Exotic Gringo

5 years ago, I happened to visit a stunningly beautiful country that had me spellbound in no time.

Today, I'm overjoyed to announce that...
this country has picked me as one among a select few to experience it's wonders on a fully paid trip!!

Part of the global brand campaign, this was a Twitter contest which invited users to share and
discover why 'The Answer is Colombia' using the hashtag #TheAnswerIsColombia.

Each winner was asked to choose one 'unique' experience from a list on their website.

Having already visited Colombia and missed one mysterious, ancient place - i decided to visit San Agustin.

So, rest assured i'll be covering the best of this place, and the rest of Colombia once again
- this time with lots more videos and regular blog posts, live, raw and real time.

Hello again, South America - See you in February of 2014 - Hasta pronto, Juan Valdez!

Starting a new series for the blog - properties and experiences I loved personally.

Kicking this off is Teso Waterfront, a stunningly set riverside lounge + restaurant + resort destination on the Chapora-Siolim road in North Goa.

The owners have made every effort to make this a memorable experience.

From wooden flooring to Greek-style open frame seating areas flanked by gorgeous white sheets, this is an ideal location for a party, a date or even a bespoke wedding.

Check them out at TesoGoa.com

For anyone who's ever been to India, the desi bobble or nod is an amusing, lifelong memory.

Nirvana Films captures this aspect of the traveler's experience brilliantly in the new Incredible India 2013 ad.

Big crush on the lead actor by the way!

... and here's my friend Noah Kagan doing a dorky head bobble...

At the recently held Travel & Tourism Fair 2012 (TTF) in Mumbai, perhaps the best stall in terms of value for travelers was the Youth Hostel Association of India one.

I was pleasantly surprised that they had created a nice Guide and brochure to promote hostel culture in India (and around the world).

What is YHAI?

Quite simply, it's an organization which brings travelers together and offers a variety of hostels to stay in, anywhere in the world.

They have some fantastic treks and trips in the country, and the membership is affiliated to Hosteling International, which has hostels worldwide.

Annual membership is merely Rs.100 while the life membership is Rs.1,550.

I booked my very first hostel in Sao Paulo, the Praca Da Arvore Hostal on Trav.com and availed the YHAI / HI membership on visit. In the first 3 days of stay itself, the full value of my life membership was redeemed - that's how amazing YHAI can be for you as a traveler.

So head over today, and get yourself a YHAI / HI membership!