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TRAVEL TIPS
What's your destination?
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Before you hit the road for a vacation, spend a few minutes to plan your holiday
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If you are planning to pack your bags and head to the hills, it still isn't too late. Summer holidays have been on for almost a month and a half and so are the travel deals. Let's begin with the basics — choosing a destination.
Spend some time by yourself and then consult your family before selecting a vacation spot. Here are a few pointers that you need to keep in mind while planning a trip.
The duration: How long can you take off? Get to know how many days you can be away from your workplace. Let all your working members in the family do the same.
The purpose of your trip: Think about the primary reason for your holiday. Do you want to just get away from work and chill out or do you also want to make your vacation a learning experience and get to know new places?
Who are involved? If you have children, keep in mind that the place you choose should be enjoyable for them as well. For instance, you can't possibly take your child on an adventure trip. This would neither suit your parents. If you are travelling with elders, make sure the place you choose should not pose health problems. You might want to retreat to the cold hills of Shimla but your ageing parents may not enjoy it.
The big M: Money does all the talking these days. Despite lofty promises of flying cheap and alluring travel packages, make sure you read the fineprint. Plan in such a way that you have at least 50 per cent more money than what you had planned. This will help in case of emergency such as unexpected flight cancellations and hidden costs. Trim down on costs but not too much. To cite an example, Kodaikanal is a good hill station to visit during summer. But you can't possibly fight the scorching heat by travelling in a non-AC compartment.
Give yourself a breather: Think about when you need to return and get back to your routine. Return to your hometown at least 24 hours in advance before you begin work so that you have some time to set things right at home or just get over the travel fatigue.
Book tickets in advance: Scan through all available options before you choose a train or an airline. Choose an airline that isn't notorious for last-minute cancellations. If you have to take connecting flights, choose in such a way that you have a few hours between the two journeys. If the first flight is delayed, you won't be stranded in the airport scurrying for alternatives.
Where do you stay? Make hotel bookings in advance. Even if you are driving down, think of some place you may have to stay at night before you resume your journey. This helps if you are driving with children.
Next: Things to remember while packing for the journey.
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