A thrifty goodwill tenting

Nothing compares to soaking up the rustic vibe of a place, while travelling. And clearly, namma city folk vouch by the ideology — with real “offline” activities like hitchhiking, renting a tent, living in tourist hotels and camping with co-travellers and picking up the pace in a city. Aside of the arrangement being budget-friendly, going the minimalist way is said to bring with it a cartload of perks leading to better fulfilment post the trip. We take a deeper look...

“If you go by the book and stick to what the internet tells you and the ‘must dos’, you’re probably missing out on a lot. Locals of a particular place can reveal aspects a GPS or guide may overlook. I’m usually a solo traveller, and I think travelling unconventionally helps you discover and soak in the little joys of a place much better,” begins Rajat Bongale, a 26-year-old communications professional. He also enthuses how meeting and vibing with individuals when travelling unconventionally teaches you to be more tolerant. “ You tend to use your resources more carefully and explore with an open mind and lookout for hidden gems that may not be listed on a to-do site. That according to me, brings about a healthy shift in your personality,” adds Rajat.  

For Shekhar Vijayan , an entrepreneur and avid traveller, the concept of hitchhiking is the best way to keep your senses tuned in and enjoy in the now. “There is a certain amount of caution required when hitchhiking with strangers, and that makes you more vigilant and aware about your present... But, one must also go with the gut feel .. and the best part is, hitchhiking works for everyone especially when you have pets with you .. everyone likes a mix of outdoor and indoor travel and hitchhiking makes you active, fit and ready to take on what places other than your daily routine has to offer.” While off-beat holidaying practices brings along oodles of excitement, the idea also helps one hone life skills and be more grateful, believes Neil Philip, a city based entrepreneur. “It’s (tenting) more than just lighting a bonfire and revelring over barbecue. Many of us don’t research well enough before heading for a camp. In a tent, you need to sleep in a sleeping bag. The bottom could be rough depending upon where the tent is pitched. There is no plug point to charge your phone, so need a power bank. Since there are bathrooms, doing your daily chores are fun and are more like a commando training (Finishing off everything in one mug if water)!A torch light is mandatory!If it rains, you can hear it hitting on the tent etc. I suggest it’s best to start young and do it when you’re not with a family,” he says.

The underlying message is to throw caution to the winds, but not lose your mind over it. Entrepreneur Ainara Kaur, who backpacked to Vienna for a festival from Prague suggests, “Don’t ever structure your travels, because it kills the excitement of finding what lies ahead in the unknown. When you travel unconventioanlly you discover things which are out fo your radar. Travelling with  rucksack helps break cliches and opens up your mind to wider perspectives than sticking to preconceived notions.”

Vouching by similar lines that he learnt after camping in the interiors of Nagaland, Gadru Musafir, a comedian and poet concludes, “When you open up to discovering without a manual, a whole new world emerges before you. Most people are good everywhere, you need to start trusting humans - but after using your discretion, of course. Not all strangers are dangerous and not all places are unsafe. Break your stigmas and leave your judgmental opinions about places, races and other cultures.Take challenges and learn to survive, we humans are made for living like this.”