Travelling WOman Problems

During my IT education, we had to study algorithms for a Travelling Salesman Problem who has to find the shortest path for connecting various places to visit. Girls bit by travelbug often face a similar problem: to find the most fittest means to travel. Trying to introduce my kin to the shortened version of algorithm along with some rules to be strictly followed here.

1. Draw up an agenda.

Whilst you get the idea of where to visit, make sure your plan of what to do there is fixed. For example, you can decide the places to be visited, number of hours spent, better time adjustments to catch the sunset at the right spot, etc. Such planning also leads to a lot of money saving since you can arrange your trek/road according to the preference list. Impromptu plans won't allow this convenience, although, they will add the element of surprise.

2. Pack light.

Being able to walk straight lets you continue having fun. Your packing should include only the necessary materials. Do not listen to moms, I repeat, DO NOT LISTEN TO MOTHERS whilst packing. They will add every piece of clothing as your back-up, leading to a bigger bag than your size. Carry light clothes, quick to dry and which can be folded or rolled to occupy less space.
Make 1 pouch for all time use with stuff like toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, mosquito repellent, shampoo/conditioner pouches, oil pouches, sunscreen tubes, needle-thread and such stuff, selected with right evaluation of need.

3. Eat well, sleep well.

A lot of times during night outs and long journey during night you will find yourself skipping meals or adjusting them at suitable time. This will affect your morning schedule for freshening up too. Light and healthy food serves the best for a long trip's beginning.
Restless sleep is a given when you travel at night, but still try and find some peaceful hours where your body can relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. When at the destinations, manage schedule for minimum 6 to 7 hours of continued sleep. It is said that if you need an alarm, it means your sleep isn't complete.
An overburdened stomach or sleep deprived mind must stay out of your packing list.

4. Water is your oxygen.

On high altitudes, obtaining oxygen through air becomes difficult for some, it is called as 'High Altitude Sickness'. In such times water becomes doubly useful. First, it keeps you from dehydration, another problem suffered by many. And second, it becomes your source of oxygen. The key points are:
a. When to drink?
Drink a full glass at night before going to sleep. Drink more in the early morning. Continue sipping water throughout the day with consciously regulating the intervals.
b. How to drink?
As I have been instructed on most treks and cycling expeditions, sip; don't gulp. You can even take a mouthful of water, keep gargling for 3 to 5 seconds before drinking it. This helps when you are carrying less water bottles as it moistens the mouth enough to get the feeling of satiating your thirst.

5. 'Shit happens' and it must.

Most of my female companions on treks and train travels have had this problem. My personal experience of getting urine infection thanks to waiting a lot for a time to pee or shit has taught me an invaluable lesson.
a. Water drinking throughout the day is a part of the solution, so is eating a lot of fibrous vegetables and less of maida (cake/purpose flour) items. This will help in easy digestion and timely output ;)
b. Decide and visit the toilet at least 4 to 5 times in a whole day to pee, This will only happen if you drink minimum 5 lit of water in total. Such type of internal cleansing is important to be rid of harmful salts saturating in your body for a long time.

6. Safety first. Hygiene second. 

Be it trek, just a loo break, a room or a tent, make sure to have at least one companion who will accompany you at all times. It seems funny to see you coordinating your timings to sync and the rest of your group may tease you, but going out of the camp with a partner is advisable. Having no experience of solo travelling I am unable to suggest a safer option for the same.
For good hygiene habits, follow these pointers:
a. Squat without touching: public toilets in India are germ-mines. Avoid touching commodes with invisible assprints of unhygienic women.
b. Do not wear the same sanitary napkin or tampon for more than 10 hours.
c. Be wise and environment friendly when it's time to dispose off stuff you find unhygienic.

7. All that glitters..

Keep all your jewelry safely inside your bag. Avoid wearing them when on treks or adventure activities since it may also get tangled in your safety equipment or fall off unexpectedly by accident. Please do not wear even the fake ornaments that will glitter, since thieves may mistake it for real and can harm you in their attempt to steal it. Remember, it's best to take care now than regret later.