While Traveling in… India
There are a couple of things you should know…
1. At the airport, men will offer to help you with your bags. If you want the help, be prepared to pay for it. Make sure that you only let one man help you as multiple will try to get in on the action and get paid for it. If you can do it on your own, I recommend politely telling the men that you don’t need help.
2. Train stations are very overwhelming. Getting a guide to assist you with boarding the correct train is essential. There are usually tourist information desks that can offer you this essential guidance.
3. Always watch your bags, especially when it is crowded. Thievery and pick-pocketing is not only done, but is commonplace.
4. Tuk Tuks are convenient ways to get around. They say that when you want one, they are never there and that when you aren’t looking, there are more than enough. Be patient, you’ll find one, especially if you head towards a main street.
A cow passes by me in Delhi, India
5. Ask your hostel or hotel staff how much a tuk tuk ride should cost to get to a destination. When you find a tuk tuk, pre-determine your price. They will ask you for much higher than what it should cost- here is where bartering comes in (see #6).
6. Bartering is a very common practice. Assume that whatever price they offer you is twice what it should be. The best thing to do is verbalize that you know this is a bad price and to immediately walk way. They’ll call after you with a much lower price. Practice this skill- it’s worth all the money you’ll save! Note however that with the exchange rate, the difference of 100 rupees is less than $1.
7. If you ride in a tuk tuk and come to a stop while on your journey, you will be approached by children and families who will ask for money. If you need to decline, sternly say “Neem” (no) and “joe” (go) to tell them to leave. If they are persistent, ask your tuk tuk driver to assist you, and they will.
8. If possible, it is nice to find other young travelers to share costs with (tuk tuks, taxis, transportation). Hostels are a great place to connect with others who have similar traveling interests.
9. Never take out large amounts of money or cash in the view of other people. Familiarize yourself with the currency before hand so you know which colors to grab for to pay for items.
10. Drink as much water as possible, but make sure that it is filtered or bottled water. This is also relevant to ice or icecubes.
11. You don’t owe anybody anything- if a situation doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from it immediately. Always trust your instincts on this.
12. Emotionally, India can be a very difficult country to travel in. Remember that this country is beautiful, ancient and majestic… appreciate it for all it’s character and never disrespect the people that make such an amazing country worthy of your attention and love.
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Janelle K. Eagle is infamous for always having her hands tied up in multiple projects simultaneously. She's directed a lot of theater, worked on some films, and raised lots of money for non-profits. She travels all the time and loves to share her videos, photography and writing via this blog. 
