Great Ideas for the Short Holiday Road Trip #MyFriendAlexa
Ideas for the Short Safe Holiday Road Trip!!
Keep dreaming! And let your holiday plans for 2021 and 2022 begin right away! We are all missing our annual vacations with our family, either overseas or to the nearby locations. What I miss the most is our family time, meeting new people, and experimenting with foods. The current mood is in the ‘dream mode’- making vacation plans that will be converted into a reality soon.
We all fully understand that overseas traveling is not a good idea at the moment, but that doesn’t mean we cannot enjoy an adventurous road trip. Road trips in India are gaining popularity once again as holiday destinations are unlocking. A road trip would be the best respite after 6 months of sitting at home for the travel-hungry soul. However, the best travel precautions and guidelines that one has to follow before you venture out:
Check your hotel ratings and reviews
Besides the safety measures followed for the road trip; you also need to decide on the hotel/lodging you would reside. It should have decent reviews plus should safeguard tourists during Covid taking all necessary precautionary measures. Prebooking is very important to avoid crowded places and also to maintain social distancing.
Carry the Anti Covid Immunity kit
From Vitamin C tablets, kadha tablets, to steam inhalers, pack it all. Prevention is the best thing. It is also advisable to carry enough sanitizers, sprays, masks and face shields. Be consciously aware to use them as soon as you touch something with your bare hands. Carry extra amount of water, wet wipes, disposable gloves and towels, etc that you may need whenever you are outdoors.
Get the Covid-19 test done prior to the trip
Even if you are just feeling a little under the weather, it’s best advisable to get the Covid test done, before you embark on your road trip. Times are difficult to comprehend, lest you fall sick in a totally strange place. Also do not hide your illness; you will not only jeopardize the health of your dear ones but also be on an early recovery path.
Practice Social Distancing
This should be followed as a practice everywhere you go. Petrol pumps, local tourist spots, supermarkets on highways, etc. Keep your mask on and a safe distance of 3 feet from the nearest person you meet. Make friends but at a distance. The time is not right to come in close contact with strangers
A Multi-Port Power Bank
Times are tough and we need to stay connected. Phones should never be less than half charged. It gets very stressful if the battery drains out during a road trip. In all ways, a phone is a multipurpose gadget to use for navigation, camera, music, and communication. It’s best to keep handy a multi-port power bank with cables.
Carry plenty of dry snacks and water
It’s fun to carry along munchies, biscuits, chocolates, chips etc on a road trip. It is also a good idea to carry an electric kettle, cuppa noodles, energy boosting drinks and juices. Don’t forget to carry along disposable plates, cutlery and napkins. Most important is fluids particularly water to stay hydrated.
A few recommended road trips closer to Mumbai
1. Mumbai to Lonavala/ Khandala (85 km) – Don’t want to venture out far. This is the best option for Mumbaikars. You can find campers; trekkers and picnickers flock to lonavala over the weekend.
2. Mumbai to Alibaug (92 km)- Although the destination is an hour and a half away by ferry, it’s popular for bikers and couple travelers too. Tourists opt for homestays to enjoy the local cuisine and beautiful beaches.
3. Mumbai to Murud / Janjira (156 km)-This is perfect for a one-day road trip near Mumbai. It was a trip we took a few years back during the monsoons. Lush greenery, rain-washed winding roads and a cool breeze to keep us company. A visit to the Janjira Fort in Murud is a must.
4. Mumbai to Igatpuri (120 km) – Igatpuri is located near Nashik, also known as the Wine Capital of India. A road trip through the winding Western Ghats is mesmerizing as you climb up, proving to be a great escape for those planning for a long drive from Mumbai.
5. Mumbai to Kamshet ( 100 km)
This 100Km road trip to Kamshet is totally worth it. The side of the drive charms you with its paddy fields, hills, and scenic backgrounds along the way. Kamshet is also known as a paradise for par gliders.
6. Mumbai to Kolad ( 122 km)
The village of Kolad is a beautiful 3-hour drive from Mumbai. Don’t underestimate this town to be just another sleepy village, it is well known for the river rafting that is offered at River Kundalika, nearby. The surrounding green valleys and untouched nature is a pretty destination for great Instagram worthy pictures
These Ideas for the Short Safe Holiday Road Trip will definitely excite you even though it is advisable that you think twice before venturing out. It’s only better to embrace the new normal and maximize your long weekends or short holidays with road trips to nearby destinations.
This post is a part of My Friend Alexa Season 5 with Blogchatter. You can also read my previous post – 5 ways to get rid of dark underarms
30 Comments
Aarti
Just reading about these places makes me yearn for travel! Hopefully soon
Varsh
With international travel plans postponed to next year road trips are the best way to unwind with family. A good checklist of things to keep in mind for it.
Tina Sequeira
Road trips are a good option during the pandemic. Good post, Anahita! #MyFriendAlexa #TinaReads
Alpana Deo
Ever since I came to the USA, road trips have become an integral part of our vacations. We have been thinking to make a road trip as the weather has strarted to get cooler now, your pointers will come handy.
Surbhi prapanna
Yes with recent pandemic situation it is very important to take extra precaution. Thanks for sharing all useful guidelines. Will help a lot in safe travel.
Mayura Amarkant
You are one of the bravest people that I know! God knows how scared I have been of travel in the COVID19 times. Your post lends perspective, hope and information – thank you so much!!
Neha Tambe
These are some great tips. We have been trying some road trips as well where we carry food and turn it into a picnic. Have to check igatpuri
Roma
Agree dear road trips sound feasible with proper planning and preparations. There is a hunch that is stopping all.
MeenalSonal Mathur
We as a family are still hesitant to dine out. Your checklist is surely a fool proof one to travel to nearby places.
Snigdha
Currently road trips are best idea and short trips are good option to cheer up the mood . Unfortunately i can’t go on road trip also ..
Swati Mathur
Thanks for the tips. they are very useful and are kind of mandatory guidelines which one must follow. I do not stay in mumbai but will definitely share it with my mumbikar friends.
Ruchi Verma
I am missing travelling so much but soon I am planning to go on a Short trip and these tips are really going to help me a lot
Cindy Dsilva
Wow there are so many places around Mumbai. That’s great to know. Need to get around with the family too. Been indoor becoming fair and fat only… Need some Vitamin D.
Dipika Singh
With such beautiful places around Mumbai, why think of other destinations until the covid is lurking around the corners. Love the tips and ideas to make sure the trip is safe and sound for all.
Ujjwal+Mishra
Road trips are great break. Vacation are great way to teach and learn.
Nice spots you have highlighted. Will share it with people living in that geography.
Pragnya Mishra
after spending 6 months indoors all travel seeking souls want to feel the breeze again. These tips are great for trips to plan for now..
Preeti Chauhan
I live in Delhi so these places are out of bounds for me currently , but I loved the idea of a short road trip and Delhi ha slot of great destinations nearby , also your covid immunity kit is a great tip.
LifeCoachPreet
MY husband and I badly need to plan a holiday, and looking at the cuirrent pandemic we want to plan something simple and closeby. Thanks for sharing this. This place definitely looks great. Will check it out.
Ishieta
so totally ready to step out and go on a trip!
the list of precautions and things to take care of is quite detailed and helpful. definitely now i can think of planning a mini trip too 🙂
Jyoti
Oh i am very scared of travelling these days but truly getting motivated by your post .I would definitely like to explore a short tour if i could overcome my fears .
Anahita Irani
We will have to travel soon, if not for pleasure, it could be for an emergency so let’s get prepared
Judy Morris
I would love to set out on short road trips. Thanks for sharing many useful tips in doing so especially with Corona thing happening. The hotel where you guys stayed looks quite good.
Neha Sharma
These are some really great ideas to plan a short holiday from Mumbai. We all are missing those care free travel days but yes with all the necessary precautions, one can take road trips to nearby locations.
Vaishali
Such a lovely post. To see you girls having a good time. Delhi doesn’t offer much except for the same old golden triangle to explore- the terrain is pretty much the same. Flat. Hills are good 10 ours drive tbh. To get to sea, one got to take the flight. Some useful tips there for those who live in better locations than the unfortunate lot (like me).
Sinjana
It’s a great idea to go on a roadtrip now. it’s the safest thing to do. Except a few states like Goa covid tests are not required.
Pratibha
Just reading this post makes me realize that I haven’t travelled at all this year!
PraGun
Road trips are fun, provided roads are good.
After pandemic, we are eager to travel but a fear stays at the back of the mind.
Short road trips can certainly bring the cheer and fun back.
Immunity kit will be now a essential addition in first aid travel bag.
Nice post
#PraGunReads #MyFriendAlexa #blogchatter
Dipali Bhasin
Road trips will be much preferred in these unusual times where precaution and social distance are key words and play on everyones mind. You have covered some vital guidelines for a Mumbaikar who would like to explore the near-by areas and is open to a staycation.
Shamik
You are absolutely right this road trip ideas have definitely excited me and I’m just waiting to fly out. Thanks for sharing this.
Roshan Radhakrishnan
I have actually been scared to make any trip… had a chance last month after so long but in the end decided against it… that confidence just havent arrived yet