Chavi Hemanth, Secretary General of Indian Direct Selling Association, shares tips and trivia

Admin   |   12 August, 2015   |   1192   |   3980

Chavi Hemanth, Secretary General of Indian Direct Selling Association, shares tips and trivia from her numerous professional and personal tours.

"And why this business traveller wants to take her kids on a Palace on Wheels tour"

From Imphal in Manipur to Kodaikanal in the south, she travels two to three times a month through the length and breadth of the country, meeting government officials and speaking at various seminars. Not surprisingly, she has a range of interesting experiences and advice to share. We catch up with her.

Q: What does a typical day on a business trip look like?

When I am on a tour, typically, my day starts at 9.30 am. I go to the government departments and meet officials. Sometimes there are back-to-back meetings which can be pretty exhausting. So once back in the hotel, I hit the spa to slow down, calm down and unwind. I have seen that an aroma therapy session works best for me and relaxes me.  In fact, I can unwind more while on an official trip than at home where however much you try, you can never relax. There is always stuff to be done at home.

Q: Any hotel preferences?

For me, a hotel has to be very accommodating to my needs: If I need a printout at midnight, I should be able to get it. To give a simple example, I was down with a sore throat once and was worried especially because I was supposed to speak at a seminar next day. The hotel made me a drink using herbs and spices and I was fine soon after. Also, if I want something, a hotel must deliver after asking for it only once. I shouldn't be asking twice.

In India I love hotels from the Taj, Oberoi, and ITC group. The Maurya spa pampers you and treats you like a princess. In Oberoi, the food is very good. The Taj hotels in Kerala know exactly what I eat. I walk in and out of the hotel, and the staff would quickly make me something I like - khichdi, diet food, or shakes. I also love the Taj ambience. Their Jiva spas are great. In Hyderabad, I stay at the Novotel which has a good spa called O2.

Q: Okay, now the obvious question: How do you manage your family?

My kids have long come to accept that mom has to travel for work. My son had a problem initially - he wanted me to teach him. I stopped teaching him long ago. Now I employ teachers and review his school work periodically. I also leave instructions for the tutor on how to teach him. When my 18-year old daughter went to Goa with her friends, I booked them a villa and sent an escort too. My hubby  (he is the CEO of aviation related company)  also travels a lot; so he has no issues. He is not a north-Indian male, you see - he is from Karnataka, and very understanding. I've made it very clear: If my family has to wait because of my work, so be it. Work gets priority. But then we also go for family holidays often.

Q: So where all have you travelled with your family?

We went to Monte Carlo for a vacation and enjoyed it so much that we went again. It's neat, calm and quiet. At the beach there you can wear anything without any unwanted attention. We had been all over Europe and enjoyed Switzerland and Spain.

Our most recent holiday was in May at Kodaikanal where my daughter's school was. We normally stay at the Carlton, but this time we rented an apartment with a kitchen so that I could cook. I don't get that luxury anymore, so it was a wonderful experience cooking for my children. I was delighted that despite not cooking for years, the dishes turned out pretty good.

Q: Talking about food, any restaurant recommendations in Kodaikanal?

Go to the Cloud restaurant known for its thin crust pizza; a student canteen called Abby's for food cooked with love and affection; and a dhaba sort of a joint called Tawa for excellent home style food.

Q: Do you shop on a trip?

I hardly shop, but when I do it is only from shop at the airports or the mall nearest to my hotel. But I always buy fridge magnets - my nephew loves collecting them. I also buy the hour glasses, and though these keep breaking, I still love buying these.

Q: Airport reads?

I picked up a guide book to Australia in Australia because it was arranged alphabetically, starting from A for, then B for.  I mostly pick up books that help in career and spiritual enhancement - how to improve my own life. Lous Hay is a favourite author.

Q: Business suit or saree?

I am a saree person, and even though I have had my awkward moments when it slipped out at elevators and airports, I will always swear by the saree for business.

Q: Things you hate about travel?

I hate waiting for taxis. I also hate it when while flying, the aircraft is going through a turbulence and there is not a word from the pilot informing or warning. As for packing, it is no big deal - it hardly takes me five minutes. I always have one bag ready.

Q: Next holiday?

I want to take my kids on a tour aboard the Palace on Wheels which will give them a great idea about the history, culture and heritage of India.

Q: And finally, any travel advisory for the solo woman traveller?

If you are returning to the hotel late in the night, always ask for a hotel cab to pick you up. The charges may be double, but I would never take a local cab.

At the airport, make sure someone from the hotel receives you. If not, don't take a local cab; get the hotel to send you one. Hotel cabs can be traced.

When you are in the cab, ask your driver for his car number and call up your family. Speak in the same language as the driver does so that he is aware that the number has been passed on.

While touring the city, use Google maps. Don't let the cabbie take short cuts and drive you through interior lanes. The inner routs are often narrow and don't have lights. Always travel by the main road.

Don't forget to carry your sanitary napkins.