My husband and I - aged 70 and 62 - are going on a tour to India. Do you have any special tips? I got sick four years ago on a tour of Turkey, and am a little nervous of the water and food in India. Is it appropriate to take things with us for the children we might meet, eg storybooks? We would be discreet about giving things away.
- Deborah
Lonely Planet's Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater write:
India can be a bamboozling destination, especially for the first-time visitor, so an organised tour is a good idea. Before you go, read about the places you will be visiting. As well as on-the-road information, Lonely Planet's India and Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra guidebooks will prepare you for what you'll experience. They also provide advice on cultural etiquette, and staying safe.
Here are a few key things to consider. Comprehensive travel insurance is a must, as are the right vaccinations - check in with your GP at least six weeks before departure. Pack light but well, not forgetting sunscreen and sunglasses, first-aid kit, earplugs and a small torch for poorly lit streets. Take lightweight but unrevealing clothes - covering up is respectful, and essential at holy sites. A silk sleeping bag liner may also be useful, especially on overnight train trips.
Avoid tummy upsets by eating only freshly cooked food, skipping shellfish and buffets, peeling fruit, and eating in restaurants with a high turnover of customers. Never drink tap water. Bottled water is generally safe, but check the seal is intact. Avoid ice unless you know it has been made safely, and say no to street-stall juices that may have been watered down. Your own supply of toilet paper and wet-wipes can be a godsend.
