Planning a Travel Itinerary...

As summers are approaching and kids are getting a break from their schools, you might also want the most awaited break from your mundane routine and dreaming of that long due vacation. While many choose to give a visit to grandparents or some relative’s house while some might choose to travel to their favorite destination.

With the technology boom, and the growing internet era, with a single click of your finger, you will get all the desired information which surely is a bliss for many as there are so many travel sites, which has come up like mushrooms and dominating the market and let you decide where you could go, give suggestions, book tickets for you and plan everything for you.. But still planning a travel itinerary can be nerve wracking and irksome as it includes choosing a location, How to get there, Budget, Availability of tickets, Booking the hotels / accommodation, Nearby restaurant / shop/ hotspots, Tourist attraction … blah blah blah and the list goes on...

So here I have come up with some suggestions and list before you travel to make your task a bit easy. Though you can always trust the travel websites but there should be some homework done before you step out of the comfort of your home sweet home.

                                                    

• Choosing a location - This is the first and foremost point of consideration that what kind of place do you want to visit. Take the suggestion from every member of the family, Place should be somewhere; every age group can enjoy and has something to do. It can be a leisure holiday, an adventurous holiday, Beach holiday, wildlife and safaris, History and culture as per your interest.Sometimes it's easier to find the right holiday by choosing the type of trip you're looking for, rather than going for a destination first.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
  
• How to get there – My hunger of wandering the ‘on route’ destinations led me to drive down most of the times. But everyone is not comfortable driving long hours. So better search for the most approachable and comfortable way to reach the chosen destination.                                                                                     
  
• Budget – Flight prices can put a dent in your holiday budget. So compare the prices in the various website before booking. Apart from comparing try booking in advance. You can use search engines which allow you to adjust your dates as per the availability of cheap fare on those dates.You just have to put the destination and tentative dates and Google will search the best option available with the best price for you with its prediction algorithm.                                                                                                                
  
• Travel – If you are traveling by train, book your tickets in advance or take tatkal tickets. Check your PNR status and track the current status of a train through various apps available.                                                  
  
• Bookings - Travel can be a pitfall and could be ruined and go wrong by stinking hotel room, stained washrooms, overpriced or some tourist trap. Check on the internet about the room prices, visit the hotel gallery, check the restaurant and check in-out timings. Advance bookings can save time , money as well as last minutes hassles.                                                                                                                          
  
• Packing – How and what to pack plays an important role in your travel. Do consider the weather of your destined place. Some basics include having an extra pair of everything be it clothes, undergarments, socks, shorts, sleepwear etc, medicines are must if children are coming along on a trip, multipurpose knife, hand sanitizer, sunblock, flats/sneakers/heels, an extra bag in case you are in a mood to shop, stash some extra cash, emergency contacts, and address.                                                                         
  
• Food – Be open minded and always give a try to something new as it is the best part of enjoying the new place and its local cuisines. Ditch a fancy restaurant and taste a bit of everything, you can ask local people about the authentic place to crave your taste buds.                                                                      
  
• Tourist attraction – Don’t get trapped with the local guides who charges much, fools and promises you to roam around. Do your homework, check out on the internet, take recommendations from localities and keep the map handy.

These are the some of the travel tips, but to conclude take lots of pictures, make memories, smile and laugh, meet new people, observe and imbibe, be humble, break out your comfort zone, walk as much as you can and remember that the world is so beautiful so travel and have fun, be like child open your arms, embrace the breeze, don’t regret and last but not the lease do share your travel tips…the space is all yours!!!

D the Diu

Diu, a tiny island linked by a bridge to Gujarat’s southern coast and holds the remains of Portuguese history. It is a union territory and tenth least populated district of India.

I love the clear blue sky, the chirping of birds, deep blue Sea water all around, deserted roads…No noise to disturb the tranquility of the place. Diu holds all these true, so serene and calm, truly an unforgotten Portuguese paradise that will definitely make you fall in love with. It is one of the undiscovered gems of India where the sun, sea and sky meet in harmony.

As someone once said, the world is a book and those who do not travel, read only a page!!!
       

Source: Internet

I planned to visit this magical and beautiful island in one of the long weekends, Diu is around 310 km from Jamnagar and is the only place near the teetotaller Gujarat with perfect picturesque locations, where liquor is not banned. People come here to party hard and booze.

It took around 6 hours for us to reach there and as soon as I entered the city, the first impression of this place on me was very quiet, untarnished and unstained. Though the place is a major tourist destination, you won’t found it much crowded. I found myself completely lost in its empty roads, laid-back ambiance and untouched coastlines with no another soul in sight.

After reaching our destination and freshening up, we took a drive down the town in search of some good food joint near Bandar chawraha. You will get some good restaurants here where you can enjoy food with light music and soft cool breeze. After finishing the dinner I took a stroll beside the beach and spent some time lying on the sand and gazing starts feeling the fresh zephyr around .I let myself soak in the charms of this virgin land.

Next morning I head towards some most visited tourist places in and around Diu:

1.Gangeshwar Temple: Situated in the midst of rocks on the seashore, this small temple, definitely took your breath away. It is believed that Pandavas during their exile worshiped lord Shiva here. You can see five Shiv Lingas in different sizes. During high tides, all the shiv Lingas get submerged in water as if the sea waves are offering its prayer to lord Shiva. This temple has its own mystic aura.
                       

2.St. Paul’s Church: The Outer structure of this church is quite huge and attractive, and gives a glimpse of Portuguese architecture. This church is around 400 years old and said to construct in 16th Century. This Portuguese church would definitely a treat for history and architecture lovers.

                                  

3.Diu Museum: I was seriously disappointed after seeing the condition of this museum. Very badly preserved. An old church has been converted into a museum but nothing much to see and the building itself is in very bad shape.

4.Diu Fort: This massive structure stands still on the shore of Arabian Sea like a guard of the island. With its huge stone structure, this place transports you to the royal era of gallant soldiers. One can easily take 2.5 to 3 hours to roam around it completely. The fort has a working jail which I was dying to visit, but unfortunately, visitors are not allowed in that area.

This fort housed some age old cannons and armories and provides the spectacular view of the sea. There is a lighthouse in one portion of the fort which provides you an opportunity to click some selfies and snaps. You can take your own time to explore this fort.

The fort is quite neatly maintained, no entry fee and the fort is open from morning 8 Am till 5 Pm in the evening.
                                           

5.Naida Caves: These are the most unique and beautiful caves and a delight for the explorers. It is a huge underground kind of cave network where the Portuguese used to hack out their building material. You can find the big rocky structure wrapped by the tree roots which looks amazing. A good place for photography.
                     

6.INS Khukri Memorial: A beautiful memorial at a beautiful place which gives you a mixed feeling of proud, sadness and respect. Built in the memory of naval officers and sailors who bravely choose to go down when their ship was attacked by a Pakistan submarine on 1971 during INDO-PAK war.

Khukri is the only ship lost in combat in the history of the Indian Navy. She was sunk off the coast of Diu. Over 18 officers and 176 sailors were lost in the sinking. You can find their names engraved on a wall who has lost their life and are the biggest example of bravery and loyalty.

7.Nagoa Beach: This place is to relax and chill with your loved ones. Various water sports activities are available on this beach. You can find many beach resorts nearby and can enjoy the serenity of the surroundings with the intoxicating sea breeze.

                                    

Diu is a place where you can find the magnificent blend of Gujarati and Portuguese life and culture. People here are so colorful, fun-loving and friendly who keeps their heritage alive. Diu is an island treat which offers you undisturbed peace and an unusual holiday. Honestly,  I like every nook and corner of this small town.