Q. Where do I find cable locks?
A. You can find a cable lock at any bike or outdoor store. You might be able to find it in your local REI or travel/luggage store, but here’s a link to Amazon.
Q. Which airport should I fly into in Delhi?
A. Indira Gandhi Airport
Q. I plan to wear athletic shoes for much of the tour as I need good ankle support. I had a physical therapist custom make a pair of inserts for better balance and overall comfort. The inserts cost $200, not including the cost of the shoes. If we are required to remove our shoes before entering certain places, i.e., temples, etc., can I carry my shoes in a plastic bag? I like to keep them on or with me.
A. That is not a problem. You can also leave these in the bus with the driver.
Q. As I read your book on women in India a couple of things caught my eye that I do not think applies to the India trip–necessity of a sleep bag? The sample list of the hotels looked to great to not be spotless. The danger of theft of items from the hotel room? and most important women not really expected to go to the bar in the hotel! Wow although I am not a drunk–I do enjoy evening cocktails or wine. I was planning to bring an ipad–for music-photos,journal, books, and money tracker all in one. Is this not safe from theft in the hotels? I understand there are different types of tourist facilities–I have stayed rustic but not student backpacker style.
A. Just to clarify, we definitely don’t recommend a sleeping “bag” but some people are more comfortable with a sleepsack. Even that you won’t need for the quality of our hotels.
As for theft in rooms, we recommend you take precautions where ever you go – India or elsewhere. Though we’ve never had anyone have something stolen from their room, it’s better to be safe.
As for the bars, it will be fine for you to have a drink in the hotel bars. Though in general, it’s not common for women to frequent bars in India.
As for the safety of your items… no need to stress over this. Consider bringing a little lock to lock the zippers of your luggage together to avoid any opportunistic thievery. This will allow you to leave a laptop, iPod, etc. in you luggage with it locked up and not worry about it.
Q. Can I use my cell phone in India?
A. It depends. First, your cell phone must have GSM technology in order to tap into the local network. If you plan on bringing the phone that you use on a daily basis at home, CHECK WITH YOUR PROVIDER to determine what they will charge for both calls and texts – both outgoing and incoming – and for calls within India and for international calls. These calls can be exorbitant.
Consider carrying an old phone that is “unlocked” – one that you’re currently not using and doesn’t have a call plan attached to it. Remember that it has to have GSM technology in order to tap into the India network(s). When you arrive in India, you can purchase a SIM card for that phone and then be able to tap into the local network. Domestic and international calls will likely be far cheaper than using your own phone on your current plan. When you add the new SIM card, this phone will be assigned a phone number that you can then share with your family at home and they can call you directly (sometimes you’re not charged for incoming calls).
Upon arrival in India, you’ll need to find a mobile store, bring your passport and a couple of passport photos and fill out some paperwork in order to get a SIM card for your phone. It will still be far cheaper than trying to use your regular phone.
Here’s a blog post about cell phone usage abroad.
Q. Can I wear a baseball cap?
A. Hmmm – we would discourage wearing a baseball cap. They aren’t common and, as if you won’t stick out already, you’ll REALLY look like a tourist. You’re likely to be treated better (by vendors and service providers) if you don’t look so much like a tourist.
Q. Can you comment on the necessity of packing the following?
A. Raincoat – might be good to bring a light jacket that you can wear on a cool evening. Doesn’t have to be rain jacket as you likely won’t have much rain. It will be HOT!
Binoculars – probably not necessary.
Laundry detergent - depends on your clothes. If you have quick drying clothes you might be able to wash them out at night.
Workout clothes/shoes – you probably won’t have a lot of time for this.
Yoga mat - too bulky though you might be able to buy one there if you’re so inclined.
Q. Will hotels have fitness centers and/or safe walking routes, will the tour itself be strenuous enough I won’t want/need/be able to workout, will the mornings all be early and the afternoons full enough there won’t be room for anything else?
A. Hopefully there will be some time for this in the early mornings or during a break in the late afternoon. The tour itself won’t be too strenuous.
Q. My Indian friend specifically warned me against Air India, but she is a little bit… paranoid in general. I was wondering if you had any experience with Air India. If I’m taking my life in my hands flying with them, then I’ll spring for a more expensive carrier. But if it’s just cramped with bad service, I can deal. Any advice?
A. We haven’t heard anything bad about Air India. Most airlines are uncomfortable these days and we suggest booking with an airline that gives you a good price and one in which you can build your frequent flier miles.
Q. What will the weather be like and how should I pack for it?
A. As for weather, expect it to be warm, perhaps as high as in the 90′s depending on where you are. Pack for the heat but also a bit conservatively. A light cotton top or dress that will cover your shoulders and knees or wear light pants or capris.
Q. Will the hotels provide shampoo and conditioner like they do in the US?
A. It’s hard to tell since even hotels in the US have cut way back on these amenities. You can always purchase shampoo and conditioner once you arrive if you don’t want to travel with it.
Q. Can we bring stuff to give away to the children (good idea or no?) and if yes, what would you recommend?
A. Although it’s tempting, this isn’t a great idea as it encourages begging. You might consider bringing something like balloons or bubbles where you can have some sort of interaction with the kids without actually giving them something.
Q. Do you know the name of the hotel the tour will be starting from yet?
A. We generally don’t have this information until right before the tour. This and all other hotels will be provided a couple of weeks in advance.
Q. Can you recommend what ground transportation I should use to get to the hotel from the airport (I am arriving late at night, so thought I could go straight to our departure hotel or stay at a hotel at the airport and then transfer the next day).
A. You will be picked up from the airport by a driver/guide assigned by our company. Look for your name on a placard.
Q. How should I pay for the taxi fare if I’ve just arrived at the airport?
A. As noted above, this will be handled on our end. However, if for some reason, you can’t find the assigned driver, a taxi driver will take US dollars.
Q. Am I responsible for my own visa?
A. Indeed you are. Applying for a visa for India has become a bit more complicated in recent years as they require a number of details from you but you can easily apply through the Travisa Outsourcing website. You’ll want to do this ASAP so that if your visa gets held up, it won’t effect your trip.
Q. What sort of shots do I need for this trip?
A. You’ll definitely want to have your DPT updated and perhaps Hep A and B. Both Hep A and B are a series of shots, so you’ll want to get the process started early in case it takes several months to finish the round. Other than these, please chat with a travel doctor about your specific needs/concerns.
Q. Do I need any special medications or a first aid kit?
A. If you are pre-disposed to anything (lactose intolerant or you have a sensitive stomach) you may want to bring something for these. Medicine is widely available throughout India so if you forget something it’s likely that you can pick it up at a pharmacy.
Q. What sort of hotels will we be staying in?
A. In order to make this tour both affordable and yet still comfortable, the group will be staying in unique 3 and 4-star hotels. We choose boutique and heritage hotels whenever possible in order to give you a unique experience.
Q. How much money should I bring with me?
A. This is a tough question as everyone’s spending habits will be different and much of the tour is covered in the cost of the trip. Having said that, you’ll want to factor in the cost of souvenirs, drinks, extra food items and any additional things you might want to do during the trip. For a two-week trip in India, you might carry $500 cash, $400 in travelers checks and both a credit and debit card. You’ll likely come home with money, but it’s best to be prepared.
Q. Do we tip our guides and driver?
A. Indeed, it’s common to provide a tip to the guides and driver. You’ll have a guide at each destination – someone who knows the area well. Plan to tip about $5-7/day for these guides and then plan on tipping the driver about $3-5/day. US dollars or rupees will be fine.
Q. If I bring US dollars, do I need to be fussy about how new they are?
A. It’s a good idea to have newer/crisper bills rather than ones that are torn. Sometimes the shopkeepers won’t take these.
Q. Are short skirts (slightly above the knee) acceptable? How about calf-length skirts? Just pants?
A. It’s best not to wear above the skirt knees. In most areas, even though it could be warm, you’ll want to keep your knees and shoulders covered.
Q. Would you recommend taking a rain coat? Something more than one of those flimsy “emergency” ponchos?
A. The vast majority of the time, you should have nice weather but you might experience a rain shower or two. A light rain jacket isn’t a bad idea. Remember to dress in layers, too, so that when the sun’s out, it’ll be easy to layer down into lighter clothes.
Q. Should we bring our own toilet paper? Do they have the “squatty potties” of China fame?
A. No need to bring toilet paper as it will be available at all hotels and you can pick some up in stores. The toilets in the hotels will be western style as should most of the toilets in restaurants. However, we might find ourselves at a remote rest stop and the toilets will be of the squat variety. Be prepared for some potentially unpleasant experiences. Always carry your own TP as it’s not always provided.
Q. Can I bring my laptop?
A. A journal is great because you don’t have to plug it in. But you might consider carrying a small netbook or iPad-like device with a keyboard. Something like the Asus Eee Slider would be great.
Q. What sort of power adapter do I need?
A. You can find a power adapter on Amazon or at any travel store.
Q. Are there hair dryers at the hotels?
A. Maybe. As mentioned above, there will be power at all hotels. Just remember that no one is going to be looking their finest, so if you don’t have to have the hair dryer, consider leaving it at home 
Q. Will I need a swimsuit?
A. There may indeed be pools at some of the hotels so you might consider bringing one.
Q. Can I wear shorts?
A. It’s not recommended except in the very touristy areas of Delhi. You might see others wearing them elsewhere, but it’s probably not the best thing. Bring a pair if you like but to be safe, count on wearing light pants or longish skirts. Capris are fine.
Q. What should I wear to the temples?
A. Definitely dress conservatively and plan to leave your shoes at the door often. You might consider bringing a pair of those little socks and wearing those anytime you enter a public building where you have to remove your shoes.
Q. Do I need any dressy clothes?
A. Nope.
Q. What kind of shoes should I bring?
A. No need to bring more than 2 pairs. Perhaps a pair of walking shoes and then a pair of sandals that you can easily slip on and off during visits to temples.
Q. I have been researching new luggage and took to heart your message of going LIGHT. I loved the look of your existing Victorinox pack (my Eagle Creek piece has a zip-on day pack that I have been using every day for the last five or six years). But Victorinox seems to have done a major re-design on their new E-Motion model that I’m not thrilled about. With the caveat to go light not matter what, I’m looking at carry-on wheeled options. Is it safe to assume we are going to be responsible for moving our luggage around every day, and also that we may be needing to pick it up more than wheel it, due to fairly uneven and unpaved terrain?
A. You’ll have very little interaction with your luggage other than moving it from the van to your room and sometimes there’s even staff to help with that. Generally there’s a sidewalk and you can roll it but sometimes it might be a dirt track.
Q. Do you usually take your drivers license with you on trips where you aren’t planning on driving? Or just rely on your passport, or get an International Drivers License as another form of ID?
A. You definitely won’t need your drivers license but if you feel more comfortable carrying it, by all means, do. Your passport is really the most important ID you’ll need.
Q. Will you be sending an updated itinerary with our overnight accommodations so we can leave it with folks at home?
A. You’ll receive the hotel information 1 or 2 weeks before departure.
Q. Will we have internet access?
A. Internet cafes abound and the hotels should have computers where you can access the internet as well. Please don’t rely on this, however, because it’s sometimes a crap shoot; computers don’t work and power outages do happen. Certainly you’ll be able to regularly check in with family but set the expectation that it won’t be like home.
Q. What are the carry-on bag restrictions?
A. Every airline is different AND some enforce their policies while others don’t. Check your airline’s website and then hope that if your bag is over their weight limit, they won’t care.
