My observations in Varanasi, India

1) The cow or the Buffalo rules the street. You don't just simply cross the road. You need to wait. Honking won't solve your problems.

2) Keep your eyes on the road. Make sure you take your steps cautiously if you don't want to step on the cow dung or someone may spit paan (beetal leaf) on you.

3) Even if someone is arguing there is a mutual respect. The purity of hindi that they speak will give you diabetes.

4) People are so honest while I was flying to Varanasi some one actually took out the life jacket out of the seat and blew the air in the vest. Luckily he was not seated at the emergency exit. That's attention to details. Traditions and customs are maintained with no exceptions.

5) Bengali is the third important language after hindi and sanskrit. Surprisingly every language of the world can be heard here. Especially if you go through the restaurant menus or billboards you can also find hilarious goofups. If you talk English and walk English then you need to find those places while you're hungry here. You will discover new dishes and hybrid cultures.

Air miles and more

It's been years the airlines started giving out it's customers miles reward card for their loyalty and for choosing an airline at the baggage checking counter by a friendly airline staff. Every air journey gives you certain miles as points which needs to be accumulated in certain time frame before the card expires in which you need to upgrade to the next level.

The miles card are profitable for the frequent business travelers. The miles card points can be redeemed to get free tickets and upgrades and lounge facilities at the airport. 

Some perks include surprise gifts and offers at the airline partner hotels,movie tickets or car rental services and even money back schemes on usage on their credit card.

The people around the world have figured out smart ways of shopping, staying at a partner hotels, renting cars and other way to collect miles to earn rewards without flying.

Unfortunately, some miles loyalty reward programs can not be used to purchase tickets for family in your name to earn reward miles. Every one needs to have their own miles royalty reward card. Unless you accumulate enough royalty points which allows you to take your spouse with you.

The loyalty reward programs has advantages in the first class to avail internet and last minute special menu changes when you fly.

Happy hunting miles reward points..!

Its important to carry your headphone while you travel

When you are flying long hours its better to take your headphones with you to enjoy in-flight movies or a noise cancellation headphone to enjoy movies and not the snoring neighbor.

When you are on work assignment to view late night television at the hotel or while flying. Nothing can match the comfort of your choice of headphone for your ears.



Things to carry


1. Headphone - Comfortable enough for your ears so that it does not give pain in your ears later.

2. Two pin adapter if needed for some flights or request for one better than using crappy headsets provided by the airline.

3. Wireless headphones if you have insomnia and don't want to wake your neighbor/wife/kids at your hotel room so that the wire length does not disappoint you.

Happy viewing movies.

Traveling light

Hi I am a digital imaging technician from India. I am out of my house most of the days in a month. I am into post production on site and offsite either editing or taking care of digital negative.

I want to share travel tips to pack lighter when traveling.

The golden rule of thumb only carry things you need and your equipments for work. There would be restriction set by the production or the company to save extra costs.

Here are my tips.

1. Carry only two set of personal luggage.

A backpack/hand luggage  - with travel documents (Passport/Air tickets/ Visa), one pair of clothes, toiletries, pen and a note pad.

Travel bag - which may contain clothes, shoes/slippers and weather appropriate clothes with no spices or illegal articles which may be legal in home country but not in the country you are about to visit.

Finally the equipment. 

Do not forget to carry ATA Carnet with custom clearance document when taking equipments abroad.

ATA Carnet is a standardized form used for taking customizable goods abroad which you are going to bring it back.

2. Currency 

In different country there are different travel agents or companies like Money gram in India I prefer Thomas Cook for currency exchange which is faster than banks which may take days.

Thomas Cook only needs travel tickets and passport to convert your currency.

Its advisable to take Euro for Europe/Dollar in another country which accepts these global currencies. There are countries in Europe who still accept their own currencies like the Kuna in Croatia at the shops so its better to turn on your debit or credit cards to avail local currency from the airport/bank atm or hotel of course the banks will charge additional international transaction fee. Pay in cash as much as possible. Unless you are buying something expensive or you run out of money.

3. Lodging

Its fine if you want to stay at 7 star or 5 star but why not stay with a family or regular 3 star hotels. Here is a big advise always cross check the reviews and call the hotel and reserve the room.

4. Shopping

Its OK to buy souvenirs and bargain. But remember try to help the local economy. Its better to ask the local people and research about things to buy. Its advisable to to check items which are not allowed to bring back to your country or dutiable on arrival. Duty free is just duty free and there are certain limits of quantity and goods restrictions.

5. Its always important to keep the important numbers like phone nos. of your relatives/embassy and passport and other details inside your head.

6. Dress Code
 Some countries may have a dress code do read about it and avoid trouble.

Happy Journey..!