Why You Should Travel Solo At Least Once.

If you’ve been thinking about venturing off alone but are still indecisive or nervous, here are 10 reasons why you should travel solo at least once:

1. You never return the way you left.
Venturing out alone renews your spirit in the most positive way. It changes your energy, your perspective of the world, the way you view others and the way you view yourself. You become a bit more fearless and more confident in your abilities to figure things out on your own.

2. Leaving your comfort zone is good for you.
Traveling solo gives you the kind of healthy push you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You learn to embrace being around unfamiliar places, people and all of the challenges that will present itself on the road. 

3. There’s so much to learn about the world.
Seeing and exploring some of the most beautiful places will leave you speechless. Experiencing different cultures and ways of life that make each place so special is a unique experience within itself.

4. Spending time alone helps you get to know yourself better.
The best relationship you can have is the one you have with yourself. Traveling solo gives you the time you need to slow down, reflect and spend that quality time with yourself that you may often miss when you’re caught up in the day-to-day life back home.

5. You will discover just how strong you are.
Not everyday looks and feels the same when you travel solo and you learn to roll with the punches either way. Some days you might find yourself with a group of new friends running around the city. Other days you may just want to take it easy alone while going at your own pace. You’ll realize that while you enjoy being around others, you become mentally stronger and more capable to wing it by yourself.

6. The way you look at things will change.
Your perspective on certain parts of the world or customs and beliefs will be completely different when you experience it firsthand and you’ll find that that all of the photos and articles you read just don’t do them justice.

7. Making new friends in other places is amazing.
A solo trip is never really spent completely in solitude because you will meet other travelers just like yourself. You will share stories and realize how much you all have in common and you’ll realize, you’re not ever really alone at all.

8. It’s not as scary as you think.
All of the worries and misgivings you initially had when you set foot on the plane will disappear the moment you reach your destination. While it’s true you should practice a certain level of caution no matter where you are in the world, you’ll discover that a lot of the ridiculous things you’ve seen in movies aren’t real.

9. Experiences are way more valuable than things.
Nothing compares to see a movie made in the mountains than actually visiting the mountains. Nothing.

10. You will more than likely want to travel solo again.
Traveling is an addiction in and of itself. But the freedom you get when you travel solo is just different. From going at your own pace and not feeling guilty about it, to the strength and confidence you discover within yourself. It’s a peaceful and calming experience you’ll likely to want to experience over and over again.

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10 ESSENTIALS FOR CAMPING AND HIKING

Once you're out in the wilderness, there is nothing you can do to arrange a forgotten item. There won't be any malls or any local stores to help you get your necessities. While on a hike, it is always you against mother nature.
So, to make the trip memorable and comfortable, we have compiled 10 essential items that one must carry while hiking or camping.

1. Navigation:

This should be in the form of a map and compass which can guide you regarding your whereabouts. These navigation items will help you to know your destination if in case your mobile phone dies.

2. Sun Protection:

Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must while hiking. Sunburn can cause irritation and rashes. To avoid this, sunglasses should be worn during the daytime. Application of sunscreen should be every 2 hours to avoid tanning and irritation.

3. Insulation:

Conditions can abruptly turn wet, windy or chilly in the wilderness. So it is smart to carry an additional layer of clothing in case something unexpected prolongs the exposure to the elements.

4. Illumination:

Headlamps are the light source of choice for most travelers because they allow hands-free operation, they’re small and lightweight, and they have long battery life. Many headlamps offer a strobe mode. It’s a great option to have for emergency situations; headlamps offer their longest battery life while in strobe mode. Flashlights and packable lanterns also have value. Some flashlights cast very powerful beams and are useful for signaling during emergencies. Always carry spare batteries. Every member of a backcountry party should carry his or her own light.

5. First Aid Supplies:

Any kit should include treatments for blisters, adhesive bandages of various sizes, several gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, pen, and paper. 

6. Fire:

Matches and fire starters should be an essential when headed for a trip. Matches should be of the waterproof variety, or they should be stored in a waterproof container. Take plenty and ensure they are kept dry.

7. Repair Kit and Tools:

Knives or multi tools are handy for gear repair, food preparation, first aid, making kindling or other emergency needs.

8. Extra Food:

Always pack at least an extra day’s worth of food. It can be as simple as a freeze-dried meal, but it's even better to include no-cook items with long storage times: extra energy bars, nuts, dried fruits or jerky.

9. Extra Water:

Mountaineering suggests always carrying at least 1 water bottle and a collapsible water reservoir. You should also carry some means of treating water, whether it is a filter/purifier or chemical treatment.

10. Emergency Shelter:

If getting lost or injured leaves you stranded in the backcountry, something is better than nothing if you have to deal with wind or rain. 

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Budget Weekend Getaways near Pune

Pune, a student city, is known for the number of 'Symbiosis' Colleges, excellent party places and budget friendly weekend getaways!
You'll find people from all across India studying in colleges situated in the center of the city, or young corporates working on the outskirts.
After tiring never ending lectures and work pressure, the youth needs a break!
To cater to these needs, here is a list of places that can be visited for a quick break from the monotony:


1. LAVASA:

 A relaxing stay in a hill station or an action-packed trip with adventure sports – a tough choice, isn’t it? In Lavasa, you can do both! A popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune, Lavasa is a unique hill station cum city. A few things you can enjoy in Lavasa are nature walks, adventure sports like rappelling, rock climbing, and paint ball. Visit Bamboosa, a bamboo factory and watch the craftsmen at work. You can also buy artifacts like wall clocks, furniture, and gift items from there as well. 

2. ALIBAUG

One of the most popular getaways from Pune, Alibaug is a favorite and for a reason. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Alibaug is a perfect spot for a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend. Some of the popular places to check out in Alibaug are the Alibugh Beach, Kolaba Fort and the Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple. There are many cafés near the beach where you can enjoy fresh seafood and other Maharashtrian delicacies.

3. KARJAT

Mountains, forts, rock-cut churches and the famous ND Studios film set are just some of the reasons to visit the sleepy town of Karjat. Tucked away in the Western Ghats, this popular weekend holiday destination is a major draw for adventure seekers as well as the laid-back tourist. Some of the attractions you can enjoy in Karjat include ND Studios, Kondana Caves and the waterfalls at Bhivpuri. Adventure enthusiasts can take part in activities like rappelling, para sailing, and hiking.  

4. MATHERAN

If you are a person for whom the hills are home then you need a weekend in Matheran. Driving away from the madness of Pune, Matheran is a town that you will find comforting. There may not be plenty of landmarks but the beauty of this town is enough to charm anyone. Apart from taking long walks, you can enjoy zip lining. Other attractions in Matheran include Little Chowk Point, Paymaster Park and Charlotte Lake (perfect for a picnic). Before you leave, don’t forget to buy yourself some Chikki (a local specialty).  

5. SINHAGAD FORT

Literally meaning 'Lion's Fort', Sinhagad Fort is a popular go-to destination for Puneites during weekends and other holidays. During a visit here, one can find groups of youngsters hiking up the slopes of the mountain on which it is perched. This picnic spot near Pune is situated on the Bhuleshwar range of the Sahyadri Mountains and was constructed as a strategic battleground around two thousand years ago.

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