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guides, accommodations and transportation for the tour for given one review on Trip Advisor), lived in Pushkar and wrote
less than we could have ourselves. Owner Sabu Ram, it seemed, in very poor English. There were no veteran reviewers or any
never sleeps and answered our countless e-mail almost instant- from Europe or America. So most likely the reviews were post-
ly. We adjusted the itinerary several times - a benefit of design- ed by the young guys at the camp carrying our bags or working
ing your own private tour. in the restaurant – hardly an unbiased group.
You will need a visa, which can be obtained easily online through So analyze the reviews, looking for a broad group from many
the government Web site. Fees depend on your length of stay. locales with a consistent message. Then there’s a good chance
you’re getting worthwhile
information. Also as a rule
TIP: Using Trip Advisor or other throw out the very worst
user-generated review sites.
and sometimes best reviews.
Trip Advisor can be one of the There’s always someone who
best resources for travelers but dislikes most everything or a
a little common sense makes competitor pulling a fast one.
it even more valuable and reli- Be Prepared
able. A top 10 rank or four stars If you’ve done your homework
doesn’t necessarily make it so.
you’ll have a checklist of things
For instance, the Wild Rose, our to do and take. Here are a few
camp restaurant in Pushkar, was that need attention.
touted as one of the top 10 res- Opposite The teaming streets of New Delhi’s
taurants in town in Trip Advisor. spice market streets. Opposite lower: The au-
A close look at the reviews re- thors with Icon Travel’s Sabu Ram.
vealed that all the commentators Top: Muslim women washing in the pool of
were one shot wonders (only had
the The Great Mosque of Delhi, shown below.
Wine Dine & Travel Spring 2014 37