FAQ and Travel Tips
If you do love to travel there are few things to keep in mind:
- Pick a travel and tour organizer with care because most are profit oriented and hurry you through each destination, hardly giving you time to savor a place or enjoy what it has to offer. Never join a “crash” tour if you want to really enjoy the travel experience.
- By the same token, in order to maximize profits, tour operators will book you into cheap hotels or hotels that lack in comfort or hygiene. There is not much you can do if you are part of a group and have to put up with it. Make sure about the name of the hotel and type of accommodation when you book your tour.
- Destinations and the time you spend at each place are important. Get clarifications.
- Food is another thing you should be particular about inasmuch as some organizers will offer breakfast or lunch or evening meals leaving you to fend for yourself at other times. You must know about these in detail before you commit or you will find yourself snacking on burgers and pizzas when you should actually be treated to fine local cuisines.
- Travel light, carry only sufficient clothing and take care to keep cameras and phones secure and with you all the time. Hotel rooms may not be all that secure.
- Have enough money on you, but not too much for shopping or paying for extras.
- Winter and spring are good times to travel. You may travel during rains but be prepared to put up with inconvenience.
Visiting Temples
When visiting places of worship and mausoleums there are certain religious customs to be observed. As a token of respect, it is customary to remove your footwear before entering all temples. In Jain and Hindu temples leather goods such as belts, shoes and bags will not be permitted either.
Photography
India is a kaleidoscope of color just waiting to be photographed, so wherever you travel be sure to carry your camera and an ample supply of color film. With the exception of inside the Taj Mahal, the airports, and other restricted areas, you may photograph to your heart’s content.
Clothing
Generally, we recommend bringing light loose fitting cotton clothes for most of the Country or for during the warmer months and pale colors tend to be cooler. Additionally some form of layering will be required due to the range of temperatures which almost all areas of the country experience.
The North and central regions of India from mid November – Mid February are lot colder than imagined. Adequate warm clothing particularly for the evenings and early mornings should be bought i.e. fleeces, sweaters, jackets, shawls, and socks with shoes.
The Cities
Indian cities are bustling and exciting and in most areas, quite safe. There is little danger of being mugged on the streets here, but don’t be offended if the locals stare at you – The Indians are a friendly and hospitable people and just curious. Almost all city-dwellers speak and understand English and you will find the entire street and shop signs in English as well.
Above all, pick a travel organizer like The Luxury Journeys if you really wish to have an exclusive experience you can boast of to your friends.