Travel Tips


A vacation is a time to relax with loved ones and also to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. When on a vacation, you want everything to work smoothly from the time you start to plan, till the time you return. By keeping a few key things in mind, you can always minimize odds of things going wrong.

You must ask your travel consultants to arm you with as mush information as possible on your entire itinerary. Apart from weather, everything else can be taken into account and planned before hand. It is better to get into the fine tuning so that when on vacation stress levels are nil.

Plan your itinerary allowing time for relaxation as well as sightseeing. Book in advance so that you can get your choice of flights, hotel and hotel rooms, tickets for events etc. Last minute travelers usually land uppaying a lot more for things they and have to settle with whatever's available.

Some things you can do before you get to the airport
Make sure that the airline you are flying has all your contact numbers, so in case of a delay you can be informed prior to leaving home. Make sure you have all numbers with you for airlines, hotels, you travel consultant etc. Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact numbers with people at home so that you may be reached easily.

Pack your suitcases wisely. If you need to carry prescribed medication, keep them in a carry-on bag and also carry some food along with you. You can also carry a book for your self and it is advisable to carry a travel game for kids to keep them occupied.

Check your flight's status on the day you're scheduled to travel, call up at the airport or the airline to know if your flight is running on time.
Make a list of hotels near your airport in case you get stuck and have to find a room for an unplanned stay, this will be of help, and of course the airline would usually assist with this.

Give yourself time during the peak travel seasons by arriving two hours ahead of time for domestic flights and three hours ahead for international flights.

Things to remember while visiting religious sites
Some of the world's major religions find their place of birth in India. Needless to say, that on your visit here, you will visit some of India's magnificent places of worship. Keeping the sentiments of the believers in mind it is necessary to observe a few cautions while visiting these places.

In most shrines across India, it is necessary to remove your shoes prior to entering. You may also be requested to wash your hands and feet under a tap or tank available there before entering.

It is advisable for women to wear clothes that cover their arms and legs. In some places, it may also be mandatory to cover your head before entering, but, there will be someone who would guide you and tell you about this. Leather is another no-no in some shrines, so you may have to divest yourself of any leather articles you are carrying before entering.
Drinking alcohol and raising your voice inside the shrine is not permissible.

In some places of worship, people of a different faith are requested not to enter; this may also be the case at certain times when prayers are being offered by the priests.

In a Buddhist monastery, follow a clockwise direction while spinning a prayer wheel, or moving around the interiors and exteriors of the monastery.

General Packing Tips
India has a very varied climate, going from sweltering heat during summers, to the unique phenomenon of monsoons, to being biting cold during winters. Thorough most parts of India the climate is mostly warm and plain cottons or cotton /synthetic blends are the most practical and the coolest in summer. Avoid synthetic fabrics.

In the summer, a hat and sunglasses are recommended for protection from the harsh sun, a good sun-block is also recommended.

When traveling during monsoons, a collapsible umbrella comes handy.

During the winter months woolens are required and you should pack at least one all purpose coat/windcheater.

It is advisable to carry at least one formal outfit, as you never know where your adventure will take you next.

Visiting Wildlife Sanctuaries
Carry clothes, which are pastel or pale coloured or blend with your surroundings. Brightly colored clothes may reduce your chances of viewing wildlife.
Also carry a pair of binoculars, these may be available at some sanctuaries, but cannot be guaranteed. It will allow you to observe wildlife and birdlife at a distance.
Make sure that you don't venture out alone, let others know your travel plans, if something goes wrong, they'll be able to go looking for you.

Travel Essentials



Airports Authority of India:   http://www.airportsindia.org.in/

Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India:  http://www.tourisminindia.com/

Airport Guide

Weather

Indian Meteorological Department:  http://www.imd.ernet.in/

Weather Forecasts