The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travel in India: Tips, Tricks and Hacks | Travel Vlog

 

Are you dreaming of traveling to India but afraid of breaking the bank? I was in the same boat until I stumbled upon some budget travel tips, tricks, and hacks that made my dream trip a reality. As a budget-conscious traveler, I was able to explore India without compromising on the experience. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the ultimate guide to budget travel in India!

 

1. Travel during the offseason

If you want to save big on flights, accommodations, and attractions, travel during the offseason. According to research, traveling during the offseason can save you up to 50% on airfare and hotel prices, depending on the destination. Plus, you'll experience the country in a unique way as many festivals and events happen during the offseason.

Pro tip: Don’t let the scorching heat of the Indian summer discourage you. Instead, embrace it by sipping on a refreshing glass of nimbu pani (lemonade) or masala chai (spiced tea).

 

2. Use public transportation

Public transportation in India is a great way to explore the country while staying within your budget. For example, the metro system in Delhi and Bangalore is efficient and affordable, with fares starting at just 10 rupees (about 15 cents USD). Besides, you can take a rickshaw ride or hop on a local bus to experience local life and interact with locals.

Research shows that using public transportation can save you up to 50% on transportation costs compared to using taxis or rental cars. Moreover, it's a sustainable option, which is always a plus!

 

3. Eat like a local

India is a foodie's paradise, and eating at local restaurants can quickly add up. So, why not indulge in street food like a local? Street food stalls and markets offer some of the most delicious and authentic food in the country at pocket-friendly prices. Moreover, you'll get to interact with locals and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Research shows that eating street food can save you up to 60% on food costs compared to eating at restaurants. However, be careful about hygiene and choose stalls that are popular with locals and have high turnover to ensure the food is fresh and safe to eat.

 

4. Stay in budget accommodations

Accommodation can be a significant expense when traveling, but there are plenty of budget options available in India. Hostels are a popular choice for budget travelers, with prices starting at just a few dollars per night. Another option is homestays, where you can stay with a local family and get a more authentic experience.

Research shows that staying in budget accommodations can save you up to 50% on accommodation costs compared to staying in hotels. Plus, you'll get to meet other travelers and make new friends.

 

5. Bargain, bargain, bargain

Bargaining is an essential part of Indian culture, and it's expected in many situations, such as when shopping in markets or hiring a rickshaw. Don't be afraid to negotiate, but be polite and respectful while doing so. Remember, the goal is to get a fair price, not to rip off the vendor.

Research shows that bargaining can save you up to 50% on prices, depending on the item and the vendor. Just be sure to do your research beforehand to get an idea of what the item should cost.

 

6. Plan your itinerary carefully

India is a vast country, and trying to see everything in one trip can be overwhelming and expensive. Instead, plan your itinerary carefully, focusing on a few key destinations. Research the best time to visit each place and the attractions you want to see. Don't forget to factor in travel time and costs.

Pro tip: Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations that are not crowded with tourists. You'll not only get a more authentic experience but also save money on accommodations, food, and attractions.

 

Research shows that careful planning can save you up to 30% on overall travel costs compared to a more haphazard approach. Plus, you'll be able to enjoy your trip without the stress of trying to do too much.

 

7. Use travel rewards programs

If you're a frequent traveler, consider signing up for travel rewards programs. Many airlines, hotels, and credit cards offer rewards and points that you can redeem for free flights, hotel stays, and other perks.

Research shows that using travel rewards programs can save you up to 20% on travel costs, depending on the program and how you use the rewards.

 

8. Learn some basic Hindi

Learning some basic Hindi phrases can go a long way in India. Not only will it help you communicate with locals, but it will also show that you respect and appreciate their culture. Plus, knowing some Hindi can help you bargain better and navigate public transportation more easily.

Research shows that knowing some basic Hindi can save you up to 10% on prices and improve your overall travel experience.

 

9. Pack smart

Packing smart can save you money on baggage fees and make your trip more comfortable. Pack light and bring only the essentials. Consider packing a reusable water bottle to save money on bottled water, and bring a portable charger to keep your devices powered up on the go.

Research shows that packing smart can save you up to 10% on overall travel costs.

 

10. Embrace the local culture

Finally, one of the best ways to save money while #traveling in India is to embrace the local culture. Take part in free or low-cost activities, such as attending a temple ceremony or watching a street performance. Immerse yourself in the local way of life and learn about the country's rich history and traditions.

Research shows that embracing the local culture can not only save you money but also enhance your overall travel experience.

 

In conclusion, traveling on a budget in India is not only possible but also an excellent way to experience the country in a more authentic way. By following these tips, tricks, and hacks, you can save money while still having a memorable and enriching travel experience. So, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the wonders of India without breaking the bank!

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5 places in the West that evoke Brazil

With the soccer World Cup and the Summer Olympics on Brazil's horizon - and Carnaval right around the corner - the global profile of South America's largest country is on the rise. Sadly, most of our pop culture knowledge of Brazil is limited to the Amazon, the "Girl from Ipanema" and Carmen Miranda's headdress, so now is an opportune time to dig deeper into this vibrant culture. (And no, a Brazilian wax does not count as cultural insight.) While most of the large Brazilian communities are in Southern California, here are spots throughout the West where they know the difference between samba and Zumba.

1. Kitanda Brazilian Bakery, Redmond, Wash.

A taste of hot, humid Brazil in the drizzly Pacific Northwest? Who knew? Along with a host of culturally infused pastries, you'll find specialty dishes from deep-fried chicken dumplings to Brazilian cheese bread. Wash it all down with South American maté (if it's too early in day to mix Caipirinhas). 15230 NE 24th St., (425) 641-4413, www.kitanda.com.

2. Villa Brasil Motel, Los Angeles

This funky 18-room motel won't fool anyone into thinking they're in Brazil - just Los Angeles, sorry - but the tiled floors, walls in wildly brilliant shades and plants bursting from every corner make it a comfy and inexpensive place to celebrate the spirit of the country. Pop next door to Cafe Brasil for an empadinha or churrasco beef and a sangria. 11740 Washington Blvd., (310) 636-0141, www.villabrasilmotel.com.

3. Cafe Brasil, Santa Cruz

Look for the house on Mission Street with palms out front and painted in Brazil-flag green and yellow. Or just follow your nose to this popular restaurant known for its breakfast and lunch menus full of South American favorites. Order the traditional feijoada (a black bean and sausage stew), or if you're trying to stay slim for a Brazilian-size bikini - the beach is less than a mile away - go for the popular acai smoothie. 1410 Mission St., (831) 429-1855, www.cafebrasil.us.

4. Brasil Brasil Cultural Center, Los Angeles

If you hurry, you might just fit in some pre-Carnaval classes in Afro-Brazilian drumming, samba, Zumba and Brazilian Zouk. If you've been wondering what the big deal is about capoeira - you have to love a dance that is also a traditional art form and a fighting style - the cultural center hosts demonstrations, competitions and classes. 11928 Washington Blvd., (310) 397-3667, www.brasilbrasil.org.

5. Mercado Brasil, San Francisco

This tiny market is crammed to the walls with all manner of Brazilian food and merchandise, and seems to command a loyal following of transplants, tourists and fans of all things Brasil. Looking for a soccer jersey, cheese bread and a can of Guaraná Antártica like you had on Ipanema Beach? You're in the right place. 1252 Valencia St., (415) 285-3520, www.mercadobrasilsf.com (website in Portuguese).

Source : http://www.sfgate.com

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Cambodia by Bicycle

"Whenever you see three Cambodians, remember the fourth one who was killed by the Khmer Rouge.” A friend shared this sobering thought on the eve of a special adventure I was about to embark on: a bicycling trip from Bangkok to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. While this undercurrent of sadness was a part of the trip, my adventure was also filled with unexpected challenges, friendly people, and awe at seeing the magnificent ruins at Angkor.

After spending our first day (March 14) cycling in Thailand, we reached the Cambodian border at Prum at noon of the second day. We bicycled onward 17 km to Pailin and stopped there for the night. Pailin is famous for two things: sapphire mines nearby and several retired Khmer Rouge officials. Luckily I did not run into the latter while exploring the town in the afternoon. The streets of Pailin were torn up for installing sewage pipes and it was dusty and hot. Many more children than I had seen in Thailand played in the streets. The market reminded me of the bazaars of the smaller towns of Bangladesh, with the vendors waiting with their offerings while their children entertained.

The next day was our most difficult: 92km from Pailin to Battambang, the second largest town of Cambodia. Expecting another hot day (mid-30s) we started bicycling at 7am. Having braved Dhaka's traffic and shattered roads for many years, riding through Pailin's potholes was easy for me. But just outside the town I ran into trouble. That's because we started climbing the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains.

Now I don't know about you, but to me Bangladesh is the best country for mountain biking because there are no mountains. Going up those hills, my feet, legs, thighs and lungs all screamed for one thing: flat land. Suddenly I was missing the flat potholes of Dhaka, the flat muddy paths through the villages and the flat unfinished brick roads.

There was another difference I noticed immediately. The Cambodian landscape had no trees! The area we were in had been under Khmer Rouge control for years and they had chopped off all the trees. So now I was missing both the flat and green of Bangladesh.

I was also missing another advantage of cycling in Bangladeshi countryside: if you need to relieve yourself, you can always park your bicycle and walk away into a field or some trees and do the needful. Not so in Cambodia, because of landmines.

As if to soothe me, Cambodian children started appearing from their village homes. Charming and friendly, they reminded me of the village children in Bangladesh as they greeted us from the roadside.

The road from Pailin to Battambang is being built by the Chinese. Some of it is gravel and stones, while the rest is asphalt carpeted. Numerous trucks plied this road (taking sewage pipes to Pailin?) and every time one went by, we wheezed and coughed through its trail of dust for the next few minutes.

Covered with dust and bleary-eyed from the heat, we somehow made it to Battambang after seven hours of hard riding. It was there next morning that I had a moving experience.

I had awakened before everyone else and hired a Tuk-Tuk so I could take some pictures. Exploring Battambang, I discovered its charming atmosphere, friendly people, cordial neighborhoods and old French architecture. Towards the end of the ride, the driver asked me “Do you want to see the Killing Fields?” At first I declined but then I changed my mind. He took me meandering through the town and through the grounds of a Buddhist monastery to a clearing with a tower. This was a memorial to those who had perished under the Khmer Rouge. In the middle was a glass enclosed display of skulls and bones. All around the monument, frescoes described atrocities. Having come from a country which had also suffered genocide, I immediately empathized and was filled with sadness for the suffering of these gentle people.

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The ultimate goal of our trip was to explore Angkor Wat by bicycle. A series of Buddhist and Hindu temples built during the height of the Cambodia's Angkor empire (800-1200AD), the area is spread over several square kilometers. The temples were “discovered” and restored by the French during the early 20th century using a process called “Anastylosis” reconstructing a structure to its original specifications using modern materials only when necessary (but discreetly.) Every year millions of tourists visit Angkor Wat to see these monuments created by man to show respect for the divine.

To see Angkor you must be based in Siem Reap, the nearby town. So on the fourth day, we went there from Battambang. We rode in a minivan because our original plan of taking a boat across the Tonle Sap lake was scuttled due to low water levels. I learned that China is building several dams upriver from the Mekong river and this is possibly causing water shortages in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Aha, I said, this story sounds very familiar! Speaking to the Cambodians, I also discovered that there is no power shortage in the country because they buy power from Thailand in the west, Laos in the north and Vietnam in the east. Women in Cambodia freely drove motorcycles and bicycled, often wearing sarongs. No one spat or did waak-thu like in Bangladesh, though I did notice some discreet nose-picking. Because of the sparser population (16 million) the towns looked cleaner than Bangladeshi towns.

Next morning, we bicycled from Siem Reap to Angkor. The vegetation changed, with many ancient trees standing among more recently planted saplings. The first temple we stopped at was Bantay Kdai, a Buddhist monastery from the 12th century. This was where I saw my first Spung tree and caught my breath.

It is the Spung tree that adds a hypnotic dimension to many of Angkor's temples. Its roots crawl like giant snakes along the walls, while the treetop towers hundreds of feet overhead. If you have seen those banyan tree trees that grow out of old abandoned houses and palaces in Bangladesh, try to imagine something ten or maybe a hundred - times more macabre and powerful and you will get an idea.

Ta Phrom is a temple with impressive Spung trees. This was our next stop. Massive Spung tree roots competed with the architectural details and fine workmanship for our attention. Then we bicycled to Bayon. This temple is filled with steep stairs, narrow corridors, and wide open terraces. But the highlight is its 54 towers all decorated with the same giant face with an enigmatic smile. After staring at that face every which way we left Bayon and went out. It was a pleasant surprise to see the smiling Cambodian children peddling Tshirts, books and souvenirs.

Our final stop was the main temple, Angkor Wat. It is a huge and complex temple surrounded by a moat. The story of the Ramayana is carved meticulously into the walls of the temple. I climbed to the top and looked around, but for me Angkor Wat was overwhelming and I came away with sensory overload.

The following day we bicycled 50km to explore Banteay Srei temple (967 AD), which many consider the most beautiful temple in Cambodia. Its pink stone building was indeed pretty, as was the artwork in stone. We also climbed up a steep mountain to see the River of Thousand Lingas. Along the stone riverbanks of this mountain river, many carvings depicting linga (ie, female phallic symbols) can be seen.

The last day of the trip was meant for bicycling in the Cambodian countryside. Since this is similar to the Bangladeshi countryside, I skipped the cycling and spent the day exploring Bayon and Ta Phrom again. Afterwards, munching on a bowl of fried yellow noodles at the Blue Pumpkin restaurant, I contemplated my trip, which was near its end.

I had experienced intense physical and emotional forces on this trip. The tough bicycle rides had challenged and drained me, but I had survived, due in no small part to my preparation before leaving. I had been less prepared for the emotional turmoil I experienced by the three faces of human Cambodia: the ghastly atrocities of the Killing Fields, and the magnificent vision of the Angkor kings and the gentle and cheerful Cambodians of today. So Cambodia will always be an enigma to me a rich enigma, but an enigma nevertheless.

Practical Details: The bicycle trip is offered by Spice Roads (www.spiceroads.com). They are well-organized and dedicated with helpful and knowledgeable staff. Needless to say, in order to avoid getting into trouble, one must be physically fit before embarking on such a trip. The bicycle trip is one-way and you need to fly out of Siem Reap at the end.

Story & Photo: Ihtisham Kabir

Source : http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=136940

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Glittering Las Vagas

The City That Never Sleeps

Never been to Las Vagas? We were often confronted with this awkward question as we prepared ourselves for a short trip to the man-made wonderland. Politely we enquired-have you been there and how was it? The answer we got was usually 'beyond description'. We were also informed that Las Vagas was a land where some dreams are realised and others are broken. So, it was with a lot of hope and expectations that we landed at the Las Vagas' McCarran International airport-a grand affair in the middle of a desert surrounded by low grayish mountains with occasional rust-coloured patches.

It was the end of July and our there sons, who had visited Vagas, had warned that we had chosen the wrong time for our trip. Vegas has a sub-tropical desert climate-June to September are very hot and mostly dry,with average day-time temperature of 94 to 104 degree Fahrenheit. Truly, as soon as we landed and started looking for a taxi to our hotel, we experienced a good scorching by the intense heat even at five in the afternoon. It felt as if we had entered an oven but the heat was dry and somewhat manageable. It rains only a few days in Vegas but we were fortunate in having one such shower during our short stay and the weather thereafter was milder than usual.

Our hotel was close to the mile-long stretch on the Las Vegas Boulevard commonly known as the 'strip' where most of the famous and gigantic hotels and Casinos are located. These hotels are self-sufficient in catering to the tourists' main interest-euphemistically called gamming and entertaining shows, quality shopping and fine food.

Activities in this city go on twenty-four hours to which millions of visitors are drawn from all over the world and the United State every year. People move around from casino to casino, various world class shows and restaurants in various hotels day and night. The glitter of the abundant lights and neon signs in the strip are spectacular and dazzling. People there appear so carefree and opulent that one feels as if the world is full of milk and honey and there is no pain and suffering any where. Thought it appears to be a rich and fortunate man's paradise, there is high unemployment and some poverty in the area.

In the 19th century, when the Spaniards first went to the Las Vegas Valley area-then part of Mexico, it had many arte-sian wells, which supported green areas or meadows. Las Vegas derived its name from 'the meadows' (Las Vegas in Spanish.) The growth of the city began in 1931 with the opening of the Northern Club (now the La Bayou), the first casino and resort in Vegas. The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, which we visited, is a big hotel in the down-town area at the northern end of the Las Vegas Boulevard. Gradually, Vegas became popular with tourists from all over the world. The uniquely covered pedestraian-only Freemont street in down town with many shops, casinos and restaurants was quite interesting. It appeared to me to be covered by light-coloured metal strips with gaps, which protects from the sun but does not fully protect from rain. This area is outside the 'strip'-now the main attraction of Vegas. In the nineties, efforts were made by the city authorities to revive the downtown but with the opening of the Mirage in 1989, resort development moved to the southern portion of the Las Vegas Boulevard. Some of the most popular hotels like the Bellagio, Caesar's Palace, Flamingo, Luxor and Mandalay Bay were opened there on a grand scale in the last twenty years.

Bellagio's playful fountains, both outside the hotel and inside in the indoor, garden are under a dome, are most pleasant. Its garden has thousands of species of plants and colourful flowers, as well as areplica of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell. Next door, the Caesar's Palace is built in a Roman style with many statues of famous Roman figures. We found people dressed in period costumes representing Caesar and Cleopatra moving around the hotel's vast corridors. The Palazzo and the Venetian Hotels on the other side of the Boulevard are inter-connected. Part of the latter hotel looks like little Venice, with canals, bridges and Gondola rides in the canals. Even the St Marco's square with its historic buildings and architecture is reproduced here and of course there were a few Italian restaurants. The entire area is artificially covered by a soothing light-blue sky, giving an appearance and feeling of cool early evening, even when it was noon time outside with 100 degree temperature. Elsewhere on the strip, we found replicas of famous Paris landmarks-the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

Our budget for playing at the casinos was quite limited. Al so our experience was no match to our companion, Abul Siddique. He had developed his skills at the Black Jack and roulette tables by numerous visites to the nearby Atlantic City casinos in New Jersey, where he had frequent winning streaks. This was his third visit to Vegas. Being a Yale PhD, his knowledge of mathematics and economics might have been a great advantage to him. He was able to somewhat maintain his winning record during this visit. We mainly confined our selves to pulling the levers of the slot machines. Many of the machines had, however, buttons to press to spin the wheels. Our net results was dismal. A few times, I tried roulette, fortunately with modestly good results-may be a beginners luck. Irrespective of the loos or gain, it was a lot of fun indulging a little at the games.

World-class shows are a regular feature at the many hotels, which also help attract many visitors. One has to book the seats, which are quite expensive, months in advance to get in at the right time and day, We reserved two such-the Celine Dion concert at the Caesar's Palace Hotel and the Cirque de Soleil, a spectacular circus and entertainment show at the Bellagio. These halls are gigantic in size-seating about 1500 people in each show. Celine has been our favorite singer for a long time but we had seen her only on the TV. This was, thus, a wonderful opportunity to see her in person and hear songs in her inimitable style and soaring voice. A music legend, she is an import from Canada. At many parts of Vegas, huge boards were put up showing Celine's waist-up bare back with the slogan "Celine's back". The pun was intended since Celine, a regular feature of Vegas, had returned this season after an absence of two years during which she had twins. An additional bonus of the show was the guest appearance of a great singer and song-writer, Stevie WOnder-a blindman since his childhood, who sang one of his hit songs while playing on the piano with a big smile, as usual, on his face At the Cirque du Soleil, we were seated at the second row, and often splashed with water during some of the acrobatics. The music accompanying the magnificent and often dangerous acrobatic and athletic feats was happy and melancholy at the same time. The show had to be adjourned by 15 minutes due to an injury suffered by one of the artists who required to be taken to the hospital. The costumes were vibrant and the stage techniques were marvelous. We wondered how they created a large pool of water about 75 feet wide and 35 feet deep in a 30-ton structure in the stage inside a hotel. Truly, the efforts we made and the expenses were worth the two memorable shows.

People also go to Vegas for fine dining and shopping experiences. There are first class restaurants catering to various tastes and presenting different cuisine. The Mesa Grill and Guy Savoy were highly recommended by friends and relations. We had dinner at the latter restaurant and the superb French cooking and fine ambience lived up to its excellent reputation. Reputed, upscale shops like the Channel, Bally and Rolex were all represented at the hotels to cater to the rich tourists. We were quite content with buying for our grandchildren souvenirs, T shirts and toys reflecting the local scene and retiring to our regular surroundings in Washington with memories of a trip to a dazzling and unreal world.

Writer : Azizul Jalil, Source : The Daily Star

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