Traveling To India Checklist
Monday, September 12, 2016
Traveling to the vibrant, exciting country of India? No doubt you’ll be thrilled about your upcoming adventure, but before jetting off make sure you’ve taken care of these important things.
Sort Your Visa
If you opt for a multiple entry visa, it won’t cost you any more money than a single entry. However, if you decide to visit a bordering country, your visa will allow you back into India. Some residents from eligible countries will be able to apply for a tourist visa online which makes things quicker and easier. One important thing to ensure is sorted before visiting India is your passport. All passports must be machine readable, or you will be denied entry.
Have Your Vaccinations
There is a range of vaccinations that you may need before traveling to India. Speak to your GP who will be able to advise you which ones to have, based on your current health and circumstances. You will need to make sure your primary vaccinations and boosters are up to date, as well as consider others that are specific to diseases in India.
Sort Mosquito Protection
Protection against mosquitoes is important when traveling to many places in the world with a warm climate such as India. It’s advised that you don’t overuse mosquito repellant creams due to the risk of toxicity and allergic reaction. Instead follow instructions carefully. You can also use mosquito nets around your bed, and use mosquito repellant bands around your ankles or wrists. Make sure you have suitable long sleeve and full-length trousers to wear at times when mosquitoes are most active. The thought of mosquitos needn’t ruin your trip, just take sensible precautions.
Get Your Tickets Booked
Making sure tickets for transfers, excursions and trips are booked ahead will help your trip to run much more smoothly. If you are arriving in India at night, you can ask your hotel to send a car for you rather than using a private taxi. Again, make sure this is all sorted in advance. If you plan on using the Indian Railway reservation system, you will need to know the difference between e ticket and i ticket. If you are attending a festival or a tourist attraction you’ll want to book ahead to avoid disappointment. This saves any last minute rushing around.
Pack Suitable Clothing
‘Sensible’ clothing is preferred for most places in India. This includes things like covered shoulders and modest necklines. Lightweight, long sleeves, and full-length skirts or trousers will also protect against sunburn and mosquitos. A sun hat and sunglasses will protect you in India’s sunny and tropical climate. While clothing is cheap to buy in India, If you are staying in a resort and need swimwear for the pool make sure to pack some. It is one thing that is difficult and expensive to buy.
There are a few things to think about before traveling to India, but a bit of forward planning and organization will ensure a smooth and safe visit. Then you’re free to enjoy this incredible country in all it’s colorful glory.
Safety
You don’t want to dress like a “backpacker” with cargo pants, or a tourist in Ali Baba pants or any type of skirts in India. I remember when I was in Dehli last year, there were times I wore over the knee length skirt in a car, Indian men on their bikes would drove by us and stared at me. Key to survive in India would be trying to blend in with the rest of the society as much as possible and stay in foreigners only homestay or hotel.
Take precaution no matter where you go and especially in India, if you are traveling solo, it's best to find out other westerners hang out spot, make new friends and sightseeing the city together in a group. If you are American Citizen, you can register your trip with U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs STEP program.
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