Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Accommodation
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South India offers such an array of accommodation options - from beach huts to heritage boutiques to five-star fantas-
ies - that you're bound to find something that will appeal to the whole family.
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The swish upmarket hotels are almost always child-friendly, but so are many upper midrange hotels, whose staff will
usually rustle up an extra mattress or two; some places won't mind cramming several children into a regular-sized
double room along with their parents.
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If your budget stretches to it, a good way to maintain familial energy levels is to mix in a few top-end stays
throughout your travels. The very best five-stars come equipped with children's pools, games rooms and even children's
clubs, while an occasional night with a warm bubble bath, room service, macaroni cheese and the Disney channel will
revive even the most disgruntled young traveller's spirits.
On the Road
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Travel in India, be it by taxi, bus, train or air, can be arduous for the whole family. Concepts such as clean public toi-
lets, changing rooms and safe playgrounds are rare in much of the country. Public transport is often extremely over-
crowded so plan fun, easy days to follow longer bus or train rides.
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Pack plenty of diversions (tablets or laptops with a stock of downloaded movies make invaluable travel companions,
as do the good old-fashioned story books, cheap toys and games widely available across India), but most of all don't be
put off: it might take you a while to get there (and there are few words more daunting than 'delay' to already frazzled
parents), but chances are it will be well worth it when you do.
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If you are hiring a car and driver - a sensible and flexible option - and you require safety capsules, child restraints or
booster seats, you will need to make this absolutely clear to the hiring company as early as possible. Don't expect to find
these items readily available. And don't be afraid to tell your driver to slow down and drive responsibly.
Health
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The availability of a decent standard of health care varies widely in South India. Talk to your doctor at home about
where you will be travelling to get advice on vaccinations and what to include in your first-aid kit.
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Access to health care is certainly better in traveller-frequented parts of the country where it's almost always easy to
track down a doctor at short notice (most hotels will be able to recommend a reliable one).
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Prescriptions are quickly and cheaply filled over the counter at numerous pharmacies, often congregating near hospit-
als.
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Diarrhoea can be very serious in young children. Seek medical help if it is persistent or accompanied by fever. Rehyd-
ration is essential.
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Heat rash, skin complaints such as impetigo, insect bites or stings can be treated with the help of a well-equipped first-
aid kit.
