Social media is a waste of time

Social media is considered a waste of time due to the time is takes away from important things such as spending time with family, making most of the free time you have.We get so occupied in other people's life that we forget how to disconnect and take in the reality around us. This is dangerous as we will not realize when the time runs out and we cant be social in real life

Soon Valley-Pakistan

One of the best things about working for the environment and nature conservation is that your orientation takes place out in the wild..no kidding! I thought its best to start with some local travelling and share one of my fondest trips, an exploratory camping expedition to Soon Valley, courtesy WWF-Pakistan. 

Soon Valley is situated in central Punjab province and is situated in the north-west of Khushab. The valley starts from Padhrar village and ends at Sakesar, which is the highest peak of the Salt Range, Naushehra is the main town of the range. Two famous lakes found in this area are Khabeki Lake and Uchali Lake formed due to the lack of drainage in the range. The lakes are lifeless due to their water being saline, but offer picturesque scenery and are used for boating.

Some key attractions include Kanhati Garden, a community resource centre, water springs, boating, bird watching, Urrial sighting, Katas Raj temples and salt mines.

If you are looking for a quick getaway into the wild, this is can be a perfect solution. In fact, WWF-Pakistan arranges for these tours with complete facilitation so check out the options we have if you are interested WWF-Pakistan Eco Travel Programme

P.S the temperature drops dramatically at night so remember to carry something super warm when going star gazing! (#lessonforlife) 

Tips for travelling alone!

In a short span of time, I have taken every opportunity that will take me to a new place and put one more stamp on my passport.. and have loved every bit of it. From airport horror stories, to fancy hotels my experiences have been varying yet interesting. For me this is just the beginning, and I look forward to making many more travel memories and share some here too but for now here are some key travelling tips I have gathered/learnt so far:

1. Travel light!- Unless you want to arrive with bad shoulder  pain and backache, or waste your time in lunging around the bag from hell that has a mind of its own and bumps into everything alive (alive and glaring), keep the most necessary things only. Keeping basic stuff and room for the things you shop over there works wonders.  
2. Keep an extra pair of clothes in your hand carry. Everyone can lose their luggage..everyone! 
3. Travel insurance-This is such a handy investment, specially for long duration trips. Its affordable and effective...a proactive solution for unforeseeable situations. 
4. Don't keep all your foreign currency in one place. Putting your trip money in your hand bag or wallet isn't a smart move. Find secure places for secret stashes in case of emergencies such as roll ups in your toiletries' kit, or keeping some in your favorite socks ball! 
5. Leave alternate contact numbers with your family and friends. WiFi services on airports and airlines and international roaming has reduced the problem of delayed contact but its still prudent to list down possible contacts they can reach you on just in case! Suggestions: Number of the hotel you are staying in, your team members/colleagues, or the event organizers.