Mark & Embark

Welcome to the 12th and the final episode of Season 1 of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this episode is Myra Naik. 

In this episode Myra talks about one of the niftiest innovations in the technology space to hit Indian Highways - The FASTag! 

Haven’t you been seeing the FASTag mentioned on the news pretty often? In fact, it was recently declared that the FASTag will be made mandatory in a few months for all vehicles. So what exactly are the uses of a FASTag and why should you get it?

The FASTag is essentially a reloadable tag that allows you to pass through toll plazas without having to stop to pay the toll charges by cash. The FASTag allows automatic deduction of the applicable toll charge from a linked prepaid account. The tag works on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Once the tag is activated, it is attached to the windscreen of the vehicle. From thereon, you can go through toll plazas without having to stop, and the charges will be deducted automatically. It is currently functional at 420+ toll plazas across the country.

You can read more in the original blog post published on the ScoutMyTrip blog

A bit about our super epic road trip planner

ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

About how travel experts can help you on a better road trip

Did you Indians spent over 900 million hours last year planning road trips? And even after spending so much time planning, they are still caught with uncertainties that come with travel - how are the roads, where are the good restaurants, will my family be comfortable and so on. So why not leave the planning to the experts; and travel worry free. All you need to do is Hire a Scout who does all this for you, and provides online virtual trip assistance while you are traveling.

Sounds like a good idea? Sure is, because it's the hottest innovation in the travel industry; and travelers love it!

It's time to Hire a Scout and travel worry free! 

Welcome to the 11th episode of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this episode is Myra Naik. 

In this episode Myra talks about one of most important pilgrimages for a devotee of Lord Ganesh - The Ashtavinayak Yatra. The blog post written by Vineet, co-founder of ScoutMyTrip has been relived through Myra's voice in first person. 

Ganesh Chaturthi is just around the corner and everyone is gearing up for the festivities. For ten days, the streets of Maharashtra will resemble a carnival, with local stages, music, dance and celebrations of all kinds. I have never seen Mumbai more vibrant than it is during the 10 days of Ganpati festival. 

In this podcast Myra talks about: 

If you wish to join the Ashtavinayak Yatra with Vineet, head straight to The Road Trips Co and register for the drive from 23rd to 25th of August which he is personally leading. He will be joined along with his wife who has done this pilgrimage an equal number of times.

A bit about our super epic road trip planner.

ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

About how travel experts can help you on a better road trip

Did you Indians spent over 900 million hours last year planning road trips? And even after spending so much time planning, they are still caught with uncertainties that come with travel - how are the roads, where are the good restaurants, will my family be comfortable and so on. So why not leave the planning to the experts; and travel worry free. All you need to do is Hire a Scout who does all this for you, and provides online virtual trip assistance while you are traveling.

Sounds like a good idea? Sure is, because it's the hottest innovation in the travel industry; and travelers love it!

It's time to Hire a Scout and travel worry free!  

Welcome to the 10th episode of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this episode is Myra Naik.

In this episode Myra talks about packing for a safe and comfortable road trip to Ladakh - The land of high passes!

Ladakh, the place needs no introduction.  Some call it  ‘a paradise’ while some call it ‘heaven on earth’. Well, according to some it is the only place which gives you mental peace and tranquility. Whatever the reason, if a trip to Ladakh is in your list of places to travel, then be sure to tick it off your checklist sooner than later.

But what’s life without some adventures, eh? But, yes let us all try and stay safe with this 11 point packing checklist when curated specially for you when you visit Ladakh.

The last and final point, we would like to add for anyone going to Ladakh is to have a rock solid road trip plan which gives you information about important things like petrol pumps amongst other important markers.

For this ScoutMyTrip allows one to hire a travel expert or Scout who plans an entire itinerary and provides virtual travel assistance while you are on a road trip. 

If there's something else you would want us to also cover, do give us a shout out on social media or wherever you subscribe to podcasts.

A bit about our super epic road trip planner.

ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

About how travel experts can help you on a better road trip

Did you Indians spent over 900 million hours last year planning road trips? And even after spending so much time planning, they are still caught with uncertainties that come with travel - how are the roads, where are the good restaurants, will my family be comfortable and so on. So why not leave the planning to the experts; and travel worry free. All you need to do is Hire a Scout who does all this for you, and provides online virtual trip assistance while you are traveling.

Sounds like a good idea? Sure is, because it's the hottest innovation in the travel industry; and travelers love it!

It's time to Hire a Scout and travel worry free!  

Check out the original blog post :  

11 Point Ladakh Packing Checklist: Your Ultimate Packing Guide by Shalini Mimani

Welcome to the ninth episode of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this episode is Myra Naik.

In this episode we will talk about how we spend countless hours planning a road trip; we seldom spend time in prepping the vehicle to perform to it’s fullest on the highway. To make this simpler, we’ve put together a list of 20 must do items for a complete car checklist before a road trip. There even a bonus point which we would advise you to take with a pinch of salt! 

We spoke to 7 automotive and travel experts on what they recommend as the ideal and foolproof car checklist, and we promise you that this is all you will ever need!

Summarizing all the points discussed in the podcast. I would advise you to listen to the podcast to know about each of these in detail. 

A word about the bonus: Please take it with a pinch of salt, and remember you need to be extra careful with something you do not own! Rest, do hear Myra out on the podcast

If there's something else you would want me to also cover, do give us a shout out on social media or wherever you subscribe to podcasts.

Important links for further reading: 

The cheat sheet for using the award winning road trip planner by ScoutMyTrip.  While this is an older post - please check the latest and up to date video tutorials for the road trip planner.

A bit about our super epic road trip planner

ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

About how travel experts can help you on a better road trip

Did you Indians spent over 900 million hours last year planning road trips? And even after spending so much time planning, they are still caught with uncertainties that come with travel - how are the roads, where are the good restaurants, will my family be comfortable and so on. So why not leave the planning to the experts; and travel worry free. All you need to do is Hire a Scout who does all this for you, and provides online virtual trip assistance while you are traveling.

Sounds like a good idea? Sure is, because it's the hottest innovation in the travel industry; and travelers love it!

It's time to Hire a Scout and travel worry free!  

Welcome to the eighth episode of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this episode is Myra Naik.

In this episode Myra talks about road tripping for senior citizens and what one specially needs to keep in mind. Senior citizens travel too, maybe not as much as youngsters but they would definitely want to! Many retirees have travel on the top of their bucket list. They have worked hard, provided for their family, and now after their retirement, they want to see the beauty that the world has to offer. Truly their golden years if you ask us! If you are planning to travel with senior citizens or set them up with a travel group for seniors who road trip, this is a podcast you must listen to!

Check out the original blog post : 6 Tips For Senior Citizens to Enjoy The Ultimate Road Trip!

The last and final point, we would like to add for senior citizens is to have the safety of all the information in advance. For this ScoutMyTrip allows one to hire a Scout who plans an entire itinerary and provides virtual travel assistance while you are on a road trip. 

If there's something else you would want us to also cover, do give us a shout out on social media or wherever you subscribe to podcasts.

A bit about our super epic road trip planner.

ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

About how travel experts can help you on a better road trip

Did you Indians spent over 900 million hours last year planning road trips? And even after spending so much time planning, they are still caught with uncertainties that come with travel - how are the roads, where are the good restaurants, will my family be comfortable and so on. So why not leave the planning to the experts; and travel worry free. All you need to do is Hire a Scout who does all this for you, and provides online virtual trip assistance while you are traveling.

Sounds like a good idea? Sure is, because it's the hottest innovation in the travel industry; and travelers love it!

It's time to Hire a Scout and travel worry free!  

Welcome to the seventh episode of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this season is the co-founder - Vineet Rajan.

In this episode we talk to the dynamic duo of Nidhi Salgame and Col. Satinder Malik who are wandering beyond all boundaries.

Wander Beyond Boundaries was co-founded by Nidhi Salgame Tiwari (the 1st woman to drive a trans-continental distance from Delhi to London and the 1st Indian to drive to the Pole of Cold in north-eastern Siberia) and Col. S Malik, SM, Retd. (an ex. Army man having served for 24 years with many years of experience in extreme terrain driving in Kashmir, Sikkim, Congo and beyond). WBB is a coming together of many years of being outdoor, of adventure, driving and expedition experience.

In this interview, Vineet finds out more about 

You can also watch the video which showcases more about this drive. The Pole of Cold has four self drive cars; and you can book a slot for yourself by checking out the booking page on ScoutMyTrip.

If there's something else you would want us to also cover, do give us a shout out on social media or wherever you subscribe to podcasts.

A bit about our super epic road trip planner. 

ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

Welcome to the sixth episode of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this season is the co-founder - Vineet Rajan.

We are back from the season break and in this episode we talk to one of the most popular and revered riders in the biking fraternity - Dilip Sawant aka Kaka. Having ridden over a lac kilometers on his Royal Enfield christened 'Red Hawk'; Kaka has been there and done it all. After having mentored so many riders over the years, he continues to inspire and guide thousands.

Kaka is a great chef, rider to the core, a farmer and guru for many. In this hour long podcast, we talk about

As we take a break from the usual, Deepak Ananth who co-founded ScoutMyTrip also joins us in this hour long podcast which will only make you want more and meet Kaka in person.

This was recorded in the studio we set up at Kaka's farm near Vita which is also listed on ScoutMyTrip - Stay amidst sugarcane farms in Maharashtra

If there's something else you would want us to also cover, do give us a shout out on social media or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. A bit about our super epic road trip planner

ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

About how travel experts can help you on a better road trip

Did you Indians spent over 900 million hours last year planning road trips? And even after spending so much time planning, they are still caught with uncertainties that come with travel - how are the roads, where are the good restaurants, will my family be comfortable and so on. So why not leave the planning to the experts; and travel worry free. All you need to do is Hire a Scout who does all this for you, and provides online virtual trip assistance while you are traveling.

Sounds like a good idea? Sure is, because it's the hottest innovation in the travel industry; and travelers love it!

It's time to Hire a Scout and travel worry free!  

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this season is the co-founder - Vineet Rajan. 

In this episode we will talk about driving more safely and effectively on Indian highways. The reason why we felt this episode is important is because of too many variables like not just average roads, but even people, cattle and just plain bad driving. 

Summarizing all the points discussed in the podcast. I would advise you to listen to the podcast to know about each of these in detail. 

I am sure, you would feel I have missed out on many points. In fact, I have indeed miss out on lots. This episode is primarily for highway driving - national, state and village roads. 

The subsequent episodes will cover the following:

1. Driving on mountain roads
 2. Road trip vehicle check list
 3. Road trip packing check list
 4. Driving in the monsoons
 5. Handling breakdowns on a road trip
 6. Safe night driving

If there's something else you would want me to also cover, do give us a shout out on social media or wherever you subscribe to podcasts.

A bit about our super epic road trip planner

ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

About how travel experts can help you on a better road trip

Did you Indians spent over 900 million hours last year planning road trips? And even after spending so much time planning, they are still caught with uncertainties that come with travel - how are the roads, where are the good restaurants, will my family be comfortable and so on. So why not leave the planning to the experts; and travel worry free. All you need to do is Hire a Scout who does all this for you, and provides online virtual trip assistance while you are traveling.

Sounds like a good idea? Sure is, because it's the hottest innovation in the travel industry; and travelers love it!

It's time to Hire a Scout and travel worry free!  

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this season is the co-founder - Vineet Rajan.

In this episode we will talk about using mapping technologies like Google Maps and ScoutMyTrip for making navigation on a road trip easier and less trouble free.

In this episode we talk about:

I had mentioned that I would be adding show notes for a couple of tricks with Google Maps. These are described below.

Instructions for downloading regions on Google Maps

For saving route on the home screen (Google Maps)

I have mentioned that Google Maps allow 8 points on a single map, this is excluding the start and end points. So considering that, it would be 10. ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

About how travel experts can help you on a better road trip

Did you Indians spent over 900 million hours last year planning road trips? And even after spending so much time planning, they are still caught with uncertainties that come with travel - how are the roads, where are the good restaurants, will my family be comfortable and so on. So why not leave the planning to the experts; and travel worry free. All you need to do is Hire a Scout who does all this for you, and provides online virtual trip assistance while you are traveling.

Sounds like a good idea? Sure is, because it's the hottest innovation in the travel industry; and travelers love it!

It's time to Hire a Scout and travel worry free!  

Welcome to the third episode of the Mark and Embark Podcast by ScoutMyTrip. The host for this season is the co-founder - Vineet Rajan.

In this episode we will go into convoy driving techniques from experience. This is more suited for car convoys compared to biking ones which we will talk about in another episode.

The episode is split into three parts

Preparing for the convoy drive and briefing before the drive

Stopping techniques so everyone is always together

If you would want to read about this you can also check out our community forum post about convoy driving techniques by Neeraj Sinha.

We have spoken about tailgating in the podcast, where I have mentioned the 3 second rule. I learned from my friend Shakti Sarangi and you can also read up more about this here.

I have mentioned about creating route maps for the drive, where in ScoutMyTrip allows 25 points on a single map compared to 10 that Google offers. To start doing that you'll need to head to the road trip planner and simply enter and start and end locations.

There is more you can do on the planner, and I would request you to check out our video tutorials.

If you would want us to plan the trip for you, check out our pricing for road trip planning services or simply pick a curated road trip package that you and your friends can enjoy!

If you want to enjoy the thrill of convoy driving head over to the Road Trippers Club

About how travel experts can help you on a better road trip

Did you Indians spent over 900 million hours last year planning road trips? And even after spending so much time planning, they are still caught with uncertainties that come with travel - how are the roads, where are the good restaurants, will my family be comfortable and so on. So why not leave the planning to the experts; and travel worry free. All you need to do is Hire a Scout who does all this for you, and provides online virtual trip assistance while you are traveling.

Sounds like a good idea? Sure is, because it's the hottest innovation in the travel industry; and travelers love it!

It's time to Hire a Scout and travel worry free!  

Picture credit: Vijay Tiwari of RTCNasik