Vacation Tips for India

The first requirement of every tourist is a comfortable nest to stay. India has very good accommodation facilities in the top end, mid-range and budget categories. As luxury hotels offer on line booking facilities, tourists can book their stay on line to avoid any hassles later on. Early booking is a must if tourists are planning to stay in some wildlife sanctuaries or the boat houses of Kashmir and Kerala as they have very limited accommodation.

Tourists must also exercise caution while travelling in India. Air or Railway tickets should be purchased only from the designated counters or authorised travel agents. Touts selling tickets should be avoided. Many luxury hotels also have tie-ups with leading travel agents to provide tickets to tourists staying with them. While travelling by train in India, tourists should be extra cautious about their luggage in stations and also during the period of journey.

While hiring taxis or autos, tourists should check whether they have fare meters and insist on paying the fare only according to meter reading. Near most airports and railway stations, pre-paid taxi counters are operated by the police. Tourists should avail their services as fares are fixed by the government. Public buses operating within city limits could be avoided as they are very slow and crowded.

Money exchanging facilities are available in all major airports and hotels. This facility could also be availed from authorised agents. 24 hour ATM facilities are now available everywhere in India including national highways, shopping places and hospitals. It may be mentioned that if tourists run out of money in small places and banks are also not available, some small hotels could be approached who will swipe your debit card and offer you the requisite amount. But for the services offered, they charge a hefty commission.

Tourists should also take a few health related precautions. If travelling to India during the peak summer season, direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided to minimize chances of heat strokes. A lot of water should also be consumed to avoid dehydration as India is a humid place. Moreover, it is safer to drink only boiled or filtered water. Another option is to carry mineral water bottles available in all shops. However, tampered mineral water bottles should not be purchased. Sweetened beverages like Coke and Pepsi are also easily available in the markets.

Food items should never be consumed from roadside stalls as chances of diseases like jaundice are always present. Indian food being spicy and oily, large quantities should never be consumed even while eating at a good eatery. To ensure that the food retains its hygiene, only food served hot should be consumed.

An insect repellent could be used if the place of stay is a mosquito-prone area. While visiting pharmacies, always check the expiry date of medicines and insist on a genuine receipt. Similarly, while visiting doctors, it should be checked whether they are registered.

Tourists should also be careful of Indian customs. Metros and big cities are liberal but the countryside may have rigid traditions. Public show of affection should be avoided in the smaller places. Similarly, clothes that bare the arms and legs should not be worn while visiting such areas. While visiting places of worship, shoes and sandals should be removed before entering. Dresses should be conservative and holy objects should not be touched with legs or left hand.

Law and order is another area where some precautions could be taken. In militancy infested areas, tourists should not venture late into night. Moreover, in case of any difficulty, number 100 should be dialed which connects immediately to the nearest police station.