Jugaad – that most exclusive yet elusive of Indian traits. We are indeed BLESSED to have it! It’s our universal solution to all our problems, and a national synonym for “Nothing is Impossible”. Whatever the problem may be, we’ll come up with a solution. Now the point to be noted is that the solution may not (in all probability, will not) be a well thought out long term resolution, but it will make do, at least long enough to safe face.

In fact, we run an invisible ‘National Jugaad Programme’ of sorts, which empowers everyone of us to never say no. Financial crisis? We have a jugaad! Swach Bharat? We have a jugaad. Admission chaiye? We have a jugaad? An Indian Prime Minister? Well, that Jugaad lasted 10 years! The list is never-ending.

And oh, how did I forget to speak of travel. It happens to be our favourite specialization in jugaadology! Speak to any avid traveller and he will tell you of at least two such travel hacks which’ll prove that Indian jugaad always works. Don’t believe me? Read on.

Here’s what my close friend and adventure traveller Avinash told me when I spoke to him about travel jugaads. (If you’re Indian, you’ll relate to all of these!)

1. I often forget to carry a toothbrush with me. So guess what do I do? I use my god gifted brush mimicking Index finger instead!

Yes! We all have done this at least once in our life. Had a night stay at your aunt’s place and (thought you) packed your toothbrush in the hidden pocket of the luggage (so hidden that it’s actually lost!)? Now what to do? Thank God for your index finger. Slather on some toothpaste and you’re good to go! What an idea sir ji.

2. OK. I didn’t do this one, but I know a friend who did. He travelled from Delhi to Chandigarh without ticket, and had the toilet for his rescue.

Remember the comic duo, Mukri and Afrani, from the famous Bollywood flick The Burning Train? What lesson did they teach you? If you forget to book your ticket in the last minute rush all you need is a toilet in any class of the train and you can travel to your destination without spending a penny. Total jugaad ishtyle! But do pray that the ticket examiner didn’t have mooli paranthas for dinner!

3. When travelling in a train which is going to a pilgrimage site, I hardly carry food. You get yummy langar at every other station!

Now this one’s new for me as well. But if Avi says so, it’s actually a great jugaad for the foodies! There are special trains which are meant only for taking pilgrims to darhsan. On such train routes, people serve langar at various stations. It’s tasty, it’s ample and it’s free! Now tell me, what more can you ask for?

4. In all seriousness, undergarments are the safest place to store your cash and treasurables while travelling. Understandably, it will be the last place a thief might find them.

Carrying good amount of cash while travelling? Want to make sure no stranger can locate it? Then hide it someplace where no one other than you would ever want to look - your undergarments! They can either be the ones you are wearing or the ones in your luggage. It’s your call! An undergarment-cum-safe, what a jugaadu :P

5. I use my luggage as my pillow during night journeys. A great jugaad especially when it comes to safeguarding your stuff.

This is like literally killing two birds with one stone. You get a sturdy pillow and at the same time you buy some sound sleep, because anybody would think at least twice before heading towards your head! Bingo! Your luggage is safe.

I told you, jugaad runs in our blood, and Avinash gave us a classic example of that. I’ll definitely use some (only SOME) during my next journey. Are you also a jugaadu? Let me know of your tried and tested travel fixes in the comments section below.-