Exotic Gringo

Oh, The Places You Will Go!

2012-01-09T05:57:00.000+05:30

Go forth, your mountain is waiting! :) Brilliant video from Burning Man 2011.

Talk to me in...

2011-09-23T01:54:00.000+05:30

...Portuguese, Spanish, French and now German!

As per the National Center for Languages, there are over 6,000 languages spoken in the world.
That’s what the European Day of Languages (EDL) on 26th September aims to celebrate
- by showing people how important languages are, and what fun can be had learning them.

As a polyglot currently learning German at the Goethe Institut, it's going to be a privilege for me
to attend The European Day of Lanuages 2011 here. Looking forward to some fun activities, events
and lots of learning! More details post the event.

Interested in learning a new language? Come join the event at Goethe Institut
[Cross-posted on my Personal blog, Kronicles with K]

Language hacking for the Indian traveler

2011-05-30T04:47:00.002+05:30

The Indian traveler has an almost unfair advantage when it comes to picking up new languages on the go.

Since the devnagri script is phonetically pure, you always know exactly what a word sounds like when spoken.

Let me explain with an illustration, and I hope you use this language hacking technique which I used myself, to pick up Brasilian Portuguese and Latin American Spanish easily and quickly!

In this earlier post, I've already directed you to free online resources for learning a foreign language. With the help of Mango Languages or MP3s you've downloaded on to your player (or just listening to phrases along the way), you would first learn pronunciation of some key words.

Like in Brasilian Portuguese, 'r' is pronounced as 'h' which means Rio de Janeiro sounds like 'Hiu ji Janeroo' - that just looks weird in English, and seems unnatural. What I'd do instead is write this in Hindi / Marathi.

So, Rio de Janeiro = हिऊ जी जनेरू!

"temho uma cartao de debito, ta bom?" (I have a debit card, is that ok?) actually sounds like "तेंयू उमा कह्तौ जी देबितो, ता बों?"

Language Hacking using phonetic Devanagri script by kaushal

Try it the next time you want to learn a new language :) You'll be glad you're Indian!

Colombia - The only risk is wanting to stay back!

2011-04-05T01:34:00.000+05:30

Cross-posting this from my comment on the Tripping.com Facebook page.

Tripping: Tell us about a *random act of kindness* from your travels.
Me: First day in Colombia... after having heard enough of "isn't it scary/risky" and refusing to believe such non-tested arguments, I found myself talking to one of the oldest men I've ever met. he was as local as local can be - came from a Guarani descent and spoke Quichua.

Colombia es passion!

When i told him in my broken Spanish that I was here to explore his country, he was delighted to assist me in locating a shared taxi to reach my destination, the beautiful Las Lajas. He wished me a great stay and I knew already that I was in a great country with great people :)

Travel Inspiration - Visit a travel fair!

2011-02-18T03:23:00.000+05:30

One of the best ways to be inspired to travel and to collect information about destinations you zero in on, is to visit travel exhibitions and fairs in your city.

This weekend, as I'm headed to the TTF & OTM (Travel and Tourism Fair 2011) - the biggest travel and tourism fair here in Mumbai (and perhaps India?!), I thought I'd share this with all my fellow travelers and specially novices who have yet to set foot and explore the world on their own.

Here's 5 great reasons to visit such travel fairs and how you can make the most of it!

1. Free Maps and Destination Guides
Travel fairs throw up tons of information through visuals, brochures and handouts. Use some discretion and pick up only stuff you can actually use for your travels.

I usually pick up only maps, guides and price lists - not brochures and handouts, unless I'm specifically interested in something. Keep their cards instead - use a pen to write what you liked at the back of it!

The stall owners would appreciate non-wastage of their material too.
Bonus: It's good for the environment!

2. Official Destination Representation
Get your doubts and questions answered by the best people who could help - the tourism boards or reps of the state / country / city you're planning to visit. Many merchants / tourism boards would even have a keen willingness to patiently understand your profile and help you plan your perfect trip! Keep their cards so you can revert or say thank you later.

3. Offers, Discounts and Contests
The consumer is truly king at these exhibitions. Not only do you get all the info and details on your dream destination from possibly the best people - but you also stand to avail the hottest deals, and even win contests perhaps. Try your luck. Who knows?!

4. Discover New Destinations
Sweet serendipity - You might have Ladakh on your mind but discover Bhutan instead!
Keep your eyes wide open and soak it all in :)

5. Meet Great People!
Travelers are open-minded people who wander the planet and most likely spread warmth, cheer and great energy. You couldn't possibly spot someone sad here.

From my own personal experience, I bet the psych majors would be able to prove that dopamine levels run as high as shopping therapy here - without burning a hole in thy wallet! Make some friends, find a travel agent, you may even chance upon a travel partner at such an event.

Drop me a message at kaushalk@facebook.com if you'd like to join me.
See you there!

How to win a free trip to anywhere!

2011-01-21T02:13:00.000+05:30

Just came across a phenomenal contest running on the travel blogosphere, thanks to Asma Kazi.

Chris Guillebleu, a personal excellence leader and travel hacker who runs popular travel + unconventional living blog 'The Art Of Non-Confirmity', is generously giving away 25,000 miles to anyone who convinces the judges about why they should be awarded the miles (with which you may create your custom trip to anywhere you'd like!)

Brilliant, humble and exciting.

I'm already super thrilled to discover the blog and author! :)

To enter, please head to Chris' website - The Art Of Non-Confirmity. Godspeed!

Emerald Isle - Ilha Grande

2011-01-04T16:19:00.001+05:30

Third article in the Mumbai Mirror, this time about my favorite island - Ilha Grande!

Check it out in full glory at the ePaper website.

Emerald Isle - Ilha Grande

World Platter: Ecuador + Japan + France in India!

2010-10-19T03:23:00.002+05:30

After a hugely successful Oktoberfest organized by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, which Mumbaikars LOVED (my friends who went there stand testimony) - it's time for some more authentic epicurean delights from around the world, so celebrate! :)

Washoku 4 - A Japanese Street Festival

For the fourth year in a row, IHM Mumbai and maidoindia are bringing Japan even closer to India!

WASHOKU, the annual Japanese food festival is back with a bang. This year, the ambition is to replicate an entire Japanese street in Mumbai, and give the visitors a true feel of ‘the Land of the Rising Sun’.

WHEN: 21 - 24 October
WHERE: Catering College, Dadar, Mumbai
COST: Rs. 500 per person, coupons redeemable at stalls
CONTACT: +91 9769666923, 9769666942 to have your passes home-delivered.

Press coverage: Hindustan Times | Bindass

Ecuadorean Cornucopia

Drawing inspiration from its diverse regions, the cuisine of Ecuador is a perfect integration of tropical fruits and vegetables, seafood and an eclectic style of cooking that is indeed unique and delightful. Savour the Incan and Spanish influences in this unique gastronomic festival of Ecuador.
Experience the cuisine of Ecuador with a dinner buffet at INR 1400 plus taxes.

WHEN: 19 - 26 October
WHERE: Hornby’s Pavilion, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai
COST: Rs.1400 + taxes
CONTACT: ITC WelcomZest Lounge / Embassy of Ecuador to India

Press coverage: Chef Edgar Leon speaks to LiveMint | Delhi samples… Ecuador

French Wine Workshop

Sopexa and French Ministry of Food present the French Wine workshop at The Tasting Room. Discover, savour and revel in the secrets of 5 different wines from around France. Also learn how wines are made and stored and the proper ways of serving and pairing them with food.

WHEN: 23 October, 4 – 6 pm
WHERE: Good Earth, Lower Parel, Mumbai
COST: Single: Rs. 1500 + taxes | Couple: Rs. 2500 + taxes
CONTACT: 65285284, 24951954 | Burrp!

UPDATE!

Prasanna (@labellagorda) informs me of another wine fest happening in Mumbai this month, as part of the Celebrate Bandra festival.

Wine tasting, cooking contests, wine appreciation talks, master chefs in action!

WHEN: 30-31 October, 4 – 6 pm
WHERE: D’Monte Park Recreation Club, Bandra, Mumbai
COST: Single: Rs. 500 | Early Bird Offer: 5 passes for Rs. 2,000
CONTACT: Official website

Thanks Niharika, Sagar, Prasanna for the heads up!
All 3D flags by 3DFlags.com

Exotic Gringo in print!

2010-10-17T21:15:00.000+05:30

Dear fellow traveler, it's a pleasure to share with you two of my travel pieces which were recently published in Mumbai Mirror, the daily tabloid from the Times of India group.

I'd love to hear your feedback. Please keep it honest, especially constructive criticism!

Travel afar + Meet exciting people!

2010-10-14T11:44:00.001+05:30

Most of us have that on top of our dream bucketlist, don't we?

Let me tell you, it's easier than you think. From my own personal experience of traveling, I know that places are always about people. Experiences are about people. Eat Pray Love ratifies that, so does The Art of Travel.

But let's not get all philosophical here and get to the point! There's some SUPER exciting stuff happening in the travel world in early 2011, and I can't wait to share that with my readers...

Simply put, we're talking of collective travel experiences, and how! Read on...

1. The Road Junky Sahara Retreat

Original image by Alex Lichtenberger

What: 5 days in the desert. 50 people from around the world. The stuff of legends!
When: 18-22 January, 2011
How: Details and Registration here. Make your own travel plans to get to Morocco.
Cost: €199

Disclaimer:

This is a referral promotion, which means I'd make a commission if you book through the registration link. Sure I'd love a few extra bucks but this is an experience I'd love to be a part of myself (and I'm definitely considering!)

2. Circumnavigation of India ... by Train!

The Great Indian Circular Railway Challenge

What: 15 days of train journey all around incredible India
When: 18 Feb - 5 March, 2011
Where: Starting Mumbai, India and circumnavigating the whole country!
How: Details here.
Cost: £200 (US $320)

Seriously, you're still here?!

Oktoberfest comes to Mumbai

2010-09-07T20:27:00.001+05:30

Beer drinkers rejoice!

The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce is organizing

Oktoberfest right here in Mumbai next month...

Check out the Official release or the Facebook Event for more details!

Dates: 16 - 17 October, 2010 | Venue: Mahalaxmi Race Course

What's in store: A variety of authentic German beers, sausages and live shows!

I'll be there to say Prost! What about you? :)

Top 10 Tips for Solo Women Travelers

2010-08-09T04:59:00.001+05:30

Hello Ladies!

If you have decided (or planning) to take a break from your routine and the only way to treat yourself is to pack up and take off to a far far away land…

We have some important pointers for you to make sure your travel plans fall well into place and you have a blissful holiday…

1. Research about your destination

Once you’ve selected your destination according to your travel agenda and budget, research well on the place – the web, travel guides and even with someone you know who has already been there.

Take suggestions,recommendations – but plan your holiday to suit your needs. It would be wise to make accommodation arrangements before you commence your journey to avoid any last minute glitches. Keep a note of all the spots you may like to visit.

Resources: WikiTravel / About.com / IgoUgo / TravelPod / Answers.com

2. Know the local culture / dress code

You don’t want to be in a position where you’re feeling uncomfortable being yourself. Understand which gestures could be accepted to some but offensive in other cultures!

Resources: RoadJunky Culture Guide / Gringoes.com

3. Safety first!

Of course, go all out and have your share of the wild fun you have been meaning to, but it doesn’t take too much of an effort to be safe.

The usual applies…

Don’t leave your bags unattended anywhere.
Do not leave your drink unguarded at a bar at any cost
– even if the bartender seems friendly.
Avoid venturing out by yourself in deserted areas esp. after dark.

… Other than that, we know you’ll be fine on your own, after all you have taken up on traveling by yourself - that is in itself quite brave of you!

Resources: About.com / The Women’s Travel Club / Solo Travel

4. Travel light

As a woman traveling solo, it may be rather uncomfortable to pack more weight than you can carry easily. Avoid carrying too many clothes and avail of laundry services instead (or do it yourself if time’s a plenty and the budget isn’t!).

Avoid vanity boxes / make up you may not even use on the trip.

Pack only the essentials – SPF, moisturizer and your favorite lipstick, maybe in the toiletry kit. Short on space? Carry an empty duffel bag or a satchel to put the goodies you bring back from your travels.

Resources: WikiHow / Tim Ferriss / Mark Verber /

5. Do a checklist

Maintain a checklist of all the documents, essentials, medications and valuables that you’ll be carrying. Work on the checklist while planning the trip itself so there is no room for missing out on any.

A good (read ‘easy to use’) Camera is one of the most important buddy for travel, yet the most easily forgotten! Add that in too…

The check list will also assist you screen the room before check out from the hotel – just to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.

Resources: Remember the Milk / Paige Parker

6. Maintain an expense tracker
... and religiously update it every time you pull out your wallet. Shopping is a must on every woman’s travel agenda… we know :) However, keep it last on the itinerary… this will help you know realistically how much money you are left with to spend.

If you are on a budget travel, do read our 10 recommendations on traveling frugal + put aside a contingency fund aside, that is not to be touched unless absolutely crucial… and never for shopping ;)

Resources: Travel Budgeter / Expense Budget / MoneyStrands / Xpenser

7. Get to know the place like you would know your neighborhood

Easy… keep maps handy! Also, do a recce of the surroundings and make note of important joints, in and around where you’ll be staying. 24 hr pharmacy, nearest hospital, closest café, grocery store, communication centre, taxi stand etc.

Resources: TravelMuse / NileGuide / Google Maps / Bing Maps

8. Explore!

The entire purpose of traveling to a never been before destination would be defeated if you stick to the obvious preferences. Explore and embrace the local culture – their cuisine, local drink. However, do look out for the ingredients and preparation before you order your meal, to negate any allergies or upset tummies.

Traveling by local transport is not only easy on the pocket but also helps you make interesting conversations with a local co-passenger perhaps!

9. When in Rome, parla italiano!

Carry a pocket bilingual dictionary on you to help converse with locals.
+ Brush up on some phrases and golden words in the lingua franca and the local language.

Resources: Exotic Gringo (related blog post)

10. Stay fit

There is nothing more important than taking good care of your body.

Eat and sleep well – your holiday should be relaxing and fun and not be an unnecessary toll on your stamina. Compliment each meal with a serving of fresh salad and juices so that your system doesn’t let you down. Make sure the water you are consuming is safe… sun protection is also a must.

Resources: Travel Fitness / FitnessFirst / Gold’s Gym

Bon voyage!
Tinaz Daruwala

footnotes

More Resources

1. CouchSurfing – Find a local host and make friends around the world!
2. GlobeTrooper / TravBuddy / KoolRed – Find and meet other co-travelers

Further Reading & Inspiration

* The Art of Solo Travel * Wanderlust and Lipstick * Wanderlass Travels
* Isabelle’s Travel Guide * Ms.Traveling Pants * Adventure Girl * GirlVentures

Finally - ready to fly away? Here's something more!

Word among vagabonds is, even as the movie release of Eat, Pray, Love is coming soon (August 13) + given the popularity of the book, the movie (starring Julia Roberts) should be a hit as well - and will likely inspire women across the globe to explore their own extended travel dreams.

Meet, Plan, Go! is an interesting endeavor, connecting global-minded women who have made successful travel breaks with women in various stages of career break contemplation. By doing so the ladies will show them that storylines like Elizabeth Gilbert’s are possible and introduce would-be-travelers to women who were once just like them.

South America: Quick tips on Brasil & Colombia

2010-08-02T03:48:00.001+05:30

Two of my good friends, Nick and JP are visiting Brasil and Colombia respectively, soon.
Here's some quick tips / advice I shared with them...

Colombia

'Pollo asado con papas fritas + jugo de naranja' in Salento, Colombia

1. Don't miss the Zona Cafetaria (Armenia, Salento) - my favorite region!
2. I loved Medellin city the most. There's something about the city!
3. Food: Try 'arepas con queso'. Don't miss 'Crepes y Waffles' restaurant - AMAZING!
4. Cali is salsa capital of the world! Take a crash course in salsa or Spanish lessons
5. Santa Marta is strictly OK, but I loved Cartagena and of course, Parque Nacional Tyrona!!
6. Armenia in the Zona Cafetaria is underrated - I could live there for a month without getting bored!
7. Cali is a bit commercialized, although I only spent 2 days here so can't judge it so well.
8. Scuba diving is supposed to be great and cheap, up north in Taganga.
9. Shop for apparel. The styles, collections and prices are too good to resist!
10. In Medellin, take the metro which doubles up into a ropeway at no additional cost - super!

Brasil

(The Street of) Avenida Paulista in Sao Paulo

1. Learn to speak Portuguese - the best advice ever!
2. Pick up a pre-paid phone card if in the country for 2 weeks+ ... just $5
3. Eat lotsa acai, Drink Guarana Antarctica and caipirinhas!
4. The metro in most major cities rocks! Use it everywhere u need to go, besides buses.
5. Throughout the country, restaurants serve food by the 'qilo' - buy it buffet style and pay by weight...
- It's great, and you'll save a lot of money + get to taste a wider range of food!
6. Buy a pair of Hawaianas :)
7. Always greet women with a single-cheek peck/kiss. How tough is that?! :D On both sides in Rio though!
8. In Sao Paulo, visit the Santander building for a free panoramic view of the city.
9. Don't go home without a heli-tour of Rio, around Christ the Redeemer. Costs ~ $100 and totally worth it
10. In Rio de Janeiro, I'd say skip Copacabana and stay in Ipanema/Leblon.

The world is your oyster!

2010-06-14T09:44:00.000+05:30

Kayak's Explore lets you search for flights originating from a terminal/airport of your choice to anywhere in the world at any time in the coming months, and shows you the best ticket rates on the map!

How's that for a rare pearl of wisdom?!
- passed on by Nick Gray

Traveling in India? Get Elektrified!

2010-04-20T16:00:00.001+05:30

For travelers and locals alike, there's now a fantastic way to say goodbye to the Monday Blues when you're in Mumbai (and fast spreading to other parts of India)!

In their own words, Bombay Elektrik Projekt is a pioneering arts & culture enterprise intent on changing the nightlife scene across the country, one city at a time.

On the 2nd Monday of the month, BEP organizes Show & Tell - a meetup of travelers to share their tales with inspiration hungry souls in wanderlust. (Other Monday nights include Krack You Up - a stand up comedy nite, Monday Night Shorts - comprising of short films by independent artists and Monday Night Slam - poetry recitals

So mark your calendars and be there next time! Here's a video featuring yours truly, for BEP...

The Bombay Elektrik Projekt, ladies and gentlemen. As seen on Facebook and Twitter.

The Ultimate 50 Things To Do in Goa

2010-04-01T21:23:00.003+05:30

ExoticGringo brings you THE ultimate, exhaustive list of things to do, to make the most of your Goa trip.

Browse at leisure here, feel free to add in your own ideas in the Comments or e-mail us….
Finally, when you haven’t had enough of this even after sharing it with all your friends on Twitter and Facebook et al…

Download a super cool PDF created just for you – complete with tips!

You can cut it, fold it and snugly fit it in your wallet :) Enjoy!

Speaking of Goa and PDFs by the way - you may also want to check out another one by HolidayIQ
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1. Catch live bands performing at local cafes and bars

2. Enjoy a Dolphin spotting boat ride at Palolem beach

3. Try some Water Sports at Baga / Colva / Palolem beach

4. Pack a picnic and spend the day at Chapora Fort

5. Master T’ai Chi or Yoga at Arambol

6. Karaoke the sunset away, at shacks on Baga beach

7. Try your luck at a Casino on board a ship / around Baga

8. Go paragliding at Anjuna or Arambol

9. Get that tattoo you’ve always wanted. Henna tattoo for the safe playing

10. Walk stray dogs as a volunteer with International Animal Rescue

Scroll down for more ...

11. Watch Olive Ridley turtles hatch at Morjim / Galgibaga beach (Dec-Feb)

12. Visit the Flea Market – Wed. at Anjuna / Sat. Nite at Arpora

13. Pose by the Shiva rock carving at Vagator beach

14. Get a relaxing massage

15. Take part in the Carnival in Feb / Shigmo + Holi in March

16. Shop for cashew nuts, feni and bebinca at Mapusa or Panaji

17. Get a bikini wax

18. Experiment! – Get your hair braided or get dread locks

19. Watch a spectacular sunset at Palolem beach

20. Get a dental or skin makeover clinics around Baga and Calangute

Scroll down for more...

Ultimate 50 Things to do in Goa by ExoticGringo.com

21. Take Scuba Diving lessons in Dona Paula / Baga

22. Go fishing!

23. Go Rock climbing and trekking around Aguada, Chapora & Arambol

24. Visit the Spice Village and try a local meal

25. Bathe in a grand waterfall at Dudh Sagar

26. Take boxing lessons at the Tiger Boxing Academy in Chapora

27. Have Sex on The Beach, Orgasm, Lick my Peach … and such cocktails at Baga

28. Rent a Kayak or Sailboat at the serene Palolem beach

29. Learn to Juggle at Mandrem beach (InJuCo happens in Feb every year)

30. Take a cruise by the Mandovi river at Panaji

31. Visit the old churches and museums at Velha Goa– the route is very scenic!

32. Contribute to Urban Graffiti around Goa

33. Go Bird Watching (the actual birds, not hot bods!) at Cotigao and Bondla sanctuary

34. Rent a motorbike or a bicycle and go beach combing

35. Participate in a Geo caching event or a Photowalk

36. Walk the picturesque coastline from Agonda to Talpona

37. Catch a movie with your meal at shacks at Anjuna/Vagator/Baga/Palolem

38. Go on the adventurous Backwater Crocodile Dundee trip

39. Sun bathe while reading a book at Arambol, Baga, Agonda and Mandrem beach

40. Go Beer, Whiskey or Wine trailing

41. Mingle with the ad fraternity at GoaFest or film folks at IFFI

42. Swim in a sweet water lake overlooking Dolphin Beach at Arambol

43. Dance to Bollywod tunes at clubs along the Baga beach stretch

44. Ogle at Dr. Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher Villa at Siquerim

45. Go star gazing atop Chapora Fort or just lying down at the beach

46. Beach hop using the sea route...

47. Wake up early for a beach stroll and pick up the fresh catch of local fishermen

48. Stay in a natural hut on the beach at Arambol/Mandrem/Palolem/Agonda

49. Try the bebinca, sorpotel, goan sausages, balchao and xacuti!

50. Relax. Do NOTHING … Welcome to Goa!

Think we missed some? We’d love to hear from you and possibly create a fresher version in the near future – so drop in your thoughts here, anytime!

Compiled by: Tinaz Daruwala and Kaushal Karkhanis
Photo Credits: Kaushal, Sudi, Tinaz

10 Great Ways to Travel Frugal

2010-03-30T14:19:00.001+05:30

Photo Credits: (via Flickr) - Melissa Vossler

Backpackers, honeymooners, group travelers – whatever travel profile you fit into, you could surely benefit from some savings while traveling, right? When we’re advocating frugality while traveling, we do NOT want you to compromise on the important and fun things – far from it! Instead, here’s some smart tips that would ensure you have your cake and eat it too…

1. Resort v/s Guesthouse or Bed & Breakfast.
Scout for convenient low cost accommodations that offer basic facilities minus the frills. If you’re comfortable living with strangers / families, you could also consider CouchSurfing

2. Set a 'not to exceed' daily budget – keep room for extra expenses, but follow it diligently. Additionally, carry only enough cash for the day especially when you'll be going clubbing. You could even leave back your cards, so you don’t overspend or risk losing it/forgetting it!

3. Expense Tracker – Keep a tab on your daily expenses to avoid going over budget.
It will also help you evaluate where you could possibly cut down your spending on

4. Walk around short distances … or ride a bicycle.
Added benefits: You could also use the exercise ;) plus you don’t harm the environment!

5. Use local commute like state bus / auto rickshaw / trains or metro for distances that cannot be covered on foot. They are equally comfortable and comparatively cheaper to taxi rides. Plus, you’ll also feel a part of the city and experience the real ‘pulse’ of things!

6. Scout for best deals before settling - that applies for travel and accommodation. Hey, you could actually land up with some stuff you never expected… like complimentary WiFi or even meals included!

7. If staying in a guest house, have at least 1 meal at home.
Stock up on eggs, cereal, milk, tea / coffee and other very basic things you'll need

8. Do your own laundry whenever possible to avoid fat dry cleaning bills. Don’t go overboard though, you don’t want to miss out on the real fun and travel you signed up for!

9. Explore coffee shops / hangouts that offer free Wi-Fi connectivity - usually, internet comes at a cost premium across cafes in most tourist hotspots. But please don’t be a cheapskate and buy something from them :)

10. Plan your travel itinerary to ensure you do not do things that unexpectedly pinch your wallet! Ad hoc activities also come with unexpected or unaccounted for expenses. Weigh activities that you absolutely must do and things that can be eliminated, on a priority scale.

Of course you should do that occasional spur-of-the-moment bungee jump or horse ride when you really want to – but there will be a lot of other times you’d be glad you had some top level plans at least!

When in Rome, parla italiano!

2010-02-19T05:49:00.001+05:30

I can't stress enough how important and rewarding it is, to be able to speak and understand the local language when you're traveling to a new destination.

You don't have to get a master's degree in a new language, but even some basic knowledge and phrases will go a long way!

For starters, you will be well received.
The locals would appreciate that you're at least making an effort to fit into their culture even as a tourist/traveler.

Plus, you'll be able to understand and enjoy the cities and people better.
You might even earn yourself a complimentary beer from a stranger - yes, that's experience speaking! :)

So go ahead and brush up your phrases.
You could pick up a phrasebook from your local bookstore of course - but let's get you a great headstart with some free MP3 material which you could download onto your iPod or any other MP3 player and practice even when you're traveling!

Hop over here, for the Rough Guides collection of free audio phrasebooks for languages around the world!

Update! Here's a bunch of new resources for you to brush up that new language...

* Free language guides by Intrepid Travel
* Mango Languages
* Benny's Fluent in 3 months blog

Music on the go!

2010-02-18T13:58:00.000+05:30

Planning your big trip and exploring a new country soon?
You will definitely be meeting a lot of new people, from a totally new place, who would be eager to meet you too - so why not exchange cultures through music?

So don't forget to pack your MP3 player, but wait!
Even better, try and get yourself one which can do FM radio also!

Either a player or a phone which supports radio. Anything, as long as it's got FM radio. It's incredible fun to be able to tune in to local radio stations on your loyal music/radio player. You never miss the latest music locally, the news if you are inclined - and of course, all the local must-know things.

Trust, me you'll be glad you packed that radio with you. It's a trusted companion, especially on long bus/train journeys. And the best part is, the music is always fresh and different!

Featured above: Sony ICF-S10MK2 Pocket AM/FM Radio, Silver ($ 9.99)

The World in your Pocket

2010-02-16T07:39:00.001+05:30

While researching on The Winterfox Project* to bring you something similar, just stumbled upon these excellent, free PDF pocket guides for cities in Europe and Russia!

InYourPocket publishes local, updated PDF guides with great content, photos, maps and even Metro maps, language tips and such great detail, all for free. So you could read it all on your Kindle/iPad and keep your heavy guides at home! Even if you choose to print them, they fit easily in your pocket - go get them now!

http://www.inyourpocket.com on Twitter: @inyourpocket

* The Winterfox Project aims to bring you great content electronically, which can be easily printed into pocket sized foldables for ease of carrying and saving paper. A part of it, when coupled with ExoticGringo, would be similar to InYourPocket, for cities in India.

Finding your exotic destination

2009-09-16T00:14:00.000+05:30

Thanks to the internet and some basic knowledge (through sources like Discovery Travel & Living or through friends) - you could surely gauge what piques your interest when it comes to discovering and visiting exotic places on our planet.

How do I research? I have a friend who's getting married next year in Mexico. Speaking to another friend from the region, she mentioned that Tulum is one of the most gorgeous places in the Mexican Caribbean.

First off, I check on Google Images + Flickr.

Next stops - sites like Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forums, IgoUgo, TripAdvisor and eventually travelers' blogs. Don't plan everything down to the details - it'll kill the fun. But you surely want to know what you DONT want to miss. Happy exploring!

Hello World!

2009-09-10T22:38:00.000+05:30

Travel means many things to many people. For some, its about a vacation – a break from the mundane, routine life. For others, its about discovering the world. For yet others, its about discovering themselves.

Exotic Gringo perhaps fits in all categories, covering exotic locales, offbeat destinations and taking the road less traveled.

Enjoy your stay here, and hope Exotic Gringo grows on you and grows up with you!

Cheers,
Kaushal Karkhanis a.k.a. Exotic Gringo