The Three Best places to buy souvenirs in New Delhi

Whenever I travel, I like to bring back something that will remind me of the place. You have to balance getting something that is not only representative of the place, not too cliche, something that is actually made in the place, and is a reasonable price. So, I wanted to share three places in India that are great places to shop for souvenirs complete with some tips and tricks. 

Travel Tip: Travel Locally

Traveling allows us to escape the mundane and offers us a chance to follow our curiosities down unknown roads to hopefully arrive at places of awe. It is for that reason that traveling evokes images of far and exotic locales that challenge our paradigms in landscapes, or cultures.

Travel Tip: Stay Hydrated

I drink a lot of water. I don't even leave the house without my water bottle (and a snack! I am a real life Mary Poppins. I also carry a book and a notebook) and I can't work without a tall glass of ice cold water. Of course, in the excitement of traveling, it can get a little harder to keep track of your water intake/hydration status. Being a little thirsty when you are out and about exploring isn't usually more than an annoyance that can be quickly taken care of, but there are a few instances when you should definitely focus on your water consumption. 

Travel Tip: Know Thyself

Remember that travel tip post in which I lauded the benefits of having a big breakfast during a trip. Yes, this one. I would now like to amend that. Know yourself and your weaknesses and limitations and plan accordingly. For me, that means eat a lot, get some caffeine, and realize that you come from a flat place at sea level. 

Travel Tip: Eat a Big Breakfast

Life throws you curve balls and sometimes that happens when you are traveling.

Travel Tip: Use Tangible Maps

Do you remember those old map atlases? The ones that pages upon pages of maps of every state that you would place on the hood of your car as you tried to figure out your route? Despite the ease that GPS provides (except when it tells you to drive into the ocean) and apps like Waze (which is a lifesaver) I still like to use maps.

Travel Tip: Invest in Good Shoes

About a week ago, I published a different kind of post titled "Travel Tip: Trust the locals". I wrote it on a whim because I had procrastinated and didn't have anything to post. But since then, I have decided that I liked the post and I liked sharing my travel stories, and for that reason I have decided to continue to write similar posts as a new series on the blog.

Travel: Clearwater Beach Photo Diary

I had a fantastic time at one of the smaller beaches near Clearwater Beach a few weeks ago. Though the water was freezing, the day was sunny with slightly cool winds. Thought I would share this beautiful day with a few pictures!

Travel Tips: Trust the locals

This is my hundredth post on the blog. How incredibly crazy is that? I wrote and published 100 posts and so to celebrate I decided to post some slightly different today!

Travel: Tarpon Springs Photo Diary

On an uncharacteristically cold day for Florida, my best friend and I decided to drive over to Tarpon Springs. Tarpon Springs is located on the west coast of Florida and was once known as the "Sponge Capital of the World" in the first half of the 1900s.

Travel Photo Diary: City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Inside the City Palace

City Palace might have been my favorite site that I visited in Jaipur. Built from 1729 to 1732 by Sawai Jai Singh II it's a fusion of Indian, Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture. It is also still the residence of the royal family so it well maintained and also showcases artifacts from their rule with clothing, the Sabka Niwas ( a room filled with portraits of the Maharajas in one of the royal rooms), and an armory. That is probably why I enjoyed it more there - the history of Jaipur was more tangible. Unfortunately, many of these smaller attractions didn't allow for photography. Thankfully, the surrounding walls and rooms of City Palace made up for it.

Travel | Nahargarh and Jaigarh Forts, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Nahargarh Fort

And I am back with another post about Jaipur featuring the two other forts of Jaipur's defense line Nahargarh and Jaigarh Forts complete with a ghost story and lost treasure!

Travel: Amer/Amber Fort and Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Amer Fort

I kept calling it Amber Fort only to be continuously corrected by the locals.

"You mean Amer Fort?" they would ask. "That's the highlight. You should spend the most time there."

Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort, - it's an impressive site to behold as you approach Jaipur from Amer as it sprawls across the Cheel Ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) on the Aravalli Hills overlooking Moata Lake. Built by Man Singh I in the 16th century, it was expanded on by his son, Jai Singh I and continued to be renovated until the capital moved to Jaipur in 1727.

Travel: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India | Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, and the Pink City

Jal Mahal

Jaipur is one of those cities that everyone always recommends to see when in India. Granted, everyone gives you an odd look when you announce that you are going to go in the middle of summer. Jaipur is located on the border of the Thar desert and even though it is somewhat protected on three sides by the Aravalli hills it is still scorching hot seeing temperatures of about 110^oF in the summer.

Travel | Humayun's Tomb, New Delhi, India

            Most sane people look for ways to avoid the summer heat of New Delhi much less go sight-seeing. I was not one of them. Traveling and exploring historical sites are my favorite things to do, and heat or no heat, I was going to see at least one thing. Thinking that a cloudy day means it will be less hot, armed with only one water bottle, and based on the recommendations from New Delhites, I decided to visit Humayun's Tomb.