The new travel-talk series is named ‘Beyond barriers’ because all travellers featured in the series have broken certain mental barriers and undertaken trips on their own without involving travel agents. I agree that many people plan and take trips by themselves, but what is special is that these travellers have agreed to share their experiences, and doing so will help build a community, inspiring many more people to opt for ultra-low-cost travel.
”Ramachandra Prabhu Salgaonkar, Panaji
Tourists generally tend to focus on certain typical destinations in Singapore, but the city has much more to offer. One thing I noticed is that Singapore has some unique foot-bridges which are used for crossing the roads. For instance, there’s a foot-bridge shaped like DNA structure, and another shaped like a whale. Also, I would advise travellers to try using the public transport system here. Firstly, the Metro rail covers each and every part of the city. Secondly,the app-based taxi services too are reasonably priced. If you use taxis in Singapore rather than coming here with a travel-agent, you could actually save more money. Similarly, in many cases, Indians tend to stick to Indian restaurants. I would urge you to try local food-and try local vegetarian options if you are a vegetarian.
”Devansh Cholera, engineering student, GEC, Farmagudi
I travelled to Antarctica to collect some data as part of my work, and I was touched by the uninhabited and unpolluted terrain of the place. Indeed if this place is to be preserved, each of us needs to do what they can to stop and reverse climate change. It is important that we understand the processes that are happening here, which are affecting the climate. We have to be conscious of our wasteful way of living, and try to discipline ourselves.
”Viola Rodregues, researcher, NCAOR, Vasco
During our trip through Central Europe, I focused on taking walking tours of various cities rather than visiting the usual tourist spots. We walked 8-10 km every day. The goal was to experience each city from the perspective of locals and take a close look at its culture. When we go to Paris for example, everyone takes a short tour of the Louvre museum and Eiffel Tower. However, the city has many examples of beautiful architecture, and one could spend months studying the same. Similarly, if you visit Belgium with a travel agent, they will typically show you the city of Brussels, and end it there. However. We went deep inside the country, visiting places such as Antwerp, and came across many beautiful picturesque villages.
”Dr Rohit Sirsat, physiotherapist, Mapusa
We planned and successfully took an all-women trip to Thailand, and it was a perfectly safe and positive experience. We basically focused on different islands such as Krabi, Phi Phi, etc. We did not encounter much of a crowd because it was low-season in Thai tourism. Even though there are certain dubious businesses in places such as Pattaya, Thailand is a good tourist destination overall.
”Dr Aditi Kaundinya, consultant, Goa Medical College, Bambolim
I took a backpacking trip with a friend through Western Europe end explored many places where typical tourists do not usually venture. Very few Indians travel to the Amalfi coast or Blue Grotto. In the course of my talk, I will be outlining how this trip was planned, offering tips on where we could cut expenses. The core of the talk is offering ideas to gain valuable and unique experiences on shoestring budget.
”Lochan Kerkar, senior manager, Goa Shipyard, Vasco
