Mystical Trip to India '08
Group Information
Things to Bring • Things to Do • FAQ's (All below, rest are linked to their respective page)
• Ellie's Travel Tips • '08 Group Intros & Pictures • Itinerary & Emergency Contact Info
I am bringing you:
- Good sets of ear plugs
- Currency Exchange "cheat sheets"
- Map of Upper Dharamsala
- Me :) & a very handsome, snuggly man, and a smile
TO BRING Check List in no particular order (The Short List w/o descriptions that you'll find in the info below)
- Passport :) (I'm not being sarcastic. They have been left behind!)
- Safety wallet, and fanny pack (used in front), small back pack for day trips.
- Copy of passport and Visa pages, travel insurance papers, emergency contact numbers for you and your family
- Flight Information: local, and international- Money (I bring about $1000 in cash) or travelers checks
- Money for Visas and Airport Taxes - At this time I don't know how much for the special permit to Sikkim.
- Money for tipping (usually around $100USD)
- Bank check card for ATMs (Visa or MC) - make sure you know code, and that it works
- Credit Card (Visa or MC)
- Called BOTH your credit card company, and bank card company to let them know you will be traveling.
- 4 extra Passport Photos
- Optional Travel Book (or tear them apart and take only the places you'll be going since they are heavy!)- Small calculator for bargaining and money conversion
- Camera, extra batteries
- Electrical Plug converter ends
- Bandana (1 or 2)
- Unscented wet wipes (Pampers or Costco) in zip bags.
- Kleenex for TP
- Travel Umbrella
- LED mini-flashlight
- Mini-travel alarm
- Hiking boots or good supportive shoes
- Temple Socks (for your day pack)
- Any prescription meds you need
- Vitamins
- Personal Care Products
- Bug Spray (small bottle)
- Light fabric, layered clothes, no more than 3 or 4 sets of clothes!
- Concentrated Laundry Soap (optional, and only a small amount to wash anything out you might want to. Laundry services are available.)- Acidopholis Pearls
- NO JET LAG Homeopathic Pills (2 packs)
- Sleeping Aid (Ambien or generic, (NOT Ambien CR!), or something else that works for you.
- Advil, Immodium, sleep aide, NO JET LAG homeopathin pills, Acidopholis Pearls, Dramamine (if needed), (bring on the plane)
- Travel Pillow
- Ear plugs (I'm also bringing you some)
- Optional headset for airplane
- Empty water bottle that can get filled on the plane
- "To share" book optional - to share or leave behind when you are done.
- Gifts for Dharamsala (Size 32 soft mens undies, computers and cords, I'll find out what else they want this year!)
- Sturdy duffle bag for overflow shopping
- rolling backpack/fanny pack/ for airplane carry onGENERAL TRAVEL Q's AND INFO
• The biggest thing to remember is to travel light. This is really a "no compromise" situation due to the weight regulations on the small regional jets. You can ONLY travel with a small suitcase on the regional flights because the weight limits are around 33 pounds! It's a good idea to bring a good expandable duffle bag for your overages to go into for souvenirs. NOTHING bigger than a mid-sized suitcase packed lightly! DO NOT stuff your bags or you'll be paying overage fees and have no room to carry home any souvenirs.
• Computers for the Tibetan Multi-Media Project MUST be in hand-carried luggage to Delhi or it ruins the batteries (and high theft rate). We will leave these in Delhi while traveling on to Sikkim. When you get to the Delhi airport you MUST wipe off any large "X" chalk marks on your bags before exiting through the airport gate or you'll end up paying bribes. Grrrr!
• Battery/Electrical Question: What kind of electrical output adapter will be needed? (I'll need to charge my camera battery.) And will we need a converter as well? Answer: It depends. Most electronics are 110/220 so you just need the adaptor for the plug, and not a converter. Most travel stores or Target has a pack of adaptors. Just bring the one or two that are required for "China" and "Asia." There is usually a map and guide for which plugs are needed to adapt. A "Converter" is needed if your electrical things are ONLY 110 and need to covert to something else. Sharper Images has the best converter packet for the price I've seen - but a converter is VERY heavy so if you don't need to lug it around don't bring one. If you check the electrical needs on the plug of your camera it will tell you what it is. Or go to an electronics store and they can show you.
• Mosquitos & Shots: All counties have shot clinics (not sure what you have in Canada), so it's easy to go in and let them know where you are going. You will NOT need Malaria shots or prevention pills UNLESS you are going to South India if your shot clinic recommends it. Me? I'm bringing bug spray. There is now a DEET alternative that is less toxic called Picaridin, although last year we found we had to make sure to spray throughly. It's been used in Europe for many many years and finally got US approval a couple years ago with CUTTER being the only manufacturer in the US. My shot clinic is even recommending it. You can find it at Walmart. With the summer season coming in this might be the best time to pick up a small bottle. If you are going to South India after the main tour make SURE you bring bug spray.
• What the Cuter product looks like
• What to wear? - Pack light, wear light layers. You'll be glad you did. The temperatures where we are going will be warm to cool at night so layering and light density clothing is best. Bring NO MORE THAN 4 changes of clothes. Nothing heavy weight or it takes too long to dry. Just light to mid-weight fabrics. A light-weight jacket is all you'll need since you can purchase nice wraps for a couple of dollars in the markets to wrap up in like the local folks do. I'll find out if we need ear muffs, mittens or gloves for Sikkim. We'll be in a couple of places long enough to wash clothes. Plan on seeing everyone in the group wearing the same thing day after day. Seriously, it's boring but you'll be very glad not to be hauling clothes and too much "stuff" around. Also, bring one outfit that is more dressy - not a dress, but pants. There are many nice washable fabrics that don't wrinkle and look nice. A pair of well worn hiking boots will be much loved and support your ankles when in Dharmsala. PJ's. Best to avoid wearing white if you plan on the locals laundering your clothes since they will unlikely come back that way. Best to avoid bringing your best clothes. Wear what is absolutely comfortable and giving. Especially on the plane ride over/back. LOOSE with some give is best since it will help your circulation. Bring really comfie shoes and high ankle, well worn, ankle boots.
• On the flight: Traveling with one small bag or soft backpack for your "long flight comfy things" to put under your seat in front of you. Bring a small rolling bag/suitcase/backpack with your most critical things that you wouldn't want to live without if your luggage was delayed or lost such as: personal care products; camera; a change of clothes; ALL airline tickets and personal ID; critical shoes, computer if you are bringing one, etc. Loss or delay of luggage is very unlikely to happen since it's a direct flight with an excellent airline, but I still take my critical stuff with me every time and w/o regrets. FYI: CalPak is my favorite rolling back-pack! The "Elevator" model is excellent - I've traveled so much with one that I wore it out and last year ordered another. Looks like they only come in purple now.
1) Bring a good firm travel pillow so you can sleep more comfortably (you can leave it in Delhi to use both ways on the long flights). DO NOT bring the blow up kind of travel pillow no matter the sales pitch. They deflate in the changing air pressure.
2) Bring good ear plugs or I'll bring you some. I hear people complain all the time about ear plugs but they must not have grown up with hunters in the family so I've ordered you some nice ones from the gun shop that I'll give you and show you how to use them. They are incredibly soft so will not bother your ears as most do. You can still have conversations and listen to your movies, but it cuts all the frequencies that hurt your ears and fatigue your mind. You will be surprised at how much noise there is pounding at you constantly in the airplane when you take them out so it helps with general travel fatigue. I even use them for my shorter domestic flights. They are also handy for sleeping in new places so you don't wake up to every little new noise. India is known for its noise pollution (that they don't even notice!)
3) If you choose to bring your own headset (optional) to listen to movies and music (then leave it in Delhi) make sure it has a 1/4 inch adapter or it won't fit the larger plug on Cathay Pacific.
4) Bring an eye mask.
5) Bring Immodium AD and Advil (for inflammation) or some other pain med, dramamine for motion sickness for riding in the cars if you have ever had motion sickness. You'll need it for the twisty high mountain rides.
6) Bring a sleeping aid. Prescription Ambien (NOT Ambien "CR" as this one is a time-released and makes you feel drugged!) you can get generic as zolpidem inexpensively at Target. It is excellent without any side effects at all. Target also makes a benedryl "Sleep Aid" that I've used for years. Up to you. But good sleep on the plane is invaluable starting a long trip. NOTE: I used the generic Ambien last year and it made a huge difference for me. It's very mild and kept me well rested when I was organizing the trip and had to be in tip-top shape. I had LESS body fatigue, and aches and pains, from the long flights, slept better, wasn't drowsy or feeling drugged. It also helped when I came home from the trip to get me past jet lag quicker.
7) Bring two (2) packets of "NO JET LAG" Homeopathic Pills. This was highly recommended and was found very useful. Here is what the link says, "No Jet Lag Homeopathic Pills have been one of our top sellers for over 5 years. More of our customers rave about this product than anything else we sell. No Jet Lag Pills are a scientifically proven remedy to relieve the symptoms of jet lag, from fatigue to nausea. One package of pills contains 32 jet lag tablets, good for 50 hours of flying time." Here is a link so you know what it looks like. You can get it at any health food store.
8) Bring Acidopholis Pearls - EXACTLY THIS KIND - A helpful probiotic that doesn't need refrigeration. I'm going to include a research link on how good these are to get that extra flora in your intestines. Don't buy from this link since they are about $10 more than other places - but look to see what it says about the Pearls. And if your intestines are healthy YOU'LL be happy trying all the new foods. It's been a long time travel tip for international travelers to avoid "travelers tummy." Scroll down on this next link for Customer Reviews
9) Bring an empty water bottle that can be filled up - you'll want to stay hydrated on the flight and have if FULL when we leave the flight since we will not have a great chance to get some bottled water until morning. (We get in around 1:00 a.m. Delhi time.)
10) Sleep as much as you can on the plane. There will be an obvious time to do this after they feed you, and have time to watch a movie. Then the lights really go out. A couple of international flights ago I started experimenting with taking Advil (a muscle relaxer) when I started to get sore sitting so long in the seat. It helped me a LOT and it also helped when I took one just before going to sleep so my body would relax into the unfamiliar sleeping angle. I found I slept better and woke up less sore from sleeping upright in these little seats. Also the sleeping pill.
11) Stay hydrated on the flight but AVOID alcohol & Soda. This is probably the most critical thing to remember when on the plane. Because the air is recirculated it is very drying. During your waking hours the hostesses will be around often to see if you want anything. I've found that getting both an orange juice, and a water, are just right. Neither further dehydrates you, or acts as a diuretic (like tea and alcohol does). When others are asleep but you are awake, Cathay Pacific has snacks in their host/ess areas for you to get snacks yourself such as juices, small finger sandwiches, cookies, pretzels, nuts. You will not lack for food! HINT: Fill up your carry on water bottle on the flight from Hong Kong to Delhi. Airlines tend to run out of their better filtered water by the end. And remember to have your water bottle full when you leave the plane from Delhi (not into Hong Kong because I think they make you dump it going through another security gate..)
MONEY QUESTIONS . . .
• How much money to bring? I usually travel with $1,000 cash. For expensive purchases you can use your credit card safely. Travelers checks or cash is fine. Travelers checks MUST be signed exactly how you sign your passport. Cash must be new or very uncreased, and definitely not torn. (It's a funky thing I run into in nearly every country - that they will not accept American cash if it is ripped or creased/worn.)
• Can I use a debit card at the ATM's? YES, but you'll be paying fees. 3% for the amount of the transaction, plus bank fees on both ends. Personally I think it's best to bring cash or travelers checks, and pay big purchases with a credit card. The best place to change money is actually in the Delhi Airport (of all places!) We will do this when we touch down. For those of you staying longer - the guest house in Delhi only takes Indian (Rupees) cash, but the Chonor House in Dharamsala will take credit cards. It's all over the board for what they take. You can also wire yourself money using Western Union and pick it up at any spot in India. DO NOT do it online or it costs too much. . The fees are much better at your local Safeway grocery store. What you DO need to do is CALL YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANYs to let them know you will be traveling to India or they will shut you off as a precautionary measure.
• Bring 2 credit cards or debit cards - Visa or MasterCard. Keep them in two different places in case one gets stolen. Know their pin numbers and you can use them at ATMs if you have to. (I was told recently by an international traveler that ATM's are currently giving the best exchange rates. BUT MAKE SURE TO . . . CALL your credit card companies to let them know the dates and countries you will be traveling in. If you don't they will shut off your service. Then you'll have to call them internationally.
• I am making you up a Money Exchange Cheat Sheet from USD to Rupees and Rupees to USD. It will not include the bank fee rate - only the straight exchange rate - but it will give you a really good guide.
• Tip money. There will be many times when tipping is appropriate. Plan on about $100 USD in tip money for taxi drivers, tour guides, hotel staff - often times the amount of money a person makes is only the tips tourists provide. Not fair but the way it is. I'll guide you in this as we travel, and so will our tour guides
• "Sacred Shopping Translator" = a small calculator. Most everywhere we are going people will speak very good English, but bargaining with a calculator makes life very much easier. Remember that in Upper Dharmasala there is no bargaining, it's not part of Tibetan culture. However, it is very much part of Indian culture, so if it's an Indian shop keeper in Dharmasala bargain hard! There are always two prices - one for the local economy, and one for the tourist economy, which mean you will pay more no matter what
• About wallets - DO NOT bring purses or wallets. At all. Front / inside clothing / security fanny pack for passport, credit cards, and money. An outer FRONT fanny pack for a little of your money - but never take out all your money that you have hidden. Before going out always take some small billed money and put it in your front fanny pouch for easy accessibility. If it's in the fanny pouch you won't leave it on any counter.
• FYI about shopping: Your best shopping will be in Dharamsala, and it supports the Tibetan community there. We will also have some shopping opportunities in Delhi.
MISCELLANEOUS THINGS TO BRING . . .
• Bandana - in your "have with you all the time" bag or around your neck - for a hundred reasons that I won't go into right now - but it comes in REALLY handy when there is dust in the air or other pollutants, or you want to sit on the dirty ground cuz you're tired, etc . . . It's kind one of those "keep this on your International Travel List" kind of things you don't about until you need it. People were really glad I recommend this one!
• Small packets of Pampers unscented Baby Wet Wipes OR COSTCO Unscented Wipes. Put 5 in small "snack" ziplock bags. Everywhere you go is a wonderful adventure. It is also dirty and you will love me for making the recommendation. Also, getting a cold is often times because you didn't wash your hands from touch handles, doors, etc. Wet wipes are an easy solution. I like it better than the sanitizing hand gel that feels like I'm just moving the dirt around. I don't use it personally but bring it if you want. How many packets? Bring one "refill pack" worth of the wet wipes. I don't buy the green Pamper's boxes because I already have them. I buy the refill bags. Do maybe 5 small packs, and put the rest in 2 quart sized FREEZER bag ziplocks for refilling - they are less likely to get punctured or lose their moisture.) We aim for good buses and transportation, but the reality is you can get a vehicle in any kind of condition. It's all part of the mystery and adventure of traveling Asia. Just best to be prepared for the worst, and hope for the very best, and have fun no matter what happens.
• Target Travel Umbrella - They are about $9.99 and SMALL and light. They are more for the sun than for rain, and also handy if you have to go to the bathroom in the countryside and it isn't private enough for you. Shouldn't happen on this trip, but who knows what our adventures might bring and nice to know for other international travel.
• 4 extra copies of passport photos for special entry permits.
• Extra copy of passport page AND INDIA VISA PAGE but put in different pieces of luggage from what you carry on your body.
• Little booties/socks for the temples cuz you'll have to take off your shoes. The Tibetans have taken up the Indian custom of taking off their shoes to enter the temple. I found the cold marble floors freezing on my bare feet. I highly recommend bringing something to put on between you and a freezing cold marble floor. KEEP them in your day pack. You will need this for everywhere we go in India.
• LED Flashlight - MUST have one of these. They are small and light and don't use any batteries, but give out good light. Don't bring anything big. Just a small one is good in case you find yourself out in the dark.
• Travel alarm. Any kind. Also some of the digital watches w/ indiglo work as alarms. My favorite travel alarm is Radio Shack's travel alarm that has the time / temp, a light when you tap the top in the night, cost about $11. It's been my favorite since I started traveling over 10 years ago and have given many away for gifts.