If you’re planning a trip to India, here are some important things you should know.
Food and water
Street food is amazing and very exciting for any new traveler, but those used to a more bland may run the risk of getting a bit sick if they are not used to spices or even different types of meat for that matter.
Another thing to be concious about is drinking from the taps.
Water filtration may not be as advanced as ours, and again as our systems are not as used to other microbes that may be lingering in the water, it is recommended to drink from bought water bottles. Do this even when you brush your teeth!
Health
If you do happen to fall ill while you are away, you are probably freaking out because you are not in the comforts of your own country, but don’t worry, there are plenty of top standard hospitals in and around the areas.
Healthcare tourism is when people who live in one country, travel to another country and receive medical, dental and surgical care while at the same time getting equal or even greater care than they would have been offered in their own country, especially as it is so affordable.
Some people even go to another country specifically for this reason only.
Pollution
Pollution has become a bit of a problem in India. This may seem like a small factor in the grand scheme of your travels.
If you do suffer from things like asthma, it may make it worse so keep what you need with you wherever you go out. Don’t feel silly wearing a mask or covering up with a scarf either.
Another good tip is to carry makeup remover with you. The pollution can really sneak into your skin and cause breakouts. So try and clean your face as much as possible. (This regards the men too!)
Beware Of Dogs
You may be a dog lover, but watch out for stray dogs, they can be very aggressive, and because they tend to stay in packs, they are not afraid to get close to you.
Don’t approach them too quickly (if at all) and certainly don’t attempt to pet them. As we know, wild animals run the risk of carrying all sorts of rabies that you don’t want exposure to.
Traffic
The traffic in India can be a bit overwhelming during your first trip and definitely something to get used to.
Although they still have stop signs and traffic lights – they aren’t heeded with the same seriousness as they are here in the U.S. (which when we think about it, isn’t saying much as we are pretty bad drivers ourselves!)
It really is like the movies when you see the cars all driving in the wrong lanes.
Instead of using their indicators to turn, they just honk their horn instead. If driving typically makes you a bit anxious, I would recommend tryingto drive around yourself, it’s just too dangerous. Go to the professionals.
Bargaining
You have to learn to bargain if you want to get the best deals.
The locals know a tourist from miles away, so they will try and sell you an item four times the price than it actually is – but we don’t know any better, right?
If you keep in mind that pricing is a bit negotiable (while remaining respectful), you may be able to stay on top of things.
