I know the itch.
But the reasons you should travel this weekend are the exact reasons you should not. Especially if you didn't make this plan a year in advance.
Here's more reasons.
1) The commute options are sold out: Everyone and their cousin has known about this long weekend for months now. (or forever?) 26th is one holiday that's planned for ages. Not surprisingly a country of a billion plus people will find their way into the trains, buses and everything in between to travel. So unless you're prepared to travel like this, avoid.
2) Everything's going to be astronomically expensive: The buses on Redbus etc. are already 3 times more expensive, if any seats are available at all. The hotels have already hiked their prices and possibly everyone's gonna have a field day at your expense. Better let this weekend go, take an unpaid leave and travel on a normal weekend. The difference between normal weekend pricing and ones of this long weekend will be worth it.
3) People, people everywhere!
So, unless your idea of traveling isn't to get away from the mad city rush and have a quiet moment by yourself or with your loved ones, you'd do well to avoid traveling this weekend.
The beaches will resemble the banks at Kumbh Mela, the "fresh" mountain air will probably be polluted from all the congestion. Not to mention the trash all around. Perfect to bum out the most hardcore travelers.
4) Enjoy a drive the city like no other day
Since people are going to be traveling anyway, ignoring my advice, a sizeable population is gonna be away from the city, giving it a rare deserted feel.
When else will Bangalore ever look like this?
5) Watch the republic day parade
Remember sweet childhood when you woke up early and eagerly awaited Prime Minister's address followed by that awesome colourful regional parade?
Yup, relive that moment.
6) Obama is here- Just like everyone else, even Obama decided to travel this long weekend! But guess where he's gonna be? Yup, our own des.
So, if the president of the US of A can cross the 7 seas to come to India on Republic Day, why can't you just..stay?
7) No Monday blues
While it'd be awesome to be sitting at a beach, or chilling on some hills on a Monday, what's even more awesome (ok almost) is sleeping in on a Monday, swiping right on the alarm like a boss and having the best monday ever at home, in your sweet sweet bed!
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Whatever you decide to do this weekend, have a good one. And if you decide to travel last minute, check out some of my favourite long weekend trips in India here.