I have never been an avid traveler!(let me add the words'till sometime back'' before your mind starts questioning on what basis am writing this). My parents' jobs didn't enable us to travel much, except for a couple of trips to attend some family circle functions and ofcourse frequent visits to temples . After marriage, traveling within and outside India has been happening, quite frequently.
Fun and frolic is guaranteed when you decide to go on a vacation, provided you plan well. So,
*PLAN WELL AHEAD:
*Layout a checklist days before your leaving and keep updating the list as and when you remember something.
There are numerous airlines where we get discounted rates, if you book the tickets in advance. (if you really don't mind some services getting discounted in the bargain, that is). Make use of them, save money there and spend more on your destination. If your traveling by train during any school vacation time, don't even think you can walk into the counter and get your tickets in the last minute.If your planning to drive in your car, your responsibilities become endless. But ofcourse, you need not stick to any strict schedule and stare at the watch every 5 minutes for fear of missing the train.
THE KIND OF BAGGAGE:
Unless your planning for a long holiday, back packs are definitely the best. Women have the knack of packing the world in their handbags, but men are men, and would love to travel light; Its not advisable to pack each one's clothes in a separate bag. Instead, each bag having a couple of your clothes and atleast one set of your companion's clothes would be a better idea; You need not crib when any of the bag is lost that way. Pack your toiletries in a separate pouch, lest you may land up wearing a toothpaste coated dress.
FOOD PACKING:
There's nothing wrong in packing lunch or dinner for the first day of your travel. Infact its better than buying something available and then suffering with an upset stomach. I really don't feel ashamed to say that I packed some rice for lunch and chappathis for dinner for the first day alone during my recent Swiss trip from here.(If your journey time is not much, thats a great idea). Mints like Polo are a must, they refresh you during a hectic journey. Avoiding non-veg food during a trip is always better.
BRINGING HOME SWEET MEMORIES:
Camcorders and other related accessories are fantastic when they work. For species like me, who try and record even the most insignificant thing that you come across, please take your charger as well. If your traveling abroad, don't forget your universal adaptor.The people at the reception desk are certainly not obliged to provide us with such equipments.(though we enjoyed the privilege, advising is easy you see.) Take some empty cassettes as well.
Never ever rely on the batteries in your digicam. On my recent trip, my camera fell off my hands(I don't know why my husband said I dropped it:)) and the brand new batteries slipped out and just didn't work after that minor incident. Its always safe to have extra batteries, in your hand bag. No use if you keep it safely in your hotel room, as you can't get back all the way, for eg., if your on a river cruise. The brochure you get with your camera is not for safe-keeping, Have a thorough understanding of how it works, and read the trouble shooting points carefully.( Ladies, conveniently wash your hands off this responsibility, allow the menfolks to do the honours.I do just that)
BE REACHABLE:
I know that we all reach out to our mobile phones always, but keep your mobiles reachable.Without the charger(and the same universal adaptor for foreign trips), and after a couple of calls, mobile phone is just another piece of unecessary thing occupying space. For all you know you may be stranded somewhere and would want to know the route you must take.
WHEN PAPERS BECOME VITAL:
~ You can't forget about your return tickets after your onward journey.
~ A copy of your hotel accomodation confirmation(if you've booked online)
~ Browse the net to have a fair idea of the place your about to visit and also take prints of the routes, any hotel names and addresses where the most delicious food is said to be served.
~ The opening and closing hours of any attraction that your about to visit and any details or maps of the routes would help. .otherwise, if your going out of state or out of country, language might become a problem to communicate.
~ The most important currency notes for which we all are running madly after.have your credit/debit cards as well.
~ Tissue papers, face wipes(why should you have a soggy face before a photo shoot?)
~ Some old newspapers.you may not appreciate the idea of sitting in a not-so-clean-place .
for international travels,
~ photocopies of your passport front page and the page where your visa is stamped.
~ don't wait till the last minute for transferring your currency. Sometimes you may have to book and wait for a day to buy foreign currency.
BRIGHT AND SUNNY OR WET AND GLOOMY?
We all would love to have a bright trip, but check the weather of the place that your going to visit; and be equipped with the sunscreen lotions, coolers, winter clothing, caps, umbrellas etc to curtail any damage to your holiday to the minimum.
OTHER SIMPLE THINGS:
As far as toiletries are concerned, the minimum quantity available would serve the purpose and also occupy minimum space. Hence, take the smallest pack of toothpast, soap, shampoo, cream, powder etc.
Mountains, Terrains, Valleys, Lakes are all lovely to see, but you may get some kind of sickness while traveling. Paracetamol and digestive pills might come in handy at that time.
I know moms of little ones would strangle me to death if I include kids' items in'simple things'. I've seen my cousins packing big fat bags for their kids and only mothers would know when their kid would strike'Give me a cookie this minute or am not moving an inch from here'.entertaining kids can be a very challenging task, and the best way would be to keep giving something for them to munch.
I know the list is endless, and would vary according to one's needs, but I would be glad if this helps.
