TRAVEL SERIES

My Experiments With Traveling

I travel with an open mind

Planning

Plans are worthless, but planning is indispensable — Dwight D. Eisenhower.

I agree with the President, partly — I hate planning. So, except for choosing the timeframe and a new destination, everything else is on the hop.

I like traveling with an open mind, no fixed itineraries, and exploring new cities like a local. More often than not, this allows me to find inexpensive lodging not available on the internet.

Like a local, I prefer using public transport. So, a car rental is unnecessary unless I am traveling anywhere remote.

I recently read a humor piece from Ronald Franklin, who misses being a backpacker. Please show him some love.

If you are traveling alone, with friends, or your significant other, do what I say. I assure you, you will not regret it. But, if you are traveling with your little goblins or your folks, make sure to have at least your accommodations booked in advance.

I hate travel packages. If backpacking is not an option for you, I suggest researching your destination and booking everything yourself. Otherwise, you are just at the mercy of the agency. That’s not traveling. It’s just — visiting.

Budgeting

Whenever I have to travel now, I apply for a new credit card with bonus frequent flier miles. That takes care of our airfare. I also use another credit card with 0% APR for at least 15–18 months so that everything can be put on the tab and paid out as easy installments over a while.

I recommend this approach for any travelers out there. In addition to the benefits highlighted above, you can be a little extra adventurous on your trip with the money you have saved over the last few months. Life is unpredictable, and we have only one shot of experiencing everything a new destination offers.

Eating

I am a vegetarian by faith. It has been one constant challenge for me, especially while traveling internationally. The west is obsessed with meat, protein, and whatnot. It is one regret I will always have -not being able to enjoy the local cuisines.

But, I have made my peace with it, and my non-vegetarian wife makes up for my lost culinary adventures. My recommendation for vegetarians is to look for accommodation with a kitchenette. In case you can’t find anything outside, you can always cook indoors.

If you are a vegetarian traveling to Thailand, know that no meat means no beef there. I had to spell out every kind of meat I knew and ask the waitress not to add any of them. There, I warned you, and be ready to survive on spring rolls.

International Travel

Except for twenty-one countries, Indian citizens need visas to fly to an international destination.

US citizens have visa waivers for at least 142 countries. If you need a visa for the country you plan to visit, the destination country’s immigration website can provide all pertinent details.

Some countries offer a visa on arrival, and if your home country is eligible for this program, I recommend going this route instead of applying it in advance. Unless, of course, you are a wanted criminal across the world.

If the country you plan to visit does not offer a visa on arrival, you need to get it in advance. Without it, the airline will not allow you to board the flight.

If you need a visa for a Euro trip, please check out Schengen visa requirements and the application process.

My Favorite Travel Destination

Hands down, I love San Francisco. I don’t think I will ever be to another city that can charm me with its ambiance as San Francisco does. I have been to the city six times in the last ten years, and every time I go there, I fall in love with it all over again.

Will I make it home if given a chance? Hell no. It’s too expensive.

My Dream

It’s a tad overambitious. I love driving, and I have this crazy idea — a drive from London to Delhi someday.

Traveling through Pakistan is not an option for me. I would need to take a longer route through China and Nepal. I haven’t got everything figured out yet. In theory, I have at least made it to Kyrgyzstan.

That, folks, were my two cents. With COVID restrictions getting relaxed, dust off the dust from your suitcases and take off somewhere.

Sharing Randomly — Thanks for the prompt and extending the invite to me. I wish you all the best for your travel plan, down-under, and looking forward to reading about your adventures there.