April 2019 - The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog

I had visited Goa for the first time with my family back in 2008; we were a bunch of 13 fun-loving people and I was just in 8th grade then. I was fascinated by seeing the bikini-clad women and a foreign couple kissing right in front of me. Since I was in school, Goa became a whole lot of a deal. Later after nine years, in 2017, I went again – not just once, but twice in the same year. (Again in February 2021, I stayed in Goa for 15 days. We would go out everyday and partied almost every night.) I understood the science behind what to pack for Goa and thought of sharing a Goa Packing List with you.

I shall try my best to exclude obvious items and share only a Goa-specific list for you to pack. You can use this article as a guide to packing your bags, however, do add your usual stuff to it such as medicines, undergarments, makeup, water bottle, comb, etc.

Read my beach trip essentials here: https://www.theprettycitygirl.com/2018/03/beach-trip-essentials-selecting-bags.html

GOA PACKING LIST – WHAT TO PACK FOR GOA

CLOTHING

Tank tops/Cotton t-shirts

Tanning is inevitable in Goa so you might as well wear something that would be comfortable in Goan heat. I recommend tank tops especially as they can be availed in many designs and look extremely adorable on a pair of shorts. For those not comfortable in a tank, funky cotton t-shirts should be your pick.

Shorts/skirts
Wearing a pair of shorts does not just let you beat the heat but you can easily dip yourself till knee-deep water if you're wearing shorts and I think they act really functional. Apart from shorts, you can try skater skirts or slit skirts that appear like a sarong and look sexy in Goa.

Dresses
On the days of exploring, throw on a cute, floral sundress. Whether it is maxi or above your knees do not matter. Alternatively, stripes look really classy too!

Clubwear
Clubwear, why? Because you'll be visiting night clubs and most of those have a strict dress code. For guys, shorts are not allowed. So make sure you carry a pair of partywear to get access into Goa's happening night clubs. (Same goes for the shoes, check out the 'Accessories' section to read about it.)

Bikinis
I'm sure you're reading this post only to find out whether you can wear a bikini in Goa, and the answer is a resounding yes! You definitely can wear a bikini on the Goan beaches. However, cover yourselves until you reach the beach. Another tip would be to look out for spots with a decent public. I would suggest exploring offbeat beaches to beat the crowd.

Sarongs/Kimonos/Kaftans

Ah! A Goa Packing List is incomplete without cover-ups I'd say. Even if you wear the same top, layering it with two different kimonos will produce two different looks. They act as a sun protection factor and also a good cover-up if you're wearing a bikini. I would suggest packing kimonos as well as kaftans as they look really hot!

ACCESSORIES
Flats
Avoid block heels, and go for flats instead. Whether it is a pair of beach flip-flops or tasselled sandals, your outfit looks twice cuter with these. I'm not much of a sneaker fan when it comes to styling for a beach, but you might need a pair while you're sightseeing to avoid tanning on the feet.

Heels - UPDATE!!
Seriously? Heels in Goa? Absolutely yes! The night clubs in Goa, as mentioned earlier, have a strict dress code, just like you have in the cities. You will not be allowed to enter a night club if you're wearing anything but heels. So if you have plans of partying in the Party Capital of India, then a pair of heels is a requisite.

(UPDATE: When we last went to Goa in February 2021, heels were not compulsory. So you can carry a fancy pair of flats instead.)

Jewellery
Goa is known for its hippie, bohemian vibes and any outfit is incomplete without some funky jewellery. Add in those oxidised necklaces and pack some bracelets. You can try nose pins, tasselled earrings, and beaded jewellery.

Sunglasses
The sun's gonna get too harsh so carry sunglasses that have a good protection factor, especially during the afternoon when you're out in the open, either sightseeing or playing with waves on a beach. I recommend carrying two sunglasses: dark ones (such as jet black, olive, etc.) and mirrored ones.

Hats/caps
Add a large straw hat to instantly emit the beachy vibes. Who said a hat looks good only on foreign beaches? Men too should protect their heads by wearing caps.

Jute tote/backpack
To stash all the beach supplies, a large bag is a must. Depending on the number of places you're visiting and the kind of trip you're having, pack either a tote or a backpack. I suggest those vibrant jute bags as they accentuate a look! If you don't have one, worry not, you get jute bags throughout Goa. (Check out the Anjuna flea market for some bohemian goodies. It's not functional in September though.)

SUPPLIES
Towel
You can lay a towel on the sand while you relax under the shade or during eventide. A towel also helps in drying your bodies, but hey, the scorching Goan heat shall be enough to dry it out ;) If you follow my blogs and YouTube channel, you know how I suggest light towels over those heavy, Turkish ones.

Scarf
I believe a piece of clothing acts as the best SPF. A scarf has multiple uses. You can wear it like a sarong, a kimono, for covering your face, for laying on the beach, like a blanket, etc. You can protect your face and hair from the sun and pollution by wearing a scarf, especially in the afternoons when you're sightseeing or riding a moped.

Sunscreen
Unfortunately, you can't always cover yourselves with scarves so you need a sunscreen with 50+ SPF to protect and hydrate. A waterproof formula works wonders and anything that is oil-free and gives a matte finish should be under your Goa Packing List.

Hair products: serum, shampoo, conditioner
The humidity, the sea water, and the sand are going to take a toll on your tresses. So it is advisable to use serum post-beach time and after hair wash. Also, carry shampoo and conditioner to bring your hair back to life.

Driver's licence
If you're not taking your vehicle, then I'm sure you would hire a scooter in Goa – or a car. Don't forget to pack your driver's licence! Goa is best discovered on a moped, I feel!

Blotting paper, tissues or napkin
All the humidity is going to drive you crazy! Unforgettably pack blotting papers, tissues or napkins to wipe off the oil from your face.

Rosewater, wet wipes

For instant refreshment, add in wet wipes or rosewater. Spritz the rosewater to hydrate and feel heavenly! If you're allergic to rose, then buy a travel size spray bottle and pour in water. Just spritz it on your face instead of rosewater! Later, just lightly dab with a napkin.

Waterproof camera
An action camera is truly a good bet when you're travelling to Goa because you'd most likely store your phone away as you enjoy the water. This has happened to me several times. I've had such fun in the water but no camera with me to capture these moments. So if you can borrow/buy a waterproof camera, definitely go ahead. Also, buy the camera accessories!

What would you add to the list?

April 27, 2019 2 comments

I am impressed seeing how social media like Instagram let anyone be what they want and promote or start a business on this platform. One of the toughest struggles while starting out on Instagram is gaining followers and increasing engagement. If you want to take your business on the next level, you should be aware of how to boost Instagram followers and keep them engaged with your content.

The tips are simple but the majority of these have one undertone: research and lots of research.

HOW TO BOOST INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS AND INCREASE ENGAGEMENT ON INSTAGRAM

Using correct hashtags

I see people using a certain set of hashtags to increase visibility and likes, however, if you want brands/audience to reach out to you, you should use correct hashtags. Research the market, understand what hashtags are popular and trending currently. Research on what kind of hashtags are searched the most and use those.

When brands/audience look up to Instagram to search something, they're likely to use hashtags beyond your guesses. For instance, if a brand is looking for bloggers in Mumbai, they would search for hashtags like #MumbaiBlogger #MumbaiFashionBlogger etc and not something that says #OOTD.

Following people

Engaging with your audience is truly a key on Instagram. To boost followers, you need to understand what sort of people would follow you. Whom are you targetting? Is your content attractive to catch their attention and so on? Once you're aware of these people, go follow their accounts. If they like your content, they will follow back; if they don't, well, it was a bummer. Please do not unfollow as I'm sure they'll follow you in future if your content is good.

If you later find out that their content is not good (just a couple of selfies and random photos), you can surely unfollow them.

Conducting giveaway contests

The tip here is to accept only such contests that would have a high demand. I had conducted a giveaway contest of a dreamcatcher, and it was a huge failure. The brand, disappointed, did not even send a dreamcatcher to me, forget giving it to the winner. Later, I conducted a designer makeup giveaway contest and the participation was crazy! I had 100+ participants!

Knowing what sort of giveaway works is highly important in boosting Instagram followers.

Knowing your audience

A thorough insight into your followers' list is a must. If your followers include a majority of men, then producing a lot of feminine content would not keep them for a long time. However, displaying your beauty (natural, if the boys adore simplicity) or generic content would keep them interested in your feed for a long time. Similarly, if your followers are moderate spenders, then content that includes budget tips or cheap alternatives would work. It's about generating content your followers love.

Knowing what kind of photo works

Once you know your type of followers, you can then study what kind of photo is appreciated the most. In general, people want to see more of you, but not so much of you that your feed becomes a modelling portfolio. Personally, I want to see the person along with the background, especially if the photos have to do anything with promoting a place. Depending on your audience, scrutinise whether your followers love when you upload a selfie, a closeup shot, a complete head-to-toe shot, or a landscape picture (with or without you). Next step is simply to adhere to their choices and produce more of that.

Interacting in Instagram stories

I am not a very 'story' person simply because I have another private account where I enjoy posting stories. However, of late, I have realised that engaging in stories keeps your followers interested. A few people upload a lot of stories, which certainly is repulsive. But uploading stories in a moderate number shall work well. You can talk in your stories, conduct polls, go live, ask questions, answer questions, share your daily life, share your latest uploads, share relatable content such as quotes or discussing trending topics like GOT, IPL, etc.

Liking relevant pictures

Go to search/explore and randomly type in a relevant hashtag. For example, if you have uploaded a picture tagging #Lonavala, then type in that hashtag and 'like' all pictures under it. This is definitely a good way to boost your Instagram followers.

Replying to DMs

Every time I reply to a DM, people message me with a "Thank you so much for replying me!" I reply to all the DMs, giving highest priority to the questions. This increases the trust between you and your followers and they know that they're not following some robot but an actual person. Everyone loves when you reply and you should try to cover all the DMs as possible. Ladies, if you spot a creep in them, without second thoughts, report the account and block him!

Shoutout for a shoutout

This is yet another method to boost your Instagram followers. Just do a shoutout for a shoutout. Please do not mind the number of followers the other person has as it is not important. What important is that you're getting exposed to real people. Even if you gain five followers out of this transaction, you have achieved your goal.

Joining Instagram support groups

When all else fails, look for people who have the same goals as you. You can approach such people and form a support group yourself. Another way would be hunting for support groups and joining one. These groups swap comments and likes, thus helping your engagement and in return, boosting followers.

Posting other content apart from sponsored

I have seen a few really good brands/influencers post only about their products or endorsements. This is quite repulsive and sometime in future, your followers are going to understand that. Produce content for yourself too and not just promote a brand or a product. Add some personal touch, open your hearts, create content for yourself. Go on a trip for you, wear something fashionable for you. Do not just share reviews and endorse brands!

Conducting meet-ups

I have never conducted a meetup but my followers ask me to. Meetups boost your followers by a word of mouth. A friend drags his friend for this meetup and just like that, you have gained a new follower. I personally cannot comment more on this but the idea seems workable.

Not taking your follower base for granted

Your followers should be your gods and goddesses. No kidding. Respect them and do not take them for granted. Reply to their DMs, understand what they want, engage with them, follow them back, show your gratitude. Remember, you've become what you have become because they've been following you. They have your backs, so please do not lose them. Even one follower is better than a no follower.

What are your tricks to boost Instagram followers? Anything else you want to add to the list?

April 23, 2019 No comments

April 22, 2019 No comments

I have been using a planner for six years and it is something I can't work without. More than organising my tasks, I use a planner to replace my brain in helping me memorize. I don't need to remember anything if I have already noted it down in my planner. For instance, yesterday I was off the desk, and today when I got back to work, I was completely in oblivion. I could not remember my tasks such as whom to email, whom to call, what to put across social media, and so on. However, as soon as I opened my planner, I checked the list of to-dos and was relieved. I exactly knew where I left my work and where I should continue it.

Not many people naturally have the organisation instincts but they are willing to give it a shot and need some help for the same. I am sure you're here because you tried keeping a planner but failed at it multiple times. Don't worry as I'm here to help you out and keep the process of maintaining a planner as simple as possible. All you need is a planner and a pen to organise your life.

HOW TO KEEP A PLANNER

1. CHOOSING A PLANNER

It's already April but guess what, you still have eight more months to buy a planner and bring your life on track. How to choose a planner? What are some essentials to keep in mind before purchasing a planner?

MONTHLY PLANNERS AND WEEKLY PLANNERS VS DAILY PLANNERS

There are three types of layouts you can choose from. Usually, the monthly and the weekly layouts can be availed in one planner; however, the daily planners are separate, meaning, they have neither the monthly layouts nor the weekly layouts.

Depending on your use, select a planner with the correct layout. For the past three years, I have been using a planner with monthly and weekly pages, however, I realised, it didn't quite work with me. I required a large space to jot down daily tasks and both the former layouts could not give me that space. I wrote only important tasks and left behind the unimportant ones. But in the long run, this lack of space gave me anxiety. I felt choked. I required a lot of space to write tasks as petty as 'Share xyz post on social media' or 'Xyz brand's money credited?' I wanted a large space to write whatever I wanted without worrying about space issues.

Daily planners are ideal for those who have a lot going on in their lives. When you have a lot of emails to send, a variety of small tasks to be completed, and many more things to be accomplished in a day, you should go for a daily planner. That's what I did and my life became smoother. I purchased a daily planner and I'm not going back to a monthly + weekly planner ever again!

If you're new to this planner organisation, then I recommend you go for a monthly + weekly planner as you'll have less space to write your tasks and this won't give you any feeling of failure. But if you're sure of actually keeping a planner this time and have many things to write down, go for a daily planner just like I did.

2. CHOOSING THE DESIGN

I did not have many options four years back which is why I designed my own planners for the years 2016 and 2017. However, later the market transformed and the purchasing power increased too. Now there are many options to choose from and the designs are so gorgeous that you would have a hard time choosing one.

After you decide which type of layout you're comfortable with, choose the design. Remember, the first step is always choosing the layout – the practicality matters – and then going for the design. The options instantly narrow down but you have to dig the internet and the local stationary/book stores to find your soulmate of the year. I'm sure you'll find a design of your choice. Just one advice: go for sober prints instead of chaotic ones. I believe, simpler and prettier the design, the more tranquil you feel while writing your tasks.

WHERE TO BUY A PLANNER

My personal favourite international brand is the Bando, but they only have monthly + weekly planners so I did not buy it this year. You surely need to check the brand out! There are many Indian companies selling or manufacturing planners such as Type 7, The Paper Company, Alicia Dsouza, PropShop24, Artchetype, Doodle Collection, Letternote, etc. A few more sites are Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal.

I am currently using a daily planner by Type 7 and used a monthly + weekly planner by Bando from The Paper Co last year. The years before that, I designed and used my own planners.

Drawing boxes to indicate why a task is not done

HOW TO KEEP A PLANNER

I recommend you check out my planner organisation posts from previous years–2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (oops, didn't write a post on it)–to get an idea on different types of organisation and planner setups. You can either keep it simple or creative, depending on what kind of a person you are and your schedule.

This year, I have kept my planner setup quite simple by using only a few supplies. Sometimes, using too many colours can be overwhelming. I use only one pen (whichever is available) to write down tasks. And a bunch of sticky notes to list down blog/youtube ideas or the payment dues.

How to make the most of your planner?

Stickers: Firstly, make a DIY envelope and stick it on the front page to hold your stickers. Stickers let you make a certain page stand out from the rest and adds to the overall aesthetics of the planner. You won't find cute stickers easily, however, check out the websites mentioned above. There's another site called Crafters Corner that has various stickers from international brands. Their supplies are affordable and definitely must buy! It is one of my favourite sites to buy planner goodies, however, I have never purchased anything from it. Apart from stickers, they have planners, washi tapes, and bookmarks. Truly a crafter's paradise!

Sticky notes: They are used widely, almost on a daily basis, which is why you would need it while planner organisation. Carrying sticky notes along with your planner would be an annoying task. I suggest you stick a bunch of sticky notes on the front and back of your planner pages.

Stuck a bunch of sticky notes (left) so that I can carry it along with my planner

Binder clip/u-pin: It gets quite irritating when you're about to write tasks but have to flip over the pages to reach the date you're currently on. I feel it is a waste of time to glance through the past or forcefully flip over the old dates. I use a binder clip to bind together the dates that have already been passed so that whenever I open my planner, the current date is the page I reach. No need to unnecessarily go through previous dates. Alternatively, you can use a u-pin to bind the pages.

Ticking off and striking through the done tasks: I like to tick off and strike through the tasks done. It helps me clear out the data I no longer need to work on and helps me stay focused on the tasks yet to be accomplished.

Crossing off the incomplete tasks and writing little explanatory notes: If in case I could not finish a task, I simply put a cross mark and strike it off. I ensure to write the pending task, either on the next day or on the postponed date. I also write words like "Cancelled", "Postponed", "Not Urgent", etc to explain the reason behind not finishing a task. I write these little notes only if the task was important.

Ticking off and striking through the done tasks. You can notice I use whichever pen is available

Noting the special days: I write the special days in big, bold fonts on the top of the page. Special days include birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and period due dates.

Punctuality is the key: The reason why people fail to maintain a planner is that they are lazy to update it. Irrespective of how busy you are, you should always tell your planner when a task is added and when a task is done. As soon as I come across a task, I immediately write it down against its respective date. For instance, when a company tells me they would process the payment on the 20th of this month, I jump to that date and make a note of it. On 20th, I send across a reminder to the company.

Also, when a task is done, I immediately walk towards my planner and strike it off. The sense of accomplishment I have at the end of the day is inexplicable. I say punctuality is the key. Open your planner and mark down everything. Even if the task is too petty, write it down. You might forget it later!

Cross the borders: The last tip would be crossing the lines and doing what your heart wishes. Maybe you're anxious and you want doodle to calm down, do it! Maybe you're going on a vacation and want to express the joy, decorate the page! Maybe you want to make packing lists, use empty spaces! It's okay to cross the lines in order to get back to the lines.

April 17, 2019 No comments

Oh, the struggle of packing lingerie on vacations! At The Pretty City Girl, I have shared all my packing tips such as what to pack for a beach trip and a generic long journey train travel essentials list.

This post covers eight different tips and hacks you should consider while packing your lingerie for a vacation. These tips are handy no matter whether you're backpacking or travelling with a stroller/suitcase.

RULE #1 ONE UNDERWEAR PER DAY

I believe every girl has at least six underwears that she can wear without being embarrassed. We have our own period panties but won't be carrying them on our travels for sure. Depending upon the number of days you're on the go, pack your underwear. If you're holidaying for 10 days, pack 10 underwears. However, if longer than that, I suggest to wash a few underwears and reuse them.

RULE #2 ONE BRA FOR THREE DAYS

As gross as it sounds, this is my rule for packing bras. I might even wear a bra more than three times. The trick here is to wear a bra for two days straight, let it naturally dry for the next two days, and then, in the worst case scenario, wear it again. I am very flexible when it comes to wearing bras and so should you. (In humid summers, you might want to change the rule though!)

RULE #3 PACK BREATHABLE PANTIES

Okay, sexy lingerie is fine but try to limit it for the night time or for special occasions only. Refrain wearing satins or any similar materials and save them for the nights. During the day, please wear your cotton, breathable panties to avoid rashes.

RULE #4 PANTYLINERS ARE A MUST

Every girl must carry pantyliners on her travels. A pantyliner soaks odour and the wetness thus enabling you to be tension free in close settings. This also means your panties are good to repeat without washing! Environmentalists worry not, as there are many eco-friendly, au naturel options available in the market.

RULE #5 ROLL UP YOUR SOCKS AND PUT THEM IN YOUR PADDED BRAS

Honestly, I personally find it hard to pack padded bras without them crumbling up which is why I avoid padded bras on my backpacking trips. However, not everyone can do without pads. The best trick is to roll up your socks or panties and place them in your pads. If not socks, then another option would be bra organisers, however, they take up a lot of space!

RULE #6 CARRY A SEPARATE MESH BAG FOR LINGERIE

When packing, your lingerie is fresh and the real struggle starts when you're midway on your trip and the laundry starts smelling. Therefore, I suggest keeping a different mesh bag to store used underwears. Alternatively, you can place them in rolled up used clothes.

RULE #7 USE HOTEL SOAP TO WASH LINGERIE

If you run out of lingerie to wear, the best solution is to wash and reuse. Chances are less that you have a detergent soap. During such times, your hotel soap just works wonders. I've done this in the past and have had no regrets.

RULE #8 PACK INTIMATE WASH, POWDER

Travelling in summers can lead to rashes especially if your lingerie is tight or of a material such as polyester or satin. To combat the rashes, pack an anti-rash cream and sprinkle some intimate powder down there. Also, regularly wash your cha cha especially for maintaining hygiene during this summer.

Pin it!

I hope you’ll find the above pointers useful in all your upcoming trips. Have a stress-free and wonderful journey!

April 09, 2019 No comments

Well, this could easily be a compensation for the Musandam Dibba tour my dad had planned but couldn’t make it due to a delay in submitting Oman visa application. Sometimes more than the destination, the company plays a key role in determining how a trip would end. However, in this case, both the destination and the company played a crucial role.

Khor Fakkan is a town located in Fujairah emirate in the United Arab Emirates. About 150 km from Dubai, it is one of the lesser visited getaways the country has to offer. Khor Fakkan, much like its counterparts, is visited by many, so whether it is locals or the expats. However, it is yet to popularise amidst the tourists but by looking at the activities the beach has to offer, I wonder how long would it take. The fact that the beach has its own watersport activities, its own cruise ride, its own pristine coral island, and a 3 km shoreline, it seems the bright future is not very far.

My dad has been living in Dubai for over two years and has stayed there in the past for many years now. Dubai–or Abu Dhabi for that matter–has one of the highest populations of Indians in the world. This country is, therefore, a favourable place for Indians as nobody is quite alone there. You are likely to stumble upon an old colleague or a schoolmate in one of the streets of Dubai. Similarly, out of the many people my dad knows, his erstwhile Indian Navy senior has become his close-knit. Every now and then, they plan a getaway to cherish old bonds and revisit their ship memories.

Towards Coral Island in the speed boat. Photo with my dad

Towards Coral Island. My dad (R) with his former Navy senior (L)

When I visited Dubai, the colleague and his wife planned a getaway with me. They planned on parasailing at Khor Fakkan. According to the plan, on a beautiful Saturday morning, my dad and I left for Sharjah in a bus. The couple has been staying in Sharjah for over five years and even has a driver’s licence and a car. Having a car arguably lets you explore places even public transport cannot reach. My dad and I hopped on a bus from the Al Ghubaiba bus station, which was the nearest to our house in Bur Dubai. There are frequent buses running from Dubai to Sharjah and you can get into one from this particular bus station. Other bus stops from where the bus to Sharjah from Dubai starts are Union Square and Al Satwa.

After 15 minutes, we were already in Sharjah. On reaching, we met the uncle and he walked us home. This was the first time I was entering an apartment in the UAE. Though my dad lives in one, his place is a hotel apartment and not a typical residential apartment with a bedroom. My dad’s house is more like a studio. The kitchen, the living room, and the bedroom are all part of one big room.

On entering the house, I could smell aloo parathas and it was a month since I’d had homemade parathas. I was craving for one. We had a light breakfast at their home and proceeded for Khor Fakkan. This was my first time sitting in a private car in the UAE where I knew the driver, unlike the private cabs.

It took around two hours to reach the bay of Khor Fakkan. There is an ample space to park your vehicles, however, weekend evenings are populated so drive down early. You shall be greeted by locals who approach you for buying speed boat tickets to the Coral Island. Their negotiation starts right before you even step on the sand.

There's a proper toilet and changing room facility available at the beach. One can either dine at the little cafes outlining the beach or picnic under the shady part of the sand. People even bring their barbeque grills and enjoy a nice time with family.

PARASAILING AT KHOR FAKKAN

The parasailing costs AED 100 per person and two people along with the captain can fly at once. Meaning, if you're scared to go alone, you can tag your partner or a friend. You will come across the parasailing crew as soon as you reach the beach. There are about four to five parasailing teams.

My dad and I parasailed together with the captain. I was not scared this time, maybe it was due to the past paragliding experience. The feeling sunk too soon as within no time the crew fixed us to the parachute and the boat started off.

It was my dad's first-time in-air experience and he was hoo-ing and ha-ing. All this time, while enjoying the views, I only regretted not taking my phone up. I was still quiet as I knew the elderly couple was shooting us from down below and I would have some footage for my Khor Fakkan vlog.

The views were breathtaking. The sea looked huge from the sky and I watched as our speed boat voyaged. I saw the trees on the shore, I took a glimpse of the horizon, and while I was engrossed, it was time to descend. Both the ascent and the descent went smooth, and I was sure that anybody could try this activity, irrespective of how less adventurous they are.

Parasailing at Khor Fakkan has two landing options: on water and on the sand. Unfortunately, during our time, we had to land on the sand. (But just imagine how crazy landing on the water would have been!)

I ran straightaway to the couple to see the footage. However, I realised that all the victory signs I showed to the camera went in vain. The couple failed to shoot even a single clip, forget a photo. Therefore, I was left with no evidence of parasailing. The couple, especially the aunty, was disappointed and begged me to fly again. She was ready to buy parasailing tickets for me and she pleaded me multiple times. I rejected the offer because I knew my dad won't let them pay and it just meant spending another AED 100 (Rs 2,000) for this. I thought of letting it go and though I was disheartened, I convinced myself that the experience was more important than the video footage.

Enjoying our picnic under the shade

We found a nice shady spot for lunch and I was amazed looking at the picnic supplies the couple had carried. They spread a bedsheet on the grass and started taking out paper dishes, spoons, tissues, and newspapers from their bag. The aunty had cooked carrot pickle, potato-fenugreek parathas, and raita. We had carried dhoklas, banana chips, and peanut chikki from an Indian store. After lunch, we started for Coral Island.

CORAL ISLAND, KHOR FAKKAN

I never knew there was anything apart from parasailing at Khor Fakkan. We were there for this adventure only but thanks to the pushers who introduced us to the coral island. The charge per person was AED 20 and this included sailing to the island and immediately coming back. You can't even step out of the boat, forget swimming!

The other package was AED 25 per person. The package additionally included a layover of 30 minutes. We chose the latter package because it was useless to just go on a boat ride. I wanted to get in the water and be amazed looking at its clarity. I never knew how corals looked like and these thoughts pushed me to pursue this island.

The speed boat that takes you to the Coral Island

There are multiple speed boats available, however, the boatsmen wait until the boat is fully occupied. This means that if you are in a rush, you will have to sit in a boat sooner and hope it gets filled up quicker. The ride from the beach to the island is a rough 10 minutes one-way and you come across a port, a construction site, mountains, and frequent splashes of water! You shall enjoy the ride for sure.

The water at the coral island was the clearest natural water I had ever seen. Not one speck of dirt. The island, however, was covered with filth. The island is tiny but taking an action camera inside the water is something you must include in your Khor Fakkan checklist. I came across dried up starfishes along with dried up corals. I had never seen anything like it before. I was stunned. We collected shells, corals, and starfishes, and when we were at it, the speed boat returned.

The clearest natural water I have ever been to

Dried up starfish at Coral Island

The speed boats only moved when there were enough people inside. So as soon as the boat filled at the beach, they sent it here to pick us up. This half-hour time at world's one of the clearest waters made me want to explore more of such islands in future!

HOW TO REACH KHOR FAKKAN BEACH FROM DUBAI

Get down at Dubai Union Square (lies on the Red Line) and from there, catch a bus no. E700 for Fujairah. From Fujairah, hire a cab and ride till the Khor Fakkan beach.
If you plan on taking a cab from Dubai, then the cost will be around 300 AED one way. So it is advisable to either follow the route mentioned above or go through a tour agent or look for a friend/family who has a car and a licence to drive.

The view from Coral Island

TIPS FOR VISITING KHOR FAKKAN BEACH

Khor Fakkan also offers other watersport activities such as jet ski and scuba diving along with parasailing.
Carry an action camera to capture your moments while parasailing at Khor Fakkan and swimming at the coral island.
Avoid wearing a bikini as I personally did not see any woman wearing one. The crowd consisted of more locals than tourists.
Restrooms and changing rooms are available at the beach.
It is advisable to reach early on weekends to score a parking slot or a shady patch on the shore.

Watch my Khor Fakkan vlog:

April 06, 2019 No comments

GOA PACKING LIST – WHAT TO PACK FOR GOA

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Using correct hashtags

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HOW TO KEEP A PLANNER

1. CHOOSING A PLANNER

MONTHLY PLANNERS AND WEEKLY PLANNERS VS DAILY PLANNERS

2. CHOOSING THE DESIGN

WHERE TO BUY A PLANNER

HOW TO KEEP A PLANNER

How to make the most of your planner?

RULE #1 ONE UNDERWEAR PER DAY

RULE #2 ONE BRA FOR THREE DAYS

RULE #3 PACK BREATHABLE PANTIES

RULE #4 PANTYLINERS ARE A MUST

RULE #5 ROLL UP YOUR SOCKS AND PUT THEM IN YOUR PADDED BRAS

RULE #6 CARRY A SEPARATE MESH BAG FOR LINGERIE

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RULE #8 PACK INTIMATE WASH, POWDER

PARASAILING AT KHOR FAKKAN

CORAL ISLAND, KHOR FAKKAN

HOW TO REACH KHOR FAKKAN BEACH FROM DUBAI

TIPS FOR VISITING KHOR FAKKAN BEACH

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