Taking Kids To India

dmontgom22

hi there, Dana here...

i will be traveling to Bangalore for business in February for approximately 2 weeks.

i'm considering bringing my 17 year old daughter and 16 year old son with me.

i'm interested in experienced thoughts concerning the wisdom of this.

i would be working during the day, so they would be on their own, etc.

please, ANY thoughts are welcome/needed/desired.

d.

p.s. still have to sell the idea to their mom and them. don't think it will be much of a stretch for them (despite what i have told them already)

ddevadatta

For just two weeks I would take your offspring. It will be an extraordinary experience which could easily change their lives forever.

My hometown in Bangalore and that is a very good place to start off with as a first experience. May not be as jarring as some other places.

Must go to Mysore and also do some wildlife viewing. My kids still talk about it after so many years. If you need more specific info e-mail me at dandeva@earthlink.net

Good luck...

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Nick-H

17 an 16 are hardly kids surely?

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capt_mahajan

My thoughts exactly.

At that age, they are likely to either love the trip, or hate it.

But what the hell. 2 weeks is a good way to find out which one it it likely to be.

If Mysore is on the agenda, stop at Srirangapatnam.

Shaktipalooza

wouldn't hesitate to invite them along but i wouldn't push them hard to say yes. i've been surprised while traveling with teenagers in the past, seeing how quickly their comfort zone shrinks in unfamiliar surroundings.

too bad it's only for two weeks.

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PortieOwner

Yes, bring them. They may really like it, or really hate it. Last trip I flew out with some late-teen Kalifornia ABCDs who swore they'd never visit India again (the had been in the Delhi area). No matter what it will be extremely educational.

Our son went at age 11 months and he'll go again soon at age 3.

Portie

Nick-H

I guess it depends whether they are in 'young adult' or 'teenager' mode.

They might just spend the whole trip in hotel rooms exchanging text messages with their friends back home....

But I would expect it to be a totally wonderful experience for them.

dmontgom22

thank you all for your comments... i appreciate them...

another question, at 16 and 17 (both very responsible), how safe is it to leave them explore on their own while i am working?

thanks in advance,
dana

Shaktipalooza

I think it would be at least as safe as any other country in the world. For peace of mind I might equip them with a cell phone so they can check in a couple of times a day. Also, they'd probably be better off spending their days together, do they get along?

If they have the chance to be more independent I'm guessing they might actually enjoy the trip a lot more.

Teens tend to think they know what they're doing. Try and educate them about potential scams, touts, etc. before you go.

Oh, they'd probably enjoy a trip to commercial street. At least your daughter would! Loads of clothing, shoes, at great prices. They'll be able to get things that are unique and actually hip. There is also "The Forum" mall if they are needing a western fix. There's a very posh theater with both western and Indian latest run movies.