Tell us a bit about yourself.
Well in one line if I need to describe u201cA girl who is trying to live her dream along with the real life responsibilities.
I am always striving to do something different especially those things that make me alive and travelling brings out the better version of myself.
I am a Software developer, diligently doing my 9 to 5 job,5 days a week and no I don't hate my job(like those typical internet articles) So that's what my bio on Instagram (@travelnama.dk) says "I code and I talk to mountains". Hailing from Delhi, sarcasm and fun run in my blood but what sets my soul on fire without any second thought is travelling!
The first time I realized that travel bug is going to bite me hard is when I went on a college trip to Nainital and those 3 days set the tempo and then I never looked back.
For me travelling is not sight-seeing, it means much more to me.Its looking the world at a different angle, meeting people who are absolutely simple yet they have the ability to shake your inner core and add a perspective that you never really thought about it.Its about seeing this perfectly imperfect world, itu2019s about how to bring out your authentic self, itu2019s about embracing different culture and the diversity of this planet.
But most important is travelling exposes a part of you that you never knew existed. So yes that's why I travel when I feel that because of my responsibilities and duties my energy tank starts depleting I travel to fill that up to keep me going and to stay aligned to myself.
So I make sure to travel at least one place I never been to every month. And yes I always keep track of long weekends and holidays!
What do you like more - Mountains or Beaches and why?
As I am from Delhi, mountains are nearer to me, familiar to me and now dearer to meu263a!!
I love it why because of two things. No three or may be infinity but I will stick to two things which are the most amazing and generous people of mountains and the fresh air and greenery (Break from Delhi pollution!).I won't be exaggerating but I am always that happy go lucky girl with that natural glow whenever I am in mountains.
That doesn't mean I don't love beaches but umm did I mention about Maggi and tea in mountains?
How do you manage your time for travel along with job?
I don't support that quit your job and travel the world perception nor am I judging those who are doing this. Kudos to them. But with time I have realized that this can't work out for me!
So yeah I figured out my own ways to manage my travel along with work...I try to take leaves during long weekends or holidays in order to get the maximum time or take my laptop along with me! I mean company wants to get things done and it doesn't matter whether you are doing it in a cubical or near a beach sipping virgin mojito (Told you I like beaches too).
Your best experience that you would like to share with other travelers?
It's a tough question because every aspect of travelling is just mind-blowing but if I have to pick one then it's a not a place it's the people I met at different places. I met people who just opened up something inside me, people who are living their dreams, and people who are the most authentic one. Like I went to a small village in Uttrakhand where people take one week leave from their work just to be with their nearer and dearer ones and celebrate a tradition together to strengthen the bond among the villagers. In Meghalaya I met girls who are running hotels, homestays and heck whole company without any strong educational background. I met people who went out of their way to help me! So I guess more than places I remember those people who inspired me and thatu2019s how I gave and took a piece of wisdom while travelling.
Have you travelled outside India? If yes, to how many countries? Where do you prefer travelling the most - India or outside India and why?
I haven't travelled much outside India just recently went to Singapore for my work. Although didn't get much time to explore around but still managed to check off few places there and had a great time!I have travelled mostly in India and would love to explore the whole world. Taking baby steps!
If you had unlimited powers for a day and you were to bring a change in the way travelling industry works, what change would you like to bring in?
I think these industries should encourage more and more woman solo travelers, they should prepare itinerary for them keeping their budget and safety in mind. Not only for single women but also for mothers or married women only trips... Although lots of startups are doing fabulous job in it and it's a big change but solo travelling is still an alien concept in India. I think they should promote it in order to make women independent and empowered! (Oops...My inner feminist just kicked in).We are sure after reading your interview with us, many travellers would like to contact you. Do you have any Social Media Handle where other travellers can reach you?
People can reach me on Instagram. Link to Instagram Profile: travelnama.dk
