Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3. Discern When Doctoring the Truth May Help You
I'm never a fan of not telling the truth on the road. I believe that, when appro-
priate, it's as important to share our own customs and ways of life with other
cultures as it is to learn about theirs. This mutual exchange is one of the many
things I love about travel, so I don't make it a practice of wearing a fake wed-
ding ring or pretending that I have a husband who works in Delhi.
But while eating dinner alone in Mumbai one night, an Indian man sitting
at another table asked if he could join me. Our conversation was interesting
and I was glad for the chance to chat, but afterward he asked if we could go
somewhere else for a drink or meet again the next night. I didn't feel comfort-
able doing so on my own, and told him that I already had plans with friends.
Use discernment and get a sense of whether or not such a white lie may help
protect you.
4. On Train Journeys, Book an Upper Berth
Everyone has their memorable tale from the Indian rails—the couple who
helped them get off at the right station, the family who insisted on sharing their
dahl and chapatis, the college student who said to wake him if there was any
trouble. Nowhere else in the world is the journey as fun as the destination as
it is in India.
But it's also important to take certain precautions. When booking your jour-
ney, request an upper berth. This will not only be a place to keep your bags
secure during the day, but will also give you a sense of privacy and keep you
out of the fray at night as you sleep.
And while the idea of more space and cooler air in second-class air-condi-
tioning may be appealing, consider traveling in the sleeper class instead. The
constant hustle and bustle of vendors and passengers will make it more diffi-
cult for unwelcome encounters to happen.
5. Don't Arrive at a New Destination at Night
Try to avoid late-night arrivals or departures. This is as much an issue of
safety as it is for financial reasons—cunning touts will be out, hoping to take
advantage of those who appear lost or without a plan. Book at least your first
night's accommodation in advance so that you're confident on where you're
headed when you leave the airport or train station.
Also avoid traveling on foot at night, as well as by public transportation
(especially if the bus or train carriage is empty); opt for prepaid taxis or auto-
rickshaws instead.
6. Be Assertive
In a country whose classic head bobble can mean yes, no, maybe, not now,
or we'll see, it makes sense that it's difficult to firmly tell someone no in India.
But as a woman on your own, this is necessary at times, just as it's occasion-
ally necessary to ignore unwanted or uncomfortable conversations.
