Tips for Solo Female Travelers to India

India is one of my favorite international destinations. There is nothing like the food, architecture and shopping anywhere else in the world. The thing that can be challenging is that the rules for women in India are different than rules for women in the West, so if not careful, women who travel alone may inadvertently put themselves in danger. Here are some safety tips for women who travel alone to India.

Join a Group 

Just because you travel alone to India, doesn't mean you have to see the sights alone. If possible, join a group tour. This is especially important when going to more remote places, where you might be isolated if alone.

Stay in a Guest House 

Guest houses, similar to American bed and breakfasts, are a great option for solo female travelers to India. The thing that makes guest houses especially good for female travelers is that the hosts of the guest houses take a specific interest in their guests and may escort them various places, or arrange for tours and transportation options with well-respected and reliable companies. Guest houses are also a great way to enjoy meals with others in a safe and comfortable setting. Breakfast is generally included in the price, and sometimes even dinner is a family affair. This is not only safe, but provides a great way to get a glimpse into the life of an Indian family. I personally recommend Hrh hotels. I was well looked after by the hosts, and also saw how they took care of other guests, including females traveling alone.

Dress Modestly 

Modesty is incredibly important for solo female travelers to India. The difficulty is that modesty by Western standards and modesty by Indian standards are two very different things.

Here are a few things to keep in mind, when it comes to modest dress in India:

• Avoid showing your legs and even your ankles. Capris may be seen as very modest in the West, but would be rather scandalous in India. Bare midriffs, on the other hand, are fine! 

• Do not wear sleeveless tops. It may be very hot when you are in India, but avoid the temptation to throw on a tank top, and definitely do not wear something like a halter top. Even cap sleeves are a bit too daring.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. Jeans may seem modest, but since they are often tight-fitting, they are not considered modest there. If you do wear jeans, wear a long, loose-fitting blouse with them. 
• If you have an opportunity to do so, purchase a couple of sets of Indian outfits, known as salwar kameez. These are more comfortable and easier to wear than a sari. You can purchase them inexpensively in India, or if you want to get some before you leave for your trip, check out the selection on eBay. 
• Have a scarf on hand to cover your head when appropriate. This tip may not be as essential as the others, but Indian people really appreciate it when a western woman covers her head in religious buildings such as mosques and temples and when in the presence of elders and dignitaries.

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A Smart Shopper's Guide to Shopping in India

I've spent a total of around a year in India. I love some things about India, and am less than thrilled with some other aspects of India. One of the things I love is shopping, though I've had some maddening Indian shopping experiences as well. This article contains some tips for making your shopping experience in India one that you'll remember with fondness rather than regret.

Don't Be Afraid to Bargain When Shopping in India

Most westerners are unaccustomed to bargaining. We simply pay the listed price without much thought. But in India, especially as a foreigner, expect the initial asking price to be much higher than the true value of the item.

As a general rule of thumb, I often give a counter offer of about half of what the shop owner initially quoted as the price. For instance, if the shop owner says, "500 Rupees," I'll counter with, "250 Rupees." They may act shocked, but don't let that get to you! Just go on with the game, knowing that is how business is conducted there.

To test out whether or not the price you are offering is reasonable, if the shop owner rejects your offer, try walking away and see how the seller responds. They'll likely come after you and agree to the price you offered, or something close to it. If they don't come after you, that means you offered a truly ridiculous price, and if you really want the item, you need to go back and offer more.

Look to See Who Else is Shopping

A sure way to know that you're shopping in a place that is overpriced is to look around at the other shoppers in the store. Are a lot of other foreigners shopping there? If everyone in the store is from the West, you're most likely in a place that has "special prices" for foreigners. Those prices are only special in the eyes of the merchants, but are a rip off for the shoppers. This is especially true if a rickshaw driver brought you to the store without you asking to go there; they are paid a commission to everyone they bring to those shops. Instead, make your purchases in stores where Indians themselves shop.

Check the Quality of the Items in Shops in India

Although India has some amazing handicrafts and other items worth buying, the workmanship can sometimes be of a lower quality than what you're accustomed to. In order to avoid disappointment, be sure to check to see that everything is working properly. For instance, before buying a purse, make sure that the zippers work properly.

Shopping in India can be an amazing experience, and the items you'll bring home can bring you a great deal of pleasure in the years to come if you remember these few simple tips.

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India Camel Safari Tips

One of the best things about international travel is that it provides the opportunity to do things you would never do at home. One of my fondest India travel memories is of a camel safari in Rajasthan. Riding a camel was far different than I imagined it would be, and in fact, I came very close to falling face forward into the sand the first time I tried it. Here are a few tips for how to make the most out of your India camel safari.

Choose a Reputable Camel Safari Guide

Think about it: on a camel safari, you're going to be far away from populated areas, out in the middle of the desert. You want to be sure that the camel safari guide you choose is reputable and dependable.

Lonely Planet recommends Camel Man in Bikaner and Trotters in Jaisalmer. Assuming you are staying in a reputable hotel or guest house, you can also depend on the owners to make arrangements with a good safari guide.

Hold on Tight

On my first camel ride, I felt relaxed and confident. When my camel guide said, "Hold on," I lightly put my hands on a metal ring on the saddle. He then, very emphatically said, "No, hold on tight." I'm glad I listened. As the camel began to stand, I was immediately thrust forward, and almost fell face first into the sand, in spite of the fact that I was holding on tight.

Since then, I've learned that in addition to holding on tight, it is a good idea to do the opposite of what the camel does. For instance, when the camel begins to stand up and move face down, lean back, as far as you can. By leaning back, you balance out the forward motion of the camel, and don't have the problem of almost falling off. As the camel moves into a more upright position, you can sit straight up. Once the camel is standing all the way up, you can relax, and even have your hands free to do things such as photography.

Wear Proper Clothing

Long pants are ideal for a camel ride, since they help protect your legs from the rough fur of the camel. Flip flops or sandals are fine to wear, as long as there are stirrups. To be on the safe side, either wear sandals with heel straps, or wear shoes that are enclosed. Since you will be out in the hot desert sun, it is also advisable to wear a hat, and a lightweight, loose fitting, long-sleeved shirt or blouse to protect yourself from the sun.

Resources:

http://www.hrhhotels.com/Royal_Retreats/Gorbandh_Palace/Explore-Jaisalmer.aspx
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=camel+safari

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