However messy or claustrophobic or mismanaged the Indian Railways might be, one can’t ignore the fact that it is indeed the most cost-effective and probably the fastest mode of transport within cities (excluding the ride to work on your hayabusa).

What’s also commendable is that you have a host of options according to your priority list. So if you have all the time in the world, take whatever train turns up at the station, when you do.

If you have all the time in the world and want to sit and travel, either first or second class, down-up is a good option you could take. It could take you 15 -20 minutes more to travel but at least you can sleep, read or listen to music, while you comfortably travel, seated at the window.

And if just can’t afford to reach late, hop into one of the fast trains and you might just land up saving you sal and your job, this one time.

Here’s a DIY for getting into a fast train:

a) Tie up your hair if it’s loose, so that they don’t get pulled apart during the mad rush.

b) Organise your valuables and keep them close to your body so that they do not get entangled while you try to board the train.

c) Try and align yourself to the right of the compartment (90% of the time) as the left is usually completely blocked by people who want to alight at the next station.

d) Do not jump into the train, till all those who want to get down have managed to, as you would neither be able to get in or get out but will land up badly bruised in no man’s land.

e) Try and get in with the flow and the pressure of the crowds trying to make their way in.

f) Once in, quickly work out which side of the train your platform will feature and go and occupy a place as close to that door as possible.

g) No point hunting for a place to sit, as you won’t find one; unless you want to get down at the last station.

h) If you’ve managed to get in, half your battle is won. Now make sure you are alert enough to know when to get down as fast trains do not stop at every station.

i) Stick to the crowds and do not forget to ask if the women ahead of you actually wants to get down @ the same station that you do. If not, you need to do some juggling and gymnastics to get ahead of her.

e) Finally jump out, but do not be the cause of a stampede. Surviving a fast train, needs a faster attitude.

Happy travelling!

Do you come back from your trip feeling like you need a detox, thanks to all that spicy, fried food? Do you feel like you may have overeaten, not to mention gained a few kilos, and feel sluggish?

Here are tips to eat healthy on your holiday so that you come back feeling recharged.
Have a good breakfast

Eat a heavy, yet healthy, meal so that you do not give in to your cravings through the day. Also a heavy breakfast ups your metabolism. A meal that consists of carbs and proteins will keep you charged for a day of hectic activity.
Pack your snacks

It is great idea to pack snacks, especially if you’re going on a road trip. After all, you may not always find a place to eat on the highway, or the highway restaurants you pass may not be clean enough or serve healthy enough food.

So pack healthy snacks like nuts, khakras, crackers and so on. You can also pack some fruits, carrots, cereal bars and brown bread sandwiches.

“If you are camping, ensure you snack on plenty of dry fruits and nuts; nuts provide energy and dry fruits give natural sugar,” says Mumbai-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad.
Eating out

While on the go, it can be really tough to count your calories. So, eat smart. While staying in a hotel, do not go for room service, the restaurant menu may have lot more to offer and you can choose what suits you the best. For example, go for roasted or skewered dishes instead of curried ones, as they contain less fat.

“Opt for salads without dressings, tandoori rotis, clear soups and rasams and steamed rice,” Setalvad advices. “For breakfast, go for fruits, whole grain toast, idlis and roasted paratha,” she adds.

When you feel like eating something between meals, opt for salads and soups. This way you can indulge in the local cuisine for lunch/dinner and make the most of it!

On a business trip, or otherwise, east wisely. Do not overeat – do not load your plate simply because it is free. You may end up with a queasy stomach later.
Water, water!

Don’t forget your water bottle “Water is the best drink you can have on a trip. It is very important to keep yourself hydrated,” says Setalvad. It will also help in cleansing your system. Alternatively you can make halts for fresh juices.

Health tip: “In case of motion sickness, simply chew on a piece of ginger,” she says. Do you have any more health tips for travellers? Leave a comment and let us know.