Travel is about making global jugalbandis: Samira Kopikar

How do you plan your travel?
I am a woman with wanderlust. Travelling inspires me. New experiences enrich my life and my music! I like to travel with a group of friends, so travel is mostly spontaneous.
Travel style
I have travelled to places without prior bookings and have met some of the most interesting people and ended up jamming with local musicians, bands, creating “global jugalbandis”.
Foodie moment as a traveller
My first bite of pizza Margherita, local wine and tiramisu in a vineyard in Tuscany and my first paella and tapas in a local market in Barcelona.
Must-pack items
Sneakers, ear pods, bhujia sev, sketch pad, sunglasses, swim wear, books, headgear, sun-block, all weather light jacket, torch, mosquito repellent.
Travel lessons?
Never forget a good sunblock and hat when visiting a hot destination. I didn’t when I travelled to Sri Lanka and was a roasted tomato by the end of the trip.
Travel gear (dressing style)
Practical yet fun… I always carry fun and quirky printed dresses along. Also, I like to pack as per the destination and the mood of the holiday. Like if it’s an African safari then it’s cargos, light jackets, shorts, head- gear; if Bali and Kerala then just beachwear.
Travel goals
Ladakh by road or watch Federer play a game in Australia. Even New Zealand, Croatia, China, Russia, Japan, Finland, Israel... it’s endless.
Travel pet peeves
Early morning alarms, long flights, falling sick during travel, creepy-crawlies during safaris, unknown rashes, getting mugged or robbed.
Snapshots
Best weekend getaway: Driving along the Konkan Coast, visiting my hometowns Gokarn and Sagar. Gazing at the larger-than-life Shiva statue in Murdeshwar… eating fish curry, fish fry and rice at local home-run restaurants. Lazing in a hammock by the sea...
Next stop: Russia; Northern Lights; Finland.