5 Things To Consider If You Want To Explore India
If you are thinking about taking a trip to explore India, you are opening yourself up to a wealth of experience that others will be jealous of, and you will cherish as a memory for the rest of your life. To make the most of your trip, keep these five considerations in mind.
1) Being able to speak the language is going to be an issue. While English is among the national languages of India, the dialect is very different than in the Western world, as is vocabulary and terminology. Fluency can vary too, as many regional speakers might not have the pronunciation that foreign visitors can easily understand if at all. If your travels are sticking to the main cities and typical tourist destinations, then this is not likely to be a huge issue. However, if you choose to get off the beaten path, know what the local languages are and have some way, via a guide book or smartphone app.
2) Don't rely on having fixed wireless service. Smartphones have become integral parts of the day to day lives in many countries and urban environments, but in places like India, the market, and service are still growing. Your phone from home might not even work in India, and might just work in the main cities. Contact your wireless carrier before leaving to know if you'll get a signal, if it'll be reliable where you go, and how secure the connection is. The last thing you want to do is plan on relying heavily on particular apps for your safe and convenient travel only to find out that they don't work or work erratically.
3) Be ready for any weather or climate. As you explore India, you will visit a vast country with a wide variety of climates and weather. Rain can be incessant during monsoon season, and the heat can seemingly evaporate swimming pools empty. India's territory covers everything from desert and rainforests to the heights of the Himalaya mountains in the north. This might not matter if you're only in one region for a week or so, as you can plan ahead based on historical meteorological data.
4) Know where is safe to visit and where is not. While it does not make the international news much, the internal affairs of India are not always as smooth and stable as you might think. The country is the world's largest democracy, and over a billion people live together, usually in peace and stability. However, there are some resistance groups and insurrections around, and the government does not have full control over all of India's territory. These local zones though tend to be deep in the jungle or other remote regions, so you're unlikely to stumble across them unless you get off the beaten path. Check with the department of state before leaving for the most recent information and warnings.
5) Mind the diet you keep when in India. The foods there are very different than what Westerners typically eat. While the general stereotypes often involve lots of rice and hot spices, Indian cuisine is a bit more complicated. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor or physician about what precautions you should take in advance as well as what foods or dishes to avoid in order to spare yourself food poisoning. Knowing a few rules about safe water consumption is a good idea too.
Spending some time to explore India is a trip of a lifetime that you should take if you have the chance. Keep these five considerations in mind to prepare for and execute a memorable, safe, and successful journey.
