Published by NIFT Printed in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
All material featured in this magazine is the sole property of Tripper. All material contained in this issue is the direct result of the hardwork done by the team at Tripper during the Fashion Journalism module from dated 2nd April’18 - 7th April’18 .The views, opinions, ideas & comments expressed in this magazine are solely our own and donot subscribe to offend or promote any vulgarism.
Copyright @ 2018 NIFTBHUBANESWAR. All rights reserved. This magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented, without permission from the publisher.
S
E
M
1
st
issue
MASTHEAD Neha Mishra PHOTO GRAPHERS
a
P
Pritam Mohanty Shruti Singh Suraj Sahoo EDITORS Meenal Upreti Riddhima Choudhary MARKETING Ravindu Ranjan Krishna Chandra Patro STYLISTS Shreyashi Debnath Ujjwal Chaudhary GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mahi Raj Neha Mishra Siddhartha Sengupta Vishal Das Venkat Vamsi Krishna Ambula ADVERTISEMENT S Sampreeti Singh Babu Pallavi Kumari
S
Our Trippers
g Working on this magazine was really fun. We went through a lot to get the best shots, the best articles and the best information. Bhubaneswar has always been seen as a temple city, but in this issue we aim to throw light upon some unseen facets of this city. Other than that, we have brought to some amazing places to visit this vacation and how to do that in style. - The team.
ripper’ 18
Behind The Scenes.
What happens when seventeen/sixteen young minds work day and night for six consecutive days in the name of a college course module? You read it right. The Fashion Communication students of semester VI are ready with their first commercial magazine and these super-imaginative design enthusiasts have accomplished this task with tremendous zeal and efficacy. TRIPPER is the amalgamation of all the knowledge they have gained in their three years of stay in NIFT Campus,Bhubaneswar. From inception of idea to the final output; the journey of making of the magazine is worth mentioning. Though it is a part of course curriculum, the final product is at par with the well established magazines in its genre. “TRIPPER� is a travel magazine and covers all aspects of traveling; be it budget travel, budget lodging, food on the go, phone photography or travel tips. As a subject faculty, my role was to show them the path. It is them who set milestones on this path. I congratulate Team KnowMads/ Curious Crew for the successful completion of such a wonderful project. Hopefully, the experiences they have gained with this ambitious project will be helpful in all their future endeavors. All the best!
Ms. Deepa Kumar Guest Faculty: Fashion Journalism Dept. of Fashion Communication NIFT Bhubaneswar
editor’s note
‘Tripper’ is meant for all; may it be backpackers, solo travellers or families. In this travel edition of our very first magazine, we have tried to give you as much as we could. From ready to go pack hacks to how to cut your travel costs, we have it all. We also go in depth into the whereabouts of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, the newest addition to the must visit cities of India. It has topped the charts of being the smartest city of India. Bhubaneswar has been credited with the title of ‘The city of temples’ for long. However, only a few people are aware of the fact that the serene city of Bhubaneswar is also a budding educational hub which is lively in its own manner. Also, amateur photographers can rely on their smart phones for photography today. We have given a few pro tips that would help you all to travel light while not compromising with the quality of pictures.
Nature is our bed spread and sky our roof, always on the go to discover new things and spreading the word. From exploring new places to finding travelling solutions, we do it all. Not just another travel magazine, Tripper is a bible you can swear by for your travel plans.
We sincerely trust that you will have as much pleasure reading this edition of Tripper as we enjoyed compiling it for you.
Our first issue focuses on the city, Bhubaneswar where we show you the other side of the temple city. With our life shifting from offline to online, constantly uploading and updating and making sure no one misses out on adventure stories, we take you to the world of phone photography. From talking about travel essentials to buying souvenirs we got you covered for the month. With a team of 16 enthusiastic travel fanatics, we put up this magazine which explores the world of rootless wandering. Eating by the sidewalk, crashing at humble villagers homes, setting out in the summer heat and constantly collecting information is how we spend our typical week. We assure you fresh and updated content.
Happy reading!
Bon Voyage.
Meenal Upreti Dept. of Fashion Communication NIFT Bhubaneswar
Riddhima Choudhary Dept. of Fashion Communication NIFT Bhubaneswar
Tripper 8
1
WA N D E R E R ’ S GUIDE How To Travel APPropriately! 5 must have travel apps. By Sampreeti Singha Babu. Page19
2
Yolo, so, go solo.
Prepare your backpack to kick start your solo trips. By Suraj Sahoo. Page13
SOME KNOW-HOWS OF
Packing & Travelling Like a pro.
By Pallavi Kumari. Page22
3
Contents.
4
Beyond the temples. Taking you to the other side of the temple city. By Riddhima Chowdhary. Page26
8 9
EVENTS There’s so much
Swaad Odia Anusaar By Vishal Das. Page28
5 6
By Riddhima Chowdhary. Page30
We e ke n d
getaways
Couple Friendly Getaways By Neha Mishra. Page32
7
2018
upcoming. By Ujjwal Chaudhary.
Page36
Souveniers By Ravindu Ranjan. Page38
10.
Page44
Lodging Done Right... By Siddhartha Sengupta.
Contents.
11
14
Travel Essentials By Shruti Singh & Shreyashi Debnath. Page62
The New Travel Companion.
By Pritam Mohanty. Page46
12
You Can Do It All With a phone! By Meenal Upreti. Page51
13
Your
travel germfree checklist.
By Mahi Raj. Page59
Tripper’ 18
Go Pro:
Tripper 12
Yolo, so Go
Solo
By Suraj Sahoo.
Prepare your backpack to kick start your solo trips. trips.
......13
“One who travels alone can start today; but one who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.� - Henry David Thoreau
Tripper 14
If you don’t have a companion for Lahaul and Spiti trip, why wait; ride solo. It not only enhances your personality but also gives you an opportunity to introspect. As you make your first move into the world of solo travelling, your mind must be boggling with a lot of questions. Where should you go? How to convince your family and friends? How to book tickets? What should you pack? Here are some tips and suggestions to get you started.
The foremost question is
“where to go on your first solo trip?” On your first solo trip, the experience of going solo is more important than the destination itself. If you’re not used to travelling alone, you’re already stepping out of your comfort zone so make sure your destination is one that makes you comfortable. It could be a weekend trip to a place you’ve already been with your family or friends; you know what to expect, you’re familiar with the language, and you can find your way around. It could be a popular tourist destination near where you live; you know the place is used to travelers, and good tourism infrastructure is in place.
Convincing your family to let you travel alone is the first obstacle that you get as a fresh solo traveler. The key to dealing with parents is in having a sound plan. When you tell them about it, be prepared to answer all their questions. But don’t forget to do your research and planning as it is your very first solo travel. Plan ahead so that you arrive at your destination at a suitable time, and check in to the place to stay, so that you are not left wandering around unfamiliar streets with your luggage. Based on your budget, browse through different websites such as Booking.com, B&B, Trip Advisor and many more for your destination, and only consider reviews written by regular contributors.
Sacrifice a few extra pennies for transport and accommodation that clearly sound more comfortable and safe.
Staying at home stays and family-run B&B’s or guesthouses when you travel by yourself is a good option.
Not only is it safer, but it also helps you mix with the local people, as well as it’s a nice and homely place to stay. Don’t forget on your luggage, because you will be lugging it the entire trip, so take only a single backpack, and pack it as light as you can. Carry layers, so you can mix and match your clothes without having to carry too many. If you can take smaller versions of toiletries and accessories that would be great. Avoid carrying valuables as much as possible, so you waste little time fretting about your bag’s safety.
Keep a journal to record your travels, and nowhere is the list of the things that are essentials during a solo trip.
......15
Dream, Breathe, Go
Tripper 16
......17
Tripper 18
5 must-have travelling apps.
by Sampreeti Singha Babu Couple goals? Bestie goals? Sister goals? What about voyaging solo? While you do put up the courage to ride solo, all set to explore alone. You take a step back thinking about the worsts- stranded and alone. But your phone got your back! With the latest development in the technology, you are just one backpack away to have your dream getaway and Apps can beyour best companion on the go.
1
Kindle
When you want to travel light but need those unfinished bucket listed novels that you intended to finish on the journey, you must carry kindle. You may be sceptical about digital spreads as you might swear by paperbacks but there is no denying that carrying a Kindle is a lot easier than lugging 10 hardbacks around with you
2
Google Translate
Are you good with sign languages? No? Well, A golden oldie (in internet terms), Google Translate has an almost sci-fi feature: offline and real-time translation. Download the language you need, and aim the camera at the text you need translated.Google’s free service instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages.
......19
XE
3
With a snap of a finger if you could convert 25,678 Japanese Yen into Indian currency, then you wouldn’t need this app. But if you can’t this is a must. It instantly converts any currency around the world and helps you keep a track of the amount spend. Remember to update the exchange rates just before you go to make sure you get the most accurate rates.
Prey Anti-Theft
4
What’s your worst fear? Carrying an expensive phone and someone might nab it – or that you’ll just lose it? Prey is an app that you need to have whether travelling or not. It helps you find your cell phone, lock down your device, trigger an alarm and more. It’s a completely free and extremely useful app.
5
Momondo places
Here is the best for the last. Whether you are offline or online, Momondo places has offline maps of over 500 cities, 200 handpicked local tips and color-coded filtering. Momondo places city guides make discovering a new city a breeze! Everything is color-coded so you can easily narrow things down to suit your mood and travel style perfectly.
These are few Apps that you need to have before you get going on that long postponed vacation. Solo or group, keep yourself and the others around you safe and have fun.
Tripper 20
......21
SOME KNOW-HOWS OF PACKING AND
T ravelling 1.
LIKE A PRO.
Roll your clothes
While packing your clothes, you can roll them instead of folding them. It actually saves a lot more space.
2. Separate accessories. Try to separate accessories in small containers or ‘snack size’ plastic bag(s). You can use straws to prevent the chain of a dainty necklace from knotting and tangling. Put your earrings through the holes in button to keep each pair together.
3. Untangled
Roll up your wire products tightly such as earphones and USB cables and keep them in a sunglass case.
4.Travel-size containers Take a pouch or a container to keep toiletries in a secure bag.
Tripper 22
5. Bottom heavy Keep the heavy things near the wheels so that the weight is distributed towards the bottom which will make the movability of the bag easier.
6. Keep dirt away Pack your shoes into shower caps and keep the socks inside your shoes to save the space.
7. Old boxes of contact lenses Squirt a small amount of makeup lotion, soap or anything that you want to carry, inside old boxes of contact lenses.
8. Tic-taclenses Use empty tic-tac containers to keep pins together. It can also be used to keep toothbrushes it will keep other things from being wet.
9. Use plastic wraps Prevent your shampoo and conditioner from spilling by using plastic wraps. Masking tapes can be an alternative for it.
10. Prevent wrinkles. Fold your blazers inside out to prevent wrinkles.
Article by Pallavi Kumari
......23
Tripper 24
......25
BE Tripper 26
B
by Riddhima Chowdhury
eaches, a rich culture, ancient heritage buildings and majestic temples, Bhubaneswar will always be one of India’s most enthralling destinations one could think of. But that is not all to Bhubaneswar. When we were starting out, we get lost all the time, get scammed all the time, and ended up spending more than we should. But that wouldn’t happen in Bhubaneswar for sure. With the kind hearts and welcoming nature of the Odiyas here you would always be welcomed with open arms. But, it seems like everything is auspicious here. And, everything is a bad omen, too. So, you have to do things to get luck. Maybe that is why it is known as the temple city of India. It’s not just about seeing the famous places in Bhubaneswar, it’s about having cool experiences here – taking tours, cooking classes, trying massages, all of it! You can fill all your time with temples and historical places in the city but make sure that you really look around and see the beauty and go out and explore it! From the hills to the beaches, you can spend days travelling around this amazing city – but there would always be a few must visit for travellers who have no choice but to limit their destinations.
EYOND the temples Taking you to the other side of the Temple city......
......27
Tripper 28
Swaad Odia Anusar Oh, we all do love to eat, don’t we? From the - time favourite PAKHALA to the irresistible Kankada Jhola, and everything in-between, the satisfaction of our hunger is a worthy pursuit.
Odia music, art and literature have all showcased food as an indispensable part of the culture. Odia food is a colourful tapestry of spices and flavours, with an unimaginable variety. Distinct from the north and south Indian cuisine, Odisha’s dishes rely very much on local vegetables and the flavours of most Odia dishes are mild and tenderly spiced. There are curries for every mood, a pot- pourie of fragrant spices and pastes mingling to create unforgettable delicacies. Also, they have special food items associated with every festival, emphasizing the significance of cuisine as a part of life. Not just the food, but the inimitable manner in which it is served. Odia music, art and literature have all showcased food as an indispensable part of the culture. Odia food is a colourful tapestry of spices and flavours, with an unimaginable variety. Distinct from the north and south Indian cuisine, Odisha’s dishes rely very much on local vegetables and the flavours of most Odia dishes are mild and tenderly spiced. There are curries for every mood, a pot- pourie of fragrant spices and pastes mingling to create unforgettable delicacies. Also, they have special food items associated with every festival, emphasizing the significance of cuisine as a part of life. Not just the food, but the inimitable manner in which it is served.
PAKHALA BHATA
CHHENA PODA
Pakhala Bhata is the daily lunch for almost every household in Odisha during summers. It is prepared by soaking cooked rice in water and sour curd. Typically left overnight, and often served with potatoes, fried fish, papad and Badi choora, which is dried and nut-like urad and black gram. This fermented rice is the perfect dish to beat the heat and refreshes you from within. 20th March is celebrated as Pakhala Dibasa (Universal Pakhala Day) by all Odias to welcome summer season with Odisha’s traditional food. This sumptuous meal is a must try.
Odisha’s very own cheesecake! The one sweet that Odisha is famous for – Chhena Poda, also known to be Lord Jagannath’s favourite sweet and is often offered to him at the Puri Temple. The lingering taste of burnt home-made cottage cheese and semolina combined with sugar syrup simply blow away your mind. This rare dessert is baked for several hours until it becomes red and the caramelised sugar brings out the distinct flavour of Chhena Poda. Being sold in almost every nook and corner, this dish is simple, easy and absolutely delicious.
DAHI VADA-ALOO DUM
MACHA GHANTA
Yet another popular street food that we see in Odisha, is Dahi Vada and Aloo Dum. Go out at even 5 in the morning and you can see thela walas with their big pots of dahi vada and smaller pots filled with aloo dum. While everywhere else, dahi vada and aloo dum are considered to be two separate dishes, Odisha offers a distinctive blend of the both. The relishing taste of dahi vadas carefully neutralises the spiciness of aloo dum, giving the taste that every Odia craves for. This dish has surely paved its way into people’s hearts and everyday lives.
Fish dishes were extremely popular in Odisha, are relished by every household and what better than every Odia’s favorite, Macha Ghanta! A must offer to Durga Maa on Dussehra, this tempting curry consists of the fried head of the fish and is served with hot steamed rice and salad. The curry is a rich blend of onions, potatoes, garlic and the regular spices. Vegetarians may make a plain ‘Ghanta’ by avoiding fish in it. This is one dish which has no match, no matter where you are, and it is likely to tempt you to eat it again and again until the time you are in Odisha. food. This sumptuous meal is a must try.
DALMA Aah Dalma! You just can’t get enough of dal, can you? However, this staple food comes with a unique twist when in Odisha. It is made with roasted moong dal without any onion or garlic. A few regular spices along with a cup of veggies are added to it to give it a lip-smacking flavour. Common veggies include pumpkin, plantain, yam and papaya, which work like magic on your overall health. Mostly eaten with rice, this finger-licking meal will more than satiate your appetite.
Apart from these, dishes like bamboo mutton; seafood like prawns, crabs and lobsters that are found in plenty at the vast coastline of the state and sweet delicacies like pitha, malpua and mudki among various others is something that your taste buds deserve while at Odisha.
- Vishal Das ......29
Weekend
Getway
Ramchandi, Odisha Puri (Distance from Bhubaneswar: 68.6km)
by Riddhima Chowdhury
Puri, Odisha
With a young and cheerful festival and an age-old temple, Puri seems to have got the perfect mix of attractions for all types of travellers. Whether it is solace you seek, or festive fervour, this coastal city in Odisha has got it all. So don’t miss out to party on the Bay of Bengal!
Ramchadndi Beach (Distance from Bhubaneswar: 88.7km)
Puri, Odisha
M
onday blues! We all have them, don’t we! Sulking our way through a hectic week and counting days till Friday. So why spend the much-awaited weekend cocooned in the house when there’s so much to explore around? The best part about living in a city like Bhubaneswar is that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to planning a short weekend getaway. From picturesque beaches to
Top P laces to
Ramchandi is now the favourite spot especially for the youngsters of the city. Beaches have always attracted crowds towards them and so does this one. Unlike Puri beach, Ramchandi is not so crowded and gives the great pleasure of calmness. The sea here is the epitome of nature’s beauty and adds to the jest of the enthusiastic visitors. So have an escape from the busy city life, to the action-packed weekend with thrilling water sports, visit. parties and adventure; there are plenty of options awaiting for you.
Deras Dam, Odisha Puri, Odisha Chilika, Odisha Cuttack, Odisha Konark, Odisha
plains grounded in culture and heritage, this city offers an astonishing range of rejuvenating getaways to help you escape the urban chaos. Here are some of the exciting trips from Bhubaneswar to satisfy your wanderlust. Deras Dam (Distance from Bhubaneswar: 25km) Located in the Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary, Deras is a highly preferred weekend getaway. Nestled in the dense Chandaka forest, it is blessed with a serene and mesmerizing surrounding, hence making it famous among picnickers. Visitors can even get a close peek into the rich fauna of the area through the watch towers present here.
Tripper 30
Deras Dam, Odisha
Konark (Distance 71.6km)
from
Bhubaneswar:
Located by the coast of Bay of Bengla, Konark is filled with many pristine beaches along with the rich cultural heritage sites. Famous for the Konark Dance and Music Festival which is one of the oldest cultural festivals in India, visiting this amazing place will definitely make your Cultural and heritage tour of India memorable. Carved out in the intrigue Odisha architectural style, the monuments of Konark are amazing in its own way. The Sun Temple aka the Black Pagoda are something that you can’t miss on if you are in Konark! Chilika (Distance from Bhubaneswar: 61.8km) It is a huge brackish water lagoon spread over Puri, Khorda and Ganjam districts. The lake is one of the largest wintering ground for migratory birds. Adding to the rich fauna of this place are newly introduced water-sports that are a huge attraction for the younger generation. There are many islands in the lake which can be reached by boats, Kalijai Island being the most famous. The place is also known for food delicacies of prawn, crab, fishes.
Cutack (Distance from Bhubaneswar: Waterfalls have always been an attraction for people. But only few know that even Cuttack has a beautiful waterfall in its vicinity. The Deojhar waterfall is the largest waterfall of Cuttack and is also surrounded by lush green forest. Adding more fun to the overall trip is a cave on top of the waterfall known as Badedidhar.
Cuttack Odisha
An escape from the busy city life..
Cuttack Odisha
Surrounded with vivid landscapes, some top-notch breaks for you around the city, most of which are just a short drive away.
Chilika Odisha
......31
Couple
Friendly Getaways
Places to escape for romantics Article by Neha Mishra
Ek
am
ra
Ka n
an
,B
hu
ba
ne
sw
ar
W
elcome to Bhubaneswar! The Temple City is now home to a number of students, be it engineering colleges, management institutes or other vocational institutions, which means people should no longer run short of potential dating partners. Once you manage to find a potential date, you will certainly need to fine places to hang out with your newly found partner. Of course, the place should be free from the all the hustle bustle of the city and could provide enough privacy to speak your heart out. Our travel editor Neha Mishra shares a list of perfect dating locations in Bhubaneswar.
Ekamra Haat It offers a wide range of open eateries where you can have a great time while having a good talk or a great romantic chit-chat. Plus, it has an amazing stretch of green pasture where you can sit relaxed and enjoy your date with pleasure.
Tripper 32
Botanical Garden, Nandankanan For dating your partner in a calm, cool and serene place, Botanical Garden would be the perfect choice. Located at Nandan Kanan, nearly 7 km from the famous Fortune Tower, you will feel very fortunate to spend some quality time with your partner. And no authorities or any staff will disturb you as long as you have valid tickets with you.
Forest Park This is where the city has all the fun during the evening, come winter, rain or summer, which makes it to the top of the dating priorities for many couples in the city. Just get in the park, and your eyes won’t escape many couples sitting up in every corner of the park. But no worries the park is large enough to accommodate many more couples like you any day.
Ekamra Kanan This is the largest park in the town, this place offers plentiful of greeneries, flowers and soothing breeze for an unforgettable dating experience.
Ekamra Haat, Bhubaneswar
Botanical Garden Nandankanan, Bhubaneswar
Forest Park, Bhubaneswar
......33
Tripper 34
......35
Tripper 36
......37
Souveniers
E
ven when you come back from a place, there are always a few things that could draw you back. But you need to know what to you should bring back from that place. Don’t be that impulse shopper. Don’t miss out on their traditional buys. So here are a few things that you shouldn’t miss out when you are in the city of
temples! A tour to Bhubaneswar will present you with the option of buying either decorative or utility items. Shopping in Bhubaneswar will be a fascinating experience for a tourist searching for traditional fabrics and curios. Tangled in this, don’t forget to take back the Khajas of Odisha, a taste that they will relish for their life. Bhubaneswar is very famous for woven ikat fabrics, which can be purchased as readymade garments, fabric and saris. Appliqué worked fabric locally known, as Chandua is a typical Orissa handiwork. Sambalpuri silk and cotton, tussar silk and gold embroidery remains the favorite picks for every travelers. Especially women tourists find Bhubaneswar a paradise for shopping. The excellent cotton fabrics give you immense comfort without compromising with the style quotient. What to buy in Bhubaneswar can be little confusing with so many options! While shopping in Bhubaneswar, you won’t mind buying the exquisite metal ware-silver filigree jewelry or tarakash, unique metal sculptures and figurines known as dhokra. Bhubaneswar is also known for its beautiful woodwork items like lampshades, fruit baskets and jewelry boxes. Stone sculptures of gods and goddesses are also interesting buys and rightly solve the problem of Things to buy in Bhubaneswar India. The city is even famous for its traditional painting styles likepatachitra, ganjapas and paintings on palm leaf done with etching. In Bhubaneswar, you shall also come across myriad type of seashells of all shapes. This coastal city specializes in decorative and utility items from seashells like mirrors, lampshades, tabletops, purses, jewelry boxes, fruit baskets and trays. These lovely items are included in the list of what to buy in Bhubaneswar and they make for some excellent Shopping in Bhubaneswar. A lot of things can be taken back to home such as local handicraft, look out for Pipli handicrafts, Silver filigree work, Hand woven textiles, Paper Mache mask they are various styles of them, Wooden Icons of Jagannath they are also colorful so get a hand at them, Sand stone icons ranging from the price few hundred Gemstone. By Ravindu Ranjan.
Tripper 38
......39
Tripper Rootless Wandering And Story telling... So you only find peace when you are out there exploring and wandering through the unknowns into the escape lands of wonder. You are a traveler, a seeker, a free soul who can’t be rooted. Your true calling is in the unplanned voyages but what’s holding you back? Let us be your companion and show you the various ways to excite your soul. Tripper is your ultimate guide to having the perfect getaway. We feature new city every month and get the filtered information right to our readers. From getting you started to holding on to the never ending roads, we bring to you the best of the world of globe trotting
Subscribe to our magazine. Visit us www.trippermagazine.in Follow us Twitter @trippermagazine Facebook TrippermagazineIndia Instagram trippermagazineindia
Add the following hashtags to your travel diaries to get featured in Tripper: #tripper #trippertripping #trippertrips #trippersoul
Tripper 40
......41
Tripper 42
......43
lodging done right. PERFECT WAY TO LODGE
-Siddhartha Sengupta
W
henever we travel, accommodation is probably the first thing that comes to our mind. Where are we going to stay and how much should we invest in it. For the people who are mad about exploring a new place, the real nomads will be ready to sleep in the barn if it was an option. What we are trying to put across is that people, not just your usual explorer but all travellers do not prefer to spend too much on accommodation. Reducing this cost saves a lot of money from the overall trip expense. So, here are a few ways in which you can have the perfect lodging: Hospitality Exchanges Stay in an Ashram The cheapest accommodation is free accommodation, you have a relative where you are going and they will provide you with the stay. But not every city or town you visit would have that. What then? Stay with a local who will give you a free place to rest your head, local information, and someone to hang out with! Sounds unreal right, yes it did for us too at the first look. But there are some websites which provide this services such as Couchsurfing, stay4free, hospitality club and Zostel. Couchsurfing is one of my favourites. The website not only helps the travellers save money on accommodations but also learn about the local culture by being able to stay and interact with the locals. Now staying with a total stranger might creep you out at first but the site is really popular and makes it mandatory for the travellers to fill in the reviews for the guide you stay with and you can also have a talk with him over the e-mail before you actually meet in person. People can also be verified by other travellers with a mailing address or a credit card.
Tripper 44
Hostels These are the alternative options for travellers on budgets. There is a myth that the hostels are really dirty and congested, which is not really true. In fact, nowadays, you will find that these hostels are more hygienic and providing better amenities than most hotels. In hostels, the rooms are dormitory style with all facilities shared. Also, the bigger the room, the cheaper the cost. Yes, you would have to share it with that many people but, when you are travelling in a group, you can get that entire dorm booked. And those who are travelling solo, there are hostels which provide single rooms. The most interesting fact about hostels is that you get to meet other travellers and make connections. Short term rentals Another way in which you can save money on the final bill is the local rental. Here, you will find yourself with a fully furnished apartment for a week or two without spending a fortune. Granted this won’t be as cheap as hostels but if you are looking for an overall good experience in you travel, then this would provide you with all the comforts of a home. And if you are travelling in a pack then the costs again come down. Some of the websites where you can find such accommodations are Airbnb, Wimbu, Roomurama.
Want something totally off the beaten track? Stay at an ashram. Accommodation in these ashrams is often very spartan, containing no more than a bed and desk, with simple meals prepared by the monks and nuns. Ashrams are very family-friendly and quiet (most also have curfews). The best thing is that most of these simply ask for donations or are absolutely free.
Pod hotels A trend that originated in Japan and travelled to Europe as well as the USA, has just been launched in Mumbai. It’s called a ‘pod hotel’, where the hotel offers pods, instead of rooms, at budget pricing. A pod is a tiny, compact capsule straight out of a sci-fi flick. The first such pod hotel in Mumbai is called the Urban Pod, which offers 140 pods equipped with a bed, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, USB port, personal safe, etc. The prices start at Rs. 1,030 per night, with complimentary breakfast and shared washrooms. So, the next time you are on the go, consider one of these options to cut down on your budget and spend it on more fun stuff like food or a better tour package. Get out of the hotel mindset! And don’t let lodging become a hurdle for a good travel experience.
......45
GO PRO:
THE NEW TRAVEL COMPANION AN INTERVIEW WITH GO PRO USER AHMED SIDDKI OWNER OF FSRC BIKER’S CLUB, BHUBANESWAR BY PRITAM MOHANTY
Q 1: What inspired you to start FSRC? A 1: Since childhood, I have been keen towards bikes and travel and my soul inspiration was my father. He never forced me into anything. He even supported my decision of taking up biking as a career option. Q 2: How were your initial days at FSRC? A 2: Three years back when we initiated the move of FSRC there were already a few dominant biking clubs in the city. With time and experience, the group emerged to be one of the most prominent biking clubs in the city. Social media played a major role in getting us the limelight that we deserved. Q 3: How did you reach out to other riders and spread your ideology? A 3: Being born and brought up Bhubaneswar it was easy for me to reach out the acquainted riders across the city. And social media being a common platform for all helped us club together to form FSRC. experiences. Q 4: Please share some of your memorable riding experiences. A 4: It has been three years since FSRC was formed. This club has given me both good and bad experiences. The most memorable experience of my riding career was my solo trip to Vizag. Before I
Tripper 46
started I had mixed thoughts about the journey but with the first go on the road, I felt something that I had never felt before. Q 5: What are the safety measures that you keep in mind while riding with your crew? A 5: For FSRC safety is the foremost concern. Our crew has their own safety gear set comprising of the riding shoes, pants, vest, gloves and the arm and knee guards. Q 6: How often do you use Go Pro on your rides? Why Go Pro? A 6: Being a travel enthusiast and techy, I have all been keen on trying new technologies. Since I tried GoPro for the first time, I knew it was something that was missing in every traveller’s life. Its size and features make it the convenient device to capture memories on the go. Q 7: How has Go Pro helped you in your riding career? A 7: GoPro is just like a magic eye that just did not help us to capture moments that our naked eyes used to miss but has made our rides easier in other ways too. A GoPro can be mounted anywhere and with any desired angle. Because of GoPros, we don’t have to carry our camera kits anymore which makes our ride more light and convenient.
Q 9: Please name a few places that are must visit for travel and Go Pro lovers. A 9: - Vishakapatnam -Daring Badi -Puri Konark Road For long tours, - Bangalore - Kolkata - Leh Ladakh Q 10: What message would you like to convey to other riders? A 10: Speed, friends, fun, experiences are secondary, safety is the foremost important thing that every rider should keep in mind. Their safety kit is the most important thing that every rider should carry. So, drive safe, drive hard and love your machines. Cheers!
......47
Tripper 48
......49
Tripper 50
You can do it all with a phone !
[FOCUSED: Phone Photography] ......51
T
ravel light cannot really happen in life. You would want to take numerous things on that perfect trip you have wanted to go on, for your entire life. A good camera/camera phone would be the first thing you would want to carry. In case, you are not a professional photographer, it really does not matter about the type of gear you use. A simple mobile phone is enough to
a great picture. With camera phones now more accessible than ever before, there has been a dramatic shift in the way breaking news is delivered to the public. All of this great technology at your finger tips; it truly is an exciting time to be a photographer. Best of all, you don’t need to spend a lot of money for one of these camera phones. Instagram is just one indication of its immense appeal. It had
million members who posted almost 5 billion images before the app even had its two year anniversary. However, in order to click that perfect frame, you might have to toil hard. After all, practice makes a man perfect. Regardless of how your photographic journey unfolds, take plenty of time to enjoy the view.
“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.”
Ahangama, Sri Lanka. (Shot on MI Note 4)
Tripper 52
Travel
Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Shot on MI Note 4)
......53
BUY A GOOD QUALITY MOBILE PHONE People generally believe that only an iPhone or a One Plus would click the best quality images, which is true, but since these phones are costlier than others, only upper class people are able to afford them. There are companies like Google, Nubia, Motorolla, Xiaomi MI, Huawei Honor 5 and some more of them who have launched various phones with extremely good camera technologies. You can buy these phones if your budget is
THE ELEMENTS OF DESIGN (COLOUR, LINE, TEXTURE, SHAPE, SPACE, BALANCE, ANGLES ETC.) ARE IMPERATIVE While you keep the technicalities in mind, you need to multitask, because only technical aspects would not give you an aesthetic frame. Always keep an eye for colours, lines and textures.
Tripper 54
ALWAYS PLAY WITH THE FOCUS AND THE BRIGHTNESS OPTION AVAILABLE Whenever you set your camera phone over a frame, always tap the screen and set your focus on an element. Do that unless you need a bokeh effect or anything desperately blurred. Also, do not forget to play with the brightness circle/bar (varies phone to phone). You can actually set the brightness of the image according to you, even before clicking the picture.
LIGHT IS IMPORTANT It is all about the light. Light is what will help make a good image a great image. You should definitely check out the shadows that the sun makes on different subjects. Also, notice the reflective light off buildings. You can also practice during the ‘golden hour’ (the period of time shortly after sunrise or just prior to sunset). Even watch how the light from a window
FOR PROFESSIONALS: CLICK USING THE MANUAL MODE
USE THE GRIDS TO CLICK PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHIC FRAMES
The manual mode allows you to explore with various white balance options incandescent to shadow and more. You can also play with the shutter, aperture and ISO as you do with a DSLR. Trust me the results come out to be phenomenal. Tip: Use the manual mode’s focus option (increase or decrease it), in order to click out of focus as well as bokeh images.
Rule of thirds plays an important role in photography. You can enable the grid option and explore with the rule of thirds in order to get that aesthetic frame. What you have to do is, place the subject that you want to keep in focus, on the either of the intersecting points of the grid, and then decide other elements orderly.
POST PRODUCTION PLAYS THE MOST VITAL ROLE
MAKE AN AESTHETIC FEED ON INSTAGRAM
Once you are done with the clicking of the frame, you NEED to edit. It is great if you are a professional who clicks best pictures and do not really require an editing tool. However, in case you are a newbie, you should edit images. Tip: Use Google’s Snapseed, VSCO or Adobe Lightroom on your phone to edit pictures.
In order to focus on the aesthetics, you need to maintain a harmonious feed. May it be a colour or a pattern, anything that binds the feed together plays an important role. People would love to follow you if your feed is maintained.
Time to replace your
DSLR ,
Begnas Lake, Pokara
with your phone to get that perfect frame. ......55
Streets of Mumbai
Pinnawala, Sri Lanka
Bhubaneswar
Rudrapur, Uttarakhand
IT IS THE PHOTOGRAPHER, NOT THE CAMERA, THAT IS THE INSTRUMENT. ~Ansel Adams
Bangalore
Tripper 56
Arugambay, Sri Lanka
......57
HAND SANITIZER Tripper 58
YOUR
travel germfree CHECKLIST
Your travel germfree checklist. by Mahi Raj
You are one with the outdoors: you wake to the sun rising and fall asleep to the sound of crickets in the pale moonlight. But, long days of hiking in the hot sunshine and evenings spent around a crackling campfire may leave you smelling less than rosy. Instead of stinking out your fellow campers or crawling into your sleeping bag with dirty feet, prepare for good personal hygiene by packing the right items.
......59
mouthwash
first aid
paper soap sanitizer
clean towel
wipes
Have A Safe Safarnama! Wet wipes:
8 8
These have got more to offer than just to be baby butt wipes. You can use baby wipes to freshen up just about any place on your body. These wipes keep you going on fresh, and gets the impurities out. They are easy to pack and smell great- if nothing, these are definitely a must-go-to hygiene product. You have an option choosing wipes from a range various fragrance, and even odourless.
Tripper 60
Dr Bronner’s
Mouthwash:
Dr Bronner’s comes like a many-in-one answer to various skin care products. Enjoy the creamy emollient lather on baby, bath, beach, body, dentures, deodorant, shaving, and aftershave and foot soap. The peppermint oil leaves you feeling fresh afterwards. Buy a large bottle and share between yourself and the other campers.
A mouthwash can be a real saviour at times when you are not carrying your toothpaste and a brush. A mouthwash works to give a clear and fresh breath during any part of the day. A quick swish is all you need to feel freshened up. Forgo the family-sized bottle, and bring a travel size, which will be easier to pack and takes the minimum of space.
Hand sanitizer
Clean towel
After discovering the unknown foreign lands, and exploring the tall standing mountains, you will want a clean hand to cook yourself a meal. Here a small bottle of sanitizer becomes the hero of your life. While a soap and water might are important, a sanitizer bottle may be better for your hike, as it takes minimum space and does not require water. It can prove to be a lifesaving product.
Small hand towels are easiest to pack, but smaller washcloths can also be a substitute for them. Whether you use water, soap or baby wipes, you’ll need to wash off the excess soap and water. Hand towels can also work as a wet cloth to clean yourself up, or clean your hands after a hand wash.
Paper soap No doubt you are the type of person to wash your hands once your little (or big) business is done. Washing your hands is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy on the road. Right? Travelling with a paper soap is a great way to keep your health on track. On your voyage, you might have come across various washrooms with an empty soap dispenser. In such scenario, a paper super dehydrated with your soap comes to your rescue. No mess, no fuss, just a quick clean.
First aid They say ‘your health should always be your first priority’. A first aid kit should always be on top of your checklist. A box with basic first aid elements: cotton, band-aid, Dettol, antiseptic cream, and medicines for viral fever, upset stomach, headache, painkillers should always accompany you while on go. You can be a life saviour to other campers too.
PeeBuddy Pee Buddy has become a revolution against the dirty washrooms in our country. Imagine you’re on the road and suddenly the urge to pee comes up. You are surrounded by roads for miles, and you can’t spot a single person. What do you do when you can’t find a public toilet around you? PeeBuddy helps you get through this problem. Investing in urination devices can help a lot when it comes to peeing in a public toilet.
happy Tripping!
......61
TRAV E L
Essentials
in your wardrobe! Shruti Singh Shreyashi Debnath
A
ll tickets done? Rooms booked? But, what about your suitcase? Packing for a vacation may be fun for some, but it can be the most stressful thing for others. back in the day, comfortable wear and safety were the only two boxes we needed to check on our mental packing list. But, at the rate pro looking shots have been flooding our feeds as of late, a vacation wardrobe is more akin to prepping for fashion week. Before you go and roll your eyes, bear with us for a second. Avoiding a stereotypical travel outfit, like T-shirts, jeans, backpacks etc. just are’nt just about aesthetics- it may actually be safer route too. Often, tourist-packed cities during peak times are hunting grounds for pick pockets, so blending into the city in a chic look may not be such a bad idea. And hey! the last thing you want is to look like a tourist guide in your travel photos. Because who really wants #ootds with a camera strapped around your neck in a polyester fanny pack hanging from your waist? To make sure you have beautiful vacation photos to look back on, we’ve got the ultimate style tip sheet. Behold, the guide to travelling in style without looking like a tourist guide. Who says you cannot be comfortable and look chic?
Tripper 62
1 2
A LEATHER JACKET There is no doubt a leather jacket holds a power to make any basic outfit look cool. If you are tight in the luggage department, bring it on as a carry-on, as airplanes do tend to be a little colder. It’s also be a good piece to have for those travelling to cities with cooler temperatures in the evening.
SUPER SHORT SHORTS
Your nights cannot be comfortable and sexy enough without your shuper shorty shorts. And the best part of it is it might just take a teny tiny corner of your luggage to get packed. And whether you are up all night partying with your friends or you are crawling in the bed after a very happening day, The shorts are always the sexiest choice.
EASY FLIP FLOPS These flat forms may not be the most chic pair of shoes in your closet, but they are definitely the pair to gravitate to when the itinerary involves touring the city. Rather than the easy T-shirt and shorts combo, wok in a statement piece with a crochet skirt or an oversized top (or both) to elevate the look.
3 ......63
4
A BLACK BALLER HAT A perfect topper for the second or third day hair. It is also a way to save yourself from the sun. But on the top of everything, it gives you a class hipped look and makes you stand out in the crowd by getting noticed from a far.
ALL TIME WATCHES While on a vacation who likes their wrists empty? We would want to accessorise. But carrying our options for accessories can be a bit heavy on the bag. So the best way to steal the show is a watch. Because a classy watch is never forgotten. And it’s easier to carry it. And the options you may keep is a sports watch and a metallic one.
5 6
SHAPE FULL GLASSES
Times have changed and no more it is time for old aviaters and wayfarers. Now it is time for sunglasses in new shapes and in different colours. No more black and blues, let’s adapt all the yellows and pinks.Let’s see things around in our favourite hues, so don’t forget to keep your favourite pair hanging on your pocket.
7 Tripper 64
COMFY JOGGERS Joggers are on of those comfortable pieces where you where you can walk in,trek in,run in and jump in and still look supper cool and trendy. Like the denims it can be paired with a number of options and quite light and stretchable.Pair it with an over sized shirt or a cropped top and you look too fine.
8 9
COOL SNEAKERS The athleisure trend is still going strong,so take full advantage of you’re travelling. While you don’t need to bring your fave limited edition ones,pick a pair which says comfort and chic. It’ll instantly pull your outfit together.
BAG OUT OF THE BOX Upgrade your backpack to something more fashion forward. While travelling a bag is a must and it can be something totally different, so your friends can recognise you from a distance if you are lost maybe. It can have your favourite glitters and some motivating and cute patchworks to still keep you in the game.
THE DENIM SHIRT DRESS Not only does it make a no-fuss outfit, the light material is ideal to wear in warm temperatures. It’s also pack friendly and easy to throw into the wash when you get home.
10
So, get going. Now you are Travel ready in style. ......65
YOUR BEAUTY ESSENTIALS!
1
SUNSCREEN SAVIOUR While you are out having the time of your life, you can’t be caring about the effects of the sun on your skin. So a sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 is a must have in your bag. With the sunscreen on you are free to go wherever you want.
MAGIC MASCARA
2
Remember to never leave without mascara. Because why hide the game of your eyes when you can be expressive. So whenever you like makeup, brushing your eyelashes with some waterproof mascara would enhance the drama of the day.
3
TINTED LIPS It’s not always required to doing a touch up with a lipstick. So what you can have in your purse is a lip balm with a tint of colour, maybe pink or orange and keep your luscious lips lusty all day.
4
HAIR ESSENTIALS
What you might face is a problem with your hair. Might be difficult to comb the tangles or it might be too cold to wash them again and again. But nothing can get you stopping, so keep a hair serum and a dry shampoo handy.
Tripper 66
......67
Tripper 68