5 Things You Should Do Before Planning a Trip to India

India is an exotic country full of colorful sights and sounds that are destined to provide a travel adventure like no other. With this majesty also comes some uncertainty about how to navigate this foreign land. Here are a few things that you should do before embarking on your bucket list trip to India.

Do Your Research:

India is a large and diverse country with many areas to explore. Before you take off on your epic adventure, you need to do your research to narrow down your destination options. India is best enjoyed by immersing yourself in the culture and connecting with the local people. Rather than spending the entirety of your trip rushing around between different regions, you are better off picking a few areas to enjoy.

For example, if seeing classic India is your goal, you will want to focus on the sites of the Golden Triangle, featuring Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. If the beach is your thing, you will want to visit India’s southern states and the Goa Coast.

Locate the Nearest US Embassy in Advance of Your Departure:

While no traveller specifically intends to visit the US Embassy while abroad in India, you never know when you may need the service of these professionals. Locating the nearest embassy to your travels prior to your departure will ensure that you can get there quickly in the event of an emergency.

Bring Proper Documentation:

Do not leave US soil without having the proper documentation in hand. In addition to your passport, you will want paper copies of all of your hotel and travel reservations. Especially if you are traveling to a remote area, you do not want to rely on having an internet connection to pull up the information that you need.

Be Careful What You Eat:

There is no doubt that you will be tempted to overindulge in the aromatic curries and street snacks that line the roads of India. It is not uncommon for tourists to experience gastrointestinal issues when sampling this cuisine. You can protect your gut by avoiding street food carts, eating produce that has been peeled and washed thoroughly, and staying away from meat that has not been boiled or fried. You should also avoid drinking water from a tap or using ice of unknown origins.

Book Accommodations and Plan in Advance:

Booking your accommodations and activities in advance will save you hassle when you land in this magical country. If you do not want to throw money wastefully at booking fees, consider how you can send money to India through the dependable services of Western Union. This will ensure that you are not on the hook for costly fees that may break your travel budget.

A journey through India is sure to scratch your itch for wanderlust. The right research and preparation will boost the odds that you are able to make the most out of this exciting adventure through this colorful land.

Photo by Debashis RC Biswas on Unsplash