Momondo is an amalgamation of few travel services like airlines search, destination info etc. This site does not sell anything, just provides information. The good thing is all this info comes free! The info are presented in few search formats comes with name, address, map etc.

Momondo was conceptualized by few people from the travel industry and is based in Denmark. They provide search for flights, hotels, car rentals and city guides. The site provides info in 14 languages. The is good even in terms of India related info. However, it may not be upto the mark for city guide for India. The best is their flight search and there are words on the net that, Momondo probably provides the lowest airlines fare search.

I see that they have words of quality from The New York Times, CNN etc. So try Momondo to your advantage.

Website: http://www.momondo.com/

Most of us like to travel but please note that a successful and happy trip depends a lot on what you carry and how you pack your bag. This article will apply to any trip which is equivalent to 2 or more days.

First and foremost carry only what is essential and travel as lighter as possible. Now why will this help you? Let me explain — only a hand bag or a back bag will not require you to put your luggage to the clock room or at the security of anybody, it is also economical as you do not require any potter to carry you luggage nor store it, it increases mobility and flexibility, and finally the most important it brings peace of mind.

Now if you are convinced with the advantages of traveling lighter then we come to what to carry and how to pack it.

What to carry:

1. The first step in this regard is to make a list of the items you would like to carry. I suggest you make this list at least 4 – 5 days before the date of actual journey. This will give you time to refine your list according to your need. Start your packing at least 2 days before the day of actual travel. This will save you from last minute hitches.

2. Carry cloths according to the climate of the place where you are visiting. Only carry those cloths which you are going to use. Also, remember that you might also buy cloths from your place of visit, so carry cloths only which you need.

3. Carry tooth paste, brush and shaving accessories

4. comb, deodorant, face wash, sunscreen lotion preferably above SPF 25, soap, shampoo, body lotion, for cold places carry cold cream and lip guard

5. Sun glass, cap and scarf

6. Typically sport shoe, trekking shoe if you are going trekking and sports socks. If you are visiting religious places make sure you carry a pair of sandals as it will increase your mobility and peace of mind.

7. If it is a longer duration trip carry nail cutter

8. Take one medi pant or half pant, one vest or t – shirt for sleeping

9. Two t – shirts and two trousers, two handkerchief

10. one towel

11. Camera, camera battery charger, extra battery

12. Mobile phone, phone battery charger

13. A bottle of water

Now that we have set of items, how should we pack then to our advantage!

1. The first thing is to determine what kind of bag will be comfortable and accommodates your stuffs. If you are back packing then just carry a back bag or at least stick to one bag policy of average size. Look for bag which have many chains.

2. Keep things which you need to access often in the front or side pockets. e.g. comb, deodorant

3. Keep your cloths at the bottom of the bag

4. Keep your camera one or two layer below the top as you may feel to take out the camera often. Also, this way it will provide cushion and protect from damage.

5. Carry a chain and lock & key so that you can tie your luggage for safety (specially during sleep).

1. Goa

Goa is probably the most happenig destination in India in terms of holidaying. There is sun, sand, sea, beach parties, water sports, natural beauty etc. Be there this year end and you will say let go Goa again! Read more …….

Note: Could be expensive at this time and requires early booking

2. Pondicherry

Pondicherry located on the eastern coast of India on the Bay of Bengal is a journey to nostalgia. This ex French colony still has the incluence of French culture. It much less crowded compared to Goa. The party scene is nascent in Pondicherry but you can still have aple fun with sun, sand, sea and beaches. Read more …….

3. Kanyakumari and Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram

Kanyakumari is the southern most tip of India on the Indian ocean. This new year eve you can watch sunrise and sunset overlooking the Vivekananda rock memorial. Kanyakumari is located in Tamil Nadu.

Kovalam beach is very popular beach in the capital of kerela, Thiruvananthapuram. Read more …….

Please let me know your suggestion what do you think about the list.

1. Rome: It may not be an exaggeration if I say that every inch of Rome is history. Starting from the great Roman empire to the present day Vatican city is here. Read more ……

2. Bath: The city of Bath is a world heritage center with many theaters, parks, etc. It is located around 156 km from London. Read more …..

3. Havana: Havana the capital of Cuba represents the history of both worlds – Europe and Caribbean. Read more …….

4. London: London for last few centuries has been the heart of the world with much of the world was known as English empire. London is undoubtedly a world city. Read more ……

5. New York: New York city is one of the most happening places in the world. Read more ……..

6. Berlin: Berlin the capital of Germany was devastated during the second world war but they have rebuilt it as great city to feature in this list. Read more ……..

7. Paris: The capital of France and the probably the most romantic city in the world. Read more ….

8. St. Petersburg: St. Petersburg is regarded as the cultural capital of Russia. Read more …

9. Seville: Seville is one of most important financial and cultural enter in Spain. Read more …….

10. Tangier: It is a beautiful bay city in Morocco, Africa. Read more…..

11. Stockholm: It is the capital of Sweden and it is one of the most beautiful city in the whole Scandinavia. Read more …….

12. Istanbul: Istanbul the Ottaman turk’s city of imperial structures and beauty. Read more ….. Also, visit: http://english.istanbul.com/ for various travel info.

1. Mustique, The Grenadines: This is a privately owned island and offers one of the most pristine beauty you might have ever seen.

2. Canouan Island, St Vincent, the Grenadines: The Caribbean islands are a combination of Sun, Sand and beauty.

3. Mauritius: A beautiful island nation famous for honeymoon makers. It has a homogeneous culture of Creole, India, China and Europe.

4. Fernando De Noronha: It is located in an archipelaho of 21 island off the cost of Brazil. It is protected as a national park and requires permission to visit there.

5. Lipari: The volcanic island of Lipari off the cost of Italy as in entertainment packed place along with pristine beauty.

6. Harbour Island, Bahams: A gem in the island of Bahamas.

7. Kangaroo Island, Australia: Good place to see native Australian animals.

8. Hvar: An island off the cost of Croatia in the Mediterranean sea. Along with peaceful pristine beauty, one can see vineyards etc

9. Muhu Island: Muhu island is located off the cost of Estonia, a former Soviet republic in the Baltic sea.

10. Culebra: It is one of the islands of the the stunning Puerto Rico.

Bicycling is getting popular again. This time with environmental concerns all over the world many people are turning to bicycle. Bicycle not only helps the environment, it also helps your health. Cycling is a popular mode of transport in Villages and 3 tier towns in India. But Indian cities are definitely not bicycle friendly. This is not the same in other parts of the world. Developed countries are giving special attention for this mode of environment and health friendly transport. Some have even developed dedicated bicycle lane. Lets check a list of top 10 bicycle friendly cities in the world:

1. Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands
2. Copenhagen, capital of Denmark
3. Bogota, Colombia
4. Curitiba, Brazil
5. Montreal, Canada
6. Portland, Oregon, US
7. Basel, Switzerland
8. Barcelona, Spain
9. Beijing, Capital of China
10. Trondheim, Norway

Gate 1 Travel headquartered in Fort Washington, Philadelphia is a travel company targeting North American travelers. Recently, they have released a list, what they think to be the top 10 travel destination in the world for 2010. Lets check the list below:

1. Peru
2. Costa Rica
3. China
4. India
5. Germany
6. Israel and Jordan
7. Egypt
8. Greece
9. Turkey
10. Italy

Website: Gate1travel.com

Today I read about CouchSurfing (CS). In their own words,

CouchSurfing is an international non-profit network that connects travelers with locals in over 230 countries and territories around the world. Since 2004, members have been using our system to come together for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences.

It is a nice idea and gives an opportunity to meet different people all over the world. It also saves on your budget and gives you an edge knowing the local culture and cuisine. As you will staying as a guest at your host’s house, you are most likely to have a better experience.

So what is in for you? There are thousands of Indian on CouchSurfing, so if you do travel abroad still you have options to meet people in different parts of India. Also, there a large number people from Bangalore. They organize regular activities. So you can get together with them.

Website: www.couchsurfing.org