Travel light this summer

Planning to take a short trip to the nearby mountains or the beach to get away from the soaring heat? Here’s the sad news: the sun won’t probably leave your side. But worry not, here’s the good news: summer travel can be fun if you know how to pack your bag right. At the risk of sounding preachy, most people get it wrong when packing off for weekend getaways.

Tina, 21, confesses, “Our entire girl gang took off for a trek to Rajmachi Fort via Lonavla. In our enthusiasm and last minute preparation, we forgot to pack basic things like sunblock lotion, socks, glucose… you get the picture. We did conquer the fort, but we returned home exhausted and super tanned!” Guess a little help always comes handy, so here’s how to pack your bag right…

• The golden rule: travel light. Take a couple of cotton trousers or shorts and maybe a few T-shirts. One extra pair of filp flops in your bag may be a good idea in case the one you’re wearing gives way.
• It will be sweaty and humid. So keep scented talcum powder and perfume within your reach. You don’t want your travel companions to ditch you the next time they plan a getaway, do you?
• Don’t forget a pair of oversized sunglasses. Apart from making you look cool, it will help cover as much exposed skin on your face as possible.
• Sunblock in high SPF is a must. And carry a lip balm. And a foldable umbrella. Tanning in summer is a bad idea.
• A Swiss Army Knife is the most wonderful invention for a discerning traveller. You’d be surprised at the innumerable uses it can be put to in the most unusual situations.
• One often forgets to carry a first aid kit and ends up looking for a band-aid later. So now you know you have to tuck a tiny one inside your bag.
• Carrying socks may sound silly but your feet do 80 per cent of the work while travelling and keeping it protected is but the most natural thing to do.
• You have to keep track of time if you’re trying to cover several places in a day. A shock-proof watch comes into the picture. Actually, any watch will do.
• A flask of glucose juice is a must. One sip will rev you up to move on and conquer forts and mountains.
• If you’re the lonely traveller and love it that way, carry an iPod and a book. And last but not the least, switch off your cellphone and enjoy the company of your friends and nature. Remember that moments lost are moments gone.