Unorganized trips

 Unorganized trips in India| Sudden Travel | Unanticipated Travel | Unexpected car travel

 It happens a lot that we have a Friday night dinner outside and head on for a weekend ride.

Be it with friends, family, and loved ones. We do think it through the possibilities, problems, and challenges which most of the time make us change the decision and force us to get back home and sack out. There are certainly other times when we have emergencies for example God forbid if one of our near and dear is serious with some medical condition. Most probably we never give a second thought in such conditions and just leave.

Most interestingly there are some practices which I would like to bring. If you are traveling in a car:

1] Car condition: Make sure you take care that your car always has an ample amount of fuel which can last for 100km. Engine oil levels are good and tyres are in great condition. Always have an extra maintained tyre as a backup. Headlights and taillights functioning perfectly.

2] Car documents: Make sure you always have all the necessary documents about the car, about yourself(or the owner of the car). Have a different file with all the actual duplicate documents with a soft copy. In India, we require recent and valid Car insurance, RC book of the vehicle, recent and valid PUC, updated Fastag, Driving license copy. Personal documents such as Aadhar card, PAN card

3] A small bag with an emergency kit: This small bag should primarily have a first aid box, a pair of clothes, charger, torch, rugs, Emergency contact details, toothpaste, soap, emergency cash. Most important are the toolbox and jack. It is advisable to keep all these things intact if you have the will to travel unorganized at any time. This will lead to a stress-free journey.

    Many times there are certain emergencies as mentioned above, when we decide and set off, we need to remember some important aspects. One thing is, the one who is going to drive should always be calm and composed. 

    Once on the way try to be hydrated all the time. The driver should always have his separate water bottle. Stop after every 2.5 hours for a tea or coffee break. It might happen that you start at odd timings. So make sure once you get to the nearest fuel pump (or charging station) you top up the tank(or batteries depending on the type of the car).

     Stop at places where there are a decent amount of people. I would say the toll plazas and areas close to it are the best stops to take in India. These places are quite safe to have a washroom break and get something to eat. Safety is important, always try to get in a good Café, where washrooms are comparatively cleaner and you could also have one coffee. Always carry an ample amount of water.

    Drive safely, do not cross 90kmph speed. Maintain the speed throughout the journey. It is always better to drive at a constant speed with windows closed which guarantees safe transit, best fuel economy, best feeling, and comfort for co-passengers. 

    Avoid drinking alcohol while driving. The driver shouldn’t be anywhere near the alcohol in the duration of the trip. Stop only when your inner gut says so. Be kind and helpful if there are any emergency accidents on the road but be careful to judge if it is really something you need to take care of.

    Especially at night or the roads where hardly there are any people. If the road goes from the forest, have the decency to drive at optimum speed try not to Overspeed.

    Moreover, always follow all the traffic rules. Needless to say, have all sorts of music in your car. Whenever you feel dizzy change the music, open the window. While driving in ghats always take care to stop only at a patch of straight roads. Never overtake over the turns. Always have google maps nearest to the driver(If the car doesn’t have android or apple setup).

    Clean your windshield, headlamps(at night) with clean water after every break. This makes the journey comfortable for the driver.   

    If you leave with your friends, family, or loved ones, once your destination is decided, check places to stay or freshen up(cheapest). I would suggest more emphasis should be given to sightseeing rather than having a relaxing time in a lavish hotel room. Check on the places to eat. Be mentally ready for any challenge which would occur during the trip. Small things as

Toothpaste, toothbrushes shouldn’t be made a big fuss. Keep informed to your dear ones. It might happen that you won't get all the information on the internet, so don’t be shy to ask locals about it. If there are two or more drivers, the one who is driving should adjust the seat, steering, and all the controls as per his or her convenience. Moreover, mindset is everything keep your attitude alert and positive. These are some insights to take care of while unorganized trip. In the next blog, I would like to post more about debriefing all the points mentioned above. Happy sudden trips!!