Packing Tips for Dummies

I love travelling. I love everything about travelling. From the minute I book my tickets, my excitment literally have no boundaries. I've always wanted to be a traveller, to wander around the world with  my backpack and absolutely no plans. However, if there's one thing that I dread the most is the packing bit. I have always avoided packing. My mom or my sister are my packers. I would always be confused about what to pack and what not to pack, what to keep and what to leave behind and in the end, I always feel whether I've packed too much or too less, theres nothing in between.

After careful consideration, international trips and countless within country trip, I'v managed to get a hold of how to sensibly pack for travels.

The four most important things to know when you are packing are;

• Know Yourself:
  When packing, it is very important that you keep in mind the practicality of the trip. Remember: You’re still you, and you know yourself best.
  
  
• Know the Weather:
  Always check the weather predictions of your destination. Trust me you don't want to end up without an umbrella in blistering rain the minute you step out of the airport. Check weather forecast or get in touch with friends or acquaintances to get a better idea.
  
  
• What to Bring:
  When you’re laying out your life, preparing to pack it all up, separate into two categories: necessary and luxury. By categorizing your belongings, priorities become obvious. Medication and necessary toiletries take top priority. Although most of these items can be found wherever you’re headed, medications and similar products are often different.
  
  
• What to Carry:
  The most strenuous aspect of travelling is luggage. You’re responsible for whatever you bring. Anything with wheels is helpful, but keep in mind the weight of rolling luggage and the lack of escalators and elevators in other countries. A backpack is the best way to go, leaving your hands available for another bag, your tickets and the inevitable city map.
  

Over the years, I've learned that its very important that you know these packing hacks if you're a frequent traveller. Packing is THE major part of your travel diary, I, for one, have learned this the hard way. I've been a terrible packer all my life.

There are a few packing tips that EVERY traveller SHOULD know;

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• Many travel experts—including backpackers, who must stuff months' worth of clothing into a pack the size of a box of wine—agree that rolling is superior to folding. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones. Plus, they're less prone to getting deep wrinkles from fold creases.
  
  
  
  
  
• If you travel regularly, keep the basics in your backpack. Saves a lot of time! Do not forget earplugs, a light scarf, medicines, sleeping mask and little scissors. For Girls: Lip balm, ear plugs, notepad, & panty liners for long flights (helps prevent yeast infections) and doubles the life of your underwear.
  
  
• Always carry a huge garbage bag (clean, of course!) in your backpack’s top pocket. You never know when you need to protect your backpack from downpour or wandering hands in your hostel.
  
  
• Use a rubber band to bundle each cord into a tidy, transportable package. (No rubber bands? Twist-ties work great, too.)
  
  
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• If you love your jeans, just pack them. No matter what else someone tells you—they take too long to dry, they smell bad wet, they are heavy—yes, they are all of those things … and they are also something you likely wear every day now, and you will on the road too.
  
  
• Bring a black or brown dress and tops with you. I call it the ‘safe’ colors. You can wear them anyway, anytime without the worrying too much on how you look like. Bringing one stiletto or high-heeled shoes also helps especially if you need to attend a formal event. In terms of packing, bring cotton tops and if you’re going to a tropical country, avoid bringing bulky clothes.
  
  
• No matter the climate I’m going to, I always travel with at least one scarf. It takes up virtually no room, and yet can have so many uses. A scarf can dress up a boring travel outfit, can give you a bit of warmth in chilly locales, can help you cover up in more conservative destinations, and can even serve as a pillow or sarong in a pinch.
  
  
• Leave space in your backpack or suitcase. Use the extra room for souvenirs and purchases you make during travel.
  
  
• Here's one for the ladies. To prevent your pressed powder or eyeshadow from cracking during your travels, place a flat cotton wool pad in between the pressed powder and the lid.
  
  
  
  
  
• Mark your suitcases with your email address as well as your actual addresses.
  
  
• Order the pick-up car before you leave if you are travelling to an alien destination. There's nothing better than not having to wait for a car after a long flight.
  
  
• Never forget to packup your camera, its accessories and a MAP!!
  
  
  
  

WHEN YOU RETURN

Don’t bore people

Yes you have been on the trip of lifetime and you have many amazing stories of romance, adventure and excitement… but for those back home, seeing the perhaps overly frequent Facebook updates and Instagrammed sunsets were enough. When people ask about your trip stick to ‘it was amazing, thanks’ plus one quick anecdote - if they want to know more they’ll ask. 

Document your memories
You’ll have collected hundreds of scraps of paper, napkins, beer caps, photographs, tickets and memories over your trip. Rather than leave them lying at the bottom of your rucksack why not use them to make a scrapbook? Or if your memories are stored in a more digital format, why not compile them into a video of photos, stop motion images and videos with that song that made the trip as the sound track? And always bring back a memento, whether it be a small thing like a fan from your trip around Andalucía, or a kimono from your stay in Tokyo, or anything as small as a keychain from NYC.

Rest assured, by the end of your trip you will not only be a savvy world traveller, but you will have the rare talent of a skilled packer. And, in the case that you fail to heed my warning, you will, at the very least, return home with impressive upper-arm strength. 

Enjoy your travels!

Wishlist: Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague has always been my most favourite place to visit and definitely on my top priority. I dream of strolling around the streets of Prague in winters, exploring each part of this beautiful wonderland. I have almost seen and visited the city visually by researching so much about it already. 

Prague is said to be one of the most romantic place in Europe. There's so much to do and see in this beautiful city of ancient buildings. The historical places, parks, museums, art galleries along with their interiors are to die for.

The city looks exceptionally beautiful at night. 

I have tried to jot down a few places I'd love to explore when I visit Prague;

1. Prague Castle:

Prague Castle is a castle complex in Prague, Czech Republic, dating from the 9th century and the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. It looks gorgeous at night. 

2. Charles Bridge:
The Charles Bridge is a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statue and staturies, most of them baroque-style, originally erected around 1700 but now all replaced by replicas. 

3. Petřín Lookout Tower:
The Petřín Lookout Tower is a 63.5-metre-tall steel-framework tower in Prague, which strongly resembles the Eiffel Tower.
Your wish of being proposed, kissed can be fulfilled in Prague, too. Just sayin'. 

4. Old Town Square:
Step into the Old Town Square in Prague and journey back in time, 600 or 700 years. As you stand in awe, the dramatic history of Prague permeates the air.

5. St. Vitus Cathedral:
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert is a Roman Catholic metropolitan cathedral in Prague, the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. Cathedral dimensions are 124 × 60 meters, the main tower is 96.5 meters high, front towers 82 m, arch height 33.2 m. 

6. Prague National Theatre:
The National Theatre in Prague is known as the alma mater of Czech opera, and as the national monument of Czech history and art. Today the National Theatre consists of three artistic ensembles–opera, ballet and drama–which alternate in their performances in the historic building of the National Theatre. 

7. National Museum, Prague:
The National museum is a Czech museum institution intended to systematically establish, prepare and publicly exhibit natural scientific and historical collections. It was founded 1818 in Prague by Kašpar Maria Šternberg.

8. Prague National Gallery:
The National Gallery in Prague is a state-owned art gallery in Prague, which manages the largest collection of art in the Czech Republic. 

9. Prague Zoo:
Prague Zoo is a Zoo in Prague, Czech Republic. It was opened in 1931 with the goal to "advance the study of zoology, protect wildlife, and educate the public" in the district of Troja in the northern Prague. In 2012, the Zoo occupied 58 hectares (143 acres) and housed about 4,800 animals that represented more than 690 species, including 133 species listed as critically endangered.

10. Kampa Island:
Kampa is an island in the Vltava river in central Prague on the side of Malá Strana. Charles Bridge crosses its northern tip and is connected to the island by the street Ulice na Kampě. 

With its ancient buildings and magnificent churches, this is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe.

See you soon, Prague. 

With love,

H. 

Highlife Dubai

Dubai is said to be the mini Europe of Gulf. They said life is a roller coaster in the city of Dubai and I can't agree more. Having the world's tallest building and architecture to die for, Dubai took my heart when I last visited. From Jumeirah Beach to being on top of Burj Khalifa, the city left me craving for more. Its safe to say that I left a piece of my heart there. Dubai has an incomparable magnetic appeal. Tourists and vacationers are fascinated by the high life this city has to offer.

I was astonished and awestruck when I landed at Terminal III at Dubai Airport. It was almost like I was a kid running around wonderland or Disney World. 

Almost died here

I have heard people say if you know the right people in Dubai, your visit is no less than a party. In my opinion, even if you're alone, you can have a ball just exploring the city. There is so much to see and do in Dubai. Malls, alone take up most of the time at the trip.The best part, for me, was how it was extremely convenient to commute. The metro trains were accessible from almost everywhere to almost everywhere. 

Th city, itself, is all man-made. But, the fact that its all human-made, you cant stop looking, rather staring, at those tall beautiful buildings constructed so amazingly and so perfectly, it leaves you dumbfounded. 

When in Dubai, it's a must to be at The Dubai Mall and see The Dancing Fountain.

wish I could upload the video. but anyway

The next big thing on  my to-do and to-see list of Dubai was the Desert Safari. Desert Safari tour departs in the afternoon across the desert of Dubai with several photo-stops during an exciting dune drive to the first destination a camel farm. The drive continues across the desert. The drive is then stopped to watch the beautiful sunset before reaching the campsite where you are given opportunity to do a camel ride, sand boarding. After working up an appetite, a delicious barbecue dinner and sheesha (the famous Arabic water pipe) is served at inside the camp. Before returning, there's a belly dancer performing her show around the campfire by starlight. 

Beautiful sunset at Desert Safari, Dubai

Another high when you're in Dubai is to visit the Top of Burj Khalifa. You can only imagine the view you get to see when you're at the 124th floor of the tallest building the world. As the elevator doors open, you walk upto the floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide breathtaking views of the city. It's as if the city was built to be seen from that vantage point. I was nausea-tic at first, but that's just me, to be there and to overlook the entire Dubai from up there is something that can't be described in words and neither of the pictures can do justice to it.  

Dubai has a piece of my heart and I can go on writing pages about it. As much as I hated it, I had to come home and leave the city behind. Having said that, I cannot wait to visit again and explore more of Dubai.

I really do.

Until next time, Dubai.

Multan bound..

Multan, commonly known as the city of Sufis and Saints, located near Lahore in the district of Punjab. I didn't know how beautiful and developed the city was until I got a chance to visit the city very recently. 

Emirates Pakistan gave me a chance to host the official media launch event of flight service to Multan on the 2nd of August 2015. Emirates, such a big brand all over the world, appointed me as their official emcee for the event. 

I landed in Multan, and to my surprise, the airport was beautiful. It was clean, not too big but very beautifully constructed. The architecture was beautiful, it was peaceful because of less traffic. I was also greeted by a thunderstorm and beautiful cool breeze.

The launch event was at Ramada Hotel, Multan. It was a decent place to stay the night, the food was really really good. 

Emirates Airline and Pakistan are set to celebrate their 30 years of association in October 2015. Emirates now operate from 6 major cities of Pakistan; Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Sialkot and now Multan, with 80 weekly flights all together. 

The launch event was a success. Props to the agency and the man behind the Emirates account for carrying out such a well strategised and planned event. Everything was in place till it all ended on a very positive note. 

I opened the event by introducing the chief guests: 

Event started with a speech by VP Emirates Pakistan followed by Q&A session. The ceremony ended with a cake cutting. The cake!! GOD. it was a beautiful beautiful cake that came all the way from Dubai. One thing I love about Emirates is their detailing, in everything. Here's how the cake looked: 

Later, lunch was served to all the members of the media and they were given really cool giveaways by Emirates. The lunch menu was vast with mostly desi food with a breathtaking dessert bar. 

I feel honoured and accomplished having given this opportunity to work with Emirates and successfully carrying out my responsibilities as an official emcee for the inaugural event of Emirates sixth destination in Pakistan - Multan. I feel content and satisfied in myself. 

Thank you, Emirates for such a great experience. 

Summer of '13

My life has been a series of unfortunate events, but sometimes, life is less miserable and more adventurous.

Two years ago I was given a chance to travel to one of the most beautiful tropical islands, Mauritius via Dubai, knowing that I would have to drop one semester, I still chose to go, because lets be honest, I would not be telling my children about my MBA classes but my travel stories. My mother says, "You are born to travel." and I cant agree more.

Mauritius has been the most amazing experience of my life.Those 45 days, living with people from all over the globe has contributed so much in making me the person I am today. This wouldn't have been possible if I didn't have the coolest dad who gave me my passport and said, "GO LIVE YOUR LIFE."

Boarded the flight of my life

This beauty took me to MRU. I took this picture at the Dubai Airport while waiting in the lounge.

















The amount of love I have for beaches is indescribable. The beaches in Mauritius were the most beautiful my eyes ever saw. I could've spent my whole life laying on that lush white sand staring at the clear blue water. My life was perfect.

I had never seen beaches so clear and sand so white.

Mauritius is a small island located near Africa, where people are so wonderful and with hearts so huge that you instantly fall in love with the country.

Mauritius is known as THE honeymoon destination and Bollywood has quite literally made this place a dream for everyone living in Asia.

I basically loved representing my country, Pakistan, for local school and college projects. Th pride and patriotism I felt reading out the National Anthem in a ground full of locals and foreigners left me in tears, It is said that when you leave your country, only then you know how much you love it.

VIP Way, Flaq

I am a social animal by nature and by choice. I love meeting new people and listening to their stories. My family wasn't surprised when I told them I made 13 new friends out of which 6 were Indians, 2 were Germans, 3 were Chinese and a few from Brazil. I am proud to say, they were few of the finest people I have ever met.

My super awesome Indian friends 

I miss Mauritius. I miss the times.

Heres to the Summer of '13, unforgettable memories, lifelong friends and good times.


- Heeri