If you’re ready to pack your bags and head to the colorful country of India, you’re about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
With mouthwatering cuisine, bustling markets, friendly people, and incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences, India makes a lasting impression on anyone who goes there.
But before you dive headfirst into the chaos, you’re going to need to brush up on these essential tips for visiting India. People come away either loving or hating their experience in India, and I firmly believe the ones who don’t enjoy it go in unaware and unprepared.
So don’t be that person! Here is how you can enjoy India and have the best experience possible.
Essential Tips for Visiting India
Get Your Travel Vaccinations
Before you even book your flight, don’t forget to take necessary precautions from unsuspecting illnesses and check your vaccination checklist.
For India, the usual suspects like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are all on the requirement list, but some regions may also have a little mosquito carry dengue or malaria — so it’s best to speak to your travel nurse before you go and tell them where you are going.
Be sure to wear bug spray when visiting nature sites. A healthy traveler is a happy traveler — unless you count the ones who forgot to pack their sunscreen!
Bring Medicine For An Upset Stomach
I don’t know anyone who’s been on a culinary adventure in India and not taken a detour into the land of an upset stomach – the infamous Delhi Belly takes everyone down at least once!
Be sure to pack your travel medicine kit full of antacids, diarrhea tablets, and other essential meds you might need for an upset stomach.
Probiotics can also be your trusty sidekick after the initial drama is over and help you keep your gut happy for the rest of your trip.
Drink Bottled Water
You cannot drink the tap water anywhere in India, so be sure to drink bottled water only!
Some hotels will have a water cooler where you can refill bottles, but make sure that the water in the cooler is clean and bottled water.
If anyone offers you a bottle of water, check the cap and seal before drinking it.
Carry Toilet Paper, Everywhere!
Carrying your own roll of toilet paper is like having a secret weapon in your travel arsenal — because you never know when you might need a restroom and most of the time, there won’t be any toilet paper.
When nature calls, you’ll be thankful you came prepared. It’s not that toilet paper isn’t offered, it’s usually just run out.
India is a bidet culture and prefers water for washing, and paper for drying, so know where to put your paper after using it.
Also on a side note, the infamous “squatty potty” is common in India, as it is most of Asia, so if you’ve never seen or used one before – know that its a rite of passage when visiting Asia. You got this!
Be Careful Eating Street Food
You should absolutely not avoid street food, it’s some of the tastiest food in the world, but in the world of Indian street food, it can either be a thrilling rollercoaster ride for your taste buds or a dead drop to the bathroom.
While the tantalizing aromas wafting from food stalls may beckon you like a siren’s song, not all that glitters is gold — or in this case, safe to eat!
