Travelling from one place to another is never complete if you do not have the right things in your backpack. Backpackers generally prefer to travel light. This does not necessarily mean that one has to carry nothing except the travel documents. Travelling light basically means to carry all the essentials and leaving behind the things that take up much space.
Apart from the travel documents, which are definitely a must, there are a few other essential items that need to be packed into the bag when you decide to travel either alone or along with the family. There are some electronic gadgets and add-ons that need to be necessarily carried during the travel in order to stay in touch with technology. This does not mean that one has to dump all the gadgets into their bags. Only the essentials like thepower bankneed to be carried, leaving the rest behind.
Here is a list of electronic essentials backpackers must never forget to pack when they travel.
Power bank:
Power bank
This particular gadget is really important if you plan to carry your laptop or smartphone. Mobile phones can be charged using regular chargers when you stop for rest or after you have checked into the hotel. Until then, if you are on the move and need to charge immediately, plug the gadget to the power bank for charging. Make sure to carry a multi-port charger if you plan to carry more than one device; say a tablet or the laptop.
Power cables:
Carrying extra power cables would come handy since if one goes bad, the other can be used. The spare one can replace the malfunctioning cable instead of running everywhere looking for an alternate cable. These power cables can also be used to connect the mobile phone to the laptop or for using as an extension cable in case the charger socket is at a distance or height.
3G or 4G hotspot:
3G or 4G hotspot is required if you plan to work while you are travelling. This can be connected to the mobile phone as well as the laptop. This helps to look up hotels and restaurants where one can rest or stop to eat. Travel bloggers find this handy when they need to update their blog every day while on their adventure.
GPS navigation system:
The GPS device helps in tracking places. If you are travelling to a new destination and are not sure about the route then this is the perfect gadget for you.
For all the music lovers out there, headphones are one of the most important things that one must carry. The headphones that are now available connect with the tablet, laptop, phone and also the mp3 players.
Small USB cables:
These can be used if you need to transfer pictures from the phone or camera to the laptop. This also saves the time that is spent on separating the long cables from each other. Purchase the USB cables that are compatible with the device that you plan to carry.
These essentials can prevent you from hassles that can result while travelling. Carrying these would invariably reduce the inconveniences in travelling and also makes sure that you do not get lost on the way!
Dubai might have a floating mall, but, India is the spot for shopping all that you want like a king. Starting from street shopping to grand malls, there are a lot of places to shop in this country. Thus, it is important for all shopaholics to keep their calendar open in this country. Let us talk about the top shopping spots in the country.
Kerala
Cochin Fort Shopping
When it comes to street markets or malls, there is no place to beat Kerala. This is the top tourist destination in South India where a walk through the markets is considered to be an important tourism activity. The street of the Cochin Fort is a well-known place for shopping. Starting from antique items like clocks and vases to delicacies; you can find almost everything in this place. This is the Venice of East and this place is the best for romantic shopping. Moreover, the largest mall in the country is in Kochi. The Lulu shopping mall is found in many international spots too. If you want some luxurious shopping experience, this is the right place to stop.
New Delhi
Delhi Street Shopping
This is the capital of the country and one of the popular places when it comes top shopping destination. No matter what type of shopping experience you want, you can find the right spot in this city. Starting from Select City Walk Mall to the flea market, you can find a lot of spots to enjoy shopping in this area. It is not possible that someone visits Delhi for vacation and not roam around the local markets and malls.
Mumbai
Street shopping in Mumbai
There are a lot of markets in Mumbai and each market is famous for certain items. Many tourists love to walk through the markets, shop and enjoy the local life. You can find almost everything in these markets. Are you fed up of street shopping? You can find the second largest mall in the country in Mumbai. The Phoenix Market City has almost all attractions like restaurants, movie screens, retail stores and many others.
Chennai
T-nagar Shopping
Pondy Bazaar, T-Nagar and many other areas in this place are dedicated mainly to shopping. You can find both street shopping and big malls around here. Apart from these, you can find a lot of top-notch malls like Phoenix Market City, Vijaya Forum Mall, Sky Walk, and many others. You can find many unique items and interesting objects to buy in these malls and street shops. If you love to bargain, the street shops are the best.
Jaipur
Jaipur Market
It is the capital and largest city of the Rajasthan. It is called as the Pink City. This is famous for a lot of activities including shopping. There are a lot of malls and street shops in this spot. This place is famous for textiles, handicrafts, puppets, precious jewellery, Minakari work, quilt and many others. You can find a lot of shopping centers and authentic shops where you can find a lot of these items. You ought to take your time to walk through the markets to get better deals in this city.
Who doesn’t like vacations? People who don’t like to spend a lot of money, that’s who. Good thing there’s no need to spend all your savings on a weekend getaway. These days, it’s fairly easy to stretch your dollar by using specialized apps and services that deliver quite the bang for your buck, and tell you how to spend less while getting more out of your traveling experience.
The one and only. Airbnb will help you find accommodations in the city of your choice, with very flexible pricing. You can get any kind of housing you like: apartments, entire houses, or shared rooms — nearly always the cheapest option. Depending on where you’re staying you can get hotel-like service or more of a hostel feel. Get whatever you feel comfortable with, but staying with locals is probably the best. Remember, if you’re not meeting locals, you’re not traveling.
Before you go somewhere, you need to book a flight! And Hipmunk is the app to use. It does what other apps don’t, which is a sorting algorithm called ‘Agony’. If you’re just searching for the cheapest flight, you might find yourself sifting through flights with two or three 10-hour layovers. Hipmunks eliminates that, since they recognize it’s not a boon to pay $20 more for a more comfortable arrangement. Notable mention: the price graph. Input what city you’re traveling from and your destination, and Hipmunk will show you what the cheapest dates are to travel to that location. The difference could sometimes be hundreds of dollars, so make sure you plan accordingly.
If you do find yourself in a lengthy layover or a delay of some sort, LoungeBuddy can help you spend your time like a VIP. You don’t need a high-priced club membership of some sort to get you into the nice area, you just need this app. The way it works is this: when you find yourself in an airport, LB takes your location information and gives you a list of available lounges. You can sort them by price, filter by amenities and browse photos of the lounge to choose what fits you best. Pay through the app, and you’re in! The best part is, figuring at the exorbitant prices of everything airport-related, this service practically pays for itself — you get tons of free perks like drinks, nice seats, and service personnel that doesn’t treat you like cattle.
Did you know that there’s a segment of every local economy that’s specifically dedicated to ripping off tourists? Sorry to tell you, but they’re really out to get you, and one of the major ways they try to do that is by using unfair currency exchange rates. With XE Currency, you can monitor the exchange rates from your phone and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible, wherever you are. Check out the Pro version for even more features and monitoring options!
Ever been in a situation when you have to communicate with a local, but don’t know the language? It’s an awkward nightmare. With iTranslate, communication can be a pleasure. The app’s most impressive feature is its voice-to-voice translation capabilities. Just start talking into the mic, wait a second, and you’ll get a translation of what you’re saying. It works in over 90 languages! The app also works offline, so you don’t have to pay exorbitant data roaming charges to use it.
*/Ernest is a writer and blogger trying to find a balance between productiveness and bingeing Netflix at 3 a.m. He writes about innovations in tech and social media. His best friend is his dog, Milo. /*
While for the rest of the wanderers, Kashmir is a dewdrop in the ocean of otherwise monotony, for rest, this gorgeous piece of land is an opportunity to explore the adventure bug residing in them!
If you are looking forward to feeding your adventure bug, get ready for some of the amazing sports, thrilling treks, and exhilarating activities that will get you packing your stuff as soon as you complete reading this piece!
Trekking – make your way through the wilderness:
While there is an array of adventure things to do in Kashmir, there is one activity that one certainly cannot miss here! Indulge in exciting trekking trails, trek through the snow-kissed mountain ranges, make your way through streaming waterfalls, ascend and descend through luxuriant valleys, and stay captivated by the stunning landscapes of this region.
Treks in Kashmir are well-known among trekkers from all over the globe. Some treks can be undertaken only in summer as compared to rest which provides a joyous experience only in winters. Thus, it might not be wrong to honor this place as the ‘Trek Capital of India’.
Skiing – slide, tumble, balance on the thick blanket of snow:
Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Thanjiwas glaciers in Sonmarg Valley are well acclaimed for the idyllic conditions that make them ideal for skiing enthusiasts. Annually, several national, as well as international skiing competitions, are organized to arouse traveler’s interest in the provided adventure activities in Kashmir.
Whether you are an amateur or an expert, you will always find these places provoking the adventure bug in you! Also to add here, novice skiers, can learn basic tips and tricks of skiing in any of the skiing training camps within these regions.
Mountain Biking – ride through the rugged terrains of Leh-Ladakh:
Adventure comes in different forms and ways! While some find trekking as the best way to pump up their adrenaline, others find the thrill in mountain biking in Kashmir! And for these adventure junkies, no other destinations can satiate their yearnings like Leh-Ladakh can!
Known for its rugged and challenging terrains, mountain biking in the Leh-Ladakh region is one of the best adventure things to do in Kashmir. The fascinating slopes, tricky trails, the enchanting beauty around, and the thrill quotient in these valleys make mountain biking an amazing and must-have experience in Kashmir.
Paragliding – embark on your wings of adventure:
Sonamarg is undoubtedly one of the best adventure destinations that provide visitors with an array of thrilling experiences in Kashmir! This is the place to fulfill your dreams of gliding through the clear blue sky, enjoying the mesmeric beauty of the enchanting valleys, and giving wings to the childhood dream of flying like birds!
With an increase inKashmir adventure tour packagesin the recent years, the state has put extra efforts on glorifying these adventure sports by providing all the required amenities such as accommodation and meal facilities to allure people from all over the world for this enticing sport.
Fishing – a taste of the real holiday life:
With an array of cascading streams, waterfalls, lakes, and streams, Kashmir has become one of the best places to sit and relax on the banks of gushing water bodies. Winter adventure in Kashmir might keep the cash registers ringing, but activities like angling and fishing keep the visitors elated throughout their trip here.
It might be surprising for a lot, but apart from Shikharas, Dal Lake also provides fishing opportunities to wandering tourists. The water bodies here are rich in trout; owing to this, the state tourism industry permits people to take and enjoy their catch. However, a government permit is still allowed before indulging in this adventure activity in Kashmir.
Rafting – balance yourself over the raging waves:
Perennial river sources that originate from glaciers provide idyllic conditions for rafting. Visit the Ladakh region of the state, and hop onto your raft to challenge and cruise through the gruesome rapids of the Zanskar River!
Get your drenched while struggling to keep your raft balanced! Feel the splashes when the rapids break down against your face and pump up your adrenaline! Believe it or not, once you step into the freezing water of the Zanskar River, you will get infected with its thrill and allurement!
Wildlife Spotting – the land where the wild cats roam freely:
Hemis National Park; one of the most stunning national parks in India, serves as the natural home to the charismatic Snow Leopards! It is in this wildlife-reserved area, that you can spot these full-of-life species and have a tryst with them.
Whether you are a nature lover, an avid shutterbug, or an adventure junky, a visit to the Hemis National Park is a must for you. During your visit to this park, you can also spot other exotic and endangered wildlife species like Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Marmot, Red Fox, Musk Deer, Golden Eagles, Griffon Vultures, Lammergeyers, and MonalPheasants which are some of the native species of the region.
8.Ice Skating – slide your way through the snow blanket:
Ice skating
For snow lovers, no other destination can beat the charm and allurement of Kashmir! Known for some of the most enthralling and adventurous activities, this paradise on earth also offers livelier options to ice skating enthusiasts! During your Kashmir visit, make it to tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Yusmarg. In addition to admiring and embracing their celestial beauty, you will also get ample of opportunities to glide over the fascinating layers of ice and satiate the adventure bug in you!
9.Horse Riding – witness the serene landscapes accompanying you:
There is no better way to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir than the locals do! To overcome and access the rugged terrains, the locals rely on horses and continue with their daily activities.
On your next visit to this magical state, do not miss the opportunity to traverse the stunning valleys and their hidden corners while riding on horseback. Enjoy the serenity that exists in these valleys, discover some of the remote villages, and add another achievement to your bucket list of adventure things to do in Kashmir.
10. Mountaineering – scale the heights and beat your fear:
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayan Ranges, Jammu and Kashmir offers a series of fascinating mountain ranges that require ardent skills and technique to conquer! To name a few, there are challenging ranges like Harmukh, Tattakutti, Sunset, and Kolahoi in Kashmir Valley; White Needle, Z-1, Z-8, Bobang, Nun – Kun of Zanskar Range and Stok Kangri and several others. Embark on a voyage to conquer these towering mountains, get soaked in the fun, thrill, and excitement of scaling them, and beat the fear out of you!
