Photos that have emerged of life in India show that the country often looks quite different from what most travelers expect. India is a country of surprises but it’s still important to be as prepared as possible so you make the most out of your travels. From health hacks to hidden destinations in India that every tourist should visit, here are the tips that will help your trip run smoothly.
Bring A Water Filter
A common mistake that many rookies make their first time in India is assuming they can drink the local tap water. To reduce your chances of catching bugs and getting sick, it’s best to stick to avoid drinking the local water, unless you bring a water filter. There are plenty of convenient water filters on the market designed for travelers, from the battery-charged SteriPEN to the LifeStraw. The other option is to purchase bottled water wherever you go, but that can get expensive. If you’re only traveling with a backpack, carrying around lots of bottles of water can be tricky, which is why bringing the water filter is such a great hack.
Carry Cash And Learn To Bargain
A hack that will make your trip to India better than ever is learning to bargain. While in some countries bargaining isn’t really appropriate, it’s quite common in India. It can take a little practice and confidence, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that bargaining will save you from paying top dollar in street markets. It’s also important to carry cash at all times in India. Even though many establishments will accept a credit card, there are still plenty of rural areas and street vendors that only accept cash. You’ll save yourself the hassle of trying to find an ATM at the last minute if you make sure that you always have some cash on you.
Go Vegetarian (And Pack Imodium)
Don’t go to India without packing a sleeve of Imodium. This is one of the most important tips that all first-timers to India should know. Between the street food and meals that have come into contact with the local water, feeling sick in the tummy at some stage during your trip is pretty likely. Imodium will delay your need to rush to the bathroom, which can be difficult on a crowded train or in a busy street market. It’s also a good idea to try and eat only vegetarian meals because vegetables have less of a chance of upsetting your stomach than meat does.
Schedule In Time In The Countryside
The busiest destinations in India are busy for a reason. Stops like Agra and New Delhi are well-worth including on your Indian tour schedule but don’t forget about some of the quieter escapes. Scheduling in some time in the countryside can be just what you need to re-charge your batteries and keep you going on the busier days of your trip. The beaches of Kerala can provide a nice refuge from the hustle and bustle, as can the district of Kutch and the mountain state of Himachal Pradesh.
Be On The Lookout For Scammers
You can run into scammers no matter where you travel to. Unfortunately, the chances of being targeted by scams tend to be higher in India than they are in other countries. These often come in the way of taxi and rickshaw drivers who try to take you to specific hotels or shops and then charge you the commission they make. The best thing to do is always keep your wits about you, never be too trusting, and know that things that sound too good to be true probably are. Be on the lookout for scammers, but don’t be disheartened if you’re cheated out of a few dollars. Try not to let the negative experiences ruin your entire trip to India.