First Time Traveller In India?

Traveling to India for the first time?

• I am saving up to travel to India in the spring of 2013, I am currently planning on saving $4000. Do you think this is an accurate amount of money to save to include round trip international flight and 14 days worth of traveling in India? I am planning on going to Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and the Kanthambore national park. Also do you think that it is wise for an American first time visiting India to hire a guide? I have been looking at tours of India and they are all pretty expensive, if we are able to get around India without to much hassle and enjoy it without a guide that would be great. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Try to acquire $5000 as it is quite expensive for foreigners (you pay DOUBLE for hotel and travel by Air within India if you are not a citizen) (1) Plan to stay at 3 star hotels. They are good enough and cost under $100 / day (2) Food is cheap and so is transportation by bus and train, Train is better, Get first class Air Condition cabs. (3) Use traveler checks most of the time. Watch out for pickpockets and con-men. Wear cargo pants with zippered pockets for your passport and money. Travel light. (4) Guides are available for about $50 US per day including taxi ride. Get them at the hotel you stay at. Take a picture of the drivers ID and cab plate as a precaution and make sure he speaks good English. Most of the cabbies do. Plan your trip with some help from Indian people. Go to Indian chat rooms to get first hand information.