Angie's Travel Tips

Angie's Quick Tips for India Travel

*There is NEVER a good excuse for a broken seal on a water bottle!!! Before opening, turn it over and give it a good squeeze. Then check carefully for any other signs of tampering. You can't be too careful.

*There are several great water bottle carriers on the market. (A strap that hooks around the neck of the bottle is best. They sell them at Disneyland, :) or I can tell you how to make one.) Take one with you and carry a bottle with you everywhere (including the plane!).

*Acidophilus pills may help you avoid "Delhi belly". I can't prove it, but I wouldn't travel without taking some every day. Yogurt is good for this too.

*Visit a Travel Clinic or consult a Travel Nurse well before your trip. They will have the most up-to-date advice regarding immunizations and other precautions. They'll likely prescribe a "just-in-case" series of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

*You might consider avoiding meat and/or milk while in India. I haven't had trouble with either, but sanitary conditions aren't what we're used to... While milk is difficult for me to resist (especially from "Auntie" in Bangalore), I intend to go "Veg" during my next trip.

*Anti-bacterial hand wipes (individually sealed is best) are essential. Use them several times a day, especially after "talking" with street children, and *definately* before every meal. (I get "Nice & Clean" from Target. Every time I use them now, the smell brings back happy memories of India.) :)

*If you're going into the home of someone really special (a sponsored child, for example) and they've cooked for you, I think it's okay to relax your food safety rules. I can't believe I'm saying this, but several days of sickness really IS worth the "bonding experience". (That said, I've never been sick from eating at someone's home. Or sharing food with street children, for that matter... -- Not recommended, but a highlight of my life. -- Resealed water bottles (see above) and airplane food have been my downfall.

*Expect difficulties in dealing with the poverty. Protect yourself and your heart, but not at the expense of your humanity. Some folks suggest it, but I simply cannot ignore people begging on the street. A genuine smile and nod of the head can make a real connection. (An awkward Namaste is generally appreciated too.) Let yourself feel the pain, but don't let it stop you from experiencing the beauty of India.

*If you feel that you must give money to folks on the street (I recommend that you donate to a charitable organization instead.) then keep a small amount of money in a bag solely for that purpose. Opening your fanny pack is an invitation for trouble. I will sometimes carry a bag of snacks (raisins, nuts, fruit snacks) or little toys to give to folks. Mini ziploc bags from the bead store are perfect for this!

*Children who are begging in the streets are most likely not in school. Don't make it profitable for them.

*Ziploc bags are a God-given blessing for travelers!

*Take whatever you can out of it's original packaging and put it in a Ziploc bag! :)

*To cross a street, pick the most careful-looking person nearby and follow him or her! If you're with an Indian kid, have him/her hold your hand. My buddies have loved the responsibility of taking care of me! :)

*Sit on the floor whenever you can. If folks insist you sit in the only chair in the room, do so gratefully, but see if you can get away with offering it to an older person. It's embarrassing to be the only one in a room sitting in a chair, but it's an honor to your hosts to be able to provide it. A gracious attempt at refusal will display your humility. If you're actually allowed to sit on the floor, consider it an honor, you've become one of the group. If there are kids around, sit right down in the thick of things! :)

*Try to never say no to offers from hosts. (Real hosts, not those wanting to make a buck off of you...) However, stick to your convictions. For example, I hate coffee and tea, and have had way too many cups as a guest in India. But, for example, if you can't have caffeine for health reasons, just say so.

*Polite firmness will turn away most folks wanting something from you (beggar, salesman, tout...) My last resort has been, "I'm finished talking with you," after that, ignoring everything they did or said. Chris F. uses the word "purposeful". I think the word conveys the message here exactly. There is nothing more attractive than an indecisive tourist to someone out to separate you from your money...

*Sit back and watch what other folks are doing, and try to emulate when appropriate. The greatest compliment I've ever received is, "You're so Indian!" -- I'm far from it. I'm actually a loud, opinionated Northwesterner! :)

*Do NOT go out alone at night! If a knowlegeable person whom you trust tells you it's okay, then go ahead. This is good advice for an unknown neighborhood anywhere.

*One technique that has served me well during my solo travels has been to find a restaurant I like near my hotel and go there for nearly every meal. This definitely limits my culinary experience, a fascinating exploration of its own, but has many good sides to it. Familiarity is key here. The staff become familiar with me and treat me well. I have a place to go that is comfortable and familiar, allowing a bit of a respite from the barrage of new experiences. And, definitely not to be forgotten, if you've found a restaurant with good sanitary conditions, it can be wise to stick with it... I may try things differently when I'm not travelling on my own, but this plan has worked nicely so far.

*Bring a phrase book or phrase list with you. You'll get the most mileage out of a Hindu/Urdu phrasebook in the north, but try to get one for the local language of the place you're visiting. You won't likely need it to get your point across, but it surely shows a lot of respect to give the language a try. If you learn one phrase, go for "Your child is beautiful." That will surely get you a lot of smiles and warm responses... :) (A warning on a sad note, though, I've had folks try to *give* their children to me... This is a painful reality of true poverty.)

*Relax and let things happen. I've been "beautified" at a beauty school in a Delhi slum, been invited to a Hindu bride's Mehendi Ceremony, a Hindu groom's wedding procession, & drinks at a 5-star hotel (all in the same day!) However, don't let someone else determine the focus of your experiences. Allow yourself the opportunity to fulfill your goals.

*It is simply not possible to take too many photos! Take plenty of film with you. (I shot 31 rolls during my second trip. -- 4 weeks) If you run out, buy from a store, not from someone outside the Red Fort, for example. At the very least, ensure the box has its original seal and is not out of date. As much as I love video, I do think it is possible to take too much video footage. If doing so removes you from the experience and turns you into a human recorder, you'll miss out on a lot.

*Take off your shoes whenever you enter a home or somewhere else that has them gathered at the entrance, even if you're told it's not necessary. (I believe this may be because you are considered an honored guest. You can show great respect by doing it anyway.) Slip- on shoes are essential!

*Even more important than slip-on shoes... COMFORTABLE, STURDY shoes. India is rough on shoes. You may completely wear out a new pair.

*Dress conservatively. No pants for women if you can stand it. NO SHORTS for Women OR Men! Shoulders should always be covered. Skirts should be well below the knee. (I bring elastic waist pants for the plane trip only.) -- Cathie W. doesn't completely agree with me here... :) She'd suggest comfortable, lightweight slacks, but no jeans (too hot). -- I'd agree that slacks are likely to be appropriate for situations such as train travel (especially in a sleeper car where you may do some climbing). However, I'll stick to my opinion that skirts and dresses are your best bet. I firmly believe that this is especially important when traveling to villages, and when spending time with folks who live in poverty or seem to have particularly conservative values. -- Amelia suggests wearing a salwar kameez or sari. I'll definitely agree.

*Leave as many of your "beauty items" as you can at home... A curling iron may be more trouble than it's worth. (You'll need a plug adapter and currency converter.) You may likely sweat your makeup off early in the day. Your jewelry may send the message that you're wealthier than you think... It's not your job to be "gorgeous" when you're traveling. That said, do what you need to feel comfortable. If you've been wearing mascara every day since you were 13 and just feel strange without it, then so be it. Also, don't become so casual that you don't keep yourself tidy. As filthy as things can get in India, (take a look at the washcloth after you wash your face at night) I've never seen a more tidy group of people than all but the absolute poorest of Indians. Can you imagine a *clean* dirt floor? I've seen them.

*Check out my Thoughts on Packing for more ramblings about packing...

*Expect that you'll pay more than your fair share for things, but don't roll over and beg for it! Tourists are easy targets. The more that accept ridiculously inflated prices, the worse it is for other tourists. Pay attention to what things cost. Don't compare prices to the cost of things at home. Don't be a scrooge, but don't try to be Santa Claus.

*If someone, an auto-rickshaw driver for example, treats you respectfully and kindly (not deferentially, yuck!) ask how you can find him again and give a small tip if you like. While staying in Connaught Place in New Delhi the auto-rickshaws were driving me crazy, always demanding to give me a ride when I was simply out for a walk. I talked to the "boss" of the area. (Generally the guy who speaks the best English and regularly shows up out of nowhere.) I told him that I would go to him for a ride when I wanted one, but only if I was allowed to walk peacefully when I wanted. I also told him that I refused to go anywhere other than the places that I specifically request (a common practice, to take you where they get a commission). If my requests were not followed, I'd use someone else's services. (Just going to another block will take you to another "team".) This guy actually remembered me nearly three years later, and it was easy to strike the same deal.

*If you're going regularly going between 2 places (the hotel & the orphanage for example) find out from someone you trust (the orphanage staff is a good bet) how much it should cost. (The first trip anywhere will likely be the most expensive one.) Then, each time you travel negotiate that price before the journey. In Delhi I would often travel to one of two places. I decided that I would pay 20 rupees each way and informed the drivers before heading off. This was more than the going rate, but a fair price and everyone was happy with no hassle.

*Remember to confirm all flights. All flights originating within India should be confirmed.

*Before you travel, read, talk to people who've traveled internationally (especially to India, of course) and READ! I can't recommend "Culture Shock: India" enough. I also really like "Travelers' Tales: India" and "A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler". Lonely Planet Guides are an essential tool. Don't bring the whole, huge, LP book with you when you travel, though. Bring photocopies of the most essential pages. Another interesting way to prepare is to watch Hindi films (with English subtitles -- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is my favorite). Remember, though, when you watch Hindi films, that it's like trying to learn about our culture by watching "Dallas" or "90210". You definitely don't get "reality", but you do get some important clues.

*Cathie W. reminded me that it's a good idea to exchange money at the airport when you arrive. It's going to be the most convenient opportunity by far, and the rates are comparable.

*Firm patience is your greatest strength. If you aren't getting what you feel you need, take a moment to think. Is your request truly reasonable in the context you're in? If so, quietly and firmly state your position. Expect that things will take longer than you'd like, and be delighted if they don't.

Angie's Thoughts on Packing

*It is possible to pack too light... There are folks who believe in only taking carry-ons, but I'm not one of them. Too much stress worrying about not having something I need. Not enough room to carry the enormous amount of gifts I tend to take. And, most importantly, you end up burdening yourself by trying to carry too much.

*The "new" suitcases with pop-up handles and sturdy wheels are wonderful. (DON'T take the kind with the four little wheels on the long end that follows behind you on a little leash. Yikes!) Costco's Kirkland Signature brand has some suitcases that I love. Sturdy, sturdy, sturdy... Mine lasted a month traveling around India and came back as good as new! Can't say the same for my shoes...

*You want to be sure that have only one handle you need to hold. Your backpack (if you've got one), fanny pack (don't try to use a purse), & security belt are securely attached to you. Your suitcases should connect to each other (be sure they're well-balanced!) and you'll have just one handle to fuss over. This leaves you an arm to carry (or support/fuss over if you're using a carrier) a little one or hold the hand of an older child, and one hand to drag your luggage. If you suddenly need two hands to deal with the child or something else, you should be able to drop the handle quickly and go to it...

*Here's the plan in a nutshell: security belt for valuables; fanny pack for "purse items" and valuables you need easy access to; backpack for "diaper bag items" and anything else you need frequently or in case of emergency; small suitcase should include items that you need a little less frequently (sort of an extension of the backpack) -- put this in the upper compartment on the plane; big suitcase for clothes, gifts (on the way there), stuff you bought (on the way back), etc. -- check this with the airline.

*You may very likely be able to combine the backpack and the small suitcase. During a recent trip with two of the world's cutest 3-year olds, I used my backpack for my personal items before I met up with them and checked both of my suitcases. After I had the girls in my arms, I combined the items in my backpack and the small suitcase. There was plenty of space for the things I needed for the girls as well as for my electronics, etc. The empty backpack went into my checked baggage. During our flight the small suitcase was in the upper compartment. I brought a small cotton bag to contain things we'd need at our seats. I only had to get into the upper compartment once or twice during the flight.

*The key is to keep the most valuable things closest to you. You shouldn't remove the security belt when you're out and about, so that's where you'll keep you money, passport, tickets (unless you're about to use them), medical prescriptions, and the like. You won't likely take off your fanny pack, so the next most important things go in there (money you'll currently using, camera, glasses, any essential medicines, and other small things you'll need easy access to, i.e. hanky -- trust me, you'll need a hanky). You may take off your backpack, but you'll likely keep it close by (at your feet, for example) so you put the next most important things (important medicines, camera, camcorder, exposed film, extra pair of underwear, things to keep you/child busy) in there. The small suitcase will hold things that you need if your luggage gets misplaced for a day or two and things that don't fit in the backpack (more diapers, change of clothes for little one & maybe for yourself, less important medicines, etc.) The big suitcase is for anything else.

*If there is anything you simply "can't live without", carry it on your person at all times. But, don't assume that your luggage will be lost. It can happen, but is much more likely to get misplaced or misrouted. My dad, who has done quite a lot of travelling, told me, "If you can't trust the airline with your luggage, you surely shouldn't trust them with your life."

The iChild web site has some good packing lists. Listed here are a few things that I think one surely shouldn't forget:

*fingernail cleaning brush (scrub away!) *anti-bacterial hand wipes (individually sealed is best) *water bottle carrying strap *photocopies of passport/visa, travelers checks, itinerary, etc. *snacks (comfort foods, Power Bars can replace a missed meal -- great for "Delhi Belly")

Three key tips:

*Take your luggage to the vet and borrow their scale before you leave to ensure that you're within the airline weight restrictions. (I had to do a lot of shuffling my first trip.)

*Pack up all of your stuff ahead of time and walk around the house (or neighborhood) as if you were traveling. If you'll be bringing home a baby, borrow one for this try-out or substitute a cat or a small dog. I guarantee that they'll be a good, wiggly substitute. If not, let me introduce you to my kitten! ;)

*Pack early! Get out your suitcase ahead of time and pack as much as you can. If you're bringing a favorite skirt with you, just don't wear it for the last couple of weeks before you go. (It sure beats doing laundry at midnight the night before you leave!) You'll be taking travel sizes of toiletries, etc. (homemade or store-bought), so you can get those packed plenty early. Make a list of any items you'll be adding at the last minute, and put the list in the suitcase. At least a week before you travel, put everything together and follow the above two tips. If you need to make any adjustments, you've got plenty of time.

P.S. Key word for travel: ziploc, ziploc, ziploc!!! ;)