My eyes were closed and waves were playing with my feet while the sun was saying goodbye to the city, this was my last vacation at south Goa beach and I can still feel the beach waves, I have always lived a gypsy life, who is making travel plans that too impromptu. The last plan that got canceled was my Himalayan trip and I was so excited to live like a monk and just wanted to catch a breather by doing meditation but here I am, writing on the best tips to keep in mind after lockdown opens. Hold on to your excitement before making big plans. It’s always wiser to learn from someone’s else mistakes.

1) Keep your Travel bucket ready!

Create multiple options of your travel vacations, if something closes down due to govt. orders, you will always have another option. I will suggest to keep at least four to five backup plans that can be explored. Remember “Ek gaya toh Dusra aayega nahi toh Teesra” 😛 Also, Avoid touristy and crowded places and choose something that is filled with serene nature.

2) Be a Smart Ass!

I am sure you don’t want to look like this guy in the above picture, make smart plans with maximum cancellation policy, or at least where you can get the option to reschedule . Keep an eye on the news, keep reading about the place you are visiting, so you can always tweak. Don’t book an expensive retreat or expedition. Every penny counts!

3) Plan shorter trips – closer to home 

I don’t have much to say here, but I will keep a vacation which is in range of 250-300 km away from my home. It’s important you stay safe and can always come back if the situation becomes worse. You know nothing can beat a cozy home blanket. Think Global but Keep it local 🙂

4) Don’t plan a way too ahead

You don’t want to make your Christmas or New Years plan anticipating that Corona situation will settle down by then, we never know when this gonna end until we find the cure. So don’t make the plans that you are not sure about as per today.

5) Stay healthy and Fit

This is the time where you can take good care of your body and mind, eat healthy, do yoga, dance around in the house, because it’s important to take care of yourself when you are finally plan to go out. Keep yourself engaged. Prank your friends while doing a plank.

6) Maintain a good Hygiene

Take precautions during travel – keep sanitisers, keep tissues for throw and use purpose, don’t touch your face, eyes or nose. Don’t touch poles or stairs. I am sure you have heard enough of Don’t’s in last 60 days, time to act when you are on your way to destination.

7) Emergency numbers on speed dial

Keep your emergency numbers handy, inform your friends and loved ones about your travel. It’s always a good practice and stay connected specially if your nature retreat is of no network range.

8) Keep a close eye on your destination

Research the city that you are going to, it’s important you keep reading about the place, not just about the Covid-19 situation but also the security and network range, you like to avoid a jungle camping at this point of time.

9) If can’t travel outside, then travel within

Last but not the least, if you can’t travel outside, you can always travel within, i know sometimes our plans don’t work out but not to get demotivated but pray for a better sunshine where we can go out without any fear. Until then we all can stay safe and happy.

You can also follow your passion and enrol for online classes/workshops, you can learn or teach at this time of the year. Make the best use of Quarantine.

Banjara Gypsy hosts online sessions, if that can be your point of interest.