10 Tips to Surviving Your Trip to India

PLAN AHEAD

In order to enjoy a successful trip to India, the proper documentation will need to be in order.  Aside from booking the flight, hotel accommodations, and packing a suitcase, a valid travel visa is required, along with a current passport – well before the departure date.  It can take several weeks or sometimes months to obtain a travel visa to India.  On arrival, it may be difficult to communicate with the locals.  Travelling with companions who speak the native language would be ideal but is not always plausible.  Take advantage of the services a travel agent can offer.   They will arrange for English-speaking taxi drivers to greet travellers at the airport, along with many other helpful accommodations.

TAKE PRECAUTION

Visit a doctor before the trip to get vaccinated and prescribed the required antibiotics.  Stock up on bug spray and sunscreen.  Many tourists experience cases of upset stomach when travelling overseas, and some valuable tips for India are to take all the recommended precautions and preventative measures.  Avoid drinking tap water, and any beverages which may contain contaminated water.  Bottled water will be available for purchase virtually everywhere.   It will also come in handy to bring along toilet paper, as many restrooms in India do not offer this luxury.

ADAPT TO THE LOCAL CULTURE

When travelling to India people discover a country rich with flavour, culture, customs and beliefs.   It is advised that women dress accordingly, avoid revealing clothing so as not to offend or attract negative attention.  Swimming is uncommon in the public water areas, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans in most parts of India, however many individuals will stand in the waters to bathe and wash their laundry.

TRANSPORTATION

Ride the trains when travelling from one city to another in India, they will provide for a pleasant and smooth ride with a scenic view of the countryside.  Auto rickshaws amass the streets for short distance rides through the town.  For a truly relaxing activity while visiting India, take a houseboat on a tour through the rice paddies.

ALWAYS BE ALERT

The roads in India are a fascinating and terrifying thing to get used to; manoeuvring through traffic should be entrusted to the locals.  Simply crossing the road or walking alongside it must be performed with great caution.   During the daytime the streets are alive with the sound of continuous horn honking, which are a polite way to alert fellow drivers to a passing vehicle.

PROTECT YOUR POCKETBOOK

Some common advice for visiting India is to get familiar with the current exchange rate and expected prices for purchases.    Bartering is expected and encouraged with street vendors.

STAY CONNECTED 

Look into inexpensive options to keep in touch with friends and family back home.  Cell phone companies tend to be very costly with international calls, but Skype or internet calls are always free.

OVER INDULGE

The cuisine in India is incredible.  Dive in and enjoy the food, it is sure to be a highlight of the vacation.  Most restaurants offer mainly vegetarian dishes, with an astounding array of colour and diverse flavour.   Chicken and fish are commonly included in meals, however beef and pork are not recommended in our tips for India.

SOAK IT ALL IN

Make travelling to India worthwhile by experiencing as much of the country as possible.  Ancient temples and palaces are sure to amaze and humble anyone who has the pleasure to visit these majestic structures.  Take a safari through the jungle, or enjoy a palm reading while watching the sunset over the ocean.