Located on the Indian west coast, Mumbai has a natural deep harbor. It is surrounded by natures beautiful places which are perfect for a weekend getaway or a mini-vacation. The city is home to seven islands and aesthetic sites which were built during the pre-independence era and are major tourist attraction sites. If you are a resident of this town, wouldn’t it be more exciting if you plan a trip to a destination which you have never been to? 

 

There are multiple places to explore near Mumbai, such as widely famous hill stations for Trekking and Hiking. The adventure experience sounds perfect for throwing away your stress, problems, and to get a peace of mind in the allure of nature. The fresh mountain air, cold climate, long walks comes to our mind when we think about such places, but there’s a lot more you can do. 

 

Things to do when you are leaving for a weekend getaway, short/long trip. 

 

Amid the excitement for the trip, there is a tension of things like packing the essentials, and fear of forgetting something important is constantly on the mind of most travelers. We are here to reduce your stress by providing a list of everything you need from leaving for a trip to coming back. Here are the tips for you when you visit famous tourist places: 

 

1. Pre-plan 

 

Never put afoot outside without prior planning about the trip. Chances of missing out essential things in a hurry might be high, and you want your trip to go as smoothly as possible, don’t you?

– Places you want to visit

Select the places you want to visit convenient with your time, transportation and expenses. Be it summer, winter or a monsoon season, the places Lonavala, Khandala, Panchgani, Alibaug, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, etc. can be visited throughout the year. The natural beauty, picturesque green surroundings, grassy hills are the blessings of these places and are the most popular getaways from the hustle of cities like Mumbai and Pune.

– Pack accordingly

The number of items should be packed according to the days of your visit, like clothing and footwear. The temperature drops when you go the higher altitude. Pack a decent amount of clothes like woollen, leather jackets, mufflers, sweaters, gloves, beanies, leg warmers and comfortable pair of shoes for hiking and to walk around. Don’t forget the first-aid box, medicines, and a camera to click and record the beautiful scenery, which you can cherish later. In case you are visiting it in monsoon season, carry an extra pair of shoes, umbrellas, raincoat.

– Book tickets and Hotel rooms

Unless you are travelling in your own/rented car, book tickets a few days prior when travelling through roadways by bus or railways. Find good hotels and book the rooms online in advance, this not only saves your time but makes your stay easy, relaxing and you can spend the rest of your time exploring. 

 

– ID proof & Cash

You cannot travel without these two requirements. You would need your id proof anywhere you go, and since they are not cities, you would need more cash, because you are not going to come across a lot of ATMs. 

 

– Things to carry in case of emergency 

Pack extra medicines, skincare products if your skin is way too sensitive and to avoid allergies. Carry thermal water bottles, power bank to charge your devices, small extra bag or backpack, torch, snacks, a decent amount of cash in your pocket and put some aside for an emergency.

2. After reaching

 

Once you reach the destination without any difficulties or few, you have got a few more things to care of after reaching. 

 

– Hotel check-in 

It is the foremost thing to do when you reach. If you are on a solo trip, or with family, friends, make sure everyone gets check-in and their respective rooms. The prior booking of the room comes handy, and then you don’t have to worry about the place to stay. 

 

– Check rooms 

After getting the room, check out the things you are provided with and all the amenities if they are working correctly. The cleanliness and hygiene are more important than any other convenience. Check the food which comes as complimentary breakfast, or which comes into the package. 

 

– Local guide

Find an experienced local guide who can not only take you to the most attractive tourist places but can help you plan the rest of your stay and cover the sites in your limited time. They can also tell you the facts about areas which are not known by many and take you to hidden spots of the locality. 

 

– Shopping

A weekend getaway, short or a long trip is always incomplete without shopping. Shop from stores or vendors and take those items with you as a token of memories from a specific place.  

– When visiting temples

If you are going to temples in places like Mahabaleshwar and Nasik, you have to follow certain conditions since they are among the holy places. Don’t carry your camera, remove the footwear outside, wear appropriate clothes (everyone), offer something to the poor and needy outside the temples. Praying your heart and the calmness at such places soothes your soul. 

 

3. Before leaving

Everything which starts has an end to it. No one wants their vacation to come to an end, but you have a lot of things to take back home and to look forward to the next trip. 

 

– Give small tips

Give small tips to people who helped you during your stay, from hotels to guides, and the local vendors where you eat something. It not only makes their day but brings a smile on your face out of generosity. 

 

– Pack again

PACK AGAIN? We feel you. But you have got to do it anyway. Check the things you brought with you and put the additional items you got from these places in your extra bag and check everything twice (better than regretting over something if you lose). 

 

– Take memories and happiness back home

Carry a bag full of memories, a beautiful experience, the joy you felt, to your way back home. Be grateful and remember the purpose of planning the trip in the first place. Nothing is as gratifying as the satisfaction you get from such things. 

 

This list is not descriptive as you don’t know the number of people going with you. You would need to pack more and be more careful when travelling with kids and older people. The list gives a rough idea of the essential things which would be required when you travel. 

 

Have you been to the hill’s stations in Maharashtra? Tell us about your favorite place, experience and more tips in the comments section below! 

 

Are you looking to experience a safari packed with the raw wildness of nature and pure luxury? Well, the Big 5 and exclusive accommodation are waiting for you. Here are three ultra-luxe safari destinations in Africa. 

The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania

The archipelago of Zanzibar is located in a region of Tanzania in East Africa. It consists of numerous small islands and two large islands named Unguja and Pemba Island. The latter is home to the Manta Resort that boasts a triple-level floating utopia known as the underwater room, located 250 meters off-shore.

The bedroom is on the bottom level, which lies underwater; you’re literally surrounded in an underwater world that has 360-degree views of shoals of fish. At night, the room’s spotlights attract other marine life such as octopus. It’s a must-have experience for those who want to leave the fast-paced world behind and live in the moment.

The resort also offers an amazing safari opportunity in East Africa. Be prepared to see some of the most beautiful animals on the face of the earth. 

Pondoro Game Lodge, South Africa

Pondoro Game Lodge provides the quintessential lavish safari experience. It’s located in a pristine private conservation in the Balue Nature Reserve.

It’s renowned as one of the most opulent game lodges in South Africa, offering a choice of five suites and two chalets that each promise supreme comfort.  You also have the pleasure of feasting on delicious, local cuisine as well as the opportunity to unwind in their world-class spa. 

The lodge also offers exclusive game drives operated by experienced trackers who know precisely where to find many wild and wonderful animals, including the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo.)You’ll never experience anything quite like Pondoro anywhere else in South Africa.

Olarro, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Olarro is a place where the untamed wilderness meets pure extravagance. The 20,000-acre ‘world’ boasts two exquisite opulent lodges: Olarro Plains and Olarro Lodge. 

The lodge is a hidden gem, high up in the hills. It’s your ideal getaway from the rest of the world. You’ll only find tranquility and seclusion here.

Olarro Plains is located further south, bordering Tanzania. Here, the open, airy retreat is complemented by sprawling vistas. The property overlooks a waterhole where numerous animals congregate – it’s a sight to behold.

After each day of sight-seeing; sit back and relax with a drink on verandas that overlook the majestic savanna. Enjoy the delectable signature dishes at dinner and wake up to a tasty gourmet breakfast.

The area is known for the spectacle known as the Wildebeest Migration. It begins in the Serengeti and descends into the Mara between July and August every year. Make sure that you don’t miss out on this natural phenomenon.Olarro is situated in the wildebeests’ migratory path – you have a front-row seat to the unrivaled action and drama.

Whichever luxury safari destination takes your fancy, get ready for a combination of deluxe bliss and heart-pumping adventure in Africa.

Tuscany is one of Italy’s spectacular destinations. Among the many attractions that bring tourists to this region, are museums filled with art, churches rich with religious statues, great wine, a diverse selection of culinary experiences and an array of medieval towns and villages.

No part of Tuscany is like the others and visitors have to tour the entire region to truly appreciate its uniqueness. Ask someone who has been to Tuscany to make a list of their best experiences and they will be lost for choice – this is understandable given that the region is rich in superlatives. The following places are just a guide for those who want an idea of what Tuscany is like. They are in no way conclusive but they are definitely among the top rated in the region:

Florence

You cannot say you have visited Tuscany, without a visit to Florence. The heart of the region, Florence is an important destination for history lovers. It is a Renaissance city and its buildings feature architecture and art that resonates with ancient Roma. The Duomo is a major landmark in Florence – if you don’t have the time to see it close up and view its baptistery which baffles architects to this day, at least make sure to take a photo from afar.

Siena

One of the medieval towns in Tuscany, Siena is a hill town famous for its Piazza del Campo – a piazza in the shape of a fan with a famous bell tower (the Torre del Mangia). Have you ever been to a horse race? Well, forget that experience because the The Palio di Siena gives your idea of a horse race a whole new dimension. Held once a year, on two occasions in the summer, it is nothing like the Kentucky Derby. Riders are not only bareback but they are racing along the streets. Nothing can take one back to medieval times like this race does.

Along the streets of Siena, you will find plenty of shops and restaurants. Make sure to stop by if you are interested in treating yourself to a bite of Tuscan Cuisine. If you pick one of these rustic trattorias, choose a spot near a group of Italians – they will entertain you with their fare as you take sips of locally made wine.

Pisa

The most that many people know about Pisa is its historic leaning tower. Thousands of visitors flock to the location of the leaning tower of Pisa each year. A climb to the top and an opportunity to take a touristy photo is all the satisfaction that a traveller needs to take back home.

Have you ever climbed down the leaning tower? Make sure you are not in a hurry to leave – your standing on the Piazza dei Miracoli. The cathedral and baptistery therein are great sights which bear evidence of the Italian Renaissance. The tower might be the most known attraction in Pisa but it is not the only one. To take a tour of the historic Piazza dei Cavalieri, visitors just need to stroll along Arno River. Make sure you try the chickpea flour bread, also known as Cecina, a local delicacy of the area. June in Pisa is a month of festivity as the city honours San Ranieri – its patron saint.

Lucca

You can easily tell Lucca apart from the rest of the towns because of the wall that surrounds it; this wall came up during the renaissance. The wall itself is a point of interest because it has gardens and paths on top. Apart from offering visitors a great view of the city, this wall provides paths for walking and cycling. Inside the town of Lucca are towers which have been neatly preserved through the centuries; they are spots from which visitors can enjoy 360 views of the city.

Cortona

Cortona first came into the limelight when writer, Francis Mayes, chose to set the scene of her book “Under the Tuscan Sun” in this Tuscan hilltop town. The town is famous for its Etruscan wall around its perimeter which is believed to have been built more than 3000 years ago. Much of Cortona remains untouched – a must for art aficionados. Historic buildings in Cortona include the Chiesa San Francesco and the Abbazia Farneta.

English-speaking visitors will find it easy to blend into the city as there is a large American community here, comprised mostly of expats.

Chianti Classico Wine Region

This region in Tuscany is sandwiched between Florence and Siena. Many people travel far for the opportunity to discover where their favorite wines come from: their final stop is the Chianti Classico Wine Region. The Chianti Wine Region is composed of many towns and villages – Greve in Chianti, to name one, is a haven for photographers. We can guarantee that even amateur photos taken in this area are bound to sell as masterpieces. There are many wineries in this area – make sure to stop by at Brolio Castle and Barone Ricasoli Winery for a wine tasting.

Any visit to Tuscany, is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face. Every location with a name in this region is a spectacle. Did you know that most villas in Italy were initially used for other purposes? It is actually an invaluable experience if you can book a Tuscany villa in Italy accommodation. One of the world’s leading providers of rental villa services is in Italy; Tuscany Now & More. Since they started their business in 1990, they have travelled throughout Italy looking for premises they can turn into holiday accommodation. Only a small percentage of all the properties they view make it to their portfolio – that is how much they value excellence. Those who book villa accommodations with Tuscany Now & More can request to have an itinerary of their visit drawn for them. How about Italian Cuisine cooking lessons or a Truffle hunt? They can organise this all!

Discover small-town Tuscany or tap into Umbrian village life with this collection of villas where no car is needed. You can walk to the local trattoria, join locals for a caffè in the piazza, or spend the evening at a friendly village bar — without driving home afterwards.