As Promised: pre-travel tips and arrangements

Before we we start, there are two types of travellers in my opinion. I’m okay with being both depending the situation, but, for India I advise being the well-organized one. Meaning you made a few arrangements and a game plan up-front. It’s not easy arranging trains last minute in India, which you will need to gross the far distances. Though it is good possible without too much planning, you will get more out of you time if you’ve a limited time.

This coming trip to India is divided in two pieces the first past is planned, mapped out and arranged, the last part will be more relaxing and going with the flow. More on that will come in a future blog, somewhere end of July, this one aims on sticking to the plan. I’ve putting my best 5 tips down here!

1.       Plan flexible

Though you probably want to see as much as possible, make sure there is room for error. You will not always be on time. I once had to wait for a ‘short’ 4 hour delayed train, these things happen and it can cost you days (and yes, those 5 minute delays in the Netherlands matter). Make sure you’re able to skip a destination or have a plan to catch up with you travel schema. Missing something only gives you a reason to come back. For a three week travel I suggest taking two days for possible delays in-between. This will give you more rest during your travels and takes away the urge of rushing through everything.

2.       Vaccinations

This wouldn’t be my own point, but it is very important when travelling to India, or even other parts of Asia. Getting sick in India is unavoidable, trust me, but being able to go on when sick is manageable. Make sure you have the proper vaccinations and medicines on your travels. Indian is a heavy to take in, there is a lot of impressions, different climate, food and chaos which will overwhelm you and make you susceptible of diseases.

Besides the vaccinations you can do a lot to not get sick. Drink a lot of water and when you buy the bottles, make sure they haven’t been opened before. Eat only the food you trust and know your limits, there are always a number of decent vast-food chains around to be more save, though most Indian food will not make you sick. If you do get sick, go to a decent hotel and ask for a doctor, they will be able to help you. Most times you just have to tell them that you do have a food poisoning and they will tell you the medicine you need.

3.       Inside the Backpack

What you’ve to take on your journey to India? You might noticed that India is about as big as Europe and in probably even more diverse. With the high mountains in the north, Thar Desert, tea field and metropolitan cities it is hard to tell what you should take. (btw, I am a guy and I do travel light, my excuses for the ladies seeking advice.) My trip would take me through most of the different climates in India, meaning I would have a lot of different clothes to carry. I will mostly pack summer clothes, the average temperature will be higher than my home country anyways. Furthermore there will be some warmer clothes like a sweater, sweatpants and jeans.

Travel sleep-bag – thanks for the tip Mr. Mark – is essential. This thing is thin, easy portable and will make you feel so much more fresh than not having it. Sleeper trains and busses may be disgusting, I have been in many different classes of Indian trains – which you should do as well – and in some it’s just heaven on earth having your own sheets. Besides they are cheap, so there is no reason of not taking them (about €1, - at the Action).

4.       Addresses and directions

Depending on where you’re going and how known the hotels are you staying, this is important. Know the names of places, and just the address won’t cut the deal. Telling my driver I have to go to ‘Utkhant Society 7b’ makes him look stunned and me looking like a fool. That is simply not how it works in India, you need to know the ‘landmark’ – a place which seems to be well known by the locals – going to the address as mentioned, I had to say ‘Alka Puri Club’ – which was one block away – and give directions for the last few turns. Conclusion you need to know the way, because they will not.

This also gives you an advantage. YOU KNOW THE WAY. You’re now able to negotiate with your drive about the price (and please do arrange up-front). Average price (which of course depends on the place and city) is about 12rs/1km, meaning most destinations are within 100 RS. Charge for more people in a rickshaw (even more than three), luggage charge and all other excuses are invalid, keep this in mind. If you don’t like the hustle, just download Uber, it’s sometimes even cheaper and they do have google maps navigation.

5.       Don’t prepare to much

Lots of those visiting India either hate it or love it, there doesn’t seem to be an in-between. Biggest issues faced are the overwhelming crowd and constant struggle to not be bothered by everyone who wants something of you. Pictures with foreigners are a hot topic, everyone wants a photo with you, especially if you agree to the first picture taken, there will be no end. The constant struggle and negotiating with the drivers to get where you need to be, the chaos and the things that are just so different will get to you. Just try to let this overcome you and enjoy the beauty of the Indian culture on full display. The point being, erase the image you have about India and just go there and be astonished, if you do not have expectations, it can only be good!

That’s blog number two, the next one will discuss negotiations and how I handle them more in detail and the first steps after arriving in India as well!

Cheers,

Maurice