Stop Making Excuses. Start Traveling.

I would love to travel but… the answers vary, but in the end it’s all just lame excuses.

So many amazing experiences and opportunities are waiting for us out in this beautiful world but we stay put at home giving excuses for not traveling.

The reasons may be legitimate, but are these reasons enough of an excuse to keep you planted at home.

Remember, if you really want to travel you can figure out a way to do it. If travel is not a priority for you, you will always find some excuses.

So, what’s your excuse???

I can’t afford it

This is probably the most common excuse cited for not travelling. Are we not spending money on unwanted things? We don’t need a fortune to travel. Many of the travelers are like you and me. They are not rich but they just choose to travel rather than spending their money on ‘unwanted’ things.

Travel gives you an opportunity to experience other cultures, understand the people, their lifestyle, and learn new things, we can’t be taught in a classroom – and you can’t attach a price tag to it. You can opt for economical options like staying in a home-stay or a budget hotel instead of a luxurious hotel or a resort; eat where the locals eat instead of eating in a posh restaurant. This gives you a chance to mingle with the locals and at the same time ensures that you don't burn a hole in your pocket.

I don’t have time

We lead crazy, busy lives. No matter how busy we are in life, we still tend to find time for the things that are important to us. If you are too busy or preoccupied with your work, plan a short trip during weekends to a place which is close to you. Remember, all of us need a break from the rat race.

If you have been waiting for that perfect time to travel, there will never be a more perfect time than now. No one is too busy. It is all about the priorities. If you ever want to get anywhere, you have to make it one.

I have kids

That’s good. Take them along. You will end up spending a little more on the travel but it is definitely worth it. You are introducing them to new people, new language and new lifestyle. They learn so much from these new and different experiences; appreciate the culture and traditions; start treating others with fairness and dignity. It could be a life-changing experience for them. You may have to plan your travel a little in advance but it’s definitely worth it.

I’m stuck at my work

A job is a way to pay for a living and that's it. Don't let it define your happiness. We don't live to work, we work to live and enjoy the things we desire most.

You don’t have to quit your 9-5 job to travel. There are a plenty of people who travel while they work. It takes a bit of planning. How many of us take advantage of the public holidays? In India, we have about 18-20 public holidays a year which translates to an almost equivalent number of long weekends.

I’m too old to travel

Remember, age is just a number and you are never too old to dream another new dream. I’ve personally met travelers spanning every age group – and all of them seemed to be having the time of their lives.

If you are scared to go solo, go with a group who share common interest.

I’ll do it sometime later

If you don’t do it now, then when? A year after or a decade after? You can put off travel indefinitely, but there is a pretty good chance that the day will never come.

There are so many things that we postpone in our lives but how often do we actually get these done? There will always be something holding you back all the time. Do it now when you are able and fine.

Tomorrow, there will still be bills to settle, loans to repay, meetings to host, weddings to attend and a dozen of other excuses not to get started. Then, it never happens. Remember, tomorrow is not promised to us, today is what we have.

I would rather invest money for my future

Why waste money on travel? You can choose to save the money for your beautiful future by confining yourself to your cubicle but, you will never experience the true beauty of life. Remember, there are a lot of things you spend money on that you think are necessities but they aren’t. Remember, life is about making memories, not just collecting possessions.

Travel is definitely worth beyond these excuses.

Just ditch your excuses

A perfect tomorrow may NEVER come

TODAY is what we have

Take that first step

JUST GO!

5 reasons to stay with locals

Staying with a local family at their home is the best thing that can happen to you during your travel. Home-stay is the most suitable option if you wish to experience the culture of the locals and explore the place in a whole new way.

Here are the reasons why you should stay with the locals.


 

#1# Stay local for cultural insights

Staying with a local family gives you an opportunity to get to know local people and their culture. You get to experience their daily lifestyle, their religious beliefs and practices, which you just don't experience when staying in a hotel.

#2# Eat local cuisine

Staying with a local family gives you a chance to taste lip smacking, local home-cooked delicacies. The locals prepare food in consultation with you according to your expectations. Not only will you enjoy the local food but also get a chance to learn traditional recipes to create delicious local dishes.

#3# Support the local community

Your stay with the local family ensures that you contribute to the local economy directly. As a traveler, you can see where the money goes which is not the case with hotels.

#4# Value for money

Homestays are generally economical compared to hotels. The locals sell the extra space in their homes. Though most of them are basic, they extend warm hospitality and relaxed stay that gives the feel of staying at home.

#5# A different kind of holiday

When you lodge at a hotel, you follow a set-standard tourist route and cover the sightseeing points. Here, you stay with a local, meet local people, hear their stories and explore unknown places. The locals are better people to guide you to places which are non-touristy in nature.

Stay with a local family at their home and experience the world in a way money can't buy.

Darap Village - An Exotic Beauty of Sikkim

I started from Ravangla to Darap Village where I had booked my stay with a homestay for the next 3 days.

It was already about 2pm when I reached Ravangla Taxi Stand. As a budget traveler, I preferred a shared taxi but realized that there were no services direct to Darap or even Pelling. The locals suggested me to take a shared taxi to Legship and then to Pelling which I obliged. As there were no direct taxi service to Pelling from Legship, I had to switch to another shared taxi to Geyzing.

I was sandwiched in between the co-passengers during both the trips as there were only skeleton services between these smaller towns. I opted for a reserved taxi from Geyzing to Darap as it was getting dark. I reached Darap by about 6pm and it was already dark. My wait to have a glance of the serene village prolonged.

I was received by Shiva Gurung, my host at Darap on the village road. A 3 minutes walk up the cemented steps lead me to the homestay. At home - Radha (Wife of Shiva), Nesang (Daughter), and Prabal (Son), welcomed me. Radha offered hot tea which I gladly accepted before inquiring on my preferences for Dinner.

I was taken to the wooden room, 'Lunga' which was just behind the main house. A compact room with simple but neat furnishings and a clean attached bath. 

Having read a lot about Darap village, my expectations were sky-high. I was anxious to have the glimpse of the village in day light. I barely got any sleep that night. 

Next day, Nesang tapped my room door to offer my cup of tea early in the morning. After a while, I started on my village walk with a young local guide, Kushu Limboo, who was a graduate student. Kushu took me around Darap village and also to several other villages close by. I was so glad we visited Char Garh, an impressive village which was once home to only four families. I could see at least around 50 homes now. But, the name remains!

My guide was introducing me to few of his local friends. He explained me on every little thing about his village - about their culture & traditions. He further explained me that the main cultivation is Cardamom in this part. We went around some cardamom plantations, capturing pictures.

I was taken to many village homes by my guide. One of the village home that we visited was completely made of wood and was given to know that the home was almost 60 years old.

The villagers let me inside their homes without any questions. I was offered tea by one of the lady when I visited her home. To me it looked like a different world. 

Guitar seems to be a fascination for many youth as I could see youngsters playing them in many places. 

A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring , sharing person inside.

These guys are ever-smiling, respectful and very helpful!

Darap is about 14km from Pelling en-route to Yuksam. If you are visiting Sikkim, Darap is a must-go place!

Faces of Eastern Himalayas - A Photo Story

The people of the Eastern Himalayas were all looking completely new to me. Round faces and red cheeked toddling up and down the hills. I simply fell in love with them. They are very helpful, hard working and 'always' smiling!!!

Here I am posting some of the pictures of the faces of Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim and North Bengal) captured during my trip.

A group of monks relaxing outside the Rumtek Monastery

A lady weaving woolen sweater in the Darjeeling market

Kids bidding me good-bye in Darap Village

A kid helping his mother in the vegetable shop

A shopkeeper in the streets of Darjeeling with all smiles

Youngster playing Guitar at Darap village

An elderly lady with her traditional nose stud

This newborn cutie caught my eyes in Rumtek

Taxi drivers in Kaluk posing for my camera

Young Buddhist monks at Do-Drul Chorten, Gangtok


Hope this photo story is to your liking. 

Palolem - The Secluded Paradise

It was in last April, I was looking for a virgin and untouched beach destination to spend a few days. Having decided to explore Goa, I was not so keen in the touristy North Goan beaches. 

I decided to explore unspoiled Palolem Beach in South Goa, a perfect place for 'doing nothing'. After a tedious bus ride from Londa Railway Station, reached Palolem by dusk. 

I had booked a cottage, right on the beach, facing the sea in Marron Beach Resort which was in the extreme end of the south side of the beach - charming cottage from where I could see the entire crescent shaped beach and the array of numerous shacks and restaurants that line the sea shore.

These shacks operate on temporary basis from November to April every year as per the government policies. As I was there towards the end of the season, the beach was almost isolated. 

I spent most of the nights sitting in the sit-out counting the stars and enjoying the glorious sight in the front. 

 

I had all my meals at Papillon next door which served the delicious food throughout my stay as the Marron Restaurant was closed for the season. Though I was told that there are few other eat outs like German Bakery, Blue Planet, Casa Fiesta & Magic Italy, I didn't use any of them. For those who can't live without coffee, there is Cafe Coffee Day as well in Palolem.

Though I had initial plans of visiting Patnem and Agonda during my four day stay, I remained in Palolem as I was completely mesmerized by the charming beach. Unlike North Goa Beaches, there are no adventure activities here except that you can take a boat ride to the Butterfly Island. If you are lucky, you can spot dolphins performing aerobics in the bay.

Palolem is around 70 kms from Dabolim Airport and 40 kms from Margao Railway Station. Frequent bus facility is available from Margao.  

When it comes to staying here, there are a plenty of options in Palolem. Choose a beach-side hut for a memorable experience unless you are used to bragging about having stayed at the most exclusive or expensive hotel.

If you are looking for a laid back holiday, Palolem is incredible!

The pictures speaks for itselves. Isn't it.