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1. Start with an open mind, no preconcep- 8. Try not to jam too much into your trip
tions, and don’t be afraid to consider ad- and be flexible when traveling in and be-
ventures and experiences you’ve never tween cities. Don’t be surprised by delays
encountered before. since things don’t always happen with the
2. For background, check out the Indian precision of the German or Japanese rail
travel and government websites to get a systems.
feeling for the size of the country, regions, 9. Avoid crowded areas; keep your per-
cities, attractions, highlights and distances. sonal belongings secure and beware of
3. India is large, complex and can be some- pickpockets, a scourge of all big cities (we
what bewildering in sorting through the ar- have experiences from Paris and Madrid).
ray of opportunities available. Use a travel 10. Be careful when using public trans-
advisor who has been to India and knows portation. Metros are clean and air-condi-
the best travel options, tour operators and tioned, but can be crowded, so avoid at
nuances to create a memorable itinerary rush hours, in isolated areas and never at
based on your unique interests. night. Taxis provide an inexpensive option
4. Purchase travel insurance to cover any in most towns. Agree on a fare in advance
transportation, delays, damage, baggage or and have cash and change. Trains can be a
medical issues. good option between cities; book higher
5. Be careful when exchanging money. Ex- class seats. Uber works well in the big
change rates are the worst at airports and cities.
ports of entry. Use a preferred travel credit 11. Have a mini sanitation and medication
and debit card, such as Chase Sapphire, to kit with your favorite diarrhea and antacid
get money from bank and hotel ATMs as tablets, plus toilet paper, spray disinfec-
needed. Avoid supposedly good rates of- tant and hand sanitizers (cleaning materi-
fered by individuals at tables outside some als can be in short supply or absent in
of the attractions; counterfeit money can some public toilets.
be an issue; same for counterfeit admission 12. India has great street food, as evi-
tickets. denced by the crowds at the shops and
6. Dress conservatively and be as private stalls. But watch what you eat. Avoid ice
and unobtrusive as possible. cubes, fresh juices, cut fruit, milk products
7. Be sensitive to social etiquette, reli- and salads. When buying bottled water,
gious and other customs (e.g., remove your make sure the cap is sealed and not a re-
shoes before entering a temple). fill.
13. Smile and enjoy it all!
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