To acknowledge the impact of, and promote tourism in the country, National Tourism Day is observed on January 25 every year. As the popularity of travel continues to grow across age groups, vacations have become a part of our yearly calendars. While everyone wants to go the distance, planning for it may seem overwhelming, especially for international destinations. Taking inspiration from travel influencers might not be enough as travel comes with its set of bottlenecks.
“There is a lot of prep that goes into planning any vacation, especially if I am trying to not overspend. From booking specific tours in advance to opting for homestays, I’ve adapted certain strategies over the years that have helped me enjoy stress-free holidays,” says travel enthusiast Karishma Khanna. The 28-year-old has visited 32 countries over the past 10 years and swears by her meticulous planning. 

Kaushal Karkhanis, who describes himself as a solo and slow travel blogger (exoticgringo.com), seconds Khanna. The digital nomad started his travel adventures with a life-changing trip to South America in 2008 and is currently working as a UI and UX designer, blogger and community builder. He shares, “Failing to plan is planning to fail, it is said - so if you’re travelling independently, do your research and keep backup plans as well. From keeping multiple cards and spare cash on you at all times, to having emergency contacts upfront on your phone, you can never be prepared enough.”

In photo: Kaushal Karkhanis

Fret not, ahead of the Republic Day long weekend, we have got these seasoned travellers to share their best travel hacks to help you plan a budget-friendly vacation. Whether you're a frequent traveller or a first-timer, these travel hacks can make your trips more enjoyable, stress-free, and affordable. 
Look for ‘anywhere’ and layovers