In life, there are three absolutes. One, Rahul Gandhi won’t get married.  Two, there is no answer to ‘Melody itni chocolatey kyun hai?’ Three, there can never be a successful Mumbai to Goa trip on the first attempt.

While the first two may remain absolutes, the third one will not. It is a tough challenge and many obstacles will come your way but with the right steps, a successful Goa trip on the first attempt is possible.

Mumbai isn’t far from Goa but some friends make it sound so. These are the people your mother warned about. Never include such friends in your plan, eliminate their name.

Once you’ve created a list of people you know for sure (60-70%) will say ‘Yes’ and actually deliver on that consent, book an air ticket. Yes, an air ticket. The emotion a flight can create in a mind is stronger than a train or bus. Few will cancel the tickets once they realise it is a flight. There are countless domestic flights to choose from and tickets do fall under the affordable range.

Now that your travel arrangements are done, the next and perhaps the most vital task is to convince the inconvincible: parents. The best strategy is to gently reveal titbits of the trip with time. Mention that special fort (Don’t say Aguada!) you wished to see for a long time. Discuss how domestic flights are offering affordable tickets to Goa, talk about taking a break from the city; parents have got the hint.

Drop the bomb after they have food, a full stomach is the best way to reveal anything. Tell them about how you’ve studied hard this year, attended all lectures, and wish to visit Goa with friends. Expect the first response to be a resounding ‘No’. Don’t you give up! Tell the parents about those ‘Sanskaari kids’ who are coming on the trip, if they can, you can too. Talk about how an itinerary is planned where it is all about exploring Goa and its sights than sitting all day at a beach sipping cheap Kingfisher.

Try and insist confidence in your parents that you won’t drink or smoke and get high. While they know you are lying, you don’t drop the act. Emotional blackmail is best with messy hair and teary eyes. You have to sound really earnest to go. Talk about how college memories stay the same. Ask them about their college time and how they felt when their parents didn’t allow them to go on a trip. This should increase your chances of getting a ‘yes’.

Just make sure to book a decent hotel or find a friend who knows a friend who owns a place in Goa, rent it for a few days. Keep it clean, scrub off all stains, and ensure to leave no butts and bottles behind. Now, that parents have said yes, what’s stopping you? Get on the Mumbai to Goa flight and enjoy the good times!