Accept and Move On!

Published in the Sunday Vijay Karnataka on 02 March, 2025

In such situations, patience and a positive attitude are essential. Whether you travel with us or with another group, we always strive to find solutions for unexpected challenges...

Cricketers, stars, Instagrammers, YouTubers, podcasters, influencers, everyone is currently promoting one thing: tourism. Someone has travelled somewhere, and social media is overflowing with stunning photos and videos from their journey. The entire atmosphere is echoing with the enthusiasm of tourism. In life, we always need something to ‘look forward to,’ and in recent times, travelling has taken the top spot on that list. That’s why we say we are in the business of happiness! Leaving aside the commercial aspect, after spending forty years in the travel industry, I strongly believe that at some point, everyone must experience travel. Step beyond the threshold of your home, explore beyond your town, see what lies outside your state, cross the borders of your country, and even dream of travelling overseas. We all know the old saying: ‘Travelling broadens the mind.’ This wisdom was shared long before tourism even began!

Much of my mindset and whatever little success I have achieved in life can be credited to travel, to exploring India and the world. That’s why I believe travel should be an essential part of everyone’s life. I won’t say, ‘Travel with us,’, go with anyone! Travel individually, go solo, but step out of your routine. Connect with nature, be awestruck by man-made wonders, lose yourself in history, witness the marvels of geography, and immerse yourself in the arts, culture, and traditions of different states and countries. Build confidence, broaden your perspective, and create a live album of joyful memories.

Many of you will be setting out on tours this summer. Even now, thousands of our guests
are travelling across the country and abroad on Veena World’s ‘Paisa Vasool Tours’ and are making the most of less crowds, lower prices, and cool weather. If you are also about to embark on a journey, here’s something to keep in mind:

The most important thing is to keep your energy levels high. And for that, you need physical and mental well-being. Whatever fitness you have already achieved, there’s little you can change instantly, unless you take some quick-energy tablets after consulting your physician (which I personally don’t recommend, but just in case). In my opinion, the best tonic for staying physically fit while traveling is absolutely free and has no side effects; it is keeping your mind happy. A cheerful mind keeps the body healthy, and a healthy body doubles the joy of travel. After all, we should get the full value of the money we have spent on our   holiday!

Next, if you are travelling, why not do it in style? Love yourself. Look good. You don’t need to spend a fortune, just create smart combinations with the clothes you already have. If you haven’t shopped yet, invest in a good mid-sized four-wheeler suitcase or a small roller suitcase that fits in the cabin, along with a cross-shoulder purse or a compact haversack. I have travelled half the world carrying only a cabin bag, a tote bag on top, and a cross-shoulder purse, without ever compromising my smart traveller look!

Once you get into the habit of travelling, you won’t be able to sit still at home. That’s why, along with a good luggage set, also keep essential travel accessories, a comfortable pair of sports shoes, stylish sunglasses, and a foldable smart hat (for those Bollywood-star-worthy travel photos!). If you have a long flight, wear loose clothing. Co-ord sets are quite popular now and work well for flights. Always wear socks and carry a jacket or a good sweater; airplane cabins can get quite cold. Ditch outfits like sarees or Punjabi suits for travel, move freely without worrying about managing your dupatta or pallu. Your hands should be free to hold the camera, and your eyes should be soaking in the surroundings!

A good smartphone and an international roaming SIM card are must-haves. And don’t forget a cross-body sling to secure your phone, so you don’t lose it in excitement. Always carry a small water bottle in your cross-shoulder bag. If travelling abroad, safeguarding your passport is critical. Many prefer keeping it in a passport pouch under their clothes, but if you don’t want to ruin your outfit’s look, keep it in the innermost pocket of your cross-body bag or haversack. And never take your bag off; it takes just a second of distraction for it to be snatched, anywhere in the world!

There is now plenty of awareness about packing. Clothes should be compact, easy to fold, take up minimal space, and be mix-and-match to maintain a fresh, smart look. Travellers now prepare two sets, one for cooler destinations and one for warm tropical places. And carry the appropriate set based on the weather forecast. The key is to be stress-free while packing so that there’s no tension before setting off on a tour.

Once your actual journey begins, remember this: clicking pictures and capturing memories is important, but first, absorb the beauty with your own eyes. After a couple of shots, put the phone away. Let your eyes witness the splendour, let your senses take in the atmosphere. Feel the destination with your ears, nose, and touch. That’s the real essence of travel! After all, you have spent your time and money to be there; make the most of it!

‘To Eat or Not, To Go or Not, To Buy or Not’ – This is a theory I developed, and it proves immensely useful in travel. Keeping your body light during a trip is crucial, so whenever you wonder, ‘Should I eat or not?’, it’s best to stop eating.

When the bus stops for a restroom break, many travellers ponder deeply, ‘Should I go or not?’ – much like Shakespeare's ‘To be or not to be?’ Instead of overthinking, it’s better to just go. Otherwise, what often happens is that you decide against it, but once everyone returns, you regret it and rush at the last moment, delaying the whole group.

The third dilemma is about shopping— ‘Should I buy it or not?’ If something catches your eye and its price and quality seem reasonable, just buy it. There’s no guarantee you will find it later, and you don’t want to carry the regret of missing out on it during your tour. I have written about my experiences with this before, but since the topic has come up again, here’s a brief recap.

When we travel, we represent our country. Our behaviour as tourists shapes the perception of India in foreign lands. That’s why following local rules and international norms is our responsibility.

For instance, early in my travels, I once stood up mid-flight to retrieve something from the overhead bin while the ‘Seatbelts On’ sign was still illuminated. The flight supervisor scolded me so loudly that I felt utterly humiliated in front of everyone. I never made that mistake again.

Another time, while watching a performance by young children on Ketchikan Island in Alaska, I was taking photos. After the show, I shook hands with an exceptionally talented young performer to congratulate her. Her mother lashed out at me, yelling, “Don't touch my child!” I was shaken. From that moment on, I made a vow never to extend a handshake or display physical affection in foreign countries as we do in India.

In another incident, in Orlando’s Disney Park, a minor argument broke out between a couple in our group while waiting in line. The police immediately took them away for ‘disrupting social decorum.’ Similarly, in New Zealand, when a husband and wife had a heated argument, the authorities put them in separate jails for eight days, considering them a danger to each other. The entire tour was ruined, and it caused distress to all of us.

Our habit of speaking loudly or arguing in public can land us in trouble. Nowadays, airports even display warnings stating that legal action will be taken for disruptive behaviour.

Once, I received a message from a hotel about two rooms left in an extremely dirty state by members of an Indian tour group. The hotel was now reconsidering whether to accommodate Indian groups in the future. A few people’s careless behaviour can tarnish the reputation of an entire nation. Such incidents are rare, but if each of us ensures that we leave our rooms clean, we can help uphold India’s reputation.

I am not here to preach, but I do believe in creating awareness among travellers based on my experiences.

The world today is highly unpredictable. Flight cancellations, delays, missed connections, VIP movements or unforeseen circumstances affecting sightseeing plans, overcrowding at tourist sites, extreme weather disrupting itineraries, getting stranded at airports, lost baggage, sudden changes in travel regulations, these are all factors beyond our control.

In such situations, patience and a positive attitude are essential. Whether you travel with us or with another group, we always strive to find solutions for unexpected challenges. However, whether we are on a group tour or travelling individually, we should all embrace the attitude that our scriptures teach us, ‘Accept and Move On.’

No matter how big the problem, there is always a way out. This is what my 40 years of experience have taught me.

So… Happy Journey! Don’t Worry, Be Happy! Hakuna Matata!