Ever since my first international trip in 2011, I’ve been travelling regularly with my IT job on. I’ve been to 26 countries so far and few more are in the pipeline. I would like to share my experience of travelling the world on a budget and without quitting the job

How To Travel With A Full-Time Job – A Guide From My Experience

To travel a lot, you need 4 essential things- Time, Money, Motivation, and Research (+ Execution skills).

How To Find The Time To Travel

This will be the biggest hurdle for those who have a day job. Following are some practices that can help manage your time better

• Make use of long weekends+ few days leave(There’ll be several long weekends in a year- add 2-3 days of leave, you may get 6-7days for a vacation)
• Flexibility to work from anywhere, at least for once a while (if you’re accessible online and can support when needed, it might be easier to get leave)
• Maintain good working relationship in your team so as to manage your planned leaves better
• Split long trips into two or more shorter trips (Example: If you can’t spend 7 days at a stretch to explore Srilanka, plan two separate trips of 3-4 days each)

How To Save Money For That Big Travel Plan

Over time, I’ve managed to execute my trips in extreme budget. I book flights at their lowest possible fares, stay in cheap hostels, use public transportations, travel off season and so on- as a result, my trips cost half of what a travel company would quote for same destination and duration.

Flights: I rely heavily on airline sales and book tickets super cheap during a sale. I keep track of normal fares and have noted lowest possible fare to a destination. Using promotional fares I was able to travel to far away destinations like Japan, Australia etc for as low as INR 20000 return. These tickets are booked several months to few years in advance and there’s a risk of losing 100% if I can’t travel as per plan, but the tradeoff is usually worth it. I now run a dedicated blog for airline deals and news- Airline Blog where I list various low fare deals that come to my notice.

Stay: Most cities in the world have hostels and budget hotels- it is possible to stay comfortably for around 10 USD a night.

Transportation: Take some effort and learn how to use public transportation at a destination- it will save loads of money otherwise spent on taxi.  Apps help a lot in case of language barriers.

Saving for travel is also about prioritization in life. If you can give up on various day to day habits-like ordering online food at Rs 300-500 a meal, expensive shopping, managing with a bike/public transport instead of car loan etc you will save several thousand every month, which can fund a few trips abroad each year.

I live a very simple life and save everything I can so that I can spend on a few international trips each year.

I do get many inquiries from friends and families on how to travel cheaply. But when I tell them about my super cheap tickets that need to be booked several months in advance and come with zero refund, they often back off.

I pay only 20000 for a ticket during a sale that normally costs 50-60k, but with a risk that I lose entire 20k in case, I can’t travel. I take this gamble because I am saving 30k. When someone books last minute, pays 50k, the way I see it, they have lost 30k already by paying so much more.

How To Find Motivation To Keep Travelling

No one can induce this to you – it has to come from within. If travel excites you then do some research, identify destinations that appeal to you, set a budget and target, work towards it. Many of us fall into the vicious trap of job-marriage-kids-home loan-EMIs which often suppresses all motivation to travel.

Execution – Putting That Plan Into Action Successfully

Plan and execute trips on your own rather than going for travel packages offered by travel companies. When you research and plan a trip on your own you learn a lot. Yes, there will be barricades-language, lack of information and so on. You might do some mistakes, but it makes you a better traveller and helps you plan your next trip even better.

What Inspires Me To Keep Travelling

I was a bit of an introvert from the beginning- typical things people of my age group did- movies, party etc didn’t excite me. But reading, driving and travelling did begin to excite me- inspired by a Kannada saying “Either read books or travel the world”- and over time I took them up fairly seriously.

 Serious Advice If You Are Planning To Take Up Travel Blogging

There’re too many bloggers and influencers out there these days. Become a travel blogger only if you have a passion for travelling and travel writing, not because you see some people getting free trips or making money.

What Keeps Me Going

Because I have a day job, I don’t have to depend on my blog or travel for my expenses. Thus I am able to spend a small portion of my savings on travel. This coupled with extreme budget ways of travelling that I have mastered over time keeps me going

A Travel Incidents That Always Stay With Me

In one of my early trips to Malaysia, I lost a few hundred dollars to a group of fake police- who in the pretext of inspecting our documents and wallet cleverly stole some money.

In another incident, I got stranded in Lithuania’s Ninth Fort war memorial. This was several km away from town and I didn’t get any transportation to return. My attempts to seek help also failed as no one stopped. Eventually walked several km in the direction of town and managed to get a bus.

Places I Can Go Back To Anytime

Japan was a great experience- their dedication to work and punctuality (Train inspector bows to the compartment as a mark of respect)

Denmark was a lovely country to live in. Each country has its own uniqueness. I am looking to explore New Zealand, China, Canada and a few more countries over the next 9 months.

Follow Shrinidhi on his journey on his blog: Enidhi. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The post How To Travel Without Quitting Your Job, And Why Its Better – An Experienced Blogger’s Guide appeared first on Treebo Blog.

But how did I get out of this situation? I’ll get to that.

Travel Saved My Life (Literally!)

A personal tragedy in 2007 changed my entire attitude towards life. I didn’t want a career, money, name or fame. I was just dragging on and had a suicidal tendency for 7 years. Travel saved my life and gave me a purpose!

In October 2014, I was fired from my 7 years of the corporate job for travelling too much. Once I was fired, I slipped into depression for days on end. For 1 year, I did nothing but sit at my rented chawl in Navi Mumbai and appear in job interviews half-heartedly and tried to understand travel blogging. The day I sung a travel song written by me to the HR VP during an interview in a financial firm, I realized that I had to do something in the travel field.

Just a year later, I used a big chunk of my savings and booked Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal. It is still one of my finest travel experiences. I have enjoyed adventure sports like white water rafting, high altitude treks, zip lining etc.

Traveling just happened to me. The first time I traveled solo in 2010, I was still going through the aftermath of a personal tragedy. When I finally did my first solo trip successfully, it liberated me and made me crave for more. Here has been no looking back ever since.

I think travel chose me and not otherwise! Travel saved my life and made me want to live again!

Rescue Came From Unexpected Place

Coming back to the situation I was in. Just as I left the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in rural Gujarat, I realized there was no public transport. I had arrived in the daytime when public transport was easily available. However, it soon turned dark. For hours no vehicle stopped for me. There was nowhere to stay and I was carrying an expensive camera and lenses. Only a few men and dogs were around me whom I could not see due to darkness.

I was suspecting harm from them which luckily didn’t happen. I stayed calm and asked lift to vehicles which passed by, which were few and far between. Just when I started to panic, a good Samaritan gave me lift till the next big city Ahmedabad. Had he not rescued me after a long wait, I would have been in a serious trouble.

(Quite Literally,) Hooked On To The Trek

Though I have been traveling since 2008, I had never trekked until 2012 when I completed Bhimashankar monsoon trek in Maharashtra successfully. I was hooked for life and many treks to craggy mountain forts of Sahyadris in Maharashtra followed. The most dangerous ones were Dhak Bahiri trek and night trek to Harihar fort.

During Dhak Bahiri trek, I was literally hanging from a rock with no safety harness. One mistake and I would find myself in the deep valley. I do not recommend others to do it without supervision and safety. In May 2013, I did my first high altitude trek to Roopkund lake in the Himalayas.

In all my journeys, the only thing that keeps me going is my independence and the sheer passion for travel. I am my own boss here!

Most Helpful Tips To Travel On A Budget From My Experience

Often while booking flights always search in incognito mode, you will see a drop in fare. Apps such as Treebo help in finding affordable stay and a promise of cleanliness. Eating from the streets and taking public transport also helps in saving money big time.

Advice For People Who Want To Share About Their Experiences, But Aren’t Too Sure

Obviously, everything we do comes with pros and cons. So is the case with travel.

You feel great when your experiences are read by thousands and if you are good, then even millions. You get some very exclusive opportunities such as meeting with celebrities and invite to exclusive events such as Naropa Festival in Ladakh.

On the other hand, there could be many difficulties that you might face. The biggest one if the money. The first year of blogging I earned next to nothing. Even when you are established, be prepared for dry months. It takes a lot of hard work, talent, and dedication to make it work in blogging. Professional blogging is tougher than a regular desk job.

A City I Can’t Get Enough Of

Mumbai is one city I can never get enough of. I have lived in 8 cities so far but when I left Mumbai after living for 7 years, my heart broke. That was the only time I cried while leaving a city. Only Mumbai has that kind of power. As they say, Mumbai is not a city, it is an emotion. Every thing from people to food to festivals to rituals to the stories lurking in the corners is sheer magic. I hope I can return someday!

How I Manage My Money With So Much Travel

I live a simple life, so I luckily had good savings to last for 2 years. I also did birthday shoots, pre-wedding shoots for a fee as low as Rs. 3,000 a day to keep the kitchen running. I didn’t enjoy it but I wanted to make it on my own. I shifted from my ‘sea facing posh apartment’ to a chawl to save cost. I stopped partying and going to movies. I brought down my monthly expense to around INR 7,000. I have not touched alcohol for 2 years now. These small and big sacrifices taught me the importance of money and myriad other life lessons.

Important Financial Advice To Those Wanting To Take Up Blogging

While blogging, it is wise to put the eggs in different baskets. Diversification is the key to survive and thrive in blogging. I get paid to post sponsored content on my website and social media channels. I also earn by submitting stories and pictures to print magazines, newspapers and online media portals.

Travel workshops, Video making, speaker sessions, brand collaborations, leading photo walks are some other exciting ways to earn money. That said, you will get good assignments only if you are talented and can deliver. It requires you to be very hard working, disciplined and deft at multitasking.

Travel with Abhinav on his journey in his blog, asoulwindow, or follow him on his Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page.

The post How Getting Fired From His Job For Travelling Kindled His Passion For Travel appeared first on Treebo Blog.

We both never really got to travel growing up which is why we travel so much now. Coincidentally, we both were 16 when we went for our first international trip to Bangkok and that changed our lives. That was our first taste for travel and we couldn’t get enough.

• Before – We used to explore Delhi, the lesser known places and beautiful destinations on the outskirts of Delhi, and would pinky promise that we’d be together always and travel the world hand in hand.
• After – Now, we travel to different places in and outside India, give each other space to explore places of our interests, but still make promises of travelling everywhere we can!

Our big plans of travelling the world together and finally living those dreams step by step brought us to the stage where travelling became an inseparable part of our lives. We love how travelling helps us grow as individuals and helps us look at the bigger picture in life!

Creating A Hub For The Wanderers In Us

Since our first trip together in 2015, we were capturing our experiences, yet had no place to share all that we had seen and learnt. It was only in 2016 we realised it was high time to jump on the blog bandwagon. And Wanderers Hub was born. We began publicly chronicling all our travel escapades-and it was only the beginning.

Wanderers Hub is all about sharing narratives of things we have learnt while traveling in India and abroad. It is about inspiring others to get out of their comfort zones and travel more.

A Place We Can Always Go Back To

If there is one place we’d recommend every person to, it’d be Bhutan! Although any place that accounts for its citizens Gross Domestic Happiness wins our heart right away, Bhutan reserves a special place in our hearts as a reservoir of warmth and bliss – it makes us feel complete!

Travelling With Someone Is Not Always A Fairytale

But travelling is not always glittery and smooth-sailing, especially when you and your partner have different tastes. He wants everything planned, takes care of every nitty-gritty and loves clubbing & the beach (sometimes together!).

On the other hand, I am spontaneous enough to catch a flight if woken in the middle of the night- I’d travel in my PJs!

How We Afford So Much Travelling…

Also, we are not millionaires but we know how much travelling means to us. We use all the resources available with us judiciously, opt for smart planning tactics, utilize all amazing deals at our discretion, and end up living in hotels of our dreams and traveling to all those surreal bucket list destinations. So traveling is like a rose with thorns… but the thorns are nothing compared to the charm of the rose.

…And You Can Too

Always book flights well in advance- we’d quote a 2-3 month window- to avoid last minute hikes in fares. Another is to be practical, and be ready to put in a lot of hard work!

There is always a way out when you desire something from the core of your heart. We don’t blame our finances or our hectic schedule for not travelling because according to us we don’t travel in between our work, we work in between travelling!

If you want to travel, go for it. You got to make it happen!

Our Inspiration To Travel…

What inspires us to travel the most is our insatiable appetite to be thrilled, to be awed by the wonders of nature and by things that we haven’t faced before – people, food, cultures, even different kinds of landscapes. We wish to touch, feel and experience everything there is in the world.

We never feel that we have travelled enough because it is never fulfilling to know that you have travelled a few places only when there are millions to explore!

…Can Be Your Inspiration Too

Once you start exploring the world, you tend to have a profound appreciation and obligation to see what our gorgeous planet has to offer – how there is solace in native lands also, how crazy it is to get past the language barriers and learn different cultures of the world.

So, Don’t Just Look At Travel Memories Of Someone Else, Make One For Yourself!

It is always tempting to see photos of exotic locales in a glossy magazine but to traverse across the globe and experience the place is a different ball game altogether. As long as you love what you do, spending all that extra time will not be a pain.

On your way, you will meet countless people, encounter countless stories, and forge some memorable friendships with some incredible folks from around the world- feel blessed as long as you have this, as it’s truly a luxury!

And while the sense of thrill is certainly for the more adventurous out there, remember that some adventures do turn disastrous. This one time, an innocent massage turned into an hour-long Judo match with a seemingly innocent Thai lady- it was the worst massage of our life!

So, therein lies our story. Two seekers, whose paths crossed in high school and have remained entwined since, and whose only dream is to never stop travelling!

If you want to travel, go for it. You got to make it happen!

You can read more about the journey of these wanderers on Wanderer’s Hub, and follow them in their adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The post This Couple Has Traveled More Than 25 Countries And Will Leave No Corner Untouched! appeared first on Treebo Blog.

The take-off moment gave me a high like none other. I would always be curious as a kid and insist a meeting with the pilot in the cockpit once the plane landed.

I read and researched. Then one day realized I hated physics and gave it up. Even today when a plane takes off, I feel a pang of regret.

How I Ended Up In My Dream Job, And Yet, I Didn’t!

During undergrads, I nurtured another dream. This time it was to join advertising. And this time I was determined. I had to fulfill this and with a concentrated focus, I strived. Did an MBA, searched an internship in strategic planning, determined to get an ad job in strategic planning which was close to impossible for freshers.

Only one ad firm came to campus for an interview, I knew I had to crack this. I did. After a 2 month rigorous training, gave a presentation in front of the Board to secure the dream job: Account planning in an ad agency. Only to realize months later, that it gave everything but happiness.

In life, we chase things, do all we can for them and once we get them, we realize we never needed them.

Rescue From My Dream Job!

All this while, from childhood till my first job. There were two constant companions giving me solace: Travel and writing. All through the years, neither did I leave them nor did they leave my side. All this while, my passions were there right in front of me and I was chasing something else.

Reading was incorporated at the age of 6 and poetry writing at 9. The seed of travel was embedded through long road trips initiated by parents and summer vacations in Himachal with grandparents.

Photography came much later. A random photo competition I won in college boosted confidence and led me to pursue photography.

And when everything combined, Quirky wanderer was born.

The travel with family continued, but there was another meaning to travel, an exploration of new cultures, stories, people, places and an exploration of self while doing all the above. Slowly travel pieces started getting tiny amounts of money and the same money was pooled back to travel to newer destinations.

From Capturing Doors As A Hobby To Being A ‘Door Consultant’

Doors were my favourite photography subjects. I was always very curious about what could possibly be behind a door and clicking a painted door would make my day. Soon, I started documenting colourful doors from across India on my blog and Instagram.

One day this was recognized and featured in WordPress.com and they interviewed me for my love for doors in 2016. I was humbled and grateful to be the first Indian travel blogger to be interviewed by them and the fact that my beloved Indian doors were featured worldwide!

One thing led to the other and this door love led me to the #doorsOfIndia campaign, a Tata Steel project where I was roped into curate the doors for this national level campaign.

The Love For India Travel: #QWIndiatravel

As a travel blogger, I have travelled to various countries for collecting stories, exotic destinations, bucket list countries. But if there is one country I would love to keep traveling in, it is India. My love for India stems from my countless road trips with my parents where I passed the enchanting Indian countryside and fell in love with simplicity.

To take this love for India further and to showcase hidden gems on social media, I started the twitter series #QWINDIATRAVEL where every day all throughout 2017, I shared one picture from one destination in India.

The series received an overwhelming response and I found so many people smitten by India, just the way I was. It was an effort to encourage people to travel within our own country and it wouldn’t be wrong to say, one lifetime isn’t enough to witness the beauty of this amazing country.

Advice For Someone Who Wants To Travel The World

If anyone has a passion, they MUST pursue it. It may be odd, maybe quirky may be weird. But if your heart is there. Pursue it. It will lead somewhere. The key is to not leave it.

Travel Hack That I Swear By, And You Should Definitely Try

The best way to explore the culture of a place is visit the local markets. Not the touristy ones, Where the locals buy stuff. It’s a great place to collect not just souvenirs but also stories and catch up on local interactions

What Travel Means For Me, And Could Mean For You Too

Travel for me was an escape earlier but now it’s the best source of learning I can ever get. It’s an exchange, between places and me. People and me. Stories and me. It’s made me open my knots, let go of my inhibitions, accept the world with open arms and most of all bettered me as a human being. I love long road trips, love starry skies, love the mountain chill, love walking on dry leaves, love the gurgle of streams, love the feel of forests, love the winter sun, love leaving a part of me in places I visit.

The Quirky Wanderer is a door lover, a story weaver, a travel writer, a part-time social media consultant, a full-time doting aunt. You can know her dreams on Quirky Wanderer, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

The post The Story Of A Girl Who Ditched Her Dream Job and Did Something She Never Planned To Do appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Rohith like most of us today, worked hard to get that paycheck and live from weekend to weekend. He worked in a startup where he used to pull in 12 hours or more every day. Eventually, the monotony of it all caught up to him and he wanted to break free.

His Inspiration

He came across the story of a 40-year old American, who had made a bucket list of things to do when he was 21 years old. When he got to the age of 40, he realized that he didn’t do any of those things when he had the chance to and he deeply regretted it.

Rohith looked at himself and decided that he did not want to wake up one day feeling like he didn’t live his life. He always wanted to travel and thought to himself “If not now? Then when?”. He then left it all behind, his job, home, and family and began travelling full time.

Around India In 180 Days

His first major solo trip was a 180-day trip around India. He rode a whopping 31,900 km covering every state and Union Territory in the country. He kept to his rule of not staying in a hostel or hotel. If he didn’t get accommodation, he would stay in a Railway Station or Police Station.

He also tried his hand at different occupations every day, where he was a chaiwala in Karnataka, laid tar roads in Kerala, was a vada pav vendor in Maharashtra, and a mechanic in Leh.

Biking Internationally

Rohith’s first international trip took place over 8 months in South-East Asia, where he switched motorbikes in different countries. He covered Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, all the while meeting new people and not breaking any of his rules.

Next, he travelled to Europe where he covered 23 countries, including Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Scandinavian countries and the Southern Slavic states. He had a number of incredible experiences here, including getting rescued by a girl he met on Tinder!

His First Ever Trip

Rohith was always restless as a child. When he was 13 years old, during his summer holidays he was so bored sitting at home that he just packed a bag and went to the Chennai Bus Station. He got on a random bus, without even knowing where the bus would go and just travelled.

His first life-changing trip came when he was 18 years old and a friend of his took him to Leh. He fell in love with the terrain and peace of Leh. He took up a part-time job at a mechanic shop in Leh, where he sold a number of bikes.

The owner took to him and lent Rohith his bike to ride around the hills for five days. This was the first time he rode a Royal Enfield and after 2km of riding, he had his first fall. This fall changed his life for the better and that’s when he knew that this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Now he calls himself Misfit Magellan after the famous Portuguese explorer.

The World Isn’t Such A Bad Place

When we look at the media’s portrayal of the world today, most of us are under the impression that there is no humanity left. Rohith, on the other hand, believes that the world is an amazing place, simply because of how well people have treated him wherever he went. Rohith has never had to stay in a hotel or a hostel because someone, somewhere has opened their door to him.

According to Rohith, “When I told someone I was hungry, they had given more than enough food to eat. When I told someone I needed a place to crash, they treated me like a king. The kindness of the world is what allows me to live my dream.”

Managing A Budget

To save up on money, Rohith never stays in a hotel or a hostel. He also only survives on a meal a day to save up the money. He says, “For me, travel is so important, I don’t mind cutting down on my meals. I know one day I might get ulcers or won’t be fit enough to even get up on a motorbike, but for me the sheer joy of travelling an extra 20 km by cutting down on one meal a day is a beautiful feeling.” He says it’s a personal choice and doesn’t recommend anyone does it.

Rohith also travels light with only two pairs of jeans and a few t-shirts. He doesn’t pick up souvenirs either, saying “I carry memories of these places and these are the only souvenirs I need”. The only souvenirs he does carry are ones people give him on the road.

In addition to this, Rohith used to run a crowdsourcing company to crowdfund his trips. He has gotten to know a number of sponsors through the internet who are happy to fund his trips all over the world.

How Rohith Makes Friends

Most people are afraid to go up to a stranger and make a conversation in the day to day life, but Rohith has made a living on this. So how does he do it?

Rohith lives by this quote from Benjamin Mee from the movie We Bought A Zoo, “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” He makes random conversations with people from all over the world and after they hear his story, most people are ready to invite him into their homes.

He says “Always Smile. A smile will take you a long way, wherever you go.” even says that 99% of the people he’s met trust him enough to give him the keys to the house.

His Most Memorable Moment

Rohith was headed to meet one of his hostel friends and another friend in Indonesia, both of whom didn’t know each other. They met for the first time through Rohith and began dating shortly after. A year later when he was in Europe he heard they were going to get married. He surprised them at their wedding after telling them he won’t be able to make it. The sheer joy he got when people recognised him as the reason his friends were together still has a special place in his heart.

Bizarre Incidents On The Road

When Rohith was riding across Europe, he had a fall in France and another one in Austria, both of which badly hurt his knee. As a result of this, he had to cut his riding time short every day, especially in Italy, where temperatures hit a scorching 45°C. He tried stopping wherever he could to save up on his energy. On his way from Tuscany to Rome, he stopped in a tiny village, where he met a large, bald man covered in tattoos. He spoke to him in broken English with a heavy Italian accent and invited him to his house for the night.

Here Rohith met the man’s wife who spoke fluent English. They began exchanging stories over a lovely home cooked meal and the couple was extremely fascinated with his life. Then it was the man’s turn to recount his story. He told Rohith that he was a hitman for an Italian mafia family and he was in hiding. Rohith dismissed the story as a joke and continued eating, after a while, he told them he couldn’t eat anymore and the man stood up next to him and held a gun to his head. Rohith laughed nervously and did stay at the house for the night. He couldn’t get a wink of sleep because of sheer fear and left at the first sign of dawn.

His Favourite Part About Biking

Most bikers when asked what’s their favourite part of biking reply with the now cliched “seeing the open roads before you” and “the wind in your face is a beautiful feeling”. Rohith agrees that this does happen, but just for about five minutes in a day. He says that when you’re on the road things start off happy and relaxed, but at some point, you will get frustrated with what’s going on.

According to Rohith, “I’ve laughed, cried, screamed, and felt at peace on the roads. The road has become a reflection of who I am today. For me that’s the best part about riding a motorcycle— I love how I can feel every one of these emotions during the day”    

Travel Tips For Bikers

Rohith’s advice for fellow bikers like himself is, “Always, always, always wear safety gear on the road. Your life is more important than anything. If you’re sleepy, make sure you sleep. If you don’t feel right, don’t ride. The miles don’t matter. Respect your environment and don’t litter. Make sure you carry your trash and throw it when you find a place to dispose of it. When you respect the road, it will respect you back.”

Advice For Those Who Want Adventure

Rohith says, “You have one life and you have to do what you have to do. Step out and see what it means to you. If you like it, do it more often. If you don’t like it, don’t force yourself to do what you don’t like it. Do what makes you comfortable. If you like staying in a luxury hotel do it. If you prefer the outdoors, go out and camp. There is no wrong way to travel! Being yourself is what’s important at the end of the day.”

Where Is He Now?

If you thought Rohith couldn’t get more interesting, think again. He’s now joined up with a solo female traveller, Ankita Kumar and an Irish investigative traveller, William Meara for an exciting 100-day caravan trip around India. You can check out their amazing little van “Kiro” and their adventures on the road on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

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The post 35 Countries in 2 Years: How This 23-Year Old Changed Travel On His Bike appeared first on Treebo Blog.

When you hit the lowest point of your life, you either drown in the sea of sorrow or you rise like a phoenix. I chose the latter and with me rose my blog ‘Life and Its Experiments‘. It was the month of August 2015, when this little experiment found its place in the sea of World Wide Web. One of those difficult times when no human could comfort me, none of the motivational videos pepped me up, scribbling on my blog and hitting that publish button gave me all the adrenaline that I needed.

And that’s how my blog was born, to save me from dying. There was no intention of minting money and reaching numbers and becoming a social media mogul but just to write my heart out. It was purely for the love of writing and expressing myself. Today when I read those blog posts, I laugh at them thinking how naïve I was but back then they were my lifeboat.

How it all began

I started travelling to run away from my then existing life crises. While exploring a new destination my thoughts were busy looking for new stories and I didn’t let them rest and they could never go back to the unpleasant realities of life. Travel was, is and will always be my escape.

My True Love

At the time when I used to curse everything around me, travel instilled humility and gratefulness in me. It made me feel alive. Even in my darkest days, a sight of mighty mountains made me smile ear to ear. Mountains attracted me for reasons unknown. And I kept going back to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh every time I could sneak some days out of my corporate life.

How The Relationship Began

The most revelationary point of my life was when I did the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund trek. That trip sealed the deal that my bond with traveling and exploring is here to stay and is only going grow double folds in future.

The Marriage Proposal

Convincing For the Marriage

One of those days in love with mountains, I visited Uttarakhand. While trekking down from Nagtibba, we halted at a village when a local family invited us for tea and the women eventually asked me to marry his son. It was the funniest and memorable incident of my life.

What I Completely Fell in Love With

Mountains will always be closest to me. All the places that I visited in Uttarakhand, be it the trek to Valley of Flowers, or Hemkund, or Nagtibba or Kanatal or Badrinath, they all are very close to my heart.

What Keeps The Spark

Stories, people and the fact that there are so many amazing places I haven’t seen keeps me all the energy to gear up and venture out all the time. My blog is also a major motivation behind my travels.

How Do I Earn Money In All the Fun

I work full time as a consultant, yes I do both and I am managing it so far very well. My salary helps me to fund all my travel. I also make money from sponsored posts and lifestyle reviews blog posts.

Also, around a year into seriously blogging and I started receiving emails from eminent brands for collaborations and invite for hospitality reviews. I was being paid for writing for brands and that’s when it hit me that it’s not just me but there are other people who take my writing seriously.

A Piece of Advice

Don’t think too much, just start. The more you travel, the more stories you will unveil and the livelier your blog will be. If you aren’t much into words then begin with a photo blog, eventually you will have so many stories that word will flow eventually. The only con I can think of is the addiction, it’s easier to get in but very difficult to get out of the love affair with travel.

A Personal Tip To Save Some Money During All The Fun

Plan your travels well in advance, pay heed to long weekend and other festivals holidays and book tickets well in prior. If you aren’t much in luxury or even if you are, give a shot to Homestays and Air B&Bs, they are way cheaper than the hotels.

I still cannot say for sure if I travel so that I can write or I write because I travel, and I don’t want to get into solving this deadlock also. It is working well for me and I don’t mind gyring into this loop.

From colourful Gujarat to the picturesque mountains, to the mysterious jungles of Madhya Pradesh, to the holiest part of South India (Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari), to scenic Kerala, to the marvels of Telangana India has given me a lot and I shall remain in debt forever. These are just a few places to name but the list is endless.

Read all the interesting stories and experiences that Ruby has to share, on her travel blog – Life and its Experiments, or follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

The post How A Little Experiment Changed Her Life appeared first on Treebo Blog.

The ideal way to do that in the world of today is to go to a place which disconnects you from the world and reconnects you to yourself. To aid you in your venture to self-discovery we have listed below:

Destinations that Disconnect You from the World

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman Islands (source)

The simplicity, the serenity, the sensuality and the tranquillity is the essence of these islands. This place is extraordinary if looking for a place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Not only do these islands get you your fill of the silence but it enthrals you at the same time by offering an experience which is nothing short of spectacular.

2. Thar Desert

Thar Desert, India (source)

If Andaman’s was the sea, then the Thar is the dessert, but equally tranquil, equally isolated and equally beautiful too. One of the most remote places in India, this dessert is blessed with exceptionally colourful and vibrant cultural heritage which further adds to the cocktail of beauty and serenity.

To be completely in touch with the place, switch off the mobiles and resurface the actual you, without the presence of technology and happenings around the world.

3. Ladakh

Ladakh, India (source)

Nature at its best and at its worst, both are the things that can be said about this little place nestled in the northernmost sphere of the country. The age-old monasteries of the region lend it the spiritual touch.

The mysticism of the land drives you away from the mundane life of the cities. Adventure, beauty, mountains and glaciers all are present here to make your trip to this place most extraordinary.

4. Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park

The Jim Corbett National Park has a place of its own when listing down the places that disconnect you from the world. This national park takes you into the section of wilderness, the dense green, the soft rustle of the birds around and nothing but the anticipation of an encounter with the abundant wildlife of the region; this is the foundation of a stay in here.

The comfortable distance of the place from the capital city of Delhi makes it furthermore alluring for a visit.

5. Caves of Meghalaya

Meghalaya (source)

What better way to unhitch from the world than to hide under a cave, and here we mean it literally. The caves of the Meghalaya are sure to get you your share of seclusion.

When we talk of these caves, we just don’t mean seclusion, we mean seclusion in style with the undercurrent of adventure and with the topping of interesting flora and fauna. Be mesmerized by the diversity of the natural formations this spectacular country has been blessed with when you visit these caves in Meghalaya.

6. Munnar

Munnar, Kerala (source)

The softly sloping landscapes covered with the lush green tea plantations and the accompaniment of a hot cup of tea, seems like paradise doesn’t it? Well, this is just another day in the heavenly place called Munnar.  The rivers, t eh elephants and the hills, all the treasures of the south Indian are well packed in this little capsule called Munnar.

7. Ashrams of Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

Rishikesh is another one of the places that hold the dual image of being extremely religious and yet holding the zenith rank in the adventure sports industry of the country. But it is simply the promise of tranquillity and the chance to unplug from the dynamic world of ours that makes this place the most interesting.

Settled deep in and around Rishikesh are ashrams that do not even get newspapers, let alone a phone, radio and television signals.  The only sources of entertainment these places offer are the chance to connect with nature and in turn with yourselves.

8. Backwaters of Alleppey

Alleppey, Kerala (source)

Gliding blissfully through huge water bodies, oblivious to the dynamism of the world is surely one of the best ways to unhook yourself from the bustling city life. Rich flora and fauna, sumptuous seafood and luxurious houseboats, this is the plan proposed by the majestic backwaters of Alleppey in order to unwind and rejuvenate yourself.

Nothing but nature is the promise of the place and nothing but nature is the ideal means to disconnect with the world.

9. Rann of Kutch

Rann of Kutch (source)

The unending salt marshes of the western end of the country are another perfect getaway if you are planning a trip with the sole purpose of detaching yourself from the world for a little while. The nothingness of the place is the best debate it offers with respect your search for tranquillity and adventure. The largest salt desert in the world, this place is definitely worth a visit.

10. Dense forests of Western Ghats

Western Ghats (source)

The rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats of India has made its mark among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If this was not all to allure you to the place, then the promise of the untouched forest life spanning up to 600kms will definitely do the trick.

Plants, animals, birds and trees, that is all that surrounds you, if you venture on a camping experience in the dense forests of the Western Ghats.

11. Manali

Manali, Himachal Pradesh (source)

Quite a popular opening to numerous trekking expeditions, the hill station by the name is nothing and everything all in the same frame. There is the busy touristy side to the place which can be given a miss very comfortably if looking for seclusion.

It is the neighbouring places and the activities they offer, that makes it the highlight of the list of places to visit to disconnect from the world. Paragliding in Solang Valley for one is the must-have experiences if looking to unhook yourself from the world.

12. Dzongri Trek in Sikkim

Dzongri Trek View, Sikkim (source)

A haven for the adventure junkies, a hike in Sikkim along the Dzongri trek route is among the best bets for finding a little peace in this crowded country. Practically untouched, this trail offers the views, the adventure and the isolation. Far in the northeast, the Dzongri trek is sure to meet your need right on point.

13. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

Valley of Flowers (source)

If altitude was the reason for its seclusion, then it’s the beauty of this place that makes it exceptionally alluring. This valley sets a perfect example of heavens above, such is the distinguished beauty of this place.

The soft curves of the terrain overloaded with colours and scents of diverse flowers this place is a home to several species of flowers. the valley of flowers is ideal for a little alone time, unhooking from the world.

14. Sindhudurg, Maharashtra

Sindhudurg Fort, Maharashtra (source)

Settled a little way from Mumbai, the place by the name Sindhudurg in the Konkan district is sure to charm its way into your hearts with its simplicity and solitude. The beauty of the coast here is further enhanced by the tough facing of the fort acting as the shore of the sea. To top it off, the chance to scuba dive makes the place more attractive.

15. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer (source)

Another one of the desert areas of the country, Jaisalmer is sure to win you over not just by the inexplicable dunes but with its hospitality too. You can unwind your best with a simple bonfire, traditional folk songs and dances, the delectable Rajasthani food, and of course the stay in one of the luxury resorts of the place.

Staying on the dunes is an experience that stands parallel to none and nothing beats this when we wish for some tranquillity.

16. Coorg

Abbey Falls in Coorg

Adventure lovers fancy and nature lovers paradise, Coorg is one place that is sure to entice you with its enthralling serenity. The enriching scenic beauty adds to the perfection of the place. For a little time away from the craziness of the city life, visit Coorg.

All said and done nothing beats the experience of the bonding with nature, and in a country as diverse in landscapes and as blessed in the means of flora and fauna as India, the experience is further more enriching.

Get your fill of the isolation and just your time with your loved ones and experience bliss. To make the experience even more exceptional for others, enlighten us with your suggestions and experiences in the comments section below.

The post 16 Destinations That Unplug You from the Chaos of the World appeared first on Treebo Blog.

1. Sandeepa And Chetan – SandeepaChetan.com

Sandeepa and Chetan (source)

As far as amazing couples go Sandeepa and Chetan have to be the most inspiring. Sandeepa was an electronics engineer, while Chetan was in Digital Media for years. Then they decided to quit their jobs in 2013 and travel instead. They sold their house to raise money for their trip to the Himalayas.

After their trip, they began writing incredible stories of their travels and got massive appreciation from readers for it. Even giants like Nat Geo and Yahoo Travel appreciated the couple’s efforts and there was no turning back for Sandeepa and Chetan. Check out their stories here – Sandeepachetan.com.

2. Sandy and Vyjay – ImVoyager

Sandy & Vyjay (source)

Sandy and Vyjay are a travel blogging couple from Bangalore who has been travelling in India and the world for over ten years. The both of them fell in love with travelling together and have travelled to North America, Europe and all over Asia.

Today, the couple puts up reviews of restaurants and hotels all around the world and love to write about Art, Fashion, Lifestyle, Health and so much more. You can learn more about their stories on their blog called ImVoyager.

You may also like: 20 Different Types Of Travelers You Can Come Across

3. Swati And Sam – Tales of a Traveller

Swati & Sam (source)

We’ve all heard the phrase “hard work pays off” and Swati and Sam are one couple that certainly proves this! Both Sam and Swati software engineers who share an immense passion for travel and they work extra hard to save their hard-earned cash to travel the world.

This enthusiastic couple has covered almost every state in India and has visited a number of offbeat destinations abroad, including Indonesia, Seychelles, Ireland, Scotland, and the Maldives. They also have a ton of resort and restaurant reviews on their blog called “Tales of A Traveller”.

4.  Rishabh And Nirali – Gypsy Couple

Rishab & Nirali (source)

Rishab and Nirali were a typical couple brought together by arranged marriage but what they did later was extraordinary. Like any new relationship, they were initially very enamoured with each other, but then they decided to take their marriage to new heights by travelling together and they learned to be new people.

They’ve travelled to China, South Africa, East Asia and Europe but they have so many more spectacular places on their bucket list. Today they write about their adventures on their blog, called the Gypsy Couple and have awed many people with their beautiful Instagram posts.

You may also like: 29 Female Solo Travelers to Motivate You to Travel Now

5. Zara and Ashray – BackPack Me

Zara & Ashray (source)

Zara and Ashray were two strangers working in Dubai like so many immigrants from around the world. But that’s where they met and fell in love. Ashray and his Portuguese partner Zara planned to travel for a year in 2011, but they fell so in love with travelling that they haven’t stopped since. They have gone through so much together right from swimming with sharks in the beautiful Galapagos Islands to getting engaged in Macchu Picchu.

They both have them have not had a proper house in seven years, but that hasn’t changed a thing for them. Today they write about food, cultures and their stunning adventures from all around the globe. Check out their blog Backpack Me and learn about A & Z.

6. Savi and Vid – Bruised Passports

Savi & Vid (source)

Savi and Vid were childhood sweethearts who studied together and then got married after years of being together. Now, this London-based duo saves up as much as they can to explore the world together. They’ve gone spelunking in Austria, made friends with Israeli soldiers, rode alongside zebras in the savanna, and have been to parties in a nuclear bunker in Europe.

They run a fun fashion and travel blog called Bruised Passports, where you check out their list of what to wear and where to go.

You may also like: 25 Best Places For Solo Travel In India

7. Meenakshi and Jey Sushil – Artologue

Jey Sushil & Meenakshi Jey (source)

A storyteller and an artist brought together to find a purpose, Jey Sushil and Meenakshi are truly a wonderful couple. They have travelled to many beautiful places in India and have undertaken a number of art and home projects together.

They’ve put together all their adventures together on their blog called “Artologue”. They’ve also had a newborn baby, so why not go congratulate them on starting a new story.

8. Revati and Charles – Different Doors

Revati & Charles (source)

Based out of Mumbai, Revati and Charles Victor are advertising professionals who love the uncommon. They often like to take the path less travelled, love to try new food, and try to get to know the locals and live like them as much as they can wherever they go.

You can check out their travel stories, life lessons, travel tips and much more on their blog called “Different Doors”.

9. Vikram and Ishwinder – Empty RuckSack

Viky & Ish (source)

Viky and Ish were in London when they got hitched and decided to take the ultimate journey together— quit their jobs and go on a trip around the world. They started travelling in 2013 and have covered over 25 countries together so far. They saved a ton of money while they were working in London and even now don’t splurge while on holiday to save up more money.

Their story is truly remarkable and you can check out their adventures on the Empty Rucksack that teaches travellers how to visit the cities of their dreams on a shoestring budget.

10. Prasanna Vee and Sangeetha

Prasanna Vee & Sangeetha (source)

If travelling across the globe has been a longtime goal for you, Prasanna and Sangeetha would be your idols. This couple, based in Bangalore, has managed to cover 170 countries all around the world in 18 years! Right from dune bashing in Qatar to hiking among penguins in Antartica, this couple has done it all on their travels.

The couple got into travelling at different times but decided to embark on incredible journeys together when they got married. They haven’t stopped after all these years and still have plenty more places to visit in the years to come.

You may also like: 40 Solo Travel Tips to Remember for a Memorable Trip

11. Param and Shikha – The Untourists

Param and Shikha (source)

Brought together for a love of filmmaking, Param and Shikha have vowed to show people just how beautiful the world is. Param is behind the camera and Shikha directs during their full-time jobs in advertising. They love nature, wildlife, photography, culture, great food, and of course, travel.

They have a fun and informative blog called the TheUntourists that beautifully compiles all their adventures together.

12. Ram and Reshma – Screaming Piston

Ram and Reshma (source)

Ram and Reshma were living the life everyone craved. They worked for their dream company (Google), were financially secure, and had a great life after work. But they always felt something was missing. So after 7 years, they let it all go, left their jobs at Google and began travelling.

You can check out their extraordinary journey on their blog called “Screaming Piston”.

13. Puru and Ekta – ShadowsGalore

Puru & Ekta (source)

Ekta and Puru started travelling as friends when Puru travelled to Chennai to pick out a DSLR camera for himself. They got closer, fell in love, promised to travel the world together, and started their blog ‘Shadows Galore’. Then, they finally got married and haven’t broken their promise since then.

You can check out ShadowsGalore, which has a little bit of everything right from travel, lifestyle, photography, book reviews and more.

14. Rituraj and Shreya – Travel Genes

Rituraj & Shreya (source)

Rituraj and Shreya are a Cosmetic Dentist and an English Teacher who are living their dream of travelling the world together. They began travelling in 2012 after they got married and they’ve not stopped, they’ve even had a few trips with their parents.

The couple has a fun blog called “Travel Genes” and also organise personalised tours called “India Through The Back Door”. Go ahead and check them out.

15. Rashmi and Chalukya Mohanraj

Rashmi and Chalukya (source)

Rashmi and Chalukya are one couple whose journey is so incredible, it made the news! This couple met and married in Mumbai and had a baby. In 2014, they were transferred to Switzerland for four months, so they decided to make the best use of their time there and travel around Europe with their little bundle of joy. They managed to do this perfectly and they visited 15 countries in a year.

16. Sujoy and Sharmistha

Sujoy and Sharmistha (source)

Sujoy and Sharmistha Mitra are both engineers who decided to mix things up after the monotony of Gurgaon got to them. They managed to travel to 41 countries in just 3 years on a shoestring budget. They mastered the art of travel hacking, collecting air miles, finding great hotel deals and more just to bring down the overall budget of their trip down.

They made sure they booked their flights 8 to 10 months in advance and travelled smart without creating a hole in their savings.

17. Manish and Shruti – Arranged Travellers

Manish & Shruthi (source)

Manish and Shruti met December 2012 in Brisbane after their parents decided they would get married. Their first meeting was not awkward at all, however, and they found they were perfect for each other, sharing the same values, culture and wanting the same things in life. They married in February 2014 and began travelling.

Today you can check out their travel blog the “Arranged Travellers” which has detailed accounts of their travels together.

18. Devpriya and Saurav – The Heat and Dust Project

Devpriya & Saurav (source)

Most people find it difficult to travel on a budget, but not Devpriya Roy and Saurav Jha. This fantastic couple quit their 9 to 5 jobs and began travelling. What’s remarkable though is that they travelled all over India on a budget of Rs. 500 per day on food and accommodation. They did it perfectly and then wrote a book titled “The Heat and Dust Project” where they documented their journey.

You check out their blog and buy their book here – The Heat and Dust Project.

19. Ankita and Mohit – Trail Stained Fingers

Ankita and Mohit (source)

Based out of Mumbai, Ankit and Mohit are a couple who have travelled to over 10 countries and 17 states in India. They are a perfect example of how opposites attract with both of them loving different food, one being an extrovert and the other an introvert, but they still find time to follow their dream and travel the world.

They document their adventures on their blog “Trail Stained Fingers”, which was awarded the best Travel Blog in India by Trilliophilia. You can also contact the couple to create custom-made itineraries in the location of your choice.

20. Badri and Pushpa Baldawa

Badri and Pushpa Baldawa (source)

Badri and Pushpa Baldawa are a couple who prove that age is but a number, this amazing couple has a love for nature, travelling and driving. They decided to put it all together to make the biggest and best road trip in the history of travel.

In March of 2017, Badri asked his wife and his 10-year old granddaughter to embark on an unforgettable journey with him. He drove in their BMW X5 in 72 days from Mumbai to London. They covered 22,000km and crossed 19 countries.

21. Vijayan and Mohana

Vijayan and Mohana (source)

Once upon a time, all he did was sell chai, what he did next made headlines all across the country. We’re talking about 65-year old Vijayan, a tea seller, who embarked on the adventure of a lifetime with his wife, Mohana by travelling to16 countries, including France, Austria, the UK, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Egypt, Jordan, and Switzerland.

This gained the attention of Hari Mohanan, a filmmaker who beautifully captures the story of Vijayan and Mohana in his short documentary, “Invisible Wings”.

22. Siddarth and Shruti – SiddharthandShruti.com

Siddharth and Shruthi (source)

Siddarth and Shruthi pride themselves on being geeks who love TV shows, video games, food and travel. This young couple began travelling in January 2016 and have travelled to six continents so far.

They love experimenting with new food and put down everything from their adventures to the Game of Thrones theories on their SiddharthandShruti.com. Check them out and enjoy being nerdy with these two.

23. Harry and Nikita- Our Vagabond Stories

Harry and Nikita (source)

Harry and Nikita met eight years ago online and now they’re practically inseparable. Both of them are completely opposite in terms of taste with one being a vegetarian, while the other enjoying anything and one is an extrovert while the other prefers solitude. Whatever their differences at the end of the day they compliment each other perfectly.

Their blog “Our Vagabond Stories” has everything from wine reviews to trip stories, all accompanied by vivacious photographs.

24. Nisha and Vasu- Lemonicks

Nisha and Vasu (source)

Based out of Mumbai, Nisha and Vasu are a loving couple who have been travelling for years. Nisha also takes a number of solo trips and receives her husband’s support throughout the year. The two of them have put down their adventures together on their blog Lemonicks. Their stories have been published in the Hindu, Fox Traveller, Lonely Planet, and many other platforms.

24. Saumya and Vishu- Road to Taste

What started off as a friendly conversation with two college acquaintances, quickly turned into a whirlwind romance— that was the case with a Delhi-based couple, Saumya and Vishu. Their love for food, travel and craze for movies brought them together and after their wedding in 2015, the two of them decided to start travelling internationally. After covering 7 major countries in four months, they decided to share their story with the world. They came up with their website RoadToTaste in early 2016. They’ve collaborated with Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Uttarakhand Tourism, Borges, CEAT, and Cleartrip among many others.

So here you go. Which couple out of this list inspired you the most? If they did go on ahead and start planning for the adventure of a lifetime. If you think we’ve forgotten an amazing couple, do tell us in the comments below. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Try our hotels for your next trip and enjoy an amazing stay.

The post 24 Travelling Couples Who Will Give You Major Couple Goals This Valentine’s Day appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Do not litter

We all have a tendency to slyly slip some trash around when no one is looking. Instead, we need to make a conscious effort to refrain from doing this. Look out for trash bins or carry a plastic bag with you to store all your trash.

Smile at people

Agreed, travel is a lot of effort but it’s a lot of fun too! We need to be kind to each other. Even if you don’t know the person, don’t be afraid to make a goof of yourself. It will definitely make someone else’s day! ‘Go on, interact with a stranger. Learn to say at least hello’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’

Less Selfies. More Peoplies

Click pictures of the local life better still, click pictures with the local life. You will totally remember a story behind the picture and this will make your trip that much more special.

Image Source: New York Post

Check the weather before you go

Always do this, for all days of your trip. No matter where you are going. If you can’t postpone your trip, you can at least be prepared. We have all heard time and again to pack light but what we have to do is pack right!

Be Spontaneous

Don’t stick to your itinerary like glue. Stray from it and have some micro adventures. Take a different street to the same destination. Try all modes of transport including your feet!

Pack medicines including pads/tampons

There are many uses to a sanitary pad than you think! You can use them as indoor slippers if you forgot some, they will be your show sole for added warmth, you can use it as a bandage over wounds and then some more here.

Try Vlogging

An easy alternative to writing a travel journal is vlogging or even voice recording. Make use of the resources you have handy: Your portable camera or even your phone. Just aim it at yourself and shoot.

Walk into the kitchen

With permission, of course! We all love to try new cuisines but what if we can learn something about the local culture from it? Walk into the kitchen of a cozy little restaurant, you will be amazed at the kind of spices, material and method they use. Who knows? You may even learn how to cook a dish or two if the chef is impressed by you!

Unplug from Tech

Before you scream: What? No Way! Let us tell you, with increased dependence on technology, we forget that humans exist! People are great resources and are always ready to help those who ask for it! Carry a physical map if you have to or save your google map offline if it bothers you so much!

Travel Solo

The best way to experience travel is by travelling alone. Even if you are with your family or friends, wake up a little early and try to explore some more! You will have your own little adventure and a story to keep for yourself!

So, what are your travel resolutions for 2017?

The post 10 Travel Resolutions You Must Make in 2017 appeared first on Treebo Blog.

 #1 Garonga Safari Camp, South Africa

The Green Factor: Uses solar power, biogas system, bio-diesel

The Extras: Open air bathrooms, sleep on your own in the bush with no one else around.

#2 Campi ya Kanza, Masai Mara, Kenya

The Green Factor: Masai Wilderness Conservation Trust takes care of the Masai people and also the Amboseli-Tsavo eco-system.

The Extras: Enjoy your meals or drinks looking at the Kilimanjaro or the animals drinking at the nearby watering hole.

#3 Chumbe Island Coral Park Eco Bungalows

The Green Factor: Has zero ecological impact.

The Extras: Locally made bag full of spices from Zanzibar

#4 Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness, South Africa

The Green Factor: Employs an environment-friendly solid waste disposal system called the Biolytix waste water processing system.

The Extras: Romantic dining under the skies at Embers, outdoor spa.

#5 Bulungula Lodge, South Africa

The Green Factor: Operated on solar power, odourless compost toilets, run by the local community

The Extras: Located near one of the remotest beaches in South Africa

#6 Eagle View Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya

The Green Factor: Bio flush toilets

The Extras: Open-air safari showers, overlooks water hole, where animals visit frequently.

#7 Chole Mjini Mafia Archipelago, Tanzania

The Green Factor: Kerosene heating method to keep the water hot

The Extras: Dine amid overgrown ruins, sleep in tree houses close to the sea.

#8 Alila Villas, Uluwatu, Bali

The Green Factor: Villas are built in a way so that they get maximum daylight and cool breeze from the sea. It supports the local community and uses water efficient appliances used all over the resort.

The Extras: Uber luxurious pool villas, nestled between the sea and the lush green rice terraces.

#9  El Nido, Philippines

The Green Factor: A chain of eco resorts in various locations El Nido has a sustainable menu, nature-based activities, green design and architecture.

The Extras: Stay on the beautiful island of Palawan, soak in guilt-free luxury!

#10 Jetwing Vil Uyana Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

The Green Factor: Sustainable living throughout the resort without compromising on luxury

The Extras: Rare birds and wildlife all around

 #11 Six senses Con Dao, Vietnam

The Green Factor: Committed to improving the carbon footprint resulting from resort and spa activities.

The Extras: Remote yet accessible location, enjoy the Turkish hammam in Vietnam

#12 Yangshuo Mountain Retreat, China

The Green Factor: Locally made bamboo furniture, no television or phone in rooms.

The Extras: Stunning river views and some rooms with terraces.

#13 Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

The Green Factor: Actively fights against animal poaching, protects dinosaur fossils from nearby paleontological sites. Also recycles organic waste and actively campaigns for “No plastic bags in the Gobi”.

The Extras: Stay in traditional Mongolian felt tent called “Ger”, stargaze at night from the privacy of your bed

Finally, at Treebo, we support the cause of sustainable living. If you think alike, check out our hotels here.

The post 13 Exotic Eco-Friendly Hotels to Stay in Africa and Asia appeared first on Treebo Blog.

#1 Faulty Air-Conditioner

In my childhood, we had stayed in a hotel in Old Delhi, there was no AC in the hotel, a gigantic air cooler was in each room, and we could hardly sleep at night because of the noise it made. Even if there is an AC often it is not in working condition.

#2 Stained Bed Sheets

The one thing we all abhor in hotel rooms is stained bedsheets! A clean bed equals to a good nights sleep always!

#3 Poor Water Pressure In Bathroom

A clean bathroom is a necessity in a hotel. However, even if the bathroom is clean there are several other factors to ruin your stay. If the water pressure is low, it becomes extremely irritating!

#4 Old TV Set With Bad Signal

Having an old TV set from the 90s is bad enough, on top of that if the satellite signal is poor, it means you can’t watch your favorite show or match in peace!

#5 Ugly Wall Art

Just because everybody is putting up wall art, you can’t just put anything on the wall and call it art!

#6 Unhygienic Bathroom

Stains in the commode, no separate shower area, dirty towels, inadequate lights – bathrooms can have several issues!

#7 Filthy Room Mates

Travelling solo? Ever thought of spending the night with a filthy roommate?

If you have faced these issues when travelling, then next time you book a hotel, go through our website hotels, find our unique quality guarantee programme and never ever stay in a hotel with the above-mentioned problems again. Because at Treebo, we are obsessed with quality!

The post 7 Things That You Hope Not To Find In Your Hotel Room appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Travel As An inspiration – Uma’s Story

We had landed in Kanyakumari, one bright and beautiful summer day, after following the trail of the rising sun on the streets studded with various greens.

By afternoon, we reached the Vivekananda Rock on the Indian Ocean by boat. This is where the great leader Swami Vivekananda had attained enlightenment, so did I. There were two seas that mated with the Indian ocean at this spot – the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea. At this tip, also called Cape Komorin, they mingled, mixed and enchanted.

The greenish hues of the Bay of Bengal set the tunes to the blues of the Arabian sea while the bright turquoise in the Indian ocean danced like the peacock on a ginormous stage with the sun setting in the background. It was a kaleidoscope of colours.

Little did I realise the tears trickling down my face, the gust of winds blowing me away from the railing on the rock. I fight against it with all my might and hold on. To see, to just absolutely digest, dissolve and imprint the scintillating view in mind.

My goose bumps were a result of ecstasy that I had felt. In that moment, I had felt something I had never tangibly felt before – gratitude. Gratitude for being alive, gratitude for being able to see, feel and walk, for having the most amazing parents, for being financially able to afford to go places, for having the most amazing life and opportunities.

Without having to say it, I had turned over a new leaf.

I find myself on that rock in the middle of the Indian ocean, whenever my heart craves for peace. Even as I close my eyes this very moment, I can see the visual that has infused in my veins, a visual that is me – a happy, healthy and grateful person who is ready to take over the world.

Lost And Found: Misadventures In A Foreign Country – Bharat’s Story

I was in Ethiopia for about two weeks and spent much of my time in Addis Ababa. Given the geographic location of the country, one would not feel very optimistic about the place. I sure had my doubts, but since it was a work trip, I rather focus on work. Throughout my stay in Ethiopia, I was presented with difficult situations, and every time the locals went out of their way to help me.

We planned to go on a trip to Hawassa that was known for Lake Awasa. The road was scenic, once we reached we stopped at a hotel to check out the rooms. We liked them and wanted to book. When the receptionist wanted my passport, I couldn’t find it anywhere.It was indeed missing, I realised soon.

 The receptionist asked me to not worry and allowed me to check in the hotel. She said to give her a copy of the visa, whenever I find it. That was a temporary relief, as they could have easily refused to check me in without the passport.

I went to my room, and waded through my stuff all over again, looking for the passport, but it wasn’t there. Then I called up the hotel I was staying in Addis and asked if I had accidentally left my passport behind. But they couldn’t find it either. It was not even in the car that drove me around in Addis. Finally, after trying for almost an hour, I called up the Indian embassy in Addis Ababa to report the loss of my passport.

I read somewhere that in such cases, the embassy might issue an Emergency Certificate. So I can travel back to India and apply for a new passport. Assuming that to be a workable solution, I continued with my stay in Hawassa. The next morning, I prepared to head to the Indian Embassy and arranged necessary documents such as the copy of the passport, travel insurance, return flight ticket etc.

For the embassy officials, it was business as usual, and they did not seem to care enough, that I had lost my passport. They clearly handed me a list of things and said that it will take a minimum of 10 working days for a new passport to issue. An Emergency Certificate too, was an unlikely option. My return flight was on Friday, and If I were to abide by their process, I was going to be stuck for a much longer duration.

Throughout the way, I was trying to find out where I could have lost my passport. I kept thinking where did I see it last or of any other clue that may lead me back to the passport. As I entered the hotel, I checked with the reception if they had found it but they couldn’t. I wasn’t really convinced with their response and asked if I could see my old room once again. They said that it had another guest.

I requested the manager to let me see it once again, just for my satisfaction. So he arranged for a staff to accompany me to the old room. Meanwhile, the only image that was coming in my mind was that, in the safety box, I had kept two things and while emptying it, there was just one thing. So I immediately asked the staff to check the safe again. The guest was not using it, so it was open. The staff opened it wide, and there was nothing. She then inserted her hand inside the safe, which looked empty. She then took out her hand, holding something.

It was my passport. Phew! Apparently, the mat in the safe was loosely kept. Somehow the passport may have slipped beneath it, by some unknown force. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was I had found my passport after three days in a foreign country.

 Girls’ Just Wanna Have Fun! – Josephine’s Story

Back in the year 2007, before the age of smartphones and wifi, my friend, Jenny and I decided to go to Goa for my birthday. Sans research we got our bus and train tickets and off we went. A night of rolling around on the double bed bus; think Harry Potter’s Knight bus; gripping the sides, trying not to roll off the bed; and yes I will never travel in a bus with beds again.

We arrived safe and sound albeit mighty sore at Panjim, Goa. Imagine our surprise when there was no beach in sight. To us, Goa is all beach and nothing else. We got a double surprise when the cab driver asked which beach we want to go to. Our answer was a prompt Goa beach, of course.

The smart and helpful driver took us to Calangute beach and helped us find a place to stay, with a lovely Portuguese old woman who wore a short flower printed dress, sports a chic haircut, and lots of jewellery. She was kind and eccentric and I fell in love with her right away!

As two girls from the Northeast, we had a lot of fun playing guess where we are from with the locals. They would never believe if we told them we are from India.

I was in a bikini and sarong and she, in a full capri pants and a long sleeve kurta. While I sunbathe, she sat beneath the umbrella, rubbing sunscreen on any exposed areas ever so often. While I was lying down, soaking up the sun, a local came up and asked if we were from Korea. And Jenny answered yes! She even made up Korean names for us. To our horror or delight, he started talking to her in Korean. And there I was, pretending to be asleep and trying hard not to laugh at her.

A lot of funny things happened to these 2 naive teenagers. But, it was our first trip to Goa and the memories will definitely last forever. Or at least until Alzheimer takes them away. But I think I have a couple of decades left for that.

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