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spacer The campervan is aptly named -FREEDOM
Name: Rupa Gandhi, Age: 46, Country: India, State: New Delhi
Email address: rgandhi90@yahoo.co.in

The campervan is aptly named -FREEDOM; it epitomizes a perfect holiday that provides freedom from fixed itineraries; fixed check in and check out times; fixed meals; fixed time schedules; fixed stopovers and fixed 4 walls with a key to a door ! I have always wanted to travel to this remote district in the Himalayas but have desisted purely because of lack of decent places to stay; HPTDC would have good places but when one is travelling in remote areas, one would like to put up away from civilization. The campervan gave me an opportunity to travel to remote areas and yet be safe and secure, especially in the knowledge that you know what you are eating, you know where you are parked and you have a clean toilet of your own. Such a facility also allowed me to stop and stay at places which caught my fancy, doing away with fixed time schedules. The vehicle gave a feel of a good hotel stay along
with the pleasures of wilderness camping - a deadly combination that can exploited to a niche targeted market of young upwardly mobile professionals. This was a holiday that is now envied by all those who see the pix. Get set for more queries through me for the coming season!

Suggestions:
A wonderful concept that requires some fine-tuning to make it a smooth success:

  1. 1. Driving in the hills is a tedious job; hence, a second driver cum guide cum cook or helper is necessary to take over operations after a long drive. A second person is also required in times of vehicle breakdown or ill health of the main driver, as also to assist in pitching tents at the end of the day
  2. If a second driver or helper accompanies the vehicle then you need to have space in the vehicle. Currently the back seat is only comfortable for 2 persons for long bumpy rides; you need to consider this factor
  3. Ideally a second vehicle such as a SUMO with supplies, equipment and a second driver can accompany the main campervan - cost factor to be considered here
  4. Back up personnel at small towns enroute to be kept ready in case of emergencies
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  1. The driver needs to be more pro-active and friendly since here he is upgraded as a camp manager and guide and not just a driver who must keep to himself; they need to be trained in local knowledge and must be pro active in talking to the guests while giving information about places they visit and enroute. Panditji was absolutely fine but he would speak only when spoken to or probed for information; I would have appreciated a more talkative guide; Panditji behaved like a well trained driver and not doubled as a guide.
  2. The guest needs to be briefed on all aspects before booking the trip; vehicle orientation can be made a day before, as was done with us.
  3. Supplies need to be replenished by pre-planning. For ex. if a trip is for 5 days, and there are 5 persons on the trip, you need a certain minimum qty of butter, oil, bread, rice to be kept in stock; such things that don't spoil can be stocked in the van in advance in the total quantity so that one need not stop at villages and towns enroute to re stock.
  4. Instead of launching various different circuits, you can specialize only in a couple of circuits and take a monopoly (branded tours). Try for places which lack basic accommodation, yet are accessible by road and picturesque enough to lure travelers.

That's all I can think of, more when the ideas pop up. Waiting to hear about Harsh's friends and the Chandertal trip, don’t forget to call when you're in Delhi; if you have the time I shall treat you to drinks at the Golf Club here.
Cheers!

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