Trip meter

Hit the road!

The ironic thing is that if you're sitting in your favourite armchair and reading this piece, you're already wasting precious time.

You should instead be heading towards your car, map and bags in hand, all set to go off and explore the fascinating country we live in. Nevertheless, there's still time. Here are a few pointers to help you along, so after this, no more excuses!

If you're about to embark on your first road trip, the thing to remember is that it's not some sort of record-attempt. Some people (self included) start out by trying to cover too much territory.

That's all right if you're the endurance training sort, but for most other people, slow and easy is the way to do it. Pick a relatively short route that won't tire you out and take your time over it. Remember, the place isn't going anywhere "" you are.

To give you some random suggestions, you can do worse than to go to Lansdowne if you live in Delhi, or to Panchgani if you're in Mumbai.

Travel light! On my first trip, I packed enough stuff to last several generations and didn't end up using even half of it. If you think you're not going to need something, don't include it. These days, you can buy virtually anything you want even in the smallest towns, so in an emergency (running out of underwear, for example) you should be quite all right.

In my experience, for an average week long trip, you should take a shirt or t-shirt per day, two pairs of trousers, something to sleep in, a pair of sturdy shoes, rubber slippers, a towel, a toilet bag with essentials, a portable music player and a camera.

Of course, it all depends where you're going. A skiing holiday will obviously require different gear than a trip to the beach, but use your discretion to pack so that you have no more than two bags.

As far as cars go, I tend to favour hatchbacks because they're usually fun to drive, easy to manoeuvre and park and are frugal. Naturally, larger families will need a sedan or van.

It goes without saying that your vehicle should be in a good state of health "" check the engine oil and all other fluid levels, fill the windscreen washer up, make sure all tyres (including spare) are in good shape, don't forget the jack and check that your insurance hasn't lapsed (believe me, it's easy to forget).

Take along a road map (TTK makes good ones, and the Lonely Planet road map of India is superb), some music for the car stereo and driving snacks that don't crumble or spill "" Kit Kat and Perk bars, roasted peanuts, Bourbon biscuits, bananas, that sort of thing.

While driving, take it easy "" the old cliche about the journey and not the destination is a valid one. Sure, you'll want to floor it every now and then (and there are some incredible roads in our country), but in general it's more pleasurable (not to mention safer) to hang back. Don't be rigid about routes, either. Just because the map says it's the shortest way doesn't mean it's the best; take a few chances, wander down interesting looking roads and alleys, get lost every now and then.

You won't always stumble upon some hidden gem that no one else knows about, but if you always stick to the trodden path, you'll never give yourself that chance, will you?

Never try and break records, whether they be speed, distance or time. Rest every couple of hours and if you're feeling sleepy, never ever push yourself "" find a hotel or pull over well off the road and nap in your car. Importantly, wherever you're going, respect the environment and don't act like the stereotypical obnoxious tourist.

There's not much more to it, really. As long as you're sensible, have an open mind and slow the pace down, you're virtually guaranteed a good road trip. Still reading? Well, you know what I have to say about that.