Travelling in India

• Find out as much as you can about the country you are visiting/India before you go by talking to people who have knowledge and experience of that place, and through other research and reading. This will not only help you get the most out of your trip, it will help you to prepare for the types of experiences and challenges that await you.
• India is a huge place. Don't try and see it all at once. Plan ahead, select some places you want to visit and activities you want to try out, and you'll be able to put together a route that will make the most of your time.
• Travel light. The less you carry, the easier it is to get around. Be selective when deciding what to take. Its ok to take one or two luxuries, but don't sacrifice your first aid kit for an extra bottle of aftershave or perfume! And don't forget, you'll be picking up loads of gifts and souvenirs as you go.
• Be aware of seasonal and geographical weather conditions. There can be extremes of weather conditions that can make visiting certain areas at certain times dangerous, difficult or just plain impossible.
• Budget your money. Even in a place as potentially cheap as India, you can easily lose track of money and let your spending get out of hand, especially if you're doing every activity you possibly can. Plan a basic daily or weekly budget, add in extra costs for particular activities, and try to always shop around to work out what constitutes a fair price for what you are paying.

• Expect the unexpected! If something doesn't go the way you thought it would, don't get disappointed or stressed out. The uncertainty factor is what makes travelling so exciting and enchanting - sometimes you've just got to go with the flow!
• Try to be patient and flexible. Things don't always work the way you are used to at home. Prepare to be frustrated and challenged, and deal with each situation as it arises.
• Be conscious of local customs and etiquette. You are visiting someone else's home so try to treat them, their traditions and their land with respect.
• Be open to immersing yourself in the local way of life. Interacting with the people around you, trying out local specialties, fitting in with the pace of life, all these help you get a real flavor for the place you are visiting.
• Talk to other travellers. Apart from just having good times hanging out, share advice and tips on great places to visit, what and where to avoid, local prices and peculiarities, and any other knowledge and experiences you've picked up along the way.