By now, you all must be aware of the fact that I have a travelling bug but do you know that I am a bike lover too? Yes! You heard it right. My passion for motorcycles has been a huge obsession since my Dad brought a Royal Enfield popularly known as “bullet” when I was in college. At that time, I couldn’t ride it as my parents gave too much importance to my safety which was fair, I guess but that was the time when I promised myself that I am going to own a bike of my own one day. So, here I am with my favorite bike, “Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES”. I haven’t been on a long solo trip on it yet but I am planning for that soon. The feeling when you ride a bike is the best feeling in the world. You feel like you are unstoppable. The breeze you feel on your face makes you forget all your problems. Before buying a bike, I did some research as my budget was under 2 lakh and my research brought me up with a list of the best 10 bikes under 2 lakh which I would love to share with you: Jawa 42: Jawa 42 is a cruiser bike available at an ex-showroom price of Rs.1,65,587 in India. It is powered by a 293 cc BS6 engine with a power of 27 bhp and a torque of 29.05 Nm. It gives a mileage of 35 kmpl. This bike has a kerb weight of 172 kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 14 liters. It is a combination of modern tech with classic looks and a twist of retro. It is basically for those who want to experience an old-school vibe in a modern approach. 2. Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the most popular model which has seen some advancements in its dated design. It has an engine of 346 cc. This bike gives a mileage of 41.93 kmpl and weighs 195 kg. It has a power of 19.36 PS @ 5250 rpm and torque of 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm. It is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs.1,79,782. The front and rear suspensions of the classic 350 are outstanding and it offers you a comfortable ride on potholes and bumpy roads. 3. KTM RC125: KTM RC 125 is a sporty bike which shares its bodywork with the larger KTM RC 200 and RC 390. It offers the most advanced 125 cc engine and has a power of 14.5 PS @ 9250 rpm and a torque of 12 Nm @ 8000 rpm. It gives a mileage of 44.95 kmpl and comes at an ex-showroom price tag of Rs.1,80,538 in India. It has a fuel tank capacit\y of 9.5 litres and weighs 164.4 kg. 4. Royal Enfield Meteor 350: Royal Enfield meteor 350 is a cruiser bike which is powered by a 349 cc BS6 motor and is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs.1,83,589 in India. It has a power of 20.2 bhp and a torque of 27 Nm. The Meteor 350 bike has a fuel capacity of 15 litres and weighs 191 kg. It gives a mileage of 25 kmpl in the city and 35 kmpl on the highways. 5. Honda H’ness CB 350: Honda H’ness CB 350 is a cafe racer and is available at a price of 1,89,026 (Ex-showroom) in India. It is powered by a 348.36 cc BS6 motor which produces a power of 0.5 bhp @ 5500 rpm and a torque of 30Nm @ 3000 rpm. This bike has a fuel tank capacity of 15 litres and weighs 181 kg. It gives a mileage of 35 kmpl. 6. Suzuki Gixxer 250: Suzuki Gixxer 250 is a street bike which is powered by a 249 cc BS6 engine. It produces a power of 26.1 bhp @ 9300 rpm and a torque of 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm. This bike gives a mileage of 35 kmpl and is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs.1,69,956 in India. It has a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres and weighs 156 kg. 7. Yamaha YZF R15 V3: Yamaha YZF R15 V3 is available at an ex-showroom price starting at Rs.1,54,600 and goes up to Rs. 1,56,600. This bike is powered by a 155 cc engine which produces a power of 18.6 PS @ 10,000 rpm and a torque of 14.1 Nm @ 8500 rpm. It gives a mileage of 48.75 kmpl and has a fuel capacity of 11 litres. This bike is not good for daily commuting as leaning for hours will make your back ache. It is basically a track friendly bike. 8. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is a great city bike which is available starting at a price of Rs. 1,33,065 (Ex-showroom) and goes upto Rs. 1,38115 (Ex-showroom). It is powered by a 197.7 cc engine which produces a power of 20.82PS and 17.25Nm in sport mode. In rain and on urban roads, it produces 17.32PS @ 7800 rpm and 16.51 Nm @ 5750 rpm. This bike has a fuel capacity of 12 litres and weighs 152 kg. It gives a mileage of 37 kmpl. 9. Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220: Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is a great touring bike and is available at a price of Rs. 1,31,942. It is powered by a 220cc engine which produces a power of 19.03PS and a torque of 17.55Nm. It weighs 163 kg and has a fuel capacity of 13 litres. It gives a mileage of 40 kmpl. 10. Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES: Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES is a great daily commuting bike which comes at a starting price of Rs. 1,38,726 and goes upto Rs. 1,60,493. It is powered by a 346 cc engine which produces a power of 19.3 PS and a torque of 28Nm. It has a fuel capacity of 13.5 litres and weighs 191 kg. It gives a mileage of around 35kmpl. Hope this helps you in your own research if you are planning to buy a bike in the near future. I will see you on the road once the Covid-19 situation calms down 🙂 #bikes #bestbikesunder2lakh #shivanisinghtravelblogger #whimsthatwoo #travelbloggerfromIndia #shivanisingh #Whimsthatwoo #travelblog #travelblogger #Travel #travelblog #TOP10BIKESUNDER2LAKHSINDIA

Covid-19 has been a great fear for us to travel around to explore and relax. Masks and sanitizers gave us a thought of not leaving our home. This pandemic was a difficult period, mainly for travelers. Even when the cases were rising in India, many countries banned their entrance for us. But surprisingly, it is not the same anymore! Now we can travel the world safely if we follow the guidelines and rules given by nations’ governments. Many countries eased their restrictions for travelers, but the rules and procedures differ as the cases even rise suddenly. Below are some of the countries that are open for travel now from India: United Kingdom To fuel your wanderlust UK announced the ease for Indian travelers by moving India from high alert “Red list” to medium risk “amber list.” As per the announcement of Covid-19 rules on 8th august 2021, fully vaccinated (vaccinated with two doses) Indian travelers are no longer obligated to undergo a 10-day quarantine rule in hotels. But on arrival in England, for your safety and hygiene, it is required to quarantine at home for at least eight days and take the Covid-19 test after two days from arrival or at the end of the quarantine period. Spain Spain is wholeheartedly welcoming Indian travelers after a long break due to Covid-19. It has already opened the consular offices so one can apply for a Spain visa. As per guidelines, only fully vaccinated people can fly to Spain jabbed with Covishield whereas, Covaxin (type of vaccine provided to Indians) is not approved there yet. Now, nothing can stop you from safe traveling. Go, pack your bags! United States of America Isn’t this exciting that the USA has eased Covid-related restrictions on travelers from India. As per the rules provided by the United States of America government, fully vaccinated people can fly there with a report of Covid-19 as unfavorable. After arriving, one should quarantine himself at home for seven days and take the Covid-19 test for further confirmation. The USA has also eased their in-country rules for Covid-19 for people jabbed with two doses. All public places are open, and masks are not mandatory for anyone now. Anyone can freely move there for wandering around. Maldives The tranquil water and calm beaches is all you need to relax after a stressful lockdown. The island, which earned lakhs of tourists during the Covid-19 period due to fewer cases, allows tourists from India who are fully vaccinated. On arrival at the island nation, the quarantine is no longer mandatory. All you need is a negative RT-PCR report which should not be more than 96 hours old. Russia Hub of vibrant cities, Russia is now open for Indian travelers. However, several steps are there to keep in mind while traveling to the nation. Firstly, the travelers need to present the RC-PCR report as unfavourable to enter the country, and this test must be done within 72 hours before arrival. In the end, when the traveler lands there, they have to undergo post arrival test, and if found positive, they will be hand over to Covid testing facilities. #COUNTRIESOPENFORTRAVELFROMINDIA #shivanisinghtravelblogger #whimsthatwoo #travelbloggerfromIndia #shivanisingh #covid19travel #travelblog #Travel #travelblog

I recently went on a solo trip to the Scandinavian countries. I am going to write everything about the trip in another post. But in this one, I really want to talk about the most important thing of any trip: Accommodation! Yes, sometimes we take it lightly but then if the place you are staying is not good enough, it can really ruin your trip. This was the first time ever I tried Airbnb. I have always stayed in hotels. Somehow the idea of sharing a house/apartment with a stranger was never appealing to me but then this time, I thought and convinced myself for a change. So, I went to 4 countries, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland and I booked Airbnb in all of them. Let me start right from the beginning. How did I find the right accomodation? So you need to be clear of your priorities. As in you want to stay near the airport or in the city or in the suburbs. That also depends on other things like in my case: In Sweden: I was landing in the night at 10 PM, so I wanted to book something very near to the airport and metro. In Denmark: I was landing in the evening at 6 PM, so again thought to book something in middle of the city and the airport In Norway: I was arriving at 10 AM in the morning, so there was absolutely no issue! It gave me a chance to book something in the suburbs, not in the city and not even close to the airport. In Iceland: You do not have much choice, almost every thing is in Reykjavik. There is nothing near the airport. So once you are done deciding this thing, just go to Airbnb and start searching for the accommodations with city names. You can put filters as well. But before booking anything, always check on the map – the distance from the city center and from the airport – just in case. I learnt this hard way. In Copenhagen, I booked something in Malmo, Sweden. The two cities are just connected by a bridge but then why would I want to stay in Malmo, while I want to see Copenhagen. So before booking any place, please check the map – this is really important. Trust me. So now, once you are done with location etc, how do you select the place to live? I went with the number of ratings and off course – The Rating! My criteria was simple, I wanted something with above 4.5 rating and at least with 100 reviews. Read the reviews just to make sure they are genuine. If you have any doubts, you can also contact the owner. Generally, they respond really fast! Almost like immediately! Now next thing that you would want to check is the washroom! Most of Airbnbs have shared washrooms. So, if you are not comfortable with that – check it before hand. From my 4 accommodations, only 1 had my private washroom – rest everything else was shared. Now, the most important thing is to check is the neighbourhood. Again I learnt it hard way! I don’t know why, just before starting my trip from the airport, I sent my accommodation details to one of my friends who stays in Stockholm and when I landed I had a message from him saying – ‘Stay with us. Come home.’ He did not mention anything at that time. But later he told me the place where I booked my Airbnb is little notorious and is not famous for good reasons. So, I was saved! After that I rechecked and did a bit of research on the neighbourhood of all the places I was going to stay. My Accomodations In Copenhagen, I stayed with a family. It was an independent house with a room outside – with separate entrance. That room had a washroom – though very small but it was perfectly fine. In Oslo, I booked a room in an apartment in Roa. It was a shared place with the owner. Again, I loved it! Though it had a shared washroom, I did not face any problem. It was indeed great! In Reykjavik, I had to book 2 rooms. My first accommodation was not available for the last 2 days, so I had to shift. But I am glad this happened because I got to see 2 very different parts of the city: One was located in absolutely new city and other was in the old city. My first accommodation was a kind of a hostel with 2 floors, 4 bedrooms and a shared bathroom on each floor. My second apartment had 2 rooms, with a shared bath. The other room was for another guest. My Experience My experience was extremely amazing! Even with the accommodations that had shared washrooms, I did not face any problem or issue. All my places were extremely clean. The best part that I loved about Airbnb was the human connection. I love talking to people while travelling, it helps me to know and understand the local culture. And Airbnb made it so easy for me. The owners were really cool, we spoke for length. I asked them questions on local food, culture, people, history and they actually explained it! Not just that, you have someone to help you with basic things like what all to see in the city, how to go to places and everything else. It seems strange, but you kind of have a phone number that you can call in case of an emergency and that is a huge respite! May be it is just a feeling but then still, as a solo traveller that is something that helps. Another best part was the kitchen! It is really fun to have a complete working kitchen while travelling. I never thought I would ever enjoy it. Rather than having the same hotel food, it was really fun to cook and enjoy your meal. May be just bring a bottle of wine and cook good food – and your evenings are sorted out, even in a foreign place! Another thing is you are not confined to just a room! You have the whole house, with balcony, lawn, kitchen etc. which is really good. Specially in cold places, where you come back little early and you have the whole evening to yourself 🙂 So I would any day give Airbnb more points than a hotel. I agree that Airbnbs are not as luxurious and probably comfortable (in terms of bed, washrooms etc) as hotels. But if you look at the pros and cons, I would any day give Airbnb more points. But again check everything properly, even the minute details before booking a place. Otherwise it can come as a shock to you. Also, I will not suggest to book it for honeymoons – only if you are thinking of it 🙂 Also, in terms of price, Airbnb certainly saves you money. I will not say it makes a huge difference, but you will for sure save some money. For me, money was never a point of concern. But just in case. For me, it was more about having a local experience and to have someone local to talk to, to get to know how people live in the countries I travel and all this certainly helps in getting a taste of the local culture. Hope this article helps. Please comment if you want to know more 🙂 Ciao! Copenhagen Oslo Reykjavik – 1 Reykjavik – 2 #shivanisinghtravelblogger #whimsthatwoo #nordiccountries #airbnborhotels #airbnb #denmarktravel #shivanisingh #travelblog #Scandinavia #icelandtravel #swedentravel #travelblogger #norwaytravel

So I get so many messages from various people asking me about the best romantic places for honeymoon on the planet and so, I thought to write about it. Also, the places that I am going to mention here are not just from the places that I have visited, but also from inputs that I took from my friends. Without wasting any further time, lets dive into it. So here is the list: Maldives: You must have certainly heard about this: it is said to be romantic. I have never been to the country, but I have many friends who visited the place on their honeymoon and they just cannot stop talking about how beautiful it is. Maldives is known as one of the most romantic archipelagos in the world. Its actually a paradise with white sand beaches, incredible marine life and a crystal clear blue sea, with a color so intense you won’t believe is real! Paris, France: How can someone not mention Paris, while talking about love and romance. I have been to this place few years back and I can vouch for the fact that it is one of the most romantic places on this planet! You can literally feel love in the air in this city and witnessing Eiffel tower in the dark with all those lights can easily be the best romantic experience for anybody! Venice, Italy: The floating city of gondolas and canals is the epitome of romantic! It is a city between dreams and reality. The timeless beauty of this city is bound to seduce you, it is beautiful and out of the world! Bali: Again I have never been to Bali, but my friends have and the experience that they narrate surely makes it in my list of the most romantic places on this planet. Catch a fast boat from Sanur and escape the main island of Bali for a few days. Explore the smaller islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Take a romantic stroll along the iconic yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan or take a day to explore Ceningan Island and ask friendly locals the prime, secret spots. They say it is all heaven! Santorini, Greece: Santorini is said to have an irresistible appeal for love and romance. With its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, the city is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Enjoy a scenic walk along one of the many trails, watch the sunset sipping fine wine while eating some delicious food, hand in hand with your partner! Doesn’t it sound like a perfect romantic holiday? Seychelles: My sister went on honeymoon to Seychelles and her pictures made me crave to go to the place so badly! The place is known for its quixotic beauty and monumental luxury. Seychelles offers everything you’d want on your honeymoon – glimmering beaches, exquisite beauty, relish delicacies, heart-warming people and carnival-like spirit of the place. Cinque Terre, Italy: Often described as paradise on earth, the towns encapsulate mesmerising beauty with the sparkling blue ocean coastline and stone-carved beaches. The vineyards, ancient towers and castles, churches and secluded beaches are breathtakingly stunning! This is one place you’ll be happy to get lost wandering about, only to stumble upon new surprises at every turn. Scotland: From its grand Old Town medieval architecture to the sleek modern New Town, Scotland is a feast for the senses that can delight anyone. Having earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world, Scotland exudes a special charm, encased in a thick shroud of culture, history and tradition. Brussels, Belgium: The city is the best to stroll through and live the romance. Chocolates, pralines and blossoms: this city has everything that has to offer for honeymoon couples! Switzerland: It is one of the top choices for honeymoon couples because the country is home to such beautiful and stunning places. It deserves all the attention it gets! Here are a few top honeymoon places in Switzerland for you to visit: St. Moritz – Beauty Exemplified Montreux – Exuberant Vibes Lausanne – Best Party Places Zurich – Culturally Vibrant City Geneva – Artsy Metropolis Interlaken – Scenic Beauty Lucerne – Winding Lanes Ticino – Waterfront Promenades Grindelwald – Snowcapped Mountains Capetown, SA: People who know me are very well aware of my love for this city! Its my fav city in the entire world and it is such a beautiful mix of everything: picturesque views, blue oceans, remarkable peaks, french ambience, vineyards and exciting spots. Cape Town is home to scenic waterfronts, divine seafood and spellbinding sunsets. Its perfect for honeymoon! Caribbean Islands: Now while talking of romance, one cannot forget about Caribbeans! I am so lucky to have been to few Caribbean islands and I cannot describe in words: how beautiful and serene they are! There are many choices when it comes to romantic getaways, but when it comes to pure bliss, no place can beat the Caribbean. The best Caribbean islands for couples range from vibrant spots like the Bahamas to secluded luxury on St. Lucia. Sink into the soft sand and sip on cocktails in the warm breeze at these top Caribbean islands for couple: Cuba, Tobago, Curacao, The Bahamas, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia So this is my list of few of the best places romantic places on this planet. Do let me know in comments if you think I have missed out something! Ciao 🙂 #indiantravelblogger #shivanisinghtravelblogger #whimsthatwoo #travelbloggerfromIndia #Thebestromanticplacesonearth #shivanisingh #honeymoonplaces #Whimsthatwoo #travelblogger #Travel

You know what is one of my favourite things about travelling? It is is that I suddenly have so much time to read. Whether it’s on a plane or a cruise, an overnight train or probably just while waiting at the airport, a good book can really keep yourself entertained and spare you from getting bored. And I am going to give the list of my fav books that have really helped me to sail through those boring parts of my various journeys. So, without further delay, below is the list: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts: I finished this one my trip to Trinidad. The journey was long and this book is actually massive so they both complimented each other. They say you either love this book or hate it. And I loved it totally! Its engrossing and unputdownable. It is a story of an escaped convict from an Australian prison, hoping to hide in India’s vast populace. I simply loved the complexities and nuances beautifully embedded throughout this piece! The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks: I am a sucker for romantic novels, yes guilty as charged but can’t help it! Even if you have seen the movie, please read this book, its beautifully written. The story will take your breath away! Well, I am assuming you know the story about Noah and Allie so will not dig deeper but if you are a lover of love stories like me – take this one with you in your next travel! A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry: Well, I might be a bit biased towards this one as Rohinton Mistry is my fav authors! I love his work, its intense, its dipped with the right amount of reality and clarity. And A fine balance is my fav piece from Rohinton. This magnificent piece captures all the cruelty and corruption, dignity and heroism, of India in the 70’s and 80’s. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: This is a beautifully crafted story in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. Its emotional! While reading this one, be ready to shed few tears because at few place, it will rip your heart. It is an unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant. Its one of all time favs A Song of Ice and Fire by Ken Follett: Once in a while a book comes along that grips you entirely, making it impossible to concentrate on other mundane things. Well, this series of epic fantasy novels did exactly that to me. The series deals with the economic, political and social incidents that marked the last century. The wars, the cold wars, the conflict between communism and democracy, fights for the civil rights, Revolutions in different parts of the world etc. Go read it! Roll of the Dice and Rise of Kali by Anand Neelakantan:This book is enough to alter and shake all your prejudices and beliefs about Indian mythology. There is nothing new in the story or the incidents, Its Mahabharata, which we have grown up reading and watching again and again… The same story, same incidents, same characters, same drama, same plot, same conspiracies, same events, there is nothing different, absolutely nothing, apart from one thing, and this one thing has the capability to change your perspective about the ‘same’ old story and ‘same’ monotonous incidents entirely! And the thing I am talking about is that this Mahabharata is written from Suryodhana’s (yes it is not Duryodhana) point of views, the view of the fallen, the view of the defeated. This book, somehow makes you believe in a very old saying, “The history is written by the people who are left and not by who are right” Timepass: the memoirs of Protima Bedi: Its beautiful, emotional, different, unique and yes, insane. This lady has lived many lifetimes in just one lifetime! Was fearless of everything. So bluntly, she has mentioned each and everything about her life in this book: her affairs (with the names: few famous ones!), her feelings, her fickle mindedness, her search for the perfect man, the ‘n’ no of times she had fallen in love. If you are a crazy person like me who just hates to be live the cage this world has set us to be in, then this book is for you! The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand: If you haven’t read this one, please take it to your next vacation. Its a classic and aa must must read. Believe me, this novel has a power to change a person’s prospective towards life. I would say this is a very strong, influential and intense piece which really deserves a lot of appreciation. It is a story about an architect Howard Roark who is also the protagonist. Its about his individualism and perseverance. The Immortals of Meluha (Shiva Triology) by Amish Tripathi: So I am a big big fan of Indian mythology, specially when its told from a very different perspective, and this one tops the chart – hand down! It will keep you engaged till the last word – trust me. Amish Tripathi weaves a splendid but totally fictional & fantasized account of Shiva’s travails. But use of the same characters, places and names which are associated with Lord Shiva -Mansarovar, Sati, Nandi, Daksh, Gunas, makes the whole story very believable and easy to relate to. This novel will compel you to fantasize and image the whole setup while reading! Ram, Sita, Raavan by Amish Tripathi: These are 3 different books called as The Ram Chandra Series and narrates the story of the protagnists (well, the names of the book) from a very different perspectives – that you would have never thought or heard about. You will enjoy reading these Not without my daughter by Betty Mahmoody: This is one of fav books of all times. This is one book which shook me from head to toe!This is said to be a true story of a woman Betty Mahmoody who goes to Iran with her Iranian husband to meet his family. It a story of hardships, survival, cultural differences which a woman face on a land which she would have never imagined if she wouldn’t have experienced the same by herself! It’s a sad story. You just feel almost in tears at many stages but then the ending surely makes you smile! Empire of the Moghul (Ruler of the world) by Alex Rutherford: Now another genre that I love is period drama! And this book is such a perfect eg of it. The novel gives a very detailed reflection of Akbar’s life, about his thoughts, about his personality, his likes, dislikes, his priorities etc. If you like reading history, you will surely love this one book. I specially loved the War scenes, they have been so amazingly described by the author that at times, you imagine the war being happening in front of your eyes. I even loved the way the author had woven the whole thing of relationships. He has so beautifully described the feelings and the emotions that bound different relations of a mother and a son, a husband and a wife, a ruler and his concubines, a father and a son and an emperor and the people. Its simply fabulous the way the author has described the feelings and insecurities of young Salim. It is just incomparable to anything! Ruler of the world is actually 3rd novel in the series of Empire of the Moghul. First one being Raiders from the north and second one is Brothers at war. The former one is about Babur who was the first Mughal emperor and the later one is about his son and his successor Humayun. Few other favs of mine that I read recently are: Karna’s wife The Illicit Happiness of Other People by Manu Joseph Selection Day by Aravind Adiga The Weary Generations by Abdullah Hussein The Gospel of Yudas by K R Meera The Private Life of Mrs. Sharma by Ratika Kapur Asura: Tale Of The Vanquished by Anand Neelakantan Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Narasimha (The Mahaavatar Trilogy #1) by Kevin Missal So thats my list! Do let me know about yours 🙂 Ciao! #Sita #shivanisinghtravelblogger #TimepassthememoirsofProtimaBedi #RaavanbyAmishTripathi #whimsthatwoo #NotwithoutmydaughterbyBettyMahmoody #Bestbooksfortravelling #whatarebooksthatishouldcarryfortravelling #ASongofIceandFirebyKenFollett #shivanisingh #EmpireoftheMoghulRuleroftheworldAlexRutherford #TheFountainheadbyAynRand #travelandreading #travelblog #TheImmortalsofMeluhaShivaTriologybyAmishTripathi #TheKiteRunnerbyKhaledHosseini #RolloftheDiceandRiseofKalibyAnandNeelakantan #travelblogger #Travel #Ram #travelreading

Today I will be writing about one of the most important concerns that we all have while travelling: Saving money! I believe in Budget/affordable travelling and save money where ever i can while I am on my feet. So, I thought to mention few things that I do to make my trip affordable here. Well, below they are: Use public transportation where ever you can. I know this sounds obvious. But trust me, when you are in middle of hectic travels, you tend to take the easy mode of transport like cab. Try to book your tours in advance. Always carry some food with you— both for the plane and the trip – I do that! I carry instant noodles, soups, coffee packets – saves me a lot of money – always! Book hotel rooms that include breakfast in the price or book Airbnb – they are less expensive and more comfortable! Don’t eat in areas that are close to tourist destinations – they are generally highly priced. Fly Midweek within the country – this is something that I have been doing since long. Know the local holiday calendar: Do a bit of research on it. Because landing in a country in a holiday season can actually prove to be expensive for you! Plus it can help you plan your local commute in a much better and cheaper way. Buy local sim card and do not rely on international roaming on your Indian operator or if you are going to US or Europe, buy your operator’s international packs. They are generally available in both post and pre paid. Keep a tab on phone roaming costs – always. Weigh your luggage in advance Don’t open the mini bar – ever like ever!!! Don’t over-tip: I did this once on a trip to Egypt and trust me I still have regrets of it! Go street and local shopping – do not go to the malls and designer shops – I again learnt this hard way! Don’t go to shops suggested by your guides or driver: Again I really suffered once because I was trying to be nice! And boy, I ended buying stuff for $300 that was of NO-USE to me! Carry a Reusable Water Bottle – always. Always withdraw money; never exchange or best is to use your card wherever possible. Don’t try to go everywhere on your list in one trip. Create a budget and stick to it! The biggest costs in traveling are transport and accommodation. If you can figure out these 2 things before your trip starts: you are sorted out! Do comment if you think I have missed out something! Ciao 🙂 #shivanisinghtravelblogger #blogger #whimsthatwoo #savemoneywhiletravelling #blog #shivanisingh #travellingblog #travelling #howtosavefortravelling #travelblog #Travel

I always insist on the idea of smart packing while travelling, because it is one of the most important things! You really need to pack smart and less to make sure your trip is hassle-free. And when you are travelling alone, the problems amplify! And you surely do not want to deal with an extra problem of extra luggage. Whatever you are keeping in your bag has to has some use during your trip otherwise drop the idea of carrying it. So leave behind the extra jackets, heels, extra handbags, all those extra cloths. No matter how despirately you want all of these for your poictures, extra luggage is never worth it! Just make sure you choose things that you want to carry efficiently. Do it exactly the way KonMari decluttering method suggests. Take every item into your hand and ask if it is a necessity for my trip? If the answer is yes, put it in the suitcase else drop it from wherever your picked it up! Second, just make sure you can carry everything on your own without realising the burden and WITHOUT any help! Trust me it is very important. For me, it is a mid-size suitcase and a backpack that I carry with a fanny bag to keep my essentials. Below are few things that I think are the most important ones to carry while you are travelling alone, apart from your regular stuff (cloths, shoes etc): One pair of waterproof, durable sneakers Wet wipes First-aid kid with your medicines A pair of flip-flops Keep some snacks Pepper spray A jacket Extra photocopy of your passport Don’t carry many gadgets – after a while they become a burden Always carry a tee in your handbag Extension charger/travel adapter Portable charger/power bank Zip lock bags Carry money in 5 different places (yes it is very important) Carry at least 3 credit cards from different banks A Scarf So this is a small check-list of things that you need to carry while travelling. Comment below if you think I have missed out anything! Ciao 🙂 #shivanisinghtravelblogger #girlstravellingalone #packing #whimsthatwoo #shivanisingh #whattopackwhiletravelling #Whimsthatwoo #smartpacking #travelblogger

When I was planning my trip to Egypt, the biggest question that I had was what to wear in Egypt because its a culturally-sensitive country. Now, I tried to search on internet but really did not get anything useful. Trust me. So here I am writing about it so that girls travelling after me will have something to refer to. Now, let me tell you how I planned it. I did not want to take the risk so I carried a lot of long dresses, skirts etc which are not exposing and look stylish as well 🙂 But I took a pair of shorts as well (just in case you know!) and thank God I took them. When you visit The Pyramids, you can wear anything! I mean not bikini off course! But trust me there were so many foreigners who wore short dresses, skirt, hot pants and nobody really looked bothered about it! The only thing is if you are planning to go in the internal parts of Cairo or even Giza, then please wear something that hides all your body parts. Those are little conservative areas. People of Egypt are extremely sweet and awesome! They will not say anything or do anything – you will just get a lot of stares which will eventually make you feel uncomfortable! Now, if you are taking a cruise from Aswan to Luxor (I took a cruise) – then you DO NOT have to worry about anything! You can wear literally while on board. Most of the cruises have jacuzzis so carry your swimming costume – yes, I regret of not carrying a swimming costume! You can enjoy the evenings on the cruise in your bikinis ladies! Now, if you are going to the temples of Luxor or Aswan, wear anything but try not to show cleavage! And do not wear dresses that are very short! Otherwise you can wear whatever you want – nobody cares. I went in the peak summers in July, but it was dry kind of heat with extremely low humidity so it won’t feel as hot as it actually is. Still, places like Cairo, Aswan, Luxor or the famous Valley of the Kings can become unbearable! So try to go prepared! In the tourist regions or on the beaches or in the hotel or on the cruise it is totally acceptable to wear whatever you feel like. In mosques, women are required to cover their shoulders & wear a veil. In markets like Khan el-Khalili, please wear something smart and kind of covered otherwise you will garner some unwanted attention. I will give the same advice while visiting museums as well. Please plan it well in advance, I ended up taking 2 suitcases and more than half of the things were not even used. The problem was I really did not know what to wear there. All the blogs mentioned that you need to wear decent/covered etc etc cloths! So, I carried a lot of jackets, shrugs, scarves etc, which I did not use at all! Now below is the list of clothes that you should carry: A pair of shorts T-Shirts Knee-length or little shorter dresses A pair of swimming costume Denims Long skirt A long dress 1 Scarf Flip-flop Very very comfortable shoes – as you might have to walk a lot A pair of regular flat sandals And Voila! you are done. Do let me know how did you find this post. Also comment below if you have any questions 🙂 See you next time Few pics of my dresses: #shivanisinghtravelblogger #girlstravellingalone #whimsthatwoo #Egypt #whattowearinegypt #lovetraveling #shivanisingh #solotraveler #MiddleEast #TravelbloggerIndiantravelblogger

Imagine you have only one day in Hong Kong! What all would you do? What all would you cover in that one day? Do not under estimate the place, Hong Kong has much to offer within one day. Sitting across the windows of Hong Kong International Airport while waiting for my next flight, I remember catching that first glimpse of the Hong Kong skyline through the steamy windows. And boy! I knew I will come back to explore this country! So now if you just have one day in Hong Kong, what all would you explore? Let me help you with that. But first a bit about the place. Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a special administrative region on the eastern side of the Pearl River estuary in southern China (- as per Wikipedia). However, in its day-to-day existence, Hong Kong actually operates like its own country in many ways. Let me tell you about the main places in the country that you definitely need to explore: 1. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Plan for an early day and head towards Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. You can have one of the finest view of the city’s skylines from here. At its eastern end is the Avenue of Stars, with handprints and statues of celebrities like Jackie Chan. 2. Star Ferry: No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without at least one trip across Victoria Harbour aboard one of the famous Star Ferries, which have been plying the waters between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since 1898. Catch the historic Star Ferry over to the Kowloon side, taking in the stunning views of the harbour in all directions. The ferries are colonial relics but also happen to be one of the quickest ways to get across the harbour. 3. Victoria Peak: The pinnacle of Hong Kong Island, offers breathtaking views of the harbour and city. A journey to Hong Kong is not complete without experiencing this place. It offers a view that encapsulates Hong Kong in just one single image! There are several ways to get to the top of Victoria Peak. The fastest and easiest is to get a taxi from Central, which takes 15 minutes and shouldn’t cost more than $125 HKD. The other option is to get the Peak Tram, which takes seven minutes to get to The Peak. Add in the time you’ll spend queueing for a ticket and the Peak Trak is usually a little slower than a taxi, although the experience can be fun. 4. Hong Kong Museum of History: It is a museum which preserves Hong Kong’s historical and cultural heritage. It is located next to the Hong Kong Science Museum, in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. I love going to Museums so I loved it. 5. Nathan Road It is called the Golden Mile of Shopping for its endless string of shops selling everything under the sun: electronics, jewellery, cloths! This place is Kowloon’s most famous street. 6. Temple Street Night Market From the northern part of Nathan Road it is just walking distance, and for me, this place was more for the view it offers: colorful, chaotic and beautiful! The market opens daily at 4pm, but the real action starts at 7pm. 7. Knutsford Terrace:  It is a terrace street, north of Kimberley Road. It is famous for its open-fronted bars, pubs and restaurants. You can also pre-book a night tour around the city. It can be an evening cruise or just a guide to  take you through the coolest areas of Kowloon by night including Yau Mau Tei and the lively Mong Kok area! Whether it is one day or a long trip, you will love Hong Kong! I really want to go back to explore the place more – to know the culture! If you plan a trip to Hong Kong, do not forget to comment 🙂 Ciao! #indiantravelblogger #whimsthatwoo #travelbloggerfromIndia #chinatravel #HongKong #travelblog #travelblogger

Petra, the great Ancient City is a wonderland of an ancient civilization! It lies half-hidden in the wind-blown landscape in southern Jordan and is one of the world’s most treasured Unesco Heritage Sites. Voted by popular ballot in 2007 as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, it is carved into the rock face by the nomadic Bedouin tribe and remained hidden from the West until 1812. As much hard I try, I do not think I can ever describe what I feel for this city! Its a miracle – trust me! Its epitome of beauty and magic. I have never ever seen anything like this place in my entire life. It’s beyond words! Petra is a massive site that stretches over 60 square kilometers. yes, it’s huge! It’s going to take some time getting from each of the main sites. The most popular ways to get around Petra are: Walking: I wanted to see everything – so I walked down. Though it was very very tiring but I wanted to cherish everything. All you have to do is wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes and try not to carry much luggage. It’s free, and you’ll get to wander around at your own pace. Take a Carriage Ride: If you want to save time, you can get a carriage ride from the visitor’s center to the Treasury. The trip costs 20 JD ($28). Hire a Camel: There are camel handlers around all the major sites of Petra, you can hire one! And yes, do not forget to carry enough water! The site is open from 6 am to 7 pm in summers and from 6am to 5 pm in winters. A one-day ticket costs JD50 ($70) per person, but a two-day ticket is JD55, and a three-day is JD 60. The tickets can be bought at the visitor’s center. You can also buy maps and tour guides for easy access through the site. They say the best time to visit Petra is during cooler spring that is from March to May and autumn from September to November months. On the contrary, I went in July and I think it was fine. There was not much crowd (thank God!!) and I could see everything at my own pace. If you can handle the summer heat, I will suggest going from June – July – the place is not crowded and you’ll have this beautiful lost city all to yourself. Start early so as to avoid the heat and crowd. Now what all to see while in Petra, I am listing it down: Siq: It is the ancient main entry to Petra, and is a mile long, narrow valley. The walk through this magical corridor is magnificent! It is a passage that goes into a sacred way, filled with sites of spiritual significance. Treasury: The siq opens up onto Petra’s most magnificent façade – the Treasury, or Al Khazna. This is the place that will take your breath away. It’s beautiful – I could not help but stare it for mins together. Its beauty will leave you awestruck! It is almost 40 meters high and intricately decorated with Corinthian capitals, friezes, figures and more. The Treasury was probably constructed in the 1st century BC, The Treasury consists of two floors with a width of 25.30 meters and a height of 39.1 meters. Theatre: Originally built by the Nabataeans more than 2000 years ago, the Theatre was chiseled out of a rock, slicing through many caves and tombs in the process. It was then enlarged by the Romans to hold more people soon after they arrived in 106 CE. It was badly damaged by an earthquake in 363 CE, but it remains a Petra highlight. Royal Tombs: Sculpted out of the western slope of the Jabal al-Hubta rock massif, majestically overlooking the center of Petra, are The Royal Tombs. They can be reached via a set of steps that ascends from the valley floor, near the Theatre. It is definitely a worthwhile hike. It gives a spectacular view of the Treasury. Urn Tomb: The first of the Royal Tombs is the Urn Tomb. This tomb is built high on the mountainside and requires a lot of climbing. The most distinctive of the Royal Tombs is the Urn Tomb, recognizable by the enormous urn on top of the pediment. Monastery: Hidden high in the hills, the Monastery is one of the legendary monuments of Petra. Similar in design to the Treasury but far bigger. It was built in the 3rd century BCE as a Nabataean tomb. High Place of Sacrifice: A diversion off the main path, lies the way to the high place of sacrifice – it’s a huge climb! So, be prepared before you start the journey. But this is worth the climb, about thirty or forty minutes – there’s no mountaineering involved – just climbing. The amazing view from the top and some of Petra’s most extraordinary rock-coloring make the hike worthwhile. Now let me give you a brief about the history of Petra (It is important!). Nabataeans, a community of master builders whose skills included hydraulic engineering, iron production and copper refining, use to work from Petra. It was a trade route from Damascus to Arabia from where caravans used to pass. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 555, they say. But most of Petra’s most impressive structures remain intact, making it a treasure trove of architectural sites, hidden along the Siq The Ancient City is approached through the 1.2 km-long, high-walled Siq. When you walk there, you feel its unending! But then the moment you catch breathtaking glimpses of the most impressive of Petra’s sights, the Treasury, you feel alive! From the Treasury, the way broadens., riddled by more than 40 tombs known as the Street of Facades. Just before you reach the Theatre, there is the way to climb up to the High Place of Sacrifice. Just opposite to the Theatre, the steps go to the Royal Tombs, where access city’s mystic high places lie. There are the Great Temple and the Temple of the Winged Lions on the opposite side of the wadi. At the end of the colonnaded street, is the imposing Nabataean temple known locally as Qasr Al Bint – one of the few free-standing structures in Petra. There are two restaurants there: Nabataean Tent Restaurant and Basin Restaurant. Beyond the restaurants likes Wadi Siyagh and the path the Monastery. From there you can see the magnificent rock formations of Petra, Jebel Haroun, and even Wadi Araba. So this was all about how to travel to Petra. Do comment if you are planning a trip there! Ciao! #planatriptojordan #petratravel #whimsthatwoo #shivanisingh #whattoseeinpetrajordan #jordan

Seeing the pyramids was a dream for me – a dream since I was capable of start dreaming! Yes… Since I don’t know when. I still remember the day I saw the photo of The Pyramids in one of my text books and boy, I was instantly fascinated! They were built during a time when Egypt was one of the richest and most powerful civilizations in the world. Pyramids are one of the most magnificent man-made structures in the historyof humankind – Specially the 3 pyramids that are called The Great Pyramids of Giza. Their massive scale reflects the special role that the pharaoh, or king, played in ancient Egyptian society. They were built so high because it was believed that after-death, the king’s soul ascend to heaven to join the God Sun, called God Ra in Egypt. Why? Because the kings were expected to become gods in the afterlife. To prepare themselves for the next world’s journey, the Pyramids, they built massive pyramid tombs for themselves. It seems The Pyramids were filled with all the things each ruler would need to guide and sustain himself in the next world. More than 4,000 years later, the Egyptian pyramids still retain much of their majesty, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich and glorious past. They are just not sky-touching structures that were erected, they are an incredible work of engineering, Egyptologists are still discovering more about these structures with each passing year. I got to know this from local people – how almost every year there is a new thing that is discovered in Giza. One of the biggest mysteries about the Pyramids is the construction techniques used to erect them. Over 2 million limestone and granite blocks were used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza. Each piece of masonry weighed about 2.5 tons!! So how were these giant blocks moved? Unfortunately, there are no written records, and many theories have been proposed over the years. The Great Pyramid of Giza is not only the most recognized of Egypt’s pyramids, it’s also the only of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid is incredible and can also tell time. The structure actually acts as an enormous sundial, with its shadow telling the hour by falling on marks made in the stone. Of course, being the Great Pyramid, it couldn’t be just any old sundial. Its level of sophistication meant that it not only told time, but was able to signal solstices and equinoxes. It helped the Egyptians define their solar year. Tomb robbers and other ravagers, in both ancient and modern times stole/destroyed most of the bodies and funeral goods from Egypt’s pyramids and plundered their exteriors as well. The Great Pyramids no longer reach their original heights, because most of their smooth white limestone coverings were removed! Nonetheless, they still stand tall, astonishingly – narrating the story of their glorious past! Millions of people continue to visit the pyramids each year, drawn by their towering grandeur and the enduring allure of Egypt’s rich and glorious past. My one-day journey in Giza and around I was in Giza for a day and was assisted by a tour guide. I actually booked a tour from Sakkara Tours, Egypt! I had one full day to see the in and around of the city. We started off by 9.30 AM, for our exploration! We first went to the Great Pyramids: The Great Pyramid of Giza is the main part of a complex setting of buildings that included two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu’s wives, an even smaller “satellite” pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small Mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid for nobles. One of the small pyramids contains the tomb of queen Hetepheres (discovered in 1925), sister and wife of Snefru and the mother of Khufu. While in the Great Pyramid, I will suggest you to please climb it up (from inside). It is honestly little scary but the climb is worth it – an experience. Though, there is not much to see when you finally reach up in a room (after a painful climb!) but you need to experience it! Then we moved on to the Lord of the Sphinx. The word “sphinx”, which means ‘strangler’, was First given by the Greeks to a fabulous creature This had the head of a man and the body of a lion of Egypt, there are numerous sphinxes, usually with the Head of a king wearing his headdress and the body of a lion, the head and face of the Sphinx certainly reflect a style that belongs to Egypt’s old kingdom and to the 4th dynasty in particular. Its a beautiful piece of architecture and you definitely need to see it to believe it! Once done with the Lord of the Sphinx, we went to The Egyptian Museum. It is a fascinating tour of more than 7,000 years. The museum has the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts (more than 145,000 items on display) featuring the famous Tutankhamen collection with its beautiful gold death mask and sarcophagus and the royal Mummy room, which houses an additional eleven Pharaonic dignitaries. And in the end, we reached the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar: Reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East, it is filled with colors and bustles of life! Originally founded as a watering stop for Caravanserai in the 14th Century, the bazaar has now grown to vast Proportions. As you wander through the labyrinth of narrow Streets, you will find workshops and stalls selling all kinds of things: from woodwork, glassware and leather Goods to Perfumes, Fabrics and Pharaonic Curiosities. It’s everything you would hope for in a souq (marketplace). It’s a shopping mecca. It’s a perfect place to practice your haggling skills. The Khan Al-Khalili is also an ideal place to get sugar cane juice or something healthier. Few other things that I did in Giza were: Their essential oils are very famous, specially papyrus oil. I went to a shop, where they explained how they make it and I also bought a bottle 🙂 Went to a shop where they made ancient paintings on papyrus paper – glowing in the dark, beautiful, filled with colors. You can get them personalised. I bought one of them as well. After you’ve seen those three or four impressive and overlooked pyramids, you can see three sites in Cairo itself. To understand Egypt, you must dive into Islam. In some countries, a non-Muslim cannot enter a mosque. Fortunately, in Cairo, men and women can visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. It’s one of Cairo’s oldest and most expansive mosques.The well-guarded Coptic zone contains the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, which has the site where some believe that baby Jesus rested during his family’s perilous journey into Egypt. Coptic Cairo also contains a Jewish synagogue.The first we went to was the Coptic quarter in Cairo. About 95% of Egyptians are Muslim but the Coptic Christians are an important minority. #giza #whimsthatwoo #egypttravel #Egypt #howtoplanatriptopyramids #pyramids #shivanisingh #cairo #planatriptogizaegypt

Amsterdam: The financial & cultural capital of the Netherlands. The city is beautiful and stunning with brick buildings, open skyline, rich history, canals, museums, parks, vintage shops, food, beer, streets, quirky festivals, theatre, live music, laid-back bars, and delightful restaurants – Everything about this place is beautiful! The best way to experience Amsterdam is on a traditional canal cruise. These glass-topped boats offer unobstructed views of the splendor of Amsterdam. The canals of Amsterdam are incredibly beautiful, and there’s nothing like seeing the city from a boat. You can also hire a bike. Nothing like it! Let’s talk about places to see in the city: Museumplein: The Museumplein is Amsterdam’s largest square and also the popular location for museums like Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum and Stedelijk. Van Gogh Museum: The Van Gogh Museum has the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh in the world, which includes 200 paintings, 500+ drawings, and 750 letters, as well as pieces by contemporaries and influences like Rodin, Monet, Signac, Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet, and Gauguin. Rijksmuseum: The Rijksmuseum takes you through 800 years of Dutch history. It provides a stunning and extraordinary showcase for Dutch art, applied art and historical artefacts. Anne Frank House: On the Prinsengracht, the Anne Frank House preserves the secret annex where the young diarist Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution from 1942 until she was captured along with her family in 1944. You can book tickets online up to two months in advance, which lets you skip the line. The Tulip Museum: Located in a room inside a tulip shop, this little basement museum tells the history of tulips in Holland. Stedelijk Museum: Stedelijk Museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, from Vincent van Gogh onwards. All of the big art movements involving the Netherlands are represented, like Neo-Impressionism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, CoBrA and Pop art. Herengracht: It is the first of the four main canals in the city centre’s Canal Belt. Herengracht was where Amsterdam’s social elite built their grand gabled houses, and that sense of prestige still continues. Begijnhof: It is an enclosed courtyard established as a Beguinage, a community for lay religious women (beguines). Keizersgracht: The widest of the three main canals on the Canal Belt, Keizersgracht is between Herengracht and Prinsengracht. If the canal freezes in winter, no boats are allowed to pass through, in order to help keep the ice intact for skaters. Dam Square: Dam Square is at the point where the Amstel River was dammed in the 13th century, and was the scene of Amsterdam’s central market in Medieval times. Singel: Singel is one of the poshest parts of the city, with continuous rows of gabled canal houses. It is a view to witness! Jordaan: The Jordaan is a district in the city center of Amsterdam, known for its beautiful houses, nice restaurants, and original shops. The narrow canals and streets of trendy Jordaan are flanked by indie boutiques, cozy pubs, and eateries. Stalls at the Noordermarkt square market offer jewelry, clothes, and antiques. Red Light District: Who has not heard about this one? Amsterdam’s Red Light District is famous for the line of windows and doors surrounded in red lights – red lights that signify legal prostitution. You can walk down the street and see barely-dressed women sitting behind the windows and waiting for customers. Red Light Secrets is a museum where the area’s prostitutes tell their own funny, moving and human stories. Amsterdam is a very special place and it is one of those rare cities where I would love to go again! It holds a beauty – that you would never see or find in any other city! Do comment if you plan to travel to Amsterdam! Ciao! #netherlandstravel #amsterdamtravel #Europetarvel #whimsthatwoo #shivanisingh #planatriptoamsterdam