WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE TRAVELING INDIA

I would be lying to say India is an easy destination to visit, but truly one of the most eye opening places you can go on this planet. In a country of 1.4 billion people, experiences can feel overwhelming at times. This is not a beginner travel country, but truly a rewarding eye opening experience for anyone who is wanting to immerse themselves in a country like no other. There are parts of this country that will absolutely shatter your heart and others that will take your breath away, except that you are entering an experience that will be both beautiful and difficult. As a Western woman, spending two months here was not the easiest experience, but I absolutely want to go back. Here is the advice I wish I knew before and I would want anyone to have before traveling India, I hope it helps. 

The South Is More Relaxed Than The North

The difference between traveling North and South India is like day and night. If you can, spend the majority of your time in the South where the culture is much less conservative and feels far more laid back. As a female I experienced way less harassment in the South and felt as though the pace of life is overall more leisurely and relaxed. I think the nature in the South also makes it more beautiful despite being less famous than the Northern “Golden Triangle” cities. Overall I think the South feels much safer, especially if you are a female traveler. 

Do Not Give Children In The Streets Money 

Unfortunately, this money does not end up going to them but rather the gangs they work for. Gangs will train children to beg and even mutilate them in an attempt to receive additional funds out of sympathy. Saying no to children and women is particularly saddening so I would carry little snacks with me and hand them out or offer to buy street food (which is pretty much everywhere) instead. 

Set Strong Boundaries & Learn To Say No 

You will receive a lot of attention as a foreigner in India and prepare yourself to be called after and followed by people trying to sell you things or services. It’s important to set physical boundaries (personal space is very different in this culture) and learn to be firm in your rejection of people. Saying no sometimes is not simply enough to get people to leave you alone unfortunately, learn to ignore them, or scream very loudly no. Though this may seem dramatic, it will embarrass them if other people see you do this and they will leave you alone. 

Be Extremely Careful With Water Consumption 

Sometimes people will sell water bottles that have been resealed which can cause you to get very sick. Purchase your water from grocery stores and hotels only. I highly recommend putting a water bottle in your sink so you don’t forget and brush with tap water. It’s also a good habit to practice facing away from the faucet in the shower. Most of the people I met on my travels ended up getting sick from water, not food. 

Take Advantage of the Train System 

Though it may seem daunting, the train system in India is super efficient and one of the best ways to get around the country. If you are on a limited time frame, taking advantage of night trains and sleeper cars can allow you to wake up in new cities and not waste travel days. You can book trains with any credit card through the Indian Railways Site, though I do suggest getting them as far in advance as possible because the nicer cars tend to sell out quickly. When on the trains be sure to set alarms for the time you are exiting and keep your valuables close by as there are many non passengers walking through the train selling things during stops. 

Use Only Tour Guides Who Have Been Referred 

I learned this the hard way in Varanasi and ended up being in a very bad situation with a tour guide. Ask your hotel, hostel, or airbnb hosts for any reputable trusted guide in a new city. Make sure you can have some sort of reference to go off and do not accept a tour from anyone who doesn’t come recommended or from a reputable agency. 

Stay In Hostels As A Female Traveler 

There are tons of cheap hotels that may make you wonder why you’d want to rough it in a hostel, but there are actually so many benefits to staying in them especially as a female or solo traveler. Hostels often host sightseeing trips and are a great way to make friends to go out with and stay safe. Traveling as a female in India I felt much better going on excursions with male friends from my hostel, especially in the North. Also, who doesn’t want new travel friends? My favorite hostel chain was Moustache, they usually have a pool, very clean amenities, and are good at creating excursions to meet other people.