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Travel and give back to the Community 

You can contribute in places where your services are the needs of the hour. You can travel and become a droplet in making the ocean of change by applying to a gap year project. A Gap year project basically requires students or even young professionals to enroll in a campaign serving a certain altruistic purpose. It could be anything from helping the underprivileged to conserving endangered species and the environment.

Gap year projects are held across the world. So the choice of destination is for you to take. Based on your skills you can apply to a program that best suits your needs and capabilities. You will have to pay an application fee to become a volunteer, which is very basic, considering the fact that all the major expenses are covered. Here's a list of the fields from which you can choose your gap year project:

Childcare

Education

Teaching English

Women Empowerment

Ecological welfare

Community Services in slums and backward areas

The world needs you as much you need it to satiate your hunger for voyage. Give back to the community and take home some unforgettable memories and experiences.

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Live the Ashram life in India

A weary traveler can always take "ashray" or shelter in an 'Ashram'. In fact, Ashrams by all their means exist to offer people who come from lands afar, a place to live. They are also the places which provide shelter to people who have chosen the austere mode of living by choice or by circumstance.

Now we are not talking about the popular, commercial Ashrams that charge their occupants considerably to offer yoga/meditation sessions and show them the path of spirituality.

We are talking about those places which you would not find on the internet, and to get information on them you would actually have to engage with the locals on the spot. But if you look thoroughly you would find many ashrams in religious places like Rishikesh, Varanasi, Madurai and Haridwar to mention a few. In return of services pertaining to domestic chores you get a roof over your head and at least two square meals in these Ashrams. You might have to pay nothing, or even if you have to pay, a very little amount, mainly for maintenance is charged.

Experiencing the ashram life is a great way to combine your travel with spirituality in its truest form.

Here's how an Ashram ideally looks like:

Compartments of modest rooms flanking a clean courtyard with a peepal or a banyan tree in the middle; its foliage spread like outstretched arms or the shade of an umbrella, as if, holding the abode together.

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Finding accommodation in Italian Monasteries

Italy is considered one of the most expensive traveling destinations out there. It is especially because touring Italy goes in tandem with exploring its architectural and aesthetic prosperity, which means visiting the plenitude of heritage buildings dotting the country and paying hefty fees to gain entry. Then there is food to consider, which you can get at a modest price, but when you are spoiled for choice, over-indulgence is hard to resist. Accommodation is another aspect of traveling which takes up a huge chunk of the budget. So here's a suggestion to help you curtail lodging expenses.

Find repose at an Italian monastery.

To give you a head-start you can find them online with the rents, on     https://www.monasterystays.com/ across the popular destinations in Italy. But the best way to find the cheapest den, in terms of monasteries, is to visit a tourism office anywhere in Italy and seek guidance, or even better, buy a guide book. Italians are in any way known for their hospitality, so receiving genuine assistance won't be a problem.

P.S: Most of these monasteries include at least breakfast in the room rent and if you look really well, chances are you will get a room within the sacrosanct precincts of a monastery absolutely free of cost, thanks to the humanitarian disposition of the Church. One does not need to conform to a particular religion, or any religion for that matter, to gain access. But you must maintain the decorum of the institution if you are there.

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Let your English Speak

For those who speak English as a native or second language, finding work abroad as a teacher of  English and exploring the place at the same time is like cake walk. All you need to do is get a TEFL or equivalent (CELTA, TESOL) certificate. If you have a Bachelor's degree in English, even better.

Here's a list of areas where you can find work as an English teacher:

Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia)

Europe (Prague, Czech Republic, Bosnia, Romania, Slovakia, Spain)

South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela)

Most of these countries pay considerably well to their English teachers. For 5 to 6 hours of work through the week you GET enough to sustain and SAVE enough to actually travel the country during vacations, or over the weekends.  A TEFL certificate is the best option for you if you are looking forward to short-term work experience intermingled with some quality self-nourishing exploration. In return of a brief but extensive 4-weeks course, which does not cost much, you get the expanse of the world opened at your doorstep for you to work-play! If you are looking for something long-term, go for CELTA, through which you become a Cambridge University certified teacher of English as a foreign language. This is a highly prized recognition by virtue of which you get to settle down in a non-English speaking country of your choice for years on end.

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Work your Travel through Work

The common steps of planning a travel itinerary:

Choosing a Travel Destination

Checking the prices for plane tickets, accommodation, transport, food

Conducting a thorough research on heritage sites to visit and exiting activities to participate pertaining to the holiday destination

Adding up all the expenses

Exhaling a puff of Carbon dioxide in the form of a deep sigh as the budget had already exceeded at accommodation and food.

Does that mean you shove your wanderlust inside the deep pockets of your shelf and let it collect dust till the end of time? Absolutely not! Instead you work your travel through work.

Yes you heard that right! You can actually explore the length and breadth of some of the most expensive countries  like Australia and Italy through a platform called WWOOF at a not-in-a-good-way lopsided budget. Here, you simply need to pay for a one year membership (which is by the way a very substantial amount) to register, choose a country and apply for the position of a farm hand from thousands of organic farm lands the website hosts. We would suggest you to apply on multiple options, because only if you knock on ten doors will you hear from one.

Once a farm takes you in, you can rest assured that lodging and food come free. For four to six hours of farm work every day, you get to see a country and its people too closely! Isn't that the Deal! Now you might be thinking, but I have very little clues about farming. Well, the good news is you do not have to be skilled at all, you simply need to have the desire.

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Top tips for backpacking Malaysia

Making a trip to Malaysia? Earlier, it was in the air that not many spend much time while #backpacking #malaysia. The country turned 60 last year and it has a lot to show. Picking up the true essence of “truly Aisa” doesn’t happen in a night. So, make way for the top #travel-tips to Malaysia.

Don’t rush and brush through the popular trails. Take time to jump off the well-worn trail and visit the off-beat Kota Bharu, Sarawak, Sabah (see orangutans and meet the former head-hunting tribe) to explore the best of Malasia. Taman Negara, the world’s oldest rainforest is a must see.

No matter how uncommon, only by embracing hitchhiking will you get to know the rewards of it. Reaching places that are poorly served by public transport and landing invitations to local homes are just the starters.

Penang and George Town are not synonymous. The tiny town is just a part of the Penang, the island. Thus, there’s no excuse to not get out of the town.

Kuala Lumpur is beyond the concrete jungle in its rainforest.

Witness the ethnic mix whenever you can.

When in Malaysia, it’s best to talk in English!

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Welcome to Cameron Highlands: Asia's Switzerland

When you’re traveling in Malaysia, #cameron-highlands better not be amiss. Considering the hoards of fun things you can do in this district of #malaysia. Let alone the awesome scenic views, getting from one place of interest to the other is easy as many are placed alongside one main road. Starting from being home to lush green tea plantations, lovely waterfalls, strawberry farms, museums, lavender fields to fascinating #hiking-trails, the Cameron Highlands always leaves you dazzled with utter delight.

On one hand, you can savor the sweet life at a honey farm and handpick your strawberries and on the other have a prickly happy time at one of the cactus centers. Step into the Time Tunnel & Mah Meri Art Gallery to travel back in time. The best way to explore the outdoors of the area is to go for independent hiking- a walk through the Mossy Forest is one of a kind. Well, the #to-do-list can fit in much more!

Brinchang Night Market is a nice escape from the English scones & cream with its delicious street delicacies. Staying & eating is no trouble out here. You’ll get a plenty of places that suit your budget.

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Witness the splendor of Agricultural India at the best farm stays in Punjab

A #farm stay is a rural retreat away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. #Punjab with its long and varied agricultural history has many farmhouses where visitors can stay for a couple of days and experience the best of #agricultural tourism.

Some of the leading farm stays in Punjab, are Anand at the Satluj (Anandpur), Punjabiyat (one hour drive from Amritsar), Prakriti Farm Stay (Rupnagar) and Kailash Farm Stay (Hoshiarpur). Cradled in the lap of nature, these farm stays will offer you picture-perfect scenic views of the lush greenery, the gurgling streams of river and canals that crisscross the acres on acres of #farmlands.

Get a taste of the #Punjabi culture and heritage by being a part of the folk dance and music programs that are arranged by these rural resorts. Most of these farm stays allow visitors to be a part of activities such as hiking/cycling across orchard/farmlands, fishing. One can even take guided tours of the farmlands or enjoy tractor/bullock-cart rides, not to mention the farm fresh, organic meals that one gets to savour. Room rents range between INR 6500 for 3 nights ($94.75) to INR 5800 (f84.55) for one night. So if you want to explore something different than the regular, check in to one of these gems.

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Rejuvenate your Body and Mind with Yoga at Varanasi

#Varanasi is regarded by many as the yoga capital of #India and rightfully so. Being the spiritual hub of this nation, Varanasi lays due emphasis on Yog sadhana, a form of meditation. This ancient practice of physical drill aims at uniting the strength of the body with the consciousness of the mind, thereby introducing us to our inner awareness. A #yoga instructor slowly leads the student into this path by imparting knowledge on breathing techniques, body poses, and hand movements.

There are several yoga training centers across Varanasi. Some are situated near famous #ghats like Dashashwamedh, Assi and Manmandir. Banaras Hindu University is another reputed institute from where one can master yoga, both its practice and the science behind it.

Varanasi is also home to several ashramas and muths (primarily places of religious retreat) where yoga and meditation sessions are held on a regular basis.

The defining feature of yoga is that one learns to gain control over the body by being attuned to it, by understanding its strength and weaknesses. This aim is attained in a relaxed and unhurried manner, so that by the end of a session one feels rejuvenated rather than fatigued.

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The Ruins of Hampi dates back to ancient!

At almost every step in #hampi, you ’ll stumble over #ruins narrating its own story. No wonder a fellow traveler referred to Hampi as the ‘Rome of India’. When I first set foot at the royal enclosures I was humbled against its magnificence. The royal center of the Vijayanagara Empire similar to the sacred complex reverberates the #echoes-of-past.

The Stepped Bath, Zenana Enclosure (housing the Lotus Mahal), Queens Bath, and Mahanavami-diiba are a must include in the itinerary. Captivating tales of these ruins have been attracting more and more global travelers and hippies to this hamlet of #karnataka.

Both the Lotus Mahal & Elephant Stables are a part of the Zenana Enclosure. The manicured lawns of the enclosure render a sense of a peaceful oasis amidst the arid surrounds.

The pages of history recognize the delicately designed Lotus Mahal as the queen’s recreational mansion.

The intricate carved 3-tired platform, Mahanavami-diiba offers a spectacular panoramic view of the walled complex of the temple ruins. It used to be the royal viewing area of festivities, especially Dasera.

The Queens Bath is of significance amongst other elaborate waterworks, south of the Royal center. Its intricate Indo-Islamic detail on the inside is quick to catch the eye.

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Wagah Border: A Personal Reflection

It was the summers of 2010, when I first witnessed the elaborate military performances at both the sides - Pakistan on one end and India on the other - of the #Wagah border. The Pakistani and the Indian force conducted the #beating retreat in perfect synchronization, patriotic songs were played on each side of the line that divides the two nations, now enemies, once siblings: India and Pakistan. The decorated march past where a #soldier kicks his leg out all the way up, till it touches the forehead, was a thing to behold! Moreover, the two hours event, which ended with the lowering of the sun and the flags of both the nations, was, well, eventful. The iron gates that stand adamantly, and at guard, between the two countries were closed, to be pushed open the next day for the same program to be reiterated.

The spectacle is held along a stretch of land, the historical Grand Trunk road, (a road that still conjoins, though bleakly, India and Pakistan) which also bears the footprints of those who used the road to migrate to the neighboring country, leaving their homes and roots. Today this land is used as a platform to showcase #military prowess, with the involvement of both the countries. Amidst the cheering and hurrahing one can barely remember the insurmountable and irreversible loss that #partition bred. One can barely comprehend that once, united we stood, and divided we failed ourselves as countrymen.

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A walk down the Colonial Past of Punjab: Amritsar/The Partition Museum

Before 1947, the Indian subcontinent was a consolidated state consisting of what stands as three independent nations today: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. When the country was divided, a separate constitutional body called Pakistan came into being, which was later divided into Pakistan and Bangladesh.

We get elusive ideas about the harrowing experiences of the people who suffered the throes of #partition in history books, documentaries and in the stories narrated by grandparents who dealt and survived the crises. However, when we really think about it, we only have vicarious experience to fall back on.

The #Partition Museum, located in #Amritsar is the first of its kind which was established with an aim to document the jarring impact that partition left on millions of people. The Museum retains exhibits like refugee artifacts, relics, paintings and archival materials, all of which corroborate the cataclysmic effects of partition.

A country must be visited with an objective to learn its #history, both pleasing and sinister. A visit to Amritsar won’t stand as fulfilling if a traveler fails to visit this institution that is no less an emblem of #Punjab’s present.

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The Food & Drink Scene- have a feast in Malaysia

One of my buddies always told me, "If you want to dig deep into the culture of a place, don't miss food as one of the windows!" Well, that certainly goes true till date. My last visit was to Malaysia and to my surprise the #flavours of #malaysia literally screams "Truly Asia".

Be sure to find a fascinating kaleidoscope of delightful #cuisines that mainly focus on 3 ethnic groups- Malay, Indian and Chinese. You’d hate it if you stick to just the Malay food like Satay, Kuih or even Nasi lemak, which is also unofficially popular as Malaysia’s national dish. How else would you fathom Asia's cultural melting pot, if you don’t try all the kind? Starting from lip-smacking street food to restaurant delicacies, it’s all definitely worth a shot!

As night sets in, you can easily grab a beer and chit-chat with fellow travelers at the bars. The streets of Malaysia are sprawled with its #publife.

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Get on with the amazing things you can do in Hampi

Trust me, seeing #hampi in pictures really won’t suffice. To feel the pulse of the carnival of carvings, seeing it “in the flesh” is a mandate. You won’t find a second Hampi anywhere else on the planet so, experience it to the fullest. It's best to have a #to-do-list on hand because there are quite a few amazing things to do here, other than temple hopping.

Explore the Hippie Island on a scooter. The laidback islands will help you take it easy if you’re totally exhausted after reaching the heritage site. I had plans of #bicycling through the lesser known ruins but, ended up hiring a scooter. The roads of Hampi can surely make it a wild ride. Just follow the one-way street and cross the bridge to go for the temples. You won’t need a map for this.

Go #swimming in the popular Sanapur Lake.

When in Hampi, #rock-climbing is a must!

Gripping sunset from Managua Hill

Have a private boat (big round basket) experience!

Spend a charming evening on the boulders. The simplicity of the impromptu live gig by the local rockstar, Gali, and the Hampi kids will win your heart and soul.

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Become a Hampi monkey in India's bouldering capital!

Any guesses what the other popular activity in #hampi is, across the Tungabhadra River? It is #rock-climbing. If you’re someone who is one for adrenaline and is a softy for challenges, this is the thing for you. Seekers of #adventure constantly indulge in bouldering. Hampi, with its image of the fairytale land of Flintstones and its old-school charm, moves quickly to win over the off-beat travelers.

So, scream ‘Yabba-Dabba-Doo’ and just get on with it! It’s true that your fingers and body will ache as you climb the massive rocks but, the sense of accomplishment, in the end, that’s worth it. Hampi is completely loved by climbing enthusiasts from all over the world as the place offers excellent bouldering opportunities. It is famously known as the bouldering capital of #india for a reason. December is the favored rock climbing season in Hampi for both Indian and International climbers. Keep away during the rainy and summer seasons- you’ll thank me later!

Whether you are an amateur or a veteran at bouldering, the place never fails to satisfy your hunch! But, don’t forget to do it under experienced guidance. A broken arm is definitely not a pleasant memory to take back from a pilgrimage like Hampi.

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Get set go! Let the Tomato Fight begin!

The trucks with tonnes of tomato are coming in & the desperate crowd is becoming even more impatient…

More than 4,000 people gathered in the streets of #plaza-del-pueblo. It was my first time and I was getting eager with each passing second. But, sigh! The festival couldn’t begin right away. As tradition has it, come 10 am, a slice of Spanish ham is hung on top of a greasy wooden pole. The locals call it ‘palo jabon’. The crowd sings and chants in encouragement, while people take turns to retrieve the ‘meaty treat’. The scene is hilarious as the brave hearts try to climb their way to the top and keep slipping right back every time.

The crowd started screaming, “Paint it Red” as the slice was nearing its fall. The moment it fell from the pole a loud signal went off, the trucks unloaded gallons of tomato. Thus began the chaos of Fun Unlimited!

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La Tomatina: Get the facts right!

August 29th, 2018- save the date! Hurry up and plan if you haven’t already. The #la-Tomatina or the Tomatino festival is just about here! Trust me on this-there isn’t a better time to visit #spain. It goes without saying that the Tomatino festival is the #worlds-largest-food-fight. It’s the season to paint the streets of #bunol, RED!

The tradition started in the early 1945 and has only grown bigger in time. The reason for the start is still bizarre but, today it is celebrated to honor the Bunol patron saints. It was long before that the travelers from all over the world caught the air of this bizarre yet, fun-packed festival. The Spanish tomato-throwing festival is held every year on the last Wednesday of August from 11 am to 1 pm. The tomato frenzy actually begins a week ahead of the main event. Get hooked to the madness on the streets, a day before the event, with dance, music, fireworks, parades, wine… and Paella.

It’s nothing less than a fight. You basically crush tomatoes and throw. That’s pretty much the deal and it is the wackiest of all Spanish festivals!