In two weeks, I will be standing across the world in India.
Am I now an emotional wreck like I was right before traveling to China? No, there are far fewer tears. Partially this is because we decided to travel with a well-respected tour group (since my decision in Spain last year that “tour group travel doesn’t stink“), thus removing the massive stress of itinerary planning and pre-purchasing transportation and entrance tickets.
But the other reason for the diminished panic is that I am far more ahead of the pre-travel To Do list for India than I was for China. So what exactly is there to do before such an epic trip?
Here are the 5 realms of preparation for India travel.
1. Paperwork. The popular “Incredible India” ad campaign does not tell you that there is also an “Incredible Amount of Paperwork” to obtain a travel visa for India. The total cost is around $100 and one should budget at least a month for it, though both these figures can change depending where you are and which speed option you choose.
Of course, your passport must be valid for six more months (a paperwork fact which blocked my trip to Morocco), and you must have at least two empty pages to fit the sprawling visa.
2. Health. Depending where in India you are going and for how long, you will need a different set of jabs to your arm. Luckily, I already got an adult Polio vaccine in Thailand before traveling to Ghana, but my friendly Travel Clinic doctor suggested a few other vaccines, along with a just-in-case set of special antibiotics, as Indian germs are now immune to Cipro (yikes!).
We are opting not to use anti-Malaria pills, but will take major precautions against mosquito bites (long sleeves, repellant, etc.) because there is currently an epidemic of Dengue Fever in India, and no pills can block or cure it. Yes, we shall try our best to avoid this so-called “Bone-Break Fever.”
3. Research. There is SO MUCH to learn about the history, current events, and cultural norms of India! In a heaven-sent coincidence, my 7th grade curriculum calls for me to teach about India and research skills at this point in the year, so my 140 pre-teens and I have been deep into India study since December 1. I am so curious which of the facts we have found will prove most useful, and what new insights I will see about them after experiencing India in person!
4. Career. Speaking of teaching, you do, of course, have to organize the work for your job before an epic trip. For me, this means planning when I’m collecting our big term paper (two days before I leave so I can get a jump on the grading) and ensuring I bring a power adapter so I can plug my laptop into the unique electrical sockets of India.
5. Emotions. “Yeah,” an experienced traveler sighed to me last week, “India is like life with the intensity level turned up higher than you ever thought possible.” How does one prepare emotionally for a country with so many warnings and excited explanations like this? Research, ponder, be open, and brace ourselves, I guess!
That’s my list. What do YOU do to prepare for a big trip to a very different country? What specific advice do you have for India? Do tell!
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Rajnique R. says
Why was it required that you have so many injections before entering India, and why is there so much paperwork involved? I don’t understand how this country is expecting tourists, yet they put so many people through the immense stress of so much work! What features are in India that can motivate tourists to visit?
Lillie says
Many countries have a lengthy visa process, and many also require shots to keep you heathy because they have different sicknesses than our home country. However, all of this is worth it, because as you can see from my many subsequent India articles at https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/category/locations/india/ India is AMAZING!!!
Kevin says
Wow!! I learned a lot from this passage. You showed me and my fellow readers that trips across the world are fun and entertaining but they also have there ups and downs. You have overcame a lot of work and that Is a very strong thing for you to do as a person. You are TRULY amazing.
Isabel S. says
Wow! You really had to plan a lot before going to india. When I go on trips, my parents are the same way. They always make sure to do research and bring maps. The driving or switching flights really got them stressed, but I always thought it was fun to drive and go on airplanes when I was little.
Wilson Samuel says
One more thing I will add to your list is, if at all possible, never book any early morning flight before 7.00 AM esp the long haul flights (e.g. Boston Tokyo or Delhi Dublin)
It will make it almost impossible to sleep the previous night and the lack of sleep may cause one to make silly but costly mistakes!
Lillie says
I actually really like early morning flights because there is less traffic getting to the airport and the security lines are less of a zoo!
Wilson Samuel says
Malaria is one of the most infamous diseases in the world.
Depending on the type of Malaria (caused by the different kinds of Plasmodium, there is only one which is life threatening and that is PF or Plasmodium Falciparum ), rest will only give you chills and fever, and may usually cause one to throw up and loss of appetite and the Malaria goes away with simple dosage of Quinine either via injection or via tablets / pills.
How do I know all this? I have had Malaria more than I have had common cold, in my childhood.. :-)
However when traveling one shouldnt even get common cold, it can cause all sorts of discomfort.
Lillie says
Yikes!
Alexandra says
I have to somehow get my India visa while traveling in Brazil next month! You got me scared ;) Even after two years of nomadic life I’m still nervous about going to India. I’m sharing this post on my blog http://fluentinfrolicking.com/2012/12/19/travel-info-about-india/
Lillie says
It’s intimidating (both the visa and India travel itself) but will turn out well in the end! I’ve got the first bunch of India articles up here https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/category/locations/india/ with more to come.
Ian of Borderless Travels says
For a big trip to a new country I just stick to the basics visa, proper packing, and then I wait until I arrive. Oh, and in Canada all Indian visas are outsourced and it can be a bit of a process if you wait last minute to get it. So for all you Canadians out there, try to get it done early!
Lillie says
Amen!
Chanel @ La Viajera Morena says
I got turned away at the Indian Visa agency for not having enough pages left in my passport (who knew you couldn’t use those darn amendment pages lol).
So now armed with a brand spanking new visa, I will head back to the office next week and (hopefully) not get sent away!
Good article :D
Lillie says
Ah, interesting! I didn’t even think about the amendment pages. Best of luck!
Cathy Sweeney says
So much to think about before such a trip. Looks like you’re getting some good tips here. Have a fantastic time!
Lillie says
Thanks, Cathy!
LeX @ LeX Paradise says
I like your list, I could suggest is the security and safety measure, be ready to taste spicy foods and Smile with them :D
Lillie says
Ok! :)
Kristin of Be My Travel Muse says
I remember fearing the Dengue when I was in Cambodia. Seemed everyone who lived there long-term got it at some point. Does not sound fun! Mosquitoes unfortunately love me as well. In Thailand now, hoping to avoid malaria, as I’m also not on anti-malarial meds.
Lillie says
After research I also opted not to use anti-malarials in Thailand and was fine. West Africa I took them for sure, though! Good luck to both of us avoiding the mozzies!
Koren @ City Gal says
I have always wanted to go to India – I’m sure you will have a fantastic time. The stress of planning sometimes can def get to you, but once you’re there, it all melts away!
Lillie says
Agreed– the anticipation is always more stressful than the actual travel!
Steph | DiscoveringIce.com says
India is one of my favourite countries in the world! It’s just f****** crazy! Nothing will really prepare you for it. It’s the only country in the world in which I got culture shock! But that quickly subsided and I loved it. Embrace the intensity!
Didn’t know it takes so long to get a tourist Indian visa. I was there on a business visa and I got it all sorted in about 2 days, minimum effort!
Enjoy!
Lillie says
Interesting! “Embrace the intensity” we shall!
Jillian :) says
Thanks for this, Ms. Marshall! I have been nervous about what I might face in South America! Also, I would like to add that when you are traveling do a last minute check before you go to the airport, get off the plane and when you leave wherever you are to come back home. I know this because when I went on tour to DC, my friend Isabel left her camera at the hotel. :( Well I hope you have a good time in India!!!!!
Lillie says
So true! This leads to a recent article that has been read over 12,900 times: “4 Tricks to Never Lose or Forget Behind Anything During Travel or at Home” – https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/2012/11/18/how-to-never-lose-or-forget-things-behind-4-tricks/ !
flipnomad says
i just came back from a 5 months trip to India… very fascinating and intriguing cant wait to go back especially in the Northern Part… there’s so much to see and experience. every state is like an entirely different world not only for foreign travellers but also for the local visitors…
goodluck on your trip Lillie :-)
Lillie says
Thanks!!!
Patrycja says
Sounds like we might be on the same tour!
http://wateringhole.gadventures.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=22956&sid=3b62e109148d8263ebe6716292c84cbe
Lillie says
Ahh, ours is very similar, but slightly different! Perhaps we will cross paths! Look for the 6 foot tall woman. :)
Alexa Hart says
Indian germs are immune to Cipro?! That probably explains why I got sick when I was there. Since you’re going with a group and already have everything booked, you’ve got very little to worry about! You’ll be just fine without malaria pills too. Hope your bargaining skills are up to snuff!
Lillie says
Ahhh yes… I have such bad bargaining skills it’s not even funny. Good thing I don’t buy much!
Tracy Antonioli says
I cannot fully express how awesome I find the classroom research aspect. Having your students involved in your pre-trip research (oddly, a topic I just wrote about this afternoon) is a fabulous idea. They learn, you learn more, then they learn even more. It’s like educational synergy (for lack of a less cheesy-sounding term!)
Have an amazing trip–I can’t wait to read all about it. Though I bet your kids are looking forward to your stories and lessons even more.
Lillie says
YES, doing research together with kids for actual immediate use has been exhilarating!
Witty Wasif says
India Is a wonderful place and I guess your almost ready for it.
And we would like to invite you to our beautiful country. You can get a cheap flights from india to Maldives so please take this opportuinity to discover Maldivess like a Maldivian.
Lillie says
Thanks for your kind wishes and your travel suggestion. I’d love to visit the Maldives some day! I’ve heard wonderful things.
Izy Berry - The Wrong Way Home says
Research regarding the country, the culture, the history, the people; and I also search and contact people on couchsurfing.com :)
Lillie says
Ah yes! On this trip, we have our hotels and local guides booked through the tour, but Couchsurfing has been good to me: https://www.aroundtheworldl.com/2010/02/28/couchsufing-instructions-and-a-ghana-beach/ !
D.J. - The World of Deej says
Sounds like your prepared and a lot less stressed than last time! Going to be a great trip!
Lillie says
Yee haw!
Robert Schrader says
1. Physical exercise 2. Meditation 3. Maintenance of a healthy, balanced routine 4. Lots of reading 5. Lots of writing 6. Minimal speculation or dwelling on what the trip will entail
Lillie says
Excellent additions to the list.
Micki says
I love Robert’s tips. I’d add maintaining your sense of humor through everything to the list. Travel can be so ridiculously stressful that keeping a sense of humor is almost a travel essential :)
Lillie says
Amen!