth is that getting what you want out of any travel experience is something you can always achieve, so long as you know what you are doing. In the post, we are going to look at that very process in plenty of detail, so that you can do that on your next trip abroad.
If you follow the tips, you will arrive feeling refreshed and ready to see the world rather than groggy and ready for bed.
No one likes to stand in the long queues at the airport. Unfortunately, most travelers have to go through this ordeal because they don’t invest in TSA PreCheck or sign up for global entry programs. Yes, these programs might cost you some money but they will save you from a lot of hassle too at the airport.
TSA PreCheck is the Transportation Security Administration's risk-based screening program. Signing up requires paying a fee and allowing TSA to verify your status as a low-risk traveler, but the program allows you to expedite security screening every time you fly. That means keeping your shoes on and your laptop packed during screening.
Global Entry has the same benefits and also provides expedited Customs and Border Control screening for international travel. You can quickly pass through airport security and board the plane much faster than other travelers. This means that when they might be standing in the airport security queues, you are comfortably seated in your seat. This can come handy especially when you have to fly for an emergency meeting.
While this may only make sense for those who travel frequently, the best way to save time is, without a doubt, Global Entry. How much of your travel time is spent waiting in the excruciatingly long and slow lines at the airport. Holders of Global Entry receive benefits from their arrival, right up to Customs.
No need to remove laptops, no need to untie shoes, go through customs and immigration. Ah, you can almost hear the collective sigh of relief.
Choose your airline wisely, some are really congested and uncomfortable. Pick an airline that provides frequent service to your home airport(s) and serves the cities you frequently visit. You could also consider what airport terminal they use and their customer service practices. Plan to fly an airline exclusively, even if cheaper fares occasionally pop up elsewhere. Loyalty will save you money in the long run because frequent fliers get all sorts of perks.
Easier cancellations, access to competent customer service, and free food, drinks, and showers in airport lounges are all common benefits.
Your ticket is an amalgamation of a very complex series of codes/fares. Do not assume your ticket is refundable, if you are not sure of your travel plans prepare to shell out more money for a more flexible fare. Do not complain if you need to change or cancel your relatively cheap fare (ticket) and you cannot. Some things are waived for emergent situations such as deaths in the immediate family or medical emergencies.
No matter which airline you fly, join their loyalty program to earn miles. Now that you've committed to an airline, you should maximize its amenities. A frequent flier number is essential, but you may also want to consider credit cards that provide airline points. Many of these cards provide airport lounge access, free checked bags, and other convenient features. The airline takes good care of their frequent flyers. Ask for upgrades, you might get one.
If you search flights online, you will occasionally learn that a specific flight is often delayed by over 30 minutes. Avoid these flights like the plague. The aviation system has its quirks, but Google and other travel websites have enough data to predict some of them.
Are you flying early in the morning? Late at night? During lunch? When you have a super early morning checkout, make sure you’re totally organized so you can leave on a moment’s notice. This makes sleeping easier and if you oversleep, you won’t delay the flight. The airline usually supplies earplugs for walking around on the ramp, use these at night in the hotel room if the damn air conditioner is too loud.
Run a couple of alarms for waking up. Wake up calls fail and alarm clocks get messed up. Cell phones seem to work the best but don’t have as much volume.
If the flight is over 4 hours long, chances are you will be at the airport early or late according to the local time zone. Be sure to plan for that, and identify food options ahead of time. Pack the airport essentials. Make a list that works for you and stick to it.
If this is a large airport you should arrive early. Give yourself at least an hour and 30 minutes. If it’s Monday morning make it 2 hours because of the many business travelers. If it’s around the holidays add an hour to those times. Reach the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled time. You should have time to come back home and again get back to airport if you have forgotten something important.
Keep photos of your passport and visas in your phone. Don’t lose your baggage claim tags or at least take a photo of it.
Don’t waste time standing in lines. One thing an airline is not going to tell you is because you don’t fly often, your not going to get through any line quickly like many of the tier members. Choose your seat at the time of booking to get the best seat. Turbulence is known to be the lowest near the wings of aircraft.
Don’t settle for middle seats, if you haven’t pre-booked the seat, ask for a window or aisle seat politely.
Don’t take seats in front of the emergency exit, they don’t recline.
Make sure you have your ID. That can be a Passport or Driver’s license. When one is traveling internationally, he/she needs to carry either soft copy or hard copy of your flight tickets along with a photo id proof and Passport with a valid VISA for the country he/she is traveling to.
You are dropped off at the Departure Level. You should head for the Check-in Counter if you have bags to check and require a ticket.
If you do have a checked bag, make sure its within the weight and size required by the airline, or you will end up paying extra at the counter. You can find those details on the airline website and probably should have done that the night before, or earlier. Being just a couple pounds over will require you to make adjustments right there at the counter or pay an additional fee. They expect a credit card, not cash.
Confirm your directions to the Gate from the Ticket Agent and head for Security; everyone is required to go through TSA Security. What everyone gets caught with is bottles of liquids, being water bottles, or large bottles of amenity liquids. Make sure you have no weapons in your bag. It happens!
Take your laptop out of the bag and that amenity kit. If you had anything larger you should have checked it because you now will have to give it up. Make sure as you depart the Security area, you have everything, including your ID and Boarding Pass. Here’s the important tip: Once through Security, Look Up for additional directions.
If you become confused, even a little, ask an Agent along the way. If you have arrived early, you have time to grab something to eat, or drink. Speaking of drinks, you can now buy your water or drink and board with it. Take an empty water bottle with you, fill it once you pass the security. Fill up that empty water bottle, use the restroom, and grab food if you need it. Choose green tea over coffee (Coffee won’t let you sleep).
All of these activities will be more cumbersome on the aircraft than in the terminal. Since this is your first trip, you should enjoy taking in the sights and even watching the people. Everyone has to be somewhere and they seem to be going everywhere. At the gate, if they have overhead monitors you can view. If not, you just need to listen up as the Agent will call the Zones or whatever method they use. Keep your seat until your Zone is called.
You know the Agent is going to start the boarding process with those needing extra help or those with strollers, then those that fly often with specific levels.
Demand is consistently high. Inclement weather is a given. Everyone working is grumpy. Just skip this if you can. There is some sneakiness in getting an upgrade but the same trick can also lead to potentially not flying due to overbooking, if you check in later there is potentially room to get upgraded if your class of travel is fully booked AND there is availability in the higher cabin AND you are not dressed like a slob.
Dress comfortably but a bit stylish without looking like a jerk, how you dress can effect how you are treated (i.e. a free upgrade) This particularly decides how you get treated more on middle eastern flights/airlines which are quite pretentious.
If you have a lot of luggage with you, there is a good chance shipping it via Fedex will be cost competitive with a checked bag fee. Carrying baggage on the plane can be great, but aircraft are not designed to accommodate a carry-on for every passenger. Note that you can avoid the aircraft bin space battle via frequent flier status.
Get a luggage scale and a small measuring tape and leave them in your bag for safekeeping. They will come in handy as you pack. Pack most valuable items (whether sentimental value or $$) and electronics in carry on (airlines will not be liable for stolen electronics such as laptops which are checked in) and they tend to compensate on lost items/bags by weight and what was believed to be lost.
If individual items are missing its MORE than likely it was confiscated by government authorities. The added benefit of putting your valuables and electronics in your carry on AND putting the bag under the seat in front of your is you now have access to whatever you need. Buy 4 wheel bags. Don’t keep any sharp objects in your carry-on, security will throw it away, put them in your luggage.
Don’t keep big deodorants in your carry-on, security will throw it away, put them in your luggage. If you need a deodorant, buy the smallest one. Buy a travel wallet to organize passport, boarding passes, currency, etc.
There are restrictions depending on where you are going. Any fresh fruit and produce are usually a problem. Most foods needs to be sealed. The food needs to be one that cannot harbor potential insects that can invade their host country.
Pack snacks and chocolates from home/duty free, don’t buy it from in the aircraft, it’s expensive. Know what you are allowed to bring in and out of the country, do not buy a million cigarettes on duty free and think you will bring them all if there is a restriction in the country you are going to. Pork and alcohol may be issues for Muslim countries, among other things, UAE is very anti voodoo type items.
If you can avoid checking a bag, you will not only be able to bypass all the other types that have to wait for their luggage, but you will pass customs, you can take a taxi before the line arrives, and generally move faster throughout your journey. In addition, lighter suitcase adds to your budget with the money saved on checked baggage fees.
Have everything out of your pockets, take off your belt, sweater, jacket BEFORE you reach screening, come on you know its coming. Shove whatever you can in your carry on bag. Have that laptop or tablet out. The above means wear shoes that slip off easily and maybe better fitting pants. Tag your bags with your name, address and phone number.
If you can not help yourself and you need to check a bag, mark it as "Fragile". This should not only ensure that your bag is handled with care, but also that it occupies a prominent place in the cargo and is first removed from the aircraft, which means that your bag is one of the first bags on the baggage retrieval area.
You should also check the website before leaving to make sure your flight is operating on time and you can see what Gate it is leaving from.
Knowing about possible delays earlier will allow you to adjust your plans as needed. This is a huge help in anticipating weather delays, and the app has equally good or better information than the terminal monitors. Board early if you have a carry-on. This is annoying but necessary. Finding overhead bin space is the most important airport battle worth fighting. If you have a carry-on, be that person who gets in line extra early.
Ideally you've avoided the bag check lines and qualify for expedited security, but the sooner you clear security, the more relaxed you will feel.
Always packed a few snacks and always grab a drink before getting on the plane, just to not bug the steward or stewardess with how thirsty you get. It is IMPERATIVE to your overall health when you fly for a long period of time. Aside from the many known benefits, water helps prevent headaches and combat tiredness. Airplanes are known germ-zones and staying hydrated is staying healthy. The recommended amount is one bottle per hour.
Too much alcohol is not good. Don’t keep sitting for hours, take a trip to restroom even if you don’t want. Pre-order your meals otherwise you won’t get what you want, you will get what is left. Don’t make faces if the person next to you goes to the restroom too much.
Your carry-on luggage will only hold so much, but what you can get into your pockets or wear on your body does not count against any size or weight restrictions. Do not pack jackets, big jumpers, boots or anything else that is heavy - wear them on the plane instead. That way you will be saving space and weight in your case and have another load of clothes and footwear to fall back on when you arrive.
You are on an airport runway not a fashion runway. Opt for leggings, sneakers, a t-shirt, and a warm sweater. Always bring a sweater because most airlines keep the planes cold. Also make sure you’re not wearing only a sweater in case your airline is the exception to this rule. Keep your shoes on! No one wants to smell that.
While going towards your seat, keep an eye on emergency exit, you might need it. If you’re traveling alone and somebody wants to switch seats, do it. Don’t do above mentioned point if you’re getting a non-preferred seat.
If you just have a laptop bag as your carry-on, keep it under the seat in front of you, it will be easy to access and safer than stuffing in the overhead box. Download 5 new games on your device, chances are you will get addicted to at least one of them.
Basically sit back, enjoy whatever entertainment they have. Noise cancelling headphones are very nice if that is your thing, and business class usually provides them. Use that magazine holder and check everywhere around you before you leave the plane to make sure you did not forget anything. Talk to people, you might make friends.
Stop talking if they seem disinterested. Bring your books/novels/kindle. Fully charge your devices and keep the chargers in carry-on. Take some movies of your choice. Set your watch to destination time as soon as you sit in the plane. Then try to sleep and eat accordingly. It helps a lot adjusting to local time.
Don’t stand up immediately after the aircraft stops, stand once the seat in front of you is emptied. Try to be the last on and do not hurry to get off, no reason to be cramped in an airplane longer than necessary and no reason to jump up and be standing the second the airplane touches the ground or the seat belt sign gets turned off, they still have work to do before those doors open.
Your visa actually does not guarantee your entry into the country, their border control still has authority. On that, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival, yes, some countries may deny you entry if it is not.
If you are travelling International, with a change of flight mid-way, to reach your final destination, you need not collect your luggage at the airport where you have to change your flight. If you have one ticket with a change of flight, the agent will check you in for final destination. Which means you collect your baggage at the final destination.
But if you have 2 different tickets, one for airport mid-way and the other from that airport to the final destination, in which case you will have to collect your baggage at the mid-way airport and check in again to your final destination.
If your mid-way airport and the final destination is in the same country, and this involves change of flight mid-way, then you will have to collect your baggage and check in again for the final destination. If a bus is taking you to your aircraft from your gate, be the last to board the bus, you will be the first to get out and board the plane.
There are some awesome hotels that are even RIGHT IN the secure zone of many major airports across the globe… many that are physically connected to the airport itself, and of course, hundreds of thousands of airports that are within a very short mass transit or cab ride. Are you stuck in the airport? Do you have a long layover? Would you like to save money on an airport hotel by sleeping in the airport?
Invest in a GOOD quality eye mask. Not the cheap ones they give away for free from an airline, but one that COMPLETELY blocks out the light and lets your eyes move around to facilitate good REM sleep. A good inflatable seat cushion, could double as a pressure relief pad for your shoulder blades or hips.
Don’t change money at the airports, exchange rates are low. If your flight is delayed and you’re getting hotels and food passes, ask for a better hotel and more food passes, they will give it without a second thought.
If you’re traveling to any destination for the first time, find out the best way to get to your hotel beforehand. Most airports are well connected to public transport and taxis might take more money and time. Don’t forget to ask your hotel if they provide free pickup services or not.
One of the very best hacks for making travel more affordable is to always take advantage of any deals or discounts that you come across. The fact is that when it comes to travelling abroad, if you want to cut costs and travel without breaking the bank, you can find some amazing discount codes online. Take your time looking around for deals and discounts before booking your trip, to ensure that you are getting as much for your money as possible.
Are you wondering on how to get cheap flight? A well-known hack but not one to be overlooked. When it comes to booking a trip and saving money on it you have two options: book extremely early or book super last minute. These are the two times when travel tends to be far cheaper.
By booking last minute you could save up to 80% off the cost of a trip, that is an amazing saving. Of course, last minute booking has its downsides, but if it means you get a luxury trip for a fraction of the price, it is definitely worth it. This doesn't just go for your flights and your accommodation, it also goes for your day trips and the sights and attractions that you want to see while you are travelling.
For instance, say you are desperate to go on a party cruise, booking it in advance could cut the cost. Or, say you are really keen to visit a certain theme park, the earlier you book, the cheaper you should be able to get your tickets for, which is what makes taking the time to book in advance so important.
Don't book a hotel as this will always cost more than booking self-catered accommodation or couchsurfing. Instead, book a rotel hotel, boatels or beautiful villas that comes with its own private garden and pool - what is more luxurious than a private pool? By going down this route, you can significantly cut costs, making your trip far more affordable.
Plus, you won't need to eat in the same hotel every night, you can go out and explore the different restaurant options open to you. Just think, one night you could eat in a seaside restaurant, the next you could be in a themed restaurant. By going self-catered, you allow yourself to really explore the area and enjoy a far more authentic trip.
Luxury travel does not have to be expensive. It is just a case of ensuring that you know what hacks to take advantage of to cut costs and make your trip more affordable. Hopefully, the tips and advice above will help you to do that effectively. Use the in-room electric kettle or coffee-maker to make ramen noodles. Just be nice and wash it afterwards!
Yes, you might have read a lot about packing light and avoid packing too much but no one might have told you how to pack smartly. Start off by accessing your needs. Visualize what activities you will perform when you reach your travel destination.
Once you are clear about what you should take with you and what you should not, it is easier to pack only the essential items and leave out the unnecessary ones. Invest in the right luggage carriers and stay inside the limits of allowed luggage so you don’t have to pay more for additional luggage.
It might sound obvious, but the fact is that you need to actually know what you want first if you are to be able to get it, and this is something which you need to think about long and hard in order to make sure you are really clear on it. Knowing what you want means being able to have a clear image in your head of the kind of experience that you are likely to want to have, and that is something a lot of people struggle with.
If you struggle with that, you might need to spend a little more time on it, which could include some of the things we are about to mention too as a means of getting clearer on that. As long as you know what you want, you are that much more likely to get it, so this is important to remember.
In order to be able to get that clear image of what you want, it helps to know your preferred destinations and activities inside out, and that generally means carrying out lots of research. The more research you carry out, the clearer this will be, and the easier you will find it to put the trip together in just the right way. When researching, be sure to use only those sources which you actually trust.
If using the internet, make sure that you are aware of which are trustworthy sources and which are not. For instance, you will obviously find that Lonely Planet and so on are trustworthy, whereas many other sources are not. As long as your research is qualified by real sources, and you do plenty of it, it will be that much easier to get to know what it is that you really want from your travel experiences.
Which is your favorite travel hack that you use every time you travel? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section below.
When it comes to planning a trip away, naturally you want to organise the more luxurious and relaxing trip possible. There is no point heading off abroad on your next vacay without spending the time living in luxury and unwinding from the stresses and strains of everyday life. After all, rest, recuperation, and luxury are what travel is all about.
Of course, while you might dream of having the most luxurious trip possible, your bank account may not have the funds to support it. Holidays are meant to relax you, but if you head off abroad on a trip that you can’t afford, you will spend the entirety of your time away focusing on that, which will effectively ruin your trip.
That's why it is important to understand that travelling in style does not have to mean breaking the bank. Believe it or not, it is possible to travel in luxury without breaking the bank, it is just a case of knowing what steps you need to take to make luxury travel more affordable, that's all. In this article, you will learn about travel hacks you didn't know about. Read on to find out more.
If you are a keen traveller, you will know that it is often difficult for the initial idea of what you want from a trip to marry up with the actual reality once you are travelling as a hobby for real. This feeling of disconnect is something which can often be disappointing, but it is just one of those things.
It is likely that you are resolved to it at least a little if you have been travelling for a particularly long time or many times in the past. However that does not mean that you need to just accept it. If you do want to change it, there are actually many things you can do to make it a little better on yourself.
Almost everything about the passenger experience is more negotiable than you might think. There are lots of ways to hack this, especially if you plan to travel frequently. None of them are rocket science, but getting the basics right can make you infinitely happier while traveling.
The truth is that getting what you want out of any travel experience is something you can always achieve, so long as you know what you are doing. In the post, we are going to look at that very process in plenty of detail, so that you can do that on your next trip abroad.
If you follow the tips, you will arrive feeling refreshed and ready to see the world rather than groggy and ready for bed.
1. Sign up For TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
No one likes to stand in the long queues at the airport. Unfortunately, most travelers have to go through this ordeal because they don’t invest in TSA PreCheck or sign up for global entry programs. Yes, these programs might cost you some money but they will save you from a lot of hassle too at the airport.
TSA PreCheck is the Transportation Security Administration's risk-based screening program. Signing up requires paying a fee and allowing TSA to verify your status as a low-risk traveler, but the program allows you to expedite security screening every time you fly. That means keeping your shoes on and your laptop packed during screening.
Global Entry has the same benefits and also provides expedited Customs and Border Control screening for international travel. You can quickly pass through airport security and board the plane much faster than other travelers. This means that when they might be standing in the airport security queues, you are comfortably seated in your seat. This can come handy especially when you have to fly for an emergency meeting.
While this may only make sense for those who travel frequently, the best way to save time is, without a doubt, Global Entry. How much of your travel time is spent waiting in the excruciatingly long and slow lines at the airport. Holders of Global Entry receive benefits from their arrival, right up to Customs.
No need to remove laptops, no need to untie shoes, go through customs and immigration. Ah, you can almost hear the collective sigh of relief.
2. Choose your airline wisely
Choose your airline wisely, some are really congested and uncomfortable. Pick an airline that provides frequent service to your home airport(s) and serves the cities you frequently visit. You could also consider what airport terminal they use and their customer service practices. Plan to fly an airline exclusively, even if cheaper fares occasionally pop up elsewhere. Loyalty will save you money in the long run because frequent fliers get all sorts of perks.
Easier cancellations, access to competent customer service, and free food, drinks, and showers in airport lounges are all common benefits.
3. Air fares
Your ticket is an amalgamation of a very complex series of codes/fares. Do not assume your ticket is refundable, if you are not sure of your travel plans prepare to shell out more money for a more flexible fare. Do not complain if you need to change or cancel your relatively cheap fare (ticket) and you cannot. Some things are waived for emergent situations such as deaths in the immediate family or medical emergencies.
4. Sign up for frequent flyer programs
No matter which airline you fly, join their loyalty program to earn miles. Now that you've committed to an airline, you should maximize its amenities. A frequent flier number is essential, but you may also want to consider credit cards that provide airline points. Many of these cards provide airport lounge access, free checked bags, and other convenient features. The airline takes good care of their frequent flyers. Ask for upgrades, you might get one.
5. Avoid flights with consistent delays
If you search flights online, you will occasionally learn that a specific flight is often delayed by over 30 minutes. Avoid these flights like the plague. The aviation system has its quirks, but Google and other travel websites have enough data to predict some of them.
6. Consider arrival and departure times
Are you flying early in the morning? Late at night? During lunch? When you have a super early morning checkout, make sure you’re totally organized so you can leave on a moment’s notice. This makes sleeping easier and if you oversleep, you won’t delay the flight. The airline usually supplies earplugs for walking around on the ramp, use these at night in the hotel room if the damn air conditioner is too loud.
Run a couple of alarms for waking up. Wake up calls fail and alarm clocks get messed up. Cell phones seem to work the best but don’t have as much volume.
If the flight is over 4 hours long, chances are you will be at the airport early or late according to the local time zone. Be sure to plan for that, and identify food options ahead of time. Pack the airport essentials. Make a list that works for you and stick to it.
If this is a large airport you should arrive early. Give yourself at least an hour and 30 minutes. If it’s Monday morning make it 2 hours because of the many business travelers. If it’s around the holidays add an hour to those times. Reach the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled time. You should have time to come back home and again get back to airport if you have forgotten something important.
Keep photos of your passport and visas in your phone. Don’t lose your baggage claim tags or at least take a photo of it.
7. Check-in online
Don’t waste time standing in lines. One thing an airline is not going to tell you is because you don’t fly often, your not going to get through any line quickly like many of the tier members. Choose your seat at the time of booking to get the best seat. Turbulence is known to be the lowest near the wings of aircraft.
Don’t settle for middle seats, if you haven’t pre-booked the seat, ask for a window or aisle seat politely.
Don’t take seats in front of the emergency exit, they don’t recline.
Make sure you have your ID. That can be a Passport or Driver’s license. When one is traveling internationally, he/she needs to carry either soft copy or hard copy of your flight tickets along with a photo id proof and Passport with a valid VISA for the country he/she is traveling to.
You are dropped off at the Departure Level. You should head for the Check-in Counter if you have bags to check and require a ticket.
If you do have a checked bag, make sure its within the weight and size required by the airline, or you will end up paying extra at the counter. You can find those details on the airline website and probably should have done that the night before, or earlier. Being just a couple pounds over will require you to make adjustments right there at the counter or pay an additional fee. They expect a credit card, not cash.
Confirm your directions to the Gate from the Ticket Agent and head for Security; everyone is required to go through TSA Security. What everyone gets caught with is bottles of liquids, being water bottles, or large bottles of amenity liquids. Make sure you have no weapons in your bag. It happens!
Take your laptop out of the bag and that amenity kit. If you had anything larger you should have checked it because you now will have to give it up. Make sure as you depart the Security area, you have everything, including your ID and Boarding Pass. Here’s the important tip: Once through Security, Look Up for additional directions.
If you become confused, even a little, ask an Agent along the way. If you have arrived early, you have time to grab something to eat, or drink. Speaking of drinks, you can now buy your water or drink and board with it. Take an empty water bottle with you, fill it once you pass the security. Fill up that empty water bottle, use the restroom, and grab food if you need it. Choose green tea over coffee (Coffee won’t let you sleep).
All of these activities will be more cumbersome on the aircraft than in the terminal. Since this is your first trip, you should enjoy taking in the sights and even watching the people. Everyone has to be somewhere and they seem to be going everywhere. At the gate, if they have overhead monitors you can view. If not, you just need to listen up as the Agent will call the Zones or whatever method they use. Keep your seat until your Zone is called.
You know the Agent is going to start the boarding process with those needing extra help or those with strollers, then those that fly often with specific levels.
8. Don't fly the day before festivals
Demand is consistently high. Inclement weather is a given. Everyone working is grumpy. Just skip this if you can. There is some sneakiness in getting an upgrade but the same trick can also lead to potentially not flying due to overbooking, if you check in later there is potentially room to get upgraded if your class of travel is fully booked AND there is availability in the higher cabin AND you are not dressed like a slob.
Dress comfortably but a bit stylish without looking like a jerk, how you dress can effect how you are treated (i.e. a free upgrade) This particularly decides how you get treated more on middle eastern flights/airlines which are quite pretentious.
9. Pack light and ship the rest
If you have a lot of luggage with you, there is a good chance shipping it via Fedex will be cost competitive with a checked bag fee. Carrying baggage on the plane can be great, but aircraft are not designed to accommodate a carry-on for every passenger. Note that you can avoid the aircraft bin space battle via frequent flier status.
Get a luggage scale and a small measuring tape and leave them in your bag for safekeeping. They will come in handy as you pack. Pack most valuable items (whether sentimental value or $$) and electronics in carry on (airlines will not be liable for stolen electronics such as laptops which are checked in) and they tend to compensate on lost items/bags by weight and what was believed to be lost.
If individual items are missing its MORE than likely it was confiscated by government authorities. The added benefit of putting your valuables and electronics in your carry on AND putting the bag under the seat in front of your is you now have access to whatever you need. Buy 4 wheel bags. Don’t keep any sharp objects in your carry-on, security will throw it away, put them in your luggage.
Don’t keep big deodorants in your carry-on, security will throw it away, put them in your luggage. If you need a deodorant, buy the smallest one. Buy a travel wallet to organize passport, boarding passes, currency, etc.
10. Pack food in checked luggage on a flight
There are restrictions depending on where you are going. Any fresh fruit and produce are usually a problem. Most foods needs to be sealed. The food needs to be one that cannot harbor potential insects that can invade their host country.
11. Duty free
Pack snacks and chocolates from home/duty free, don’t buy it from in the aircraft, it’s expensive. Know what you are allowed to bring in and out of the country, do not buy a million cigarettes on duty free and think you will bring them all if there is a restriction in the country you are going to. Pork and alcohol may be issues for Muslim countries, among other things, UAE is very anti voodoo type items.
12. Try not to check a bag
If you can avoid checking a bag, you will not only be able to bypass all the other types that have to wait for their luggage, but you will pass customs, you can take a taxi before the line arrives, and generally move faster throughout your journey. In addition, lighter suitcase adds to your budget with the money saved on checked baggage fees.
Have everything out of your pockets, take off your belt, sweater, jacket BEFORE you reach screening, come on you know its coming. Shove whatever you can in your carry on bag. Have that laptop or tablet out. The above means wear shoes that slip off easily and maybe better fitting pants. Tag your bags with your name, address and phone number.
13. Mark your checked baggage as fragile
If you can not help yourself and you need to check a bag, mark it as "Fragile". This should not only ensure that your bag is handled with care, but also that it occupies a prominent place in the cargo and is first removed from the aircraft, which means that your bag is one of the first bags on the baggage retrieval area.
14. Check your flight status
You should also check the website before leaving to make sure your flight is operating on time and you can see what Gate it is leaving from.
Knowing about possible delays earlier will allow you to adjust your plans as needed. This is a huge help in anticipating weather delays, and the app has equally good or better information than the terminal monitors. Board early if you have a carry-on. This is annoying but necessary. Finding overhead bin space is the most important airport battle worth fighting. If you have a carry-on, be that person who gets in line extra early.
Ideally you've avoided the bag check lines and qualify for expedited security, but the sooner you clear security, the more relaxed you will feel.
15. Drink a lot of water
Always packed a few snacks and always grab a drink before getting on the plane, just to not bug the steward or stewardess with how thirsty you get. It is IMPERATIVE to your overall health when you fly for a long period of time. Aside from the many known benefits, water helps prevent headaches and combat tiredness. Airplanes are known germ-zones and staying hydrated is staying healthy. The recommended amount is one bottle per hour.
Too much alcohol is not good. Don’t keep sitting for hours, take a trip to restroom even if you don’t want. Pre-order your meals otherwise you won’t get what you want, you will get what is left. Don’t make faces if the person next to you goes to the restroom too much.
16. Dress 'heavy' on planes
Your carry-on luggage will only hold so much, but what you can get into your pockets or wear on your body does not count against any size or weight restrictions. Do not pack jackets, big jumpers, boots or anything else that is heavy - wear them on the plane instead. That way you will be saving space and weight in your case and have another load of clothes and footwear to fall back on when you arrive.
You are on an airport runway not a fashion runway. Opt for leggings, sneakers, a t-shirt, and a warm sweater. Always bring a sweater because most airlines keep the planes cold. Also make sure you’re not wearing only a sweater in case your airline is the exception to this rule. Keep your shoes on! No one wants to smell that.
While going towards your seat, keep an eye on emergency exit, you might need it. If you’re traveling alone and somebody wants to switch seats, do it. Don’t do above mentioned point if you’re getting a non-preferred seat.
17. Entertainment
If you just have a laptop bag as your carry-on, keep it under the seat in front of you, it will be easy to access and safer than stuffing in the overhead box. Download 5 new games on your device, chances are you will get addicted to at least one of them.
Basically sit back, enjoy whatever entertainment they have. Noise cancelling headphones are very nice if that is your thing, and business class usually provides them. Use that magazine holder and check everywhere around you before you leave the plane to make sure you did not forget anything. Talk to people, you might make friends.
Stop talking if they seem disinterested. Bring your books/novels/kindle. Fully charge your devices and keep the chargers in carry-on. Take some movies of your choice. Set your watch to destination time as soon as you sit in the plane. Then try to sleep and eat accordingly. It helps a lot adjusting to local time.
18. Do not hurry to get off
Don’t stand up immediately after the aircraft stops, stand once the seat in front of you is emptied. Try to be the last on and do not hurry to get off, no reason to be cramped in an airplane longer than necessary and no reason to jump up and be standing the second the airplane touches the ground or the seat belt sign gets turned off, they still have work to do before those doors open.
19. Visa
Your visa actually does not guarantee your entry into the country, their border control still has authority. On that, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival, yes, some countries may deny you entry if it is not.
20. Pick up luggage on a connecting flight
If you are travelling International, with a change of flight mid-way, to reach your final destination, you need not collect your luggage at the airport where you have to change your flight. If you have one ticket with a change of flight, the agent will check you in for final destination. Which means you collect your baggage at the final destination.
But if you have 2 different tickets, one for airport mid-way and the other from that airport to the final destination, in which case you will have to collect your baggage at the mid-way airport and check in again to your final destination.
If your mid-way airport and the final destination is in the same country, and this involves change of flight mid-way, then you will have to collect your baggage and check in again for the final destination. If a bus is taking you to your aircraft from your gate, be the last to board the bus, you will be the first to get out and board the plane.
21. Layover is overnight in an airport
There are some awesome hotels that are even RIGHT IN the secure zone of many major airports across the globe… many that are physically connected to the airport itself, and of course, hundreds of thousands of airports that are within a very short mass transit or cab ride. Are you stuck in the airport? Do you have a long layover? Would you like to save money on an airport hotel by sleeping in the airport?
Invest in a GOOD quality eye mask. Not the cheap ones they give away for free from an airline, but one that COMPLETELY blocks out the light and lets your eyes move around to facilitate good REM sleep. A good inflatable seat cushion, could double as a pressure relief pad for your shoulder blades or hips.
Don’t change money at the airports, exchange rates are low. If your flight is delayed and you’re getting hotels and food passes, ask for a better hotel and more food passes, they will give it without a second thought.
If you’re traveling to any destination for the first time, find out the best way to get to your hotel beforehand. Most airports are well connected to public transport and taxis might take more money and time. Don’t forget to ask your hotel if they provide free pickup services or not.
22. Take advantage of deals and discounts
One of the very best hacks for making travel more affordable is to always take advantage of any deals or discounts that you come across. The fact is that when it comes to travelling abroad, if you want to cut costs and travel without breaking the bank, you can find some amazing discount codes online. Take your time looking around for deals and discounts before booking your trip, to ensure that you are getting as much for your money as possible.
23. Book early or super last minute
Are you wondering on how to get cheap flight? A well-known hack but not one to be overlooked. When it comes to booking a trip and saving money on it you have two options: book extremely early or book super last minute. These are the two times when travel tends to be far cheaper.
By booking last minute you could save up to 80% off the cost of a trip, that is an amazing saving. Of course, last minute booking has its downsides, but if it means you get a luxury trip for a fraction of the price, it is definitely worth it. This doesn't just go for your flights and your accommodation, it also goes for your day trips and the sights and attractions that you want to see while you are travelling.
For instance, say you are desperate to go on a party cruise, booking it in advance could cut the cost. Or, say you are really keen to visit a certain theme park, the earlier you book, the cheaper you should be able to get your tickets for, which is what makes taking the time to book in advance so important.
24. Go self-catered
Don't book a hotel as this will always cost more than booking self-catered accommodation or couchsurfing. Instead, book a rotel hotel, boatels or beautiful villas that comes with its own private garden and pool - what is more luxurious than a private pool? By going down this route, you can significantly cut costs, making your trip far more affordable.
Plus, you won't need to eat in the same hotel every night, you can go out and explore the different restaurant options open to you. Just think, one night you could eat in a seaside restaurant, the next you could be in a themed restaurant. By going self-catered, you allow yourself to really explore the area and enjoy a far more authentic trip.
Luxury travel does not have to be expensive. It is just a case of ensuring that you know what hacks to take advantage of to cut costs and make your trip more affordable. Hopefully, the tips and advice above will help you to do that effectively. Use the in-room electric kettle or coffee-maker to make ramen noodles. Just be nice and wash it afterwards!
25. Pack Smartly
Yes, you might have read a lot about packing light and avoid packing too much but no one might have told you how to pack smartly. Start off by accessing your needs. Visualize what activities you will perform when you reach your travel destination.
Once you are clear about what you should take with you and what you should not, it is easier to pack only the essential items and leave out the unnecessary ones. Invest in the right luggage carriers and stay inside the limits of allowed luggage so you don’t have to pay more for additional luggage.
26. Knowing What You Want
It might sound obvious, but the fact is that you need to actually know what you want first if you are to be able to get it, and this is something which you need to think about long and hard in order to make sure you are really clear on it. Knowing what you want means being able to have a clear image in your head of the kind of experience that you are likely to want to have, and that is something a lot of people struggle with.
If you struggle with that, you might need to spend a little more time on it, which could include some of the things we are about to mention too as a means of getting clearer on that. As long as you know what you want, you are that much more likely to get it, so this is important to remember.
27. Research
In order to be able to get that clear image of what you want, it helps to know your preferred destinations and activities inside out, and that generally means carrying out lots of research. The more research you carry out, the clearer this will be, and the easier you will find it to put the trip together in just the right way. When researching, be sure to use only those sources which you actually trust.
If using the internet, make sure that you are aware of which are trustworthy sources and which are not. For instance, you will obviously find that Lonely Planet and so on are trustworthy, whereas many other sources are not. As long as your research is qualified by real sources, and you do plenty of it, it will be that much easier to get to know what it is that you really want from your travel experiences.
Which is your favorite travel hack that you use every time you travel? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section below.
Honestly, the best cakes are simple and don't need no piping bag. OK, so first you have your cake. Or two cakes, if you want to do layers. So first you make the buttercream. You will need icing sugar, butter and a little milk. So the amount of butter is always half the amount of icing sugar. So if you use 500 g icing sugar, add 250 g butter and maybe a little milk to make it spreadable.
Add food colouring, if you want. Make sure it is nice and fluffy. From here, the possibilities are endless. If you are sandwiching cakes together, you know what to do - spread some icing then place a layer on top carefully. If you want, you can add fruit. But you don't have to. You could keep going. Get a spatula/offset spatula/smooth knife and slap the icing onto the sponge, the top and sides.
This will be a 'crumb coat' - it will catch all the crumbs in the cake. You could just leave it and call it a 'naked cake'. Just add some fresh fruit, then. Or if you want to do full coverage, leave it in the fridge to set. Then grab your spatula thingy again. Smooth some more icing on the cake - be very generous, you can always take away icing. Dipping your spatula in hot water every so often makes it easier to spread the icing.
Or, if you can't get it perfect, do a rugged coating. Now add whatever you want. Fruit always looks beautiful. You can use chocolate shavings/shards, nuts, sweets, candles or sprinkles. If the buttercream goes really wrong, just cover it in a ton of sprinkles.
We'll show you how to make chocolate ganache using only chocolate and water. OK, so first get some dark chocolate and break it into little bits. And then boil some water, and pour it into the chocolate. The mixture should be 4 parts chocolate and one part boiling water. Then mix, like, really fast. Don't worry, the chocolate won't seize or do anything weird. Instead, it will be all shiny and chocolatey.
Then get your plain cake and pour it all over. Or drizzle a little. Dump a whole lot of fruit on top of a ganache.
If you are passionate about Indian food, it is always a good time to be seduced by its flavors and spices. But if there is a time par excellence to enjoy and live the Indian cuisine is this. So do not miss the opportunity, take ideas and get ready to enjoy a true banquet and immerse yourself a little more in the culture:
With green curry rice, it is an ideal dish that demonstrates without doubt the abundance of spices of traditional Indian cuisine like cilantro, cardamom, coriander, ginger, basil. But do not be intimidated by the long list of ingredients, as the preparation is very simple. And the result is worth it! In addition, once you have taken the trick to spices you can prepare many other recipes with chicken as a protagonist in Indian cuisine. Dare to try them all!
While the traditional cuisine of our country bets for tasting the lamb almost in its purest form, the biryani widens its possibilities and reveals the flavors that can be extracted from its meat leaving it to slowly marinate in spices. Next to him, the aroma of basmati rice puts the soft and subtle touch to an intense dish full of flavor.
If you're fed up with so much meat and prefer a different flavor with a touch of the sea, Basmati rice with red curry and prawns with honey is the ideal dish. A recipe full of contrasts, made for daring palates and where spicy, sweet and salty combine perfectly. Do you dare to try it?
Naan is a flat bread, typical not only of India but also of countries like Iran or Bangladesh. It is traditionally prepared in the tandoor oven, cylindrical and with charcoal, but you can also make it in the electric oven at home or even in a frying pan. The recipe varies from one to another, but basically you will need 300 grams of white flour, 10 grams of baker's yeast, 100 milliliters of milk, a yogurt and a little salt.
What to do with that? Mix and knead everything well, let it stand and grow in a bowl greased with oil until it doubles its size and then cut it into flat and oval portions of about 60 grams. As a finishing touch, you can paint the bread with ghee or melted butter.
Preheat the oven to about 230 degrees, and let it cook for 10 minutes. As you can see it is very simple and besides being a great accompaniment to any dish, it goes very well with different fillings, like nuts and raisins or potatoes.
Banana Puri or kele ki puri are fried banana based sweets. If you think that the banana cannot be used for delicious and irresistible recipes, you must read our 10 best recipes with bananas. This fruit is generally eaten raw but, with a little skill in the kitchen, it can be cooked together with other ingredients to prepare delicious recipes.
Peel and crush a banana, add a cup and a half of sugar, almond powder, a tablespoon of ghee, salt and cardamom, then mix well. Add 5 cups flour and knead for 5 minutes until you get a soft dough that you leave to rest for about 2 hours. After two hours, spread the dough well and with a biscuit mold or simply with a glass to make the shape of your puri. At this point, fry in hot oil and cook (turning them from time to time) until they are browned.
In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 chopped onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add 2 lb chicken cut into 1" pieces and sear until no pink remains, 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
Add 1 tsp each of paprika, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin and cook until very fragrant, 1 minute. Add 2 crushed tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, and season with salt and ground pepper. Simmer until chicken pieces are cooked through and tender, about 10 minutes.
Serve over rice or with naan, garnished with cilantro.
Wash the paneer very gently and cut into any shape you like. Make sure the pieces have good width because if you cut them thin, they will get dissolve in gravy. Take 2 large onions and 8 to 9 cashews and grind them into a fine paste. Make a fine paste of tomatoes. You can take 3 big tomatoes and add 2 green chilies in it.
Take a pan and pour some oil in it. Add some cumin, ginger garlic paste and finally add onion paste in it. Saute it well, until the oil gets to start to release from onions. Add Tomato puree and sauté it well until oil starts releasing. Now add all spices into gravy including salt, red chili powder, Kashmiri powder (for color), coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric, kasoori methi, and 2 cups butter.
Turn the gas at low flame, add 6 tbsp of cream or fresh homemade cream and one cup of milk. Mix it well. Add the paneer into gravy and gently mix it. Switch off the gas and garnish it with fresh coriander. Your delicious and tasty Shahi Paneer is ready to eat. You can enjoy this with parantha, chapati, rice or naan.
One of the main dishes of Navratri and Diwali is the kele ke chips. Banana chips are a genuine and delicious snack that will accompany your afternoons and those of your children. A festive dish, cheerful and definitely out of the norm to enjoy those bananas that never mature. And if you need an appetizer instead of a snack Why not try kele ki sabji, all made with banana!
Peel 5 unripe bananas and immerse them in cold water for about 10 minutes. Slice the bananas into thin slices. Dry the washers with the kitchen paper. Sprinkle with chilli powder and pinch of turmeric, making sure that all are flavored properly. At this point, separate them one by one and let them rest on a tray for 1-2 hours, making sure they can dry out a little.
Heat the frying oil. Fry the washers for about two minutes, or until they have a golden color and look crisp. Place them on kitchen paper to dry the oil and sprinkle with salt. Serve with a fresh drink.
Do you want an aromatic dessert, delicious and different from the usual? We recommend the preparation of the banana cheesecake. The classic combination is with chocolate, as a filling of a cake or a crepe, but also goes well with fresh cheeses such as ricotta, to create soft dough. If you love experimenting, bananas are also perfect for making original versions of famous sweets, like tiramisu.
Chop the vegetables like onions, tomatoes into cubes or slices. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add the vegetables, dry fruits like cashew or groundnuts. Once the veggies are overdone, add cooked rice and fry. Season with salt and add two teaspoons of garam masala and pepper.
What all you need is paneer, onion, bread, ketchup, salt, coriander, red pepper, and butter. Take a pan and add finely chopped onions to the paneer. Add salt, red pepper, coriander and ketchup to the mixture and keep it aside. Take the bread and cut its crusts from all the edges. Roll out the bread with the assistance of a belan to make it as thin as potential. Add the mixture to the bread and switch it into a roll.
Take a skillet and add butter and cook the roll until it turns crisp golden brown.
What you need is mashed potatoes, finely chopped onions, pepper, coriander, salt, bread, and butter. Place the mashed potatoes on a bowl and add onions, coriander, pepper and salt. Take a slice of bread and butter that. Add the mixture to that and top it with another slice of bread. Heat butter in a pan and place the bread and cook until it turns golden brown.
This is basically stewed rice, curd, salt, mustard seeds, and butter. Add curd to the stewed rice followed by salt. Heat butter in the pan adds mustard seeds to that. When the mustard seeds begin to pop add it to the curd-rice mixture. Combine well and eat.
One doesn’t need an oven for making Gobhi Musallam (whole cauliflower). You just need a kadahi (wok) large enough to hold the whole cauliflower, and a lid to cover it. Remove the thick stem of the cauliflower and clean between the florets. Wash and dry the cauliflower. Put oil/ghee in the kadahi and fry the cauliflower top and the bottom till you get the aroma. Drain the oil and remove the cauliflower.
Prepare the gravy as per the recipe. Put in the cauliflower topside down first., making sure gravy fills into the spaces between florets. Allow to cook on low heat for 10 min., then carefully flip the cauliflower. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 min. (The underside needs longer to cook). Switch off heat. Uncover and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves and thinly julienned fresh ginger.
Add 250 grams all-purpose flour, 50 gm sour curd, salt to taste, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a bowl and mix well. Gradually add 150 ml water to the flour and knead soft dough. Cover the dough and keep it aside for about an hour so that some yeast gets added to it.
During this, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pressure cooker and then add 2 teaspoons cumin seeds and 5 bay leaves to it. Also, add 4 chopped onion and 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste to it and fry it on medium heat until golden brown.
When the onions are roasted then add 3 chopped tomatoes and 2 green chilies cut into long pieces and cook them till the tomatoes become soft. Also add 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, salt as per taste, 250 grams of soaked chickpeas, and 350 ml water and mix well.
Now close the lid of the cooker and let it cook till 5 whistles come. Let the pressure cooker cool down automatically and then open the cooker and add hot spices and green coriander to it. Delicious chickpeas are ready.
Make a dough of 2-inch size with the refined flour. Then place the oil in a pan to heat it and apply some oil on the dough and roll it into a size of about 6 inches. Now fry it on both sides.
Take 2 liters of milk and bring it to boil by stirring continuously for around 10 minutes at high flame. After 10 minutes let it boil at low to medium flame. Keep stirring continuously till it reduces to to approximately to 1/3rd it's amount. In the end add sugar, elaichi and saffron. As it cools down it becomes more thicker.
Take one cup of sugar and two cups of water and boil then together till sugar dissolves and keep aside. In another pan take one cup ghee and one cup wheat flour and fry the wheat flour in in ghee till it changes it's colour to light brown. As wheat flour turns light brown add the sugar solution in it and cook till it turns dark brown.
It is believed that Shahi Tukda recipe was invented by a way of using unused bread in nineteenth-century mogul kitchens. The delicious combination of milk and honey, infused with saffron, makes this dessert extraordinary.
Another variety of milk pudding prepared during the holidays, especially Eid and Ramzan. The best is served in mitti ke kasore or in mud pots. A delicious dessert, traditionally made on occasions like Eid, Diwali, etc.
First wash and cut the palak leaves properly. Then boil the spinach. Take a pressure cooker and on high flame, boil the water. Put the palak leaves in boiled water. In the meantime, heat a pan and put 2 spoons of oil. Add 1 spoon cumin seeds. Add 2 spoon chopped garlic. Cook them on high flame.
Add 1 cup of chopped onion and cook till it turns golden brown. Add salt as preferred. Add 1 spoon red pepper. Add half spoon turmeric. Add 1 spoon cumin powder. Mix all the spices well. Now add 2 chopped tomatoes. Add chopped ginger and chopped green chilies. Stir it. If the masala starts sticking to the pan, add little water to it. Cover it for 5 minutes and let it cook for 5 minutes.
Till then, take out the boiled spinach and add the cold water. Then drain all the cold water out. Now, blend the boiled palak in the blender. And keep it aside. By the time, your masala will be ready. Remover the cover from the pan and add chunks of paneer to it. Mix it well. Now add the blended palak into it. Mix it again with spatula. It will become super creamy without even using extra oil or butter.
Add cream. You can grind the leftover paneer and little milk to make a paste. Add this mixture to the palak paneer. Lastly, add dry Kasuri methi and black pepper and garam masala too. Your Punjabi palak paneer recipe is ready to serve.
Now to make the filtrate (called Decoction), mix coffee powder with an additive called Chicory. The exact proportions vary according to taste and you may want to try different ratios to find what you prefer the most. Add about 4-5 tablespoonfuls of this mixture to the upper container and flatten it down with the back of the spoon (some filters come with a flattener). Ensure that there is at least an inch of space at the top for adding water.
Add boiling hot water over the mixture, right till the very top. Close the lid. Wait for 5 minutes and add some more water. Close it again. Let the decoction form overnight. To make the coffee, pour boiling milk into a steel tumbler and add decoction to it till your coffee achieves the required strength. Add sugar as per your preference.
Your coffee is ready and you can have it straightaway. Or you can do one more step and get a complete experience. You need to froth it. Hold the tumbler (with the coffee) in one hand and the bowl in the other and start pouring from the tumbler into the bowl. Keep increasing the height you pour it from as it flows. Repeat this a few times till you get the desired frothiness. Pour it all back into the tumbler and consume.
Make this Dahi chicken on your family get togather or in weekend lunch and impress all with your culinary skills. Take a large bowl, then add 200 gm fresh curd, 500 gm chicken, and 1 chopped onion. Marinate the chicken pieces along with 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder, and 1 tbsp oil and salt.
Once the chicken pieces are properly marinated, keep them aside for 1 hours so that the flavours are well-absorbed by the chicken pieces.
Then, take a pan and add 2 tbsp oil in it and heat it over medium flame. Once the oil became hot add onions and saute till they become light pinkish in colour. Once the onions get transparent, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 10 minutes. Put the lid on and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Finally add chopped coriander leaves and 4 small chopped chilies and garam masala powder. Serve it with rice or roti.
The main thing that is needed to make restaurant style paneer at home is a very high flame which is there in restaurants or the alternate option is to use a very thin layered utensil and using at normal high flame. Cut the paneer in to cubes, add some salt, red chilli powder and then add cornflour and apply on all cubes properly.
Fry the paneer cubes until golden brown and keep aside.
Cut onion, capsicum in to small pieces. Add oil in a pan and heat at high flame, add ginger garlic paste, green chillies and stir well. Add onion and capsicum and let it cook at high flame for 2–3 minutes. Add soya sauce, little ketchup and little Schezwan sauce in it and mix well. Add the fried paneer and mix at high flame and cook well. Your chilli paneer restaurant style is ready.
Remove the seeds from a watermelon, pass in through a vegetable mill. For every litre of juice add 100 grams of sugar, 80 of cornstarch and a cinnamon stick. Bring it to a boil while stirring. Let it cool down and add chocolate chips.
Separate the eggs into egg whites and yolks. Beat the egg whites into a stiff meringue. Melt the chocolate and keep it warm. Beat the yolks with the butter and sugar and cook over a double boiler until they are tempered - hot but still liquid. Add in the chocolate. Mix. Then fold in the meringue. Chill for several hours.
Try it and it will win you over your mother-in-law!
Add food colouring, if you want. Make sure it is nice and fluffy. From here, the possibilities are endless. If you are sandwiching cakes together, you know what to do - spread some icing then place a layer on top carefully. If you want, you can add fruit. But you don't have to. You could keep going. Get a spatula/offset spatula/smooth knife and slap the icing onto the sponge, the top and sides.
This will be a 'crumb coat' - it will catch all the crumbs in the cake. You could just leave it and call it a 'naked cake'. Just add some fresh fruit, then. Or if you want to do full coverage, leave it in the fridge to set. Then grab your spatula thingy again. Smooth some more icing on the cake - be very generous, you can always take away icing. Dipping your spatula in hot water every so often makes it easier to spread the icing.
Or, if you can't get it perfect, do a rugged coating. Now add whatever you want. Fruit always looks beautiful. You can use chocolate shavings/shards, nuts, sweets, candles or sprinkles. If the buttercream goes really wrong, just cover it in a ton of sprinkles.
We'll show you how to make chocolate ganache using only chocolate and water. OK, so first get some dark chocolate and break it into little bits. And then boil some water, and pour it into the chocolate. The mixture should be 4 parts chocolate and one part boiling water. Then mix, like, really fast. Don't worry, the chocolate won't seize or do anything weird. Instead, it will be all shiny and chocolatey.
Then get your plain cake and pour it all over. Or drizzle a little. Dump a whole lot of fruit on top of a ganache.
If you are passionate about Indian food, it is always a good time to be seduced by its flavors and spices. But if there is a time par excellence to enjoy and live the Indian cuisine is this. So do not miss the opportunity, take ideas and get ready to enjoy a true banquet and immerse yourself a little more in the culture:
1. Chicken Tikka Masala
With green curry rice, it is an ideal dish that demonstrates without doubt the abundance of spices of traditional Indian cuisine like cilantro, cardamom, coriander, ginger, basil. But do not be intimidated by the long list of ingredients, as the preparation is very simple. And the result is worth it! In addition, once you have taken the trick to spices you can prepare many other recipes with chicken as a protagonist in Indian cuisine. Dare to try them all!
2. Biryani
While the traditional cuisine of our country bets for tasting the lamb almost in its purest form, the biryani widens its possibilities and reveals the flavors that can be extracted from its meat leaving it to slowly marinate in spices. Next to him, the aroma of basmati rice puts the soft and subtle touch to an intense dish full of flavor.
If you're fed up with so much meat and prefer a different flavor with a touch of the sea, Basmati rice with red curry and prawns with honey is the ideal dish. A recipe full of contrasts, made for daring palates and where spicy, sweet and salty combine perfectly. Do you dare to try it?
3. Naan
Naan is a flat bread, typical not only of India but also of countries like Iran or Bangladesh. It is traditionally prepared in the tandoor oven, cylindrical and with charcoal, but you can also make it in the electric oven at home or even in a frying pan. The recipe varies from one to another, but basically you will need 300 grams of white flour, 10 grams of baker's yeast, 100 milliliters of milk, a yogurt and a little salt.
What to do with that? Mix and knead everything well, let it stand and grow in a bowl greased with oil until it doubles its size and then cut it into flat and oval portions of about 60 grams. As a finishing touch, you can paint the bread with ghee or melted butter.
Preheat the oven to about 230 degrees, and let it cook for 10 minutes. As you can see it is very simple and besides being a great accompaniment to any dish, it goes very well with different fillings, like nuts and raisins or potatoes.
4. Banana Puri
Banana Puri or kele ki puri are fried banana based sweets. If you think that the banana cannot be used for delicious and irresistible recipes, you must read our 10 best recipes with bananas. This fruit is generally eaten raw but, with a little skill in the kitchen, it can be cooked together with other ingredients to prepare delicious recipes.
Peel and crush a banana, add a cup and a half of sugar, almond powder, a tablespoon of ghee, salt and cardamom, then mix well. Add 5 cups flour and knead for 5 minutes until you get a soft dough that you leave to rest for about 2 hours. After two hours, spread the dough well and with a biscuit mold or simply with a glass to make the shape of your puri. At this point, fry in hot oil and cook (turning them from time to time) until they are browned.
5. Chicken Curry
In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 chopped onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add 2 lb chicken cut into 1" pieces and sear until no pink remains, 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
Add 1 tsp each of paprika, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin and cook until very fragrant, 1 minute. Add 2 crushed tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, and season with salt and ground pepper. Simmer until chicken pieces are cooked through and tender, about 10 minutes.
Serve over rice or with naan, garnished with cilantro.
6. Shahi Paneer
Wash the paneer very gently and cut into any shape you like. Make sure the pieces have good width because if you cut them thin, they will get dissolve in gravy. Take 2 large onions and 8 to 9 cashews and grind them into a fine paste. Make a fine paste of tomatoes. You can take 3 big tomatoes and add 2 green chilies in it.
Take a pan and pour some oil in it. Add some cumin, ginger garlic paste and finally add onion paste in it. Saute it well, until the oil gets to start to release from onions. Add Tomato puree and sauté it well until oil starts releasing. Now add all spices into gravy including salt, red chili powder, Kashmiri powder (for color), coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric, kasoori methi, and 2 cups butter.
Turn the gas at low flame, add 6 tbsp of cream or fresh homemade cream and one cup of milk. Mix it well. Add the paneer into gravy and gently mix it. Switch off the gas and garnish it with fresh coriander. Your delicious and tasty Shahi Paneer is ready to eat. You can enjoy this with parantha, chapati, rice or naan.
7. Kele ke chips
One of the main dishes of Navratri and Diwali is the kele ke chips. Banana chips are a genuine and delicious snack that will accompany your afternoons and those of your children. A festive dish, cheerful and definitely out of the norm to enjoy those bananas that never mature. And if you need an appetizer instead of a snack Why not try kele ki sabji, all made with banana!
Peel 5 unripe bananas and immerse them in cold water for about 10 minutes. Slice the bananas into thin slices. Dry the washers with the kitchen paper. Sprinkle with chilli powder and pinch of turmeric, making sure that all are flavored properly. At this point, separate them one by one and let them rest on a tray for 1-2 hours, making sure they can dry out a little.
Heat the frying oil. Fry the washers for about two minutes, or until they have a golden color and look crisp. Place them on kitchen paper to dry the oil and sprinkle with salt. Serve with a fresh drink.
7. Banana cheesecake
Do you want an aromatic dessert, delicious and different from the usual? We recommend the preparation of the banana cheesecake. The classic combination is with chocolate, as a filling of a cake or a crepe, but also goes well with fresh cheeses such as ricotta, to create soft dough. If you love experimenting, bananas are also perfect for making original versions of famous sweets, like tiramisu.
8. Quick Pulao
Chop the vegetables like onions, tomatoes into cubes or slices. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add the vegetables, dry fruits like cashew or groundnuts. Once the veggies are overdone, add cooked rice and fry. Season with salt and add two teaspoons of garam masala and pepper.
9. Bread Paneer Roll
What all you need is paneer, onion, bread, ketchup, salt, coriander, red pepper, and butter. Take a pan and add finely chopped onions to the paneer. Add salt, red pepper, coriander and ketchup to the mixture and keep it aside. Take the bread and cut its crusts from all the edges. Roll out the bread with the assistance of a belan to make it as thin as potential. Add the mixture to the bread and switch it into a roll.
Take a skillet and add butter and cook the roll until it turns crisp golden brown.
10. Aloo sandwich
What you need is mashed potatoes, finely chopped onions, pepper, coriander, salt, bread, and butter. Place the mashed potatoes on a bowl and add onions, coriander, pepper and salt. Take a slice of bread and butter that. Add the mixture to that and top it with another slice of bread. Heat butter in a pan and place the bread and cook until it turns golden brown.
11. Curd rice
This is basically stewed rice, curd, salt, mustard seeds, and butter. Add curd to the stewed rice followed by salt. Heat butter in the pan adds mustard seeds to that. When the mustard seeds begin to pop add it to the curd-rice mixture. Combine well and eat.
12. Gobi Musallam
One doesn’t need an oven for making Gobhi Musallam (whole cauliflower). You just need a kadahi (wok) large enough to hold the whole cauliflower, and a lid to cover it. Remove the thick stem of the cauliflower and clean between the florets. Wash and dry the cauliflower. Put oil/ghee in the kadahi and fry the cauliflower top and the bottom till you get the aroma. Drain the oil and remove the cauliflower.
Prepare the gravy as per the recipe. Put in the cauliflower topside down first., making sure gravy fills into the spaces between florets. Allow to cook on low heat for 10 min., then carefully flip the cauliflower. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 min. (The underside needs longer to cook). Switch off heat. Uncover and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves and thinly julienned fresh ginger.
13. Chole Bhature
Add 250 grams all-purpose flour, 50 gm sour curd, salt to taste, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a bowl and mix well. Gradually add 150 ml water to the flour and knead soft dough. Cover the dough and keep it aside for about an hour so that some yeast gets added to it.
During this, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pressure cooker and then add 2 teaspoons cumin seeds and 5 bay leaves to it. Also, add 4 chopped onion and 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste to it and fry it on medium heat until golden brown.
When the onions are roasted then add 3 chopped tomatoes and 2 green chilies cut into long pieces and cook them till the tomatoes become soft. Also add 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, salt as per taste, 250 grams of soaked chickpeas, and 350 ml water and mix well.
Now close the lid of the cooker and let it cook till 5 whistles come. Let the pressure cooker cool down automatically and then open the cooker and add hot spices and green coriander to it. Delicious chickpeas are ready.
Make a dough of 2-inch size with the refined flour. Then place the oil in a pan to heat it and apply some oil on the dough and roll it into a size of about 6 inches. Now fry it on both sides.
14. Rabri
Take 2 liters of milk and bring it to boil by stirring continuously for around 10 minutes at high flame. After 10 minutes let it boil at low to medium flame. Keep stirring continuously till it reduces to to approximately to 1/3rd it's amount. In the end add sugar, elaichi and saffron. As it cools down it becomes more thicker.
15. Kada prasad
Take one cup of sugar and two cups of water and boil then together till sugar dissolves and keep aside. In another pan take one cup ghee and one cup wheat flour and fry the wheat flour in in ghee till it changes it's colour to light brown. As wheat flour turns light brown add the sugar solution in it and cook till it turns dark brown.
16. Shahi Tukda
It is believed that Shahi Tukda recipe was invented by a way of using unused bread in nineteenth-century mogul kitchens. The delicious combination of milk and honey, infused with saffron, makes this dessert extraordinary.
17. Phirni
Another variety of milk pudding prepared during the holidays, especially Eid and Ramzan. The best is served in mitti ke kasore or in mud pots. A delicious dessert, traditionally made on occasions like Eid, Diwali, etc.
18. Palak paneer
First wash and cut the palak leaves properly. Then boil the spinach. Take a pressure cooker and on high flame, boil the water. Put the palak leaves in boiled water. In the meantime, heat a pan and put 2 spoons of oil. Add 1 spoon cumin seeds. Add 2 spoon chopped garlic. Cook them on high flame.
Add 1 cup of chopped onion and cook till it turns golden brown. Add salt as preferred. Add 1 spoon red pepper. Add half spoon turmeric. Add 1 spoon cumin powder. Mix all the spices well. Now add 2 chopped tomatoes. Add chopped ginger and chopped green chilies. Stir it. If the masala starts sticking to the pan, add little water to it. Cover it for 5 minutes and let it cook for 5 minutes.
Till then, take out the boiled spinach and add the cold water. Then drain all the cold water out. Now, blend the boiled palak in the blender. And keep it aside. By the time, your masala will be ready. Remover the cover from the pan and add chunks of paneer to it. Mix it well. Now add the blended palak into it. Mix it again with spatula. It will become super creamy without even using extra oil or butter.
Add cream. You can grind the leftover paneer and little milk to make a paste. Add this mixture to the palak paneer. Lastly, add dry Kasuri methi and black pepper and garam masala too. Your Punjabi palak paneer recipe is ready to serve.
19. South Indian filter coffee
Now to make the filtrate (called Decoction), mix coffee powder with an additive called Chicory. The exact proportions vary according to taste and you may want to try different ratios to find what you prefer the most. Add about 4-5 tablespoonfuls of this mixture to the upper container and flatten it down with the back of the spoon (some filters come with a flattener). Ensure that there is at least an inch of space at the top for adding water.
Add boiling hot water over the mixture, right till the very top. Close the lid. Wait for 5 minutes and add some more water. Close it again. Let the decoction form overnight. To make the coffee, pour boiling milk into a steel tumbler and add decoction to it till your coffee achieves the required strength. Add sugar as per your preference.
Your coffee is ready and you can have it straightaway. Or you can do one more step and get a complete experience. You need to froth it. Hold the tumbler (with the coffee) in one hand and the bowl in the other and start pouring from the tumbler into the bowl. Keep increasing the height you pour it from as it flows. Repeat this a few times till you get the desired frothiness. Pour it all back into the tumbler and consume.
20. Dahi Chicken
Make this Dahi chicken on your family get togather or in weekend lunch and impress all with your culinary skills. Take a large bowl, then add 200 gm fresh curd, 500 gm chicken, and 1 chopped onion. Marinate the chicken pieces along with 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder, and 1 tbsp oil and salt.
Once the chicken pieces are properly marinated, keep them aside for 1 hours so that the flavours are well-absorbed by the chicken pieces.
Then, take a pan and add 2 tbsp oil in it and heat it over medium flame. Once the oil became hot add onions and saute till they become light pinkish in colour. Once the onions get transparent, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 10 minutes. Put the lid on and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Finally add chopped coriander leaves and 4 small chopped chilies and garam masala powder. Serve it with rice or roti.
21. Chilli Paneer
The main thing that is needed to make restaurant style paneer at home is a very high flame which is there in restaurants or the alternate option is to use a very thin layered utensil and using at normal high flame. Cut the paneer in to cubes, add some salt, red chilli powder and then add cornflour and apply on all cubes properly.
Fry the paneer cubes until golden brown and keep aside.
Cut onion, capsicum in to small pieces. Add oil in a pan and heat at high flame, add ginger garlic paste, green chillies and stir well. Add onion and capsicum and let it cook at high flame for 2–3 minutes. Add soya sauce, little ketchup and little Schezwan sauce in it and mix well. Add the fried paneer and mix at high flame and cook well. Your chilli paneer restaurant style is ready.
22. Watermelon Jelly
Remove the seeds from a watermelon, pass in through a vegetable mill. For every litre of juice add 100 grams of sugar, 80 of cornstarch and a cinnamon stick. Bring it to a boil while stirring. Let it cool down and add chocolate chips.
23. Chocolate Mousse
Separate the eggs into egg whites and yolks. Beat the egg whites into a stiff meringue. Melt the chocolate and keep it warm. Beat the yolks with the butter and sugar and cook over a double boiler until they are tempered - hot but still liquid. Add in the chocolate. Mix. Then fold in the meringue. Chill for several hours.
Try it and it will win you over your mother-in-law!
If India is the destination choice for your wedding, you will be fascinated. A private beach, a magical town or a place in the middle of nature can be authentic paradises to put an engagement ring in their lives. But also the setting of a special wedding. In the photo albums of destination weddings couples with happy faces always appear when they hear their thoughts of love, promised with their modern wedding dresses and guests having a great time.
Destination weddings are fashionable for being an extraordinary and very pleasant experience for lovers and their loved ones. They are framed in places with wonderful scenery, become intimate celebrations and translate into an unforgettable holiday in which everyone will celebrate the love of a couple.
In addition, for the couple it can be a two in one, since they can take advantage of the displacement to not make another trip and have their honeymoon there. If this is the case, do not forget to pack, along with the dress and the wedding dress, a cocktail dress, a swimsuit or camping boots, according to your destination. Here are some offbeat and unique destination wedding venues and resorts.
Want a dreamy wedding among the clouds or on a sandy beach but do not live near either? Well, you can always have it with a destination wedding! In India, the land of diversity (be it in scenic locations, cuisine, language or culture), you can choose any location to your advantage. And your guests won't ever forget how you blew their minds away in the exotic Indian weddings.
We have included some extra tips to keep your epicurean guests happy. So taking it from the top, we start our list of exotic wedding locations with the crown jewel of the country.
When you are in Kashmir, you realise how rightly it is called the heaven on earth. And hosting a wedding here gives you the opportunity to let its scenic beauty add to your own beautiful Indian destination wedding.
Planning a wedding in Kashmir:
It is the little things that matter, from the Shikaras in Dal Lake to the famous Pashminas. Add these flavours with local wedding vendors - be it getting fresh flowers from the flowers markets on Nageen Lake or having a pre-wedding photoshoot with background of Gulmarg. Make sure you include the mouth-watering mutton delicacies like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Kabargah, Rista and Gostaba.
We can vouch for the fact that your guests would not be able to forget the essence of your destination wedding for years to come.
Imagine having a luxe wedding but right in the middle of the jungle. Sounds fun and adventurous? Then the Jim Corbett National Park may be the destination for you.
Planning a wedding in Jim Corbett National Park:
Book a luxurious wildlife resort and add the local Pahadi elements and Kumaoni wedding rituals to your wedding. Even a rustic wedding at the national park gets a whole new meaning. You never know, you might even get the wild animals to attend your late night events. And the cuisine? Get your resort to serve a customised Pahadi menu with Gahat ki Dal and Sisunak Saag while including sides like Kumaoni Raita and Bhang ki Chutney.
If a palace wedding is your dream wedding, then host one at https://www.travtasy.com/2019/06/places-to-visit-in-udaipur-things-to-do.html. The majestic palaces which overlook lakes, will bring a regal charm to your wedding.
Planning a wedding in Udaipur:
Plan a royal wedding, even with Rajwadi tones. If you feel up to it, you can even have the bridal entry in a palanquin and feel like the queen of the world. There is more to this land than its majestic gems. Host your reception under the starry night and prepare for the gastronomical ride that is authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Do not believe us? Find it for yourself.
Even Gordon Ramsay could not resist the charm of the Rajasthani goat curry and Laal Maas. Include as many vegetarian and non-vegetarian gourmet options as you can. Trust us, your guests will thank you for it.
If you love the tropical sun and live to party like there’s no tomorrow, then Goa is the right place for you. If you want your wedding to be a mini-vacation then Goa is the absolute right choice for you. If you want to get married regally in a fort by the sea, then Goa it is. So if you want a perfect beach wedding in Goa, here are the things you need to keep in mind.
Lets make it easy for you, hire a wedding planner and ask them to plan a phenomenal beach wedding in Goa. Trust us, you will be amazed at what all a Goa wedding can encapsulate.
Planning a wedding in Goa:
This place offers it all - from the fun, lively shacks and markets of North Goa for a bachelorette party to the serene churches of South Goa for the holy ceremony. For your bachelorette (or Bachelors party), opt for bar hopping or beach hopping. Include the local cashew-based drink Feni in your wedding reception menu. And you cannot miss Konkani must-haves like Vindaloo with Poee bread or Goan prawn curry.
As you start to walk down the aisle on a secluded isle, you realise how perfect those few moments are! This magic will shine through your beach wedding in Havelock Island, if you choose the Andaman & Nicobar islands as your wedding destination.
Planning a wedding in the islands:
As the islands are sparse in population, it is perfect for an intimate wedding. You can get all the arrangements done at your beach resort. Host pre-wedding parties for your guests to relax before the big blast at the main ceremony. Surprise the food palette of your guests with Andamans steamed garlic prawns, grilled lobsters and other seafood variety specific to the islands.
Surrounded by scintillating tea plantations, Munnar can be the perfect, exotic location for your destination wedding in God's own country (away from the conventional backwaters).
Planning a wedding in Munnar:
Your wedding can reflect the local culture in the attire, decor, food and more. You can have the music of traditional Chenda to sanctify the ceremony, have Kathakali dancers entertain your guests and have your bridesmaids and groomsmen dressed in white silk sarees and Mundu respectively. You can also arrange for a tea tasting spree for your guests at the local tea estates or drive up and down the winding picturesque roads.
Get local chefs to introduce you to flavours and aromas of the Western Ghats with recipes like duck curry, beef fry and fish masala with breads like appam and malabar paratha for the reception ceremony.
Now that you know how to make sure your foodie guests are always elated, it is time to plan everything according to a set budget. What better way to get the best prices than take the help of the locals! Hire a local wedding planner or have a local friend help you out with the entire process. Hope that your destination wedding becomes a night to remember!
Destination weddings are fashionable for being an extraordinary and very pleasant experience for lovers and their loved ones. They are framed in places with wonderful scenery, become intimate celebrations and translate into an unforgettable holiday in which everyone will celebrate the love of a couple.
In addition, for the couple it can be a two in one, since they can take advantage of the displacement to not make another trip and have their honeymoon there. If this is the case, do not forget to pack, along with the dress and the wedding dress, a cocktail dress, a swimsuit or camping boots, according to your destination. Here are some offbeat and unique destination wedding venues and resorts.
Want a dreamy wedding among the clouds or on a sandy beach but do not live near either? Well, you can always have it with a destination wedding! In India, the land of diversity (be it in scenic locations, cuisine, language or culture), you can choose any location to your advantage. And your guests won't ever forget how you blew their minds away in the exotic Indian weddings.
We have included some extra tips to keep your epicurean guests happy. So taking it from the top, we start our list of exotic wedding locations with the crown jewel of the country.
1. Srinagar, Kashmir
When you are in Kashmir, you realise how rightly it is called the heaven on earth. And hosting a wedding here gives you the opportunity to let its scenic beauty add to your own beautiful Indian destination wedding.
Planning a wedding in Kashmir:
It is the little things that matter, from the Shikaras in Dal Lake to the famous Pashminas. Add these flavours with local wedding vendors - be it getting fresh flowers from the flowers markets on Nageen Lake or having a pre-wedding photoshoot with background of Gulmarg. Make sure you include the mouth-watering mutton delicacies like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Kabargah, Rista and Gostaba.
We can vouch for the fact that your guests would not be able to forget the essence of your destination wedding for years to come.
2. Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand
Imagine having a luxe wedding but right in the middle of the jungle. Sounds fun and adventurous? Then the Jim Corbett National Park may be the destination for you.
Planning a wedding in Jim Corbett National Park:
Book a luxurious wildlife resort and add the local Pahadi elements and Kumaoni wedding rituals to your wedding. Even a rustic wedding at the national park gets a whole new meaning. You never know, you might even get the wild animals to attend your late night events. And the cuisine? Get your resort to serve a customised Pahadi menu with Gahat ki Dal and Sisunak Saag while including sides like Kumaoni Raita and Bhang ki Chutney.
3. Udaipur, Rajasthan
If a palace wedding is your dream wedding, then host one at https://www.travtasy.com/2019/06/places-to-visit-in-udaipur-things-to-do.html. The majestic palaces which overlook lakes, will bring a regal charm to your wedding.
Planning a wedding in Udaipur:
Plan a royal wedding, even with Rajwadi tones. If you feel up to it, you can even have the bridal entry in a palanquin and feel like the queen of the world. There is more to this land than its majestic gems. Host your reception under the starry night and prepare for the gastronomical ride that is authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Do not believe us? Find it for yourself.
Even Gordon Ramsay could not resist the charm of the Rajasthani goat curry and Laal Maas. Include as many vegetarian and non-vegetarian gourmet options as you can. Trust us, your guests will thank you for it.
4. Goa
If you love the tropical sun and live to party like there’s no tomorrow, then Goa is the right place for you. If you want your wedding to be a mini-vacation then Goa is the absolute right choice for you. If you want to get married regally in a fort by the sea, then Goa it is. So if you want a perfect beach wedding in Goa, here are the things you need to keep in mind.
Lets make it easy for you, hire a wedding planner and ask them to plan a phenomenal beach wedding in Goa. Trust us, you will be amazed at what all a Goa wedding can encapsulate.
Planning a wedding in Goa:
This place offers it all - from the fun, lively shacks and markets of North Goa for a bachelorette party to the serene churches of South Goa for the holy ceremony. For your bachelorette (or Bachelors party), opt for bar hopping or beach hopping. Include the local cashew-based drink Feni in your wedding reception menu. And you cannot miss Konkani must-haves like Vindaloo with Poee bread or Goan prawn curry.
5. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
As you start to walk down the aisle on a secluded isle, you realise how perfect those few moments are! This magic will shine through your beach wedding in Havelock Island, if you choose the Andaman & Nicobar islands as your wedding destination.
Planning a wedding in the islands:
As the islands are sparse in population, it is perfect for an intimate wedding. You can get all the arrangements done at your beach resort. Host pre-wedding parties for your guests to relax before the big blast at the main ceremony. Surprise the food palette of your guests with Andamans steamed garlic prawns, grilled lobsters and other seafood variety specific to the islands.
6. Munnar, Kerala
Surrounded by scintillating tea plantations, Munnar can be the perfect, exotic location for your destination wedding in God's own country (away from the conventional backwaters).
Planning a wedding in Munnar:
Your wedding can reflect the local culture in the attire, decor, food and more. You can have the music of traditional Chenda to sanctify the ceremony, have Kathakali dancers entertain your guests and have your bridesmaids and groomsmen dressed in white silk sarees and Mundu respectively. You can also arrange for a tea tasting spree for your guests at the local tea estates or drive up and down the winding picturesque roads.
Get local chefs to introduce you to flavours and aromas of the Western Ghats with recipes like duck curry, beef fry and fish masala with breads like appam and malabar paratha for the reception ceremony.
Now that you know how to make sure your foodie guests are always elated, it is time to plan everything according to a set budget. What better way to get the best prices than take the help of the locals! Hire a local wedding planner or have a local friend help you out with the entire process. Hope that your destination wedding becomes a night to remember!
When most travelers talk about road tripping along the great river road in the USA, they usually mean that they are going from coast to coast, from the Atlantic to the Pacific or vice versa. While that is an incredible way to travel in America with all its cultural and geographic glory, another route to consider is one that follows from north to south.
The Great River Road, which is a collection of state highways and country roads, follows the path of the Mississippi, the mighty river that divides the country into east and west. The Mississippi River flows from its source in northern Minnesota for 2,340 miles through 10 states until it reaches southern Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico.
The fourth longest river in the world, the Mississippi is divided into three sections. The upper, middle, and lower sections are determined by the river's confluence with other rivers along its route, including the Missouri, the St. Croix, and the Ohio.
Because of the Mississippi's enduring significance to trade, there are a number of historic landmarks and several large cities along the Great River Road. Following is a state-by-state guide to some of the sites to see along the Great River Road. If you are considering following the length of the road, consider the seasons.
During cooler months, particularly in the autumn, follow the route from north to south. In summer months, try a south to north route. Note that while spring travel along the Mississippi may be beautiful, it can also be the most disruptive as river flooding is more likely during this time of year. However, flooding can occur at any time. So stay tuned to NOAA for river forecasts while you pack your bag and clean your travel shoes.
The headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi begin at Lake Itasca. Travel east to Grand Rapids, and meander down the state of Minnesota through Brainerd, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities until reaching the border of Iowa. The total mileage for the Minnesota portion alone is 590 miles. Give or take 140 miles as the national route for the Great River Road crosses over into Wisconsin at Hastings in order to follow the Mississippi's eastern shore.
A state route along the western shore runs from Hastings until the Iowa border. So it's useful to visit the websites about travel along the Great River Road of Minnesota for details on breaking up the route. You can also explore the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area for itinerary ideas.
Must-see attractions along Minnesota's Great River Road include stores in Mall of America, Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest state park, and Minnehaha Park, a 193-acre parkland in downtown Minneapolis.
The Wisconsin portion of the Great River Road, also known as Wisconsin's Highway 35, borders the Minnesota side from Prescott, at the confluence of the St. Croix River, until reaching the Illinois border at Potosi. It totals approximately 250 miles, gently curving past 33 riverside towns, including La Crosse, and tree-crowned bluffs.
Here are some recommendations regarding places in Wisconsin that represent a great tourist attraction and are very visited, they are for example the Apostle Islands, Dor District Peninsula, House on the Rock, Lambeau Sphere, Santa Krusa river valley, cheese factory and Devidsona factory in Miluoki.
The House on the Rock, is a house built on a rock in Japanese style, in Spring Green. The sensations that are experienced there are indescribable, but without a doubt, they produce a gradual and favorable change in the way we see things and especially on our creative side. Thousands of people from all over the world come to this place to exclusively visit the genius of a unique and unrepeatable man, Alex Jordan.
Scenic bluffs paired with small town sights characterize the experience of traveling along Iowa's Great River Road route. Passing on the eastern border of Iowa, across 10 counties for a little over 300 miles, the Great River Road takes in scenic byways, archaeological sites (Effigy Mounds National Monument), museums, and wildlife refuges.
In Dubuque, you can see the widest part of the Upper Mississippi River at Eagle Point Park and learn more about the river at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Spanning 550 miles, the Great River Road of Illinois follows the state's entire western border from East Dubuque to Waterloo. Highlights on this portion of the River Road include Galena, a historic Illinois town known for being the home of Ulysses S. Grant and its historic Main Street. Additional historic sites of note along the Illinois route include archaeological and natural sites, most notably the Cahokia Mounds.
One of the best known stretches of the road trip along the Mississippi River in the American imagination is the one that skirts the eastern border of Missouri. Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) grew up in Hannibal and wrote about rafts and steamboats along the Mississippi in such classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Further down the river is one of the nation's most famous river towns. In the late 19th century, St. Louis was the fourth largest city in the United States thanks to its importance as a Mississippi port. The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, also known as the Gateway Arch, explains St. Louis's role in western expansion, including the significance of the Mississippi River in the Louisiana Purchase.
It also provides visitors with an amazing view of the city and the river. Learn more about the sites along Missouri's Great River Road.
The Great River Road is at its shortest in Kentucky, where it touches four counties. Attractions along and near the route include Columbus-Belmont State Park, an integral outpost during the Civil War; the Warren Thomas Black History Museum and Church, a church built by freed slaves in 1890; and the Fort Jefferson Memorial Cross, an impossible-to-miss cross located on the bluffs above the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
Approximately 186 miles of country roads along the eastern side of the Mississippi River to form Tennessee's portion of the Great River Road. Near the end of the Tennessee route is Memphis, where Mud Island River Park and its Mississippi River Museum explain the geography, biology, and history of the fabled waterway.
Of course, Memphis is another well known river city, famous for its music scene, barbecue, and role as one of the major sites of America's Civil Rights Movement.
Arkansas's Great River Road Byway covers 362 miles passing through wetlands and forests in the Arkansas Delta. Travelers will find national wildlife refuges in Big Lake, Wapanocca, and White River. Other sites along this western stretch of the Mississippi range from an archaeological site at Parkin to Johnny Cash's boyhood home in Historic Dyess Colony.
The Clinton Library in Arkansas looks like a giant mobile home. It has a big pilkington glass wall along one side.
In the state with the same name as the river, the water meanders for 382 miles, forming the entire western border. Two significant destinations in this part of Mississippi are Vicksburg, site of the Civil War battle that left control of this section of the river to Union forces, and Natchez, a small but historic town that once served as the capital of the American Mississippi Territory.
Louisiana is the final stop for the Mississippi River as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The river splits here, allowing travelers to follow the Mississippi on its left or right banks. Most opt for the east side, which flows past the capital of Baton Rouge to New Orleans and just beyond.
Among things to do, the route offers access to numerous historical sites, including the majority of Louisiana's antebellum plantation homes and slave quarters; culinary byways informed by Cajun and Creole cooking; and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, a Civil War battleground that is also of ecological importance.
You will not find a single place in the entirety of the United States where every single dish is good. Sure, Texas might have better barbecue or Tennessee. Maybe New York has better pizza or Chicago in Illinois and California probably has better avocado toast. But as a whole, the entire Cajun palate is just dang good.
You will not be eating Cajun food unless you are eating it in an establishment anywhere south of I-10 or if the cook has lived south of I-10. If they learned from an authentic Cajun chef, that’s alright but you’re on thin ice. Everything that you get in the Deep South, you get in Louisiana.
You get the small-town friendliness even in big towns, the smiles at random strangers, the waving to strangers who are passing by in cars, all that good stuff. How many other Deep South states can attest that a wide percentage of their population speaks an entirely different language from the rest of the US?
Cajun French is a unique beast. If you’re from France, you won’t understand much of it. They’re like siblings that had a family fall-out and don’t talk anymore as similarities go.
Unique sayings, food, celebrations, get-togethers, the whole familial feeling, all of it is what sets Louisiana apart from the rest of the United States, which is why it stands as my number 2 spot for most culturally distinct state.
So, why are you waiting? Prepare for the exiting road tour along the great Mississippi - get your travel kits ready, load fully the jeep trunk. Never miss to carry your favorite flip flops, small cooker and other travel gears. Have a great girls trip.
The Great River Road, which is a collection of state highways and country roads, follows the path of the Mississippi, the mighty river that divides the country into east and west. The Mississippi River flows from its source in northern Minnesota for 2,340 miles through 10 states until it reaches southern Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico.
The fourth longest river in the world, the Mississippi is divided into three sections. The upper, middle, and lower sections are determined by the river's confluence with other rivers along its route, including the Missouri, the St. Croix, and the Ohio.
Because of the Mississippi's enduring significance to trade, there are a number of historic landmarks and several large cities along the Great River Road. Following is a state-by-state guide to some of the sites to see along the Great River Road. If you are considering following the length of the road, consider the seasons.
During cooler months, particularly in the autumn, follow the route from north to south. In summer months, try a south to north route. Note that while spring travel along the Mississippi may be beautiful, it can also be the most disruptive as river flooding is more likely during this time of year. However, flooding can occur at any time. So stay tuned to NOAA for river forecasts while you pack your bag and clean your travel shoes.
1. Minnesota
The headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi begin at Lake Itasca. Travel east to Grand Rapids, and meander down the state of Minnesota through Brainerd, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities until reaching the border of Iowa. The total mileage for the Minnesota portion alone is 590 miles. Give or take 140 miles as the national route for the Great River Road crosses over into Wisconsin at Hastings in order to follow the Mississippi's eastern shore.
A state route along the western shore runs from Hastings until the Iowa border. So it's useful to visit the websites about travel along the Great River Road of Minnesota for details on breaking up the route. You can also explore the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area for itinerary ideas.
Must-see attractions along Minnesota's Great River Road include stores in Mall of America, Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest state park, and Minnehaha Park, a 193-acre parkland in downtown Minneapolis.
2. Wisconsin
The Wisconsin portion of the Great River Road, also known as Wisconsin's Highway 35, borders the Minnesota side from Prescott, at the confluence of the St. Croix River, until reaching the Illinois border at Potosi. It totals approximately 250 miles, gently curving past 33 riverside towns, including La Crosse, and tree-crowned bluffs.
Here are some recommendations regarding places in Wisconsin that represent a great tourist attraction and are very visited, they are for example the Apostle Islands, Dor District Peninsula, House on the Rock, Lambeau Sphere, Santa Krusa river valley, cheese factory and Devidsona factory in Miluoki.
The House on the Rock, is a house built on a rock in Japanese style, in Spring Green. The sensations that are experienced there are indescribable, but without a doubt, they produce a gradual and favorable change in the way we see things and especially on our creative side. Thousands of people from all over the world come to this place to exclusively visit the genius of a unique and unrepeatable man, Alex Jordan.
3. Iowa
Scenic bluffs paired with small town sights characterize the experience of traveling along Iowa's Great River Road route. Passing on the eastern border of Iowa, across 10 counties for a little over 300 miles, the Great River Road takes in scenic byways, archaeological sites (Effigy Mounds National Monument), museums, and wildlife refuges.
In Dubuque, you can see the widest part of the Upper Mississippi River at Eagle Point Park and learn more about the river at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
4. Illinois
Spanning 550 miles, the Great River Road of Illinois follows the state's entire western border from East Dubuque to Waterloo. Highlights on this portion of the River Road include Galena, a historic Illinois town known for being the home of Ulysses S. Grant and its historic Main Street. Additional historic sites of note along the Illinois route include archaeological and natural sites, most notably the Cahokia Mounds.
5. Missouri
One of the best known stretches of the road trip along the Mississippi River in the American imagination is the one that skirts the eastern border of Missouri. Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) grew up in Hannibal and wrote about rafts and steamboats along the Mississippi in such classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Further down the river is one of the nation's most famous river towns. In the late 19th century, St. Louis was the fourth largest city in the United States thanks to its importance as a Mississippi port. The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, also known as the Gateway Arch, explains St. Louis's role in western expansion, including the significance of the Mississippi River in the Louisiana Purchase.
It also provides visitors with an amazing view of the city and the river. Learn more about the sites along Missouri's Great River Road.
6. Kentucky
The Great River Road is at its shortest in Kentucky, where it touches four counties. Attractions along and near the route include Columbus-Belmont State Park, an integral outpost during the Civil War; the Warren Thomas Black History Museum and Church, a church built by freed slaves in 1890; and the Fort Jefferson Memorial Cross, an impossible-to-miss cross located on the bluffs above the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
7. Tennessee
Approximately 186 miles of country roads along the eastern side of the Mississippi River to form Tennessee's portion of the Great River Road. Near the end of the Tennessee route is Memphis, where Mud Island River Park and its Mississippi River Museum explain the geography, biology, and history of the fabled waterway.
Of course, Memphis is another well known river city, famous for its music scene, barbecue, and role as one of the major sites of America's Civil Rights Movement.
8. Arkansas
Arkansas's Great River Road Byway covers 362 miles passing through wetlands and forests in the Arkansas Delta. Travelers will find national wildlife refuges in Big Lake, Wapanocca, and White River. Other sites along this western stretch of the Mississippi range from an archaeological site at Parkin to Johnny Cash's boyhood home in Historic Dyess Colony.
The Clinton Library in Arkansas looks like a giant mobile home. It has a big pilkington glass wall along one side.
9. Mississippi
In the state with the same name as the river, the water meanders for 382 miles, forming the entire western border. Two significant destinations in this part of Mississippi are Vicksburg, site of the Civil War battle that left control of this section of the river to Union forces, and Natchez, a small but historic town that once served as the capital of the American Mississippi Territory.
10. Louisiana
Louisiana is the final stop for the Mississippi River as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The river splits here, allowing travelers to follow the Mississippi on its left or right banks. Most opt for the east side, which flows past the capital of Baton Rouge to New Orleans and just beyond.
Among things to do, the route offers access to numerous historical sites, including the majority of Louisiana's antebellum plantation homes and slave quarters; culinary byways informed by Cajun and Creole cooking; and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, a Civil War battleground that is also of ecological importance.
You will not find a single place in the entirety of the United States where every single dish is good. Sure, Texas might have better barbecue or Tennessee. Maybe New York has better pizza or Chicago in Illinois and California probably has better avocado toast. But as a whole, the entire Cajun palate is just dang good.
You will not be eating Cajun food unless you are eating it in an establishment anywhere south of I-10 or if the cook has lived south of I-10. If they learned from an authentic Cajun chef, that’s alright but you’re on thin ice. Everything that you get in the Deep South, you get in Louisiana.
You get the small-town friendliness even in big towns, the smiles at random strangers, the waving to strangers who are passing by in cars, all that good stuff. How many other Deep South states can attest that a wide percentage of their population speaks an entirely different language from the rest of the US?
Cajun French is a unique beast. If you’re from France, you won’t understand much of it. They’re like siblings that had a family fall-out and don’t talk anymore as similarities go.
Unique sayings, food, celebrations, get-togethers, the whole familial feeling, all of it is what sets Louisiana apart from the rest of the United States, which is why it stands as my number 2 spot for most culturally distinct state.
So, why are you waiting? Prepare for the exiting road tour along the great Mississippi - get your travel kits ready, load fully the jeep trunk. Never miss to carry your favorite flip flops, small cooker and other travel gears. Have a great girls trip.
Travelling is an excellent experience for any explorer. It’s a memory of a lifetime, a story that you get to share with your loved ones. But is there a way to make these memories more exciting and unleash your full travel potential? You’ll find a lot of travel hacks on the internet, but this blog deals with tips that will make your journey more memorable.
So the next time you reach home from a long exhausting trip, you will feel more satisfied, and there won’t be just the souvenirs to remember it by. It is a whole new experience, which is quite different from what you have experienced before.
These tips will guide you to a more fulfilling travel experience.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your hotel, away from your tour guides, and explore the local attractions. There’s immense beauty in getting lost in a foreign country. Take a step out of your comfort zone, and you will be able to create memorable moments. Don’t just stick around the familiar tourist places, go beyond, and explore the unknown.
Explore your surroundings with your loved ones, be it your family, friends or pets. If you are traveling with your pets then you must consider crates for dogs or cats or any other pet you have. It’ll make your journey experience much smoother and hassle free.
This way of travelling will reform your experience in any country. You might be delighted to find a hidden gem tucked away from the crowds of tourists. Once you turn from a tourist to an explorer, you’ll unlock a different way of travelling. There’s always Google Maps to guide you back in case you end up in a wrong neighbourhood. So, don’t hesitate to ask for directions!
A trip can easily be ruined if you’re stuck in lines and getting smothered in waves of tourists. During peak travel time, there’s always a hike in the prices of every single thing. Other than that, every area is swarming with people. Although some places can only be visited at a particular season, it is always advisable to avoid travelling during peak seasons as much as you can.
In contrast, during off seasons, you can travel more leisurely. Even the staff and locals will be more welcoming to tourists. There will be fewer crowds in restaurants and hotels, so the services you get won’t be compromised. You can travel at your pace, without worrying about getting stuck in lines. Sounds way better, doesn’t it?
If you have planned a holiday, try learning the local language of that country beforehand. It’s always good to know the basics of the language of the country. You don’t have to go ahead and strive for certification in that language. Just basic terminologies can prove to be really useful during your trip. Sometimes locals wouldn’t know any language except their mother tongue. Your basic knowledge can go a long way in emergencies. Even the locals will appreciate your efforts to respect their culture, and they’ll be more welcoming. It will also make interactions way easier.
Just learn the essential words like “Thank you” or “Goodbye” or “Where can I find the bathroom” etc. You can even make unexpected friends with the locals. There’s a lot of plus points in learning a language, and you get to enhance your travel experience. There’s nothing terrible in gaining more knowledge. So the next time you’re greeting a Japanese local during your stay in Japan, try saying “Konnichiwa” instead of “Hello”.
Is your trip successful if you didn’t try the local cuisine? When you’re in a new country, there are lots of new things to explore. But perhaps the most incredible experience in the local cuisine of the country, because every place has a unique flavour of its own. While all the fancy restaurants might feel safe, try experimenting with the local restaurants and street food. Travel through local transport, eat at local places, and look through the eyes of the people who live there every day.
That’s when you can capture the essence of travelling. Instead of searching for a place that offers a cheap version of food from your country, indulge in the speciality of that country. You might surprise yourself by finding your new favourite dish. Other than that, remember that the closer you are to a tourist attraction, the food will cost accordingly. Try walking a bit to find relatively cheaper places. Don’t be afraid to experiment with street food, a cheat day on your diet will give you the experience of your life.
While the experience will stay in your memories for a lifetime, it’s always great to have a physical copy of your unforgettable memories. You can pen down a journal, take photographs or shoot video clips and get creative with how you want to document your journey. You can also post blogs about travel hacks, things to know before you travel to a country.
Not only will you remember the experience but can also inspire other people to travel and get out of their comfort zone. It’s totally up to you how you decide to store your experience. So, it’s better to get creative with it.
In order to make sure that you fit everything you want into your trip, it can always help to make an itinerary. If you do not like over-planning, that is fine. You could still think about at least having some kind of loose itinerary, so that you can have a rough idea of what you are going to do, when, and for how long.
That will mean that you can then look over the plan and double check that you are actually at least going to do all of the things that you want to do. It is the main thing when it comes to trying to get what you want from the experience on the whole. As long as you can do that, you will find that you can get what you want from the travel experience. So it is definitely a good idea to think about that first and foremost.
If you don't actually want to do all the research and planning yourself, you can of course get the professionals to do it for you. This has many benefits, including saved time and the likelihood that their expertise will find you even better deals and more fulfilling experiences on the whole.
If you go with a agency, you will probably find that you are much more likely to have a truly personal and professionally-planned experience. It is one which has everything that you are looking for in that particular foray. This is definitely a great way to save some time, and sometimes even some money, and ensuring that you are going to have exactly the kind of experience you have been dreaming of for a long time.
There will always be the little things that go wrong like cancellations, weather problems, even political issues beyond your control. These are always going to affect your holiday plans, so it is important to always make sure that you have a back-up plan. Back-up plans are a great way of solidifying the travel experience.
It ensures that you are still going to be able to have a great time no matter what might happen outside of your control. As long as you plan for all eventualities, you will certainly find it easier to enjoy your travels, and to actually be able to do all the things you want to be doing. Back-up plans ensure that your travel plans are as safe as possible from the chaos of the world.
Forget about visiting the exchange and trading your local currency for the currency of the country you are traveling to. Stop worrying about carrying cash all the time and getting robbed. Carry a credit or debit card with you and make payments through it. This will help you avail discounts, get cash back and earn reward points in the process.
You can also redeem those reward points to make future purchases. You should carry cash only for instance where credit and debit cards are not accepted. Collect coupons and vouchers few months before traveling so you can avail extra discounts when you use them. You can also avail discounts on a safari or a yacht if you choose wisely.
There is no need to pack anything you will be able to buy when you get to your destination. I am not talking major expenses here but more like essentials such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap and other toiletries. Of course, you might not have to buy anything like this if you are staying in a hotel as you can use the freebies provided.
Sometimes you have to compromise to get what you want, even if that sounds like a cop-out. That might mean compromising with another individual whom you are travelling with. It might even be compromising with your own plans if they are a little out there or unlikely to work as well as you would hope.
By compromising, you make it actually more likely that you will be able to make the travel plans you want, and that you will still have the best time of your life in the end. So this is a very important thing to think about when you are planning your next trip.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of ways to make your trip more exciting. Keep these small tips in mind and your future trips will be nothing but memorable. Remember to stay careful while travelling. Get travel insurance to make sure you don’t end up stranded in a foreign country without money. Be respectful to the locals, and the environment. But most importantly, remember to enjoy your trip, after all, that’s what you’re there for.
Happy travelling!
So the next time you reach home from a long exhausting trip, you will feel more satisfied, and there won’t be just the souvenirs to remember it by. It is a whole new experience, which is quite different from what you have experienced before.
These tips will guide you to a more fulfilling travel experience.
1. Explore Your Surroundings
Don’t be afraid to step out of your hotel, away from your tour guides, and explore the local attractions. There’s immense beauty in getting lost in a foreign country. Take a step out of your comfort zone, and you will be able to create memorable moments. Don’t just stick around the familiar tourist places, go beyond, and explore the unknown.
Explore your surroundings with your loved ones, be it your family, friends or pets. If you are traveling with your pets then you must consider crates for dogs or cats or any other pet you have. It’ll make your journey experience much smoother and hassle free.
This way of travelling will reform your experience in any country. You might be delighted to find a hidden gem tucked away from the crowds of tourists. Once you turn from a tourist to an explorer, you’ll unlock a different way of travelling. There’s always Google Maps to guide you back in case you end up in a wrong neighbourhood. So, don’t hesitate to ask for directions!
2. Avoid Traveling in Peak Time
A trip can easily be ruined if you’re stuck in lines and getting smothered in waves of tourists. During peak travel time, there’s always a hike in the prices of every single thing. Other than that, every area is swarming with people. Although some places can only be visited at a particular season, it is always advisable to avoid travelling during peak seasons as much as you can.
In contrast, during off seasons, you can travel more leisurely. Even the staff and locals will be more welcoming to tourists. There will be fewer crowds in restaurants and hotels, so the services you get won’t be compromised. You can travel at your pace, without worrying about getting stuck in lines. Sounds way better, doesn’t it?
3. Learn the Local Language
If you have planned a holiday, try learning the local language of that country beforehand. It’s always good to know the basics of the language of the country. You don’t have to go ahead and strive for certification in that language. Just basic terminologies can prove to be really useful during your trip. Sometimes locals wouldn’t know any language except their mother tongue. Your basic knowledge can go a long way in emergencies. Even the locals will appreciate your efforts to respect their culture, and they’ll be more welcoming. It will also make interactions way easier.
Just learn the essential words like “Thank you” or “Goodbye” or “Where can I find the bathroom” etc. You can even make unexpected friends with the locals. There’s a lot of plus points in learning a language, and you get to enhance your travel experience. There’s nothing terrible in gaining more knowledge. So the next time you’re greeting a Japanese local during your stay in Japan, try saying “Konnichiwa” instead of “Hello”.
4. Try the Local Cuisine
Is your trip successful if you didn’t try the local cuisine? When you’re in a new country, there are lots of new things to explore. But perhaps the most incredible experience in the local cuisine of the country, because every place has a unique flavour of its own. While all the fancy restaurants might feel safe, try experimenting with the local restaurants and street food. Travel through local transport, eat at local places, and look through the eyes of the people who live there every day.
That’s when you can capture the essence of travelling. Instead of searching for a place that offers a cheap version of food from your country, indulge in the speciality of that country. You might surprise yourself by finding your new favourite dish. Other than that, remember that the closer you are to a tourist attraction, the food will cost accordingly. Try walking a bit to find relatively cheaper places. Don’t be afraid to experiment with street food, a cheat day on your diet will give you the experience of your life.
5. Pen a Journal, Write, and Photograph
While the experience will stay in your memories for a lifetime, it’s always great to have a physical copy of your unforgettable memories. You can pen down a journal, take photographs or shoot video clips and get creative with how you want to document your journey. You can also post blogs about travel hacks, things to know before you travel to a country.
Not only will you remember the experience but can also inspire other people to travel and get out of their comfort zone. It’s totally up to you how you decide to store your experience. So, it’s better to get creative with it.
6. Itinerary
In order to make sure that you fit everything you want into your trip, it can always help to make an itinerary. If you do not like over-planning, that is fine. You could still think about at least having some kind of loose itinerary, so that you can have a rough idea of what you are going to do, when, and for how long.
That will mean that you can then look over the plan and double check that you are actually at least going to do all of the things that you want to do. It is the main thing when it comes to trying to get what you want from the experience on the whole. As long as you can do that, you will find that you can get what you want from the travel experience. So it is definitely a good idea to think about that first and foremost.
7. Outsourcing
If you don't actually want to do all the research and planning yourself, you can of course get the professionals to do it for you. This has many benefits, including saved time and the likelihood that their expertise will find you even better deals and more fulfilling experiences on the whole.
If you go with a agency, you will probably find that you are much more likely to have a truly personal and professionally-planned experience. It is one which has everything that you are looking for in that particular foray. This is definitely a great way to save some time, and sometimes even some money, and ensuring that you are going to have exactly the kind of experience you have been dreaming of for a long time.
8. Back-Up Plans
There will always be the little things that go wrong like cancellations, weather problems, even political issues beyond your control. These are always going to affect your holiday plans, so it is important to always make sure that you have a back-up plan. Back-up plans are a great way of solidifying the travel experience.
It ensures that you are still going to be able to have a great time no matter what might happen outside of your control. As long as you plan for all eventualities, you will certainly find it easier to enjoy your travels, and to actually be able to do all the things you want to be doing. Back-up plans ensure that your travel plans are as safe as possible from the chaos of the world.
9. Avail Discounts Globally
Forget about visiting the exchange and trading your local currency for the currency of the country you are traveling to. Stop worrying about carrying cash all the time and getting robbed. Carry a credit or debit card with you and make payments through it. This will help you avail discounts, get cash back and earn reward points in the process.
You can also redeem those reward points to make future purchases. You should carry cash only for instance where credit and debit cards are not accepted. Collect coupons and vouchers few months before traveling so you can avail extra discounts when you use them. You can also avail discounts on a safari or a yacht if you choose wisely.
10. Shop when you are there
There is no need to pack anything you will be able to buy when you get to your destination. I am not talking major expenses here but more like essentials such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap and other toiletries. Of course, you might not have to buy anything like this if you are staying in a hotel as you can use the freebies provided.
Sometimes you have to compromise to get what you want, even if that sounds like a cop-out. That might mean compromising with another individual whom you are travelling with. It might even be compromising with your own plans if they are a little out there or unlikely to work as well as you would hope.
By compromising, you make it actually more likely that you will be able to make the travel plans you want, and that you will still have the best time of your life in the end. So this is a very important thing to think about when you are planning your next trip.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of ways to make your trip more exciting. Keep these small tips in mind and your future trips will be nothing but memorable. Remember to stay careful while travelling. Get travel insurance to make sure you don’t end up stranded in a foreign country without money. Be respectful to the locals, and the environment. But most importantly, remember to enjoy your trip, after all, that’s what you’re there for.
Happy travelling!
