TIP NO. 6
BOOK TRAIN TRAVEL WELL IN ADVANCE.
Using the wide-reaching Indian railways network is
a convenient, budget-conscious way to travel. However, keep
in mind that trains are often booked weeks or even months in
advance, which means it’s a good idea to secure train tickets
ahead of time. Dimopoulos adds that doing this on your
own—as well as trying to find your seats and handle your own
baggage—can be daunting. Her advice: Use a licensed agent to
help you book train tickets and organize porters to help with
your baggage.
TIP NO. 7
KNOW WHAT TO PACK.
Be prepared—and show your respect for Indian culture.
There are a few essentials Dimopoulos always brings when
she travels to India:
· Lightweight shawls. “You’ll need to cover your
shoulders when you visit temples and participate in
ceremonies,” Dimopoulos says.
· Comfortable, easy-to-slip-off footwear. “You’ll also
need to take off your shoes before going into temples or
homes in India,” she says.
· Warm layers. Even if you’re visiting in summer, cities
in higher elevations in the north will get chilly at night.
“Not to mention there’s a chance you’ll encounter an
over-zealous air conditioner at some point,” she says.
· Hand sanitizer. This is smart for any travel, but it can
be especially important in India, where many people
eat with their hands and you won’t always find running
water or soap in bathrooms.
· Pocket tissues. These can easily double as toilet paper
when needed.
· Ginger chews (or anything else that settles your
tummy). “If you’re driving on winding mountain
roads, even those who don’t usually experience motion
sickness can get pretty queasy,” Dimopoulos says.TIP NO. 8:
MENTALLY PREPARE YOURSELF FOR INDIA.
While nothing can really prepare you for traveling to this
country for the first time, reading about the culture and
learning as much as you can will certainly help prepare you
for the shock and sensory overload you’ll likely experience,
Dimopoulos says. “India is the kind of place you go to feel with
all your senses,” she says. “And while the smells, sounds, tastes,
and colors may feel a bit chaotic and overwhelming at first, it’s
all part of the experience. Stay open to all of it, and you’ll be
able to fully enjoy this incredible country.”