Group Tour, Private Guide/Driver or both?

Sharonov · Jun 19th, 2004, 04:16

My husband and I (young 50's) have frequent flier miles and a month to explore India. We don't want to be stuck with a group for that long, don't want the uncertainties and hassles of being alone (been there, done that) and have some reservations about maybe being stuck with a guide we don't like too much. Any suggestions?

Bonita · Jun 19th, 2004, 05:56

Well, first off, most group tours to India are about two weeks, and are concentrated in North India..They usually follow a similar itinerary of Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, maybe on to kathmandu, and utilize a combo of private bus, perhaps a train, and perhaps a domestic flight..Price differnces in group tours are basically found in what Hotels are used, and what modes of transport..All tours will be escorted with either a Indian Tour escort, or perhaps a American Tour Manager(considering we are talking U.S Tour Operator)..They last about two weeks, and yes, you will be stuck with Tom, Dick and Harish for the duration..But, you do get good prices, a guarenteed group to chat with, and all the logistics taken care of..Another way to go, if ya can afford it, (it may be a bit more) is to create a custom-made tour for yourself, plotting and planning away, and utilizing the services of a local Tour Operator to take care of all logistics..This way you will have alot of freedom, your own private trip, (with an occasional guide), and not have to deal with the things you don't like about the group dynamics..However, a month is a nice chunk of time, so creating your own program for that period is going to cost you, but still can be down quite reasonably, considering the cost of doing soemthing like this in another destination..One another idea i have for you, is perhaps take a two week primer North India trip with a group, and then, plot and plan your own custom trip to the South, where most tour groups don't go anyways..Okay, i hope i was helpful, and feel free to contact me if you would like more suggestions, or help/advice in your plotting and planning, as I am a American who lives.works in India.. I can both reccomend many U.S tour Operators that run group tours in India, or advise you in creating your own program, two week or four weeks, and reccomend/sugest local Operators to carry it out..well happy travels., be in touch, Dreamingofindia@aol.com

bijapuri · Jun 19th, 2004, 11:59

you don't really need a tour group for India, even for first timers. An alternative is to read about India, and come back here with what strikes you as worth visiting, and we'll have vicarious fun helping you out with how to do it. You see, we're mostly hopelessly addicted to traveling in Ma India, and when we can't be there, we love helping others do it. It's what makes this site so grand. And remember, you don't have to take a word of what we say to heart- just take what ya need!

SHIMLA · Jun 19th, 2004, 12:54

Agree with bijapuri.

You should travel on your own, without the support of a travel operator or a tour guide; in fact you'd be better off preparing your own itinerary and visiting places which are generally off a tour operator's blinkered map.

However, you cannot explore India in a month! You can cover only a small part of it. I suggest you select an area/region/state and tour intensively, instead of trying to cover the four corners of this huge country.

Once you decide which area; we will try to fine tune your programme.

bijapuri · Jun 19th, 2004, 12:57

once again, I am in agreement w/SHIMLA. A month is a good amt. of time to cover one region, north or south.

Basho · Jun 19th, 2004, 14:33

If you want an good guide an car and can afford it you could try a tailor made tour with Namaste Indian tours. they are very good and reliable, make sure you get a good price though.

for more info about them do a search for them on this site.

indiaguide · Jun 19th, 2004, 23:36

it's better to take a local guide in every place. I think it's very difficult to communicate Namste india tour. My friend from Japan try to contact them through email but they never replied it.
Lot of members suggest Namaste India tour & some of them have already taken the services and are satisfied.

Bonita · Jun 19th, 2004, 23:46

As India is such a huge, diverse and fascinating Country, there are also many ways and means to travel and explore India. People have differnt needs, intersts, requirements, etc. Some prefer to go with the flow and a backpack, with or without a map, and others like a trip that is tailor-made, guided, looked after, and organzied..One can travel to so many differnt regions in India, in so many differnt ways, alone, with a loved one, in a group, with a private car and driver, with a local bus, a domestic flight, etc..It depends on the people, how they like to travel, what makes theme feel comfortable, sometimes thier budget and where they are in life, etc..No matter where you go and how you go, YOU ARE IN India, and will get the experinces that you encounter /open youself up to..Anyways, I have been traveling in India in so many guises, starting with a two year romp in my early 20's as a independent female solo backpacker, to many differnt styles and incarnations there-of..I am always comfortable on my own and encourage others to go at it independently, but, it is not everyones style, and not the only way to experince India..One mode of traveling is not neccessarily better or worse then the otehr. What is important is your attitude, openess, kindness, contacts with the people, ability to learn, and so many more things..I have stayed in simple Hotels or Luxury Palaces, and all bring you face to face with the many sides of India, all a reality. If you are in a group tour, you may meet wonderful new people, and if you are at it alone, you may discover new things about yourself..Anyways, the important thing is to travel, to learn, to explore, and to visit India! And now that i am living in INdia the majority of the year, I like to help/encourage others to travel , whatever may be their style, give them encouragement, answer questions, offer suggestions, or even assistance ..feel free to e-mail me if have some questions, concerns, or like some guidance in your trip planning. Dreamingofindia@aol.com

cyberhippie · Jun 20th, 2004, 00:44

Bonita you've got it just right!!
This from someone who did momentarily suffer from the idea that there is only one way to travel India "the hard way"
India has moved on, there are so many comfortable ways to see India now, even the organised tours are becoming more intrepid, with the new AC tour buses and knowlegable local guides this is a nice option, although you present a bigger target for the touts in this kind of group!! Of course tours in India as elsewhere tend to be timetabled rushing in places you may have wanted to linger. the biggest downside to group tours anywhere!!
As they begin to realise the cultural wealth India has to offer group tours are a great way to get to some of the wonderful scenarios India has around every corner!!

So back to the question well as usual the guys manning the oars have got it down pat, choose a region and work from there, if using your airmiles is an option perhaps you could do justice to the main sites of two region!
As far as the A to B stuff goes well again what makes you comfortable, the beauty of travel in India for the tourist is the flexabilty of the Indian business mind.
So if you chose to do a tour by car at the end of the say a 10 day period, you decide this is for me, then the rest of your itinery can probably be sorted out via the driver and a mobile!!
So you can just continue on your merry way with the driver you're used to and go and see what you missed.
Equally if you decide nah I'm confident enough to go try the public transport , this isn't hard to do, armed with the famous "Trains At A Glance" many destinations have a railhead, the rail option offers varying degres of comfort and should you wish to get back to taxis it's pretty easy to sort out anywhere you happen to be, ask a hotel they will put you in contact with someone, also the local taxi union offices are a good place to book a taxi or a tour by taxi!!

From the heart I would suggest the taxi option for a week and then decide from there and again As Shimla and Bijapuri said look at a particular region, chasing your tail to see too much in India is not to contemplated!!!

Happy Traveling

Jorge Reverter · Jun 20th, 2004, 05:48

Hi Sharonov,

I'm also in my 50's and travelling every year to India. Sometimes with my wife and/or with my 19 yr old son. My advice is to hire a car with driver and travel at your own. Indian drivers are normally well educated and very helpful and in any case you can take local guides if necessary.

One month, in my opinion is more than enough to travel across a region of India (I personally recommend for the first visit, South of India. Kerala/Tamil Nadu). In any case you'll find here in Indiamike plenty of nice people who will help you with the itinerary, hotels
and everything you'll need.

Jorge

LuAnnandJawahar · Jun 20th, 2004, 20:45

We answer ALL emails that arrive in our inbox.

Bonita · Jun 28th, 2004, 22:08

Hello there Sharanov...HOPE YOUR trip plannig is going well, and it looks like much advice was given, that covers the gamut. HOPE IT WAS HELPFULL. IN one month you have a nice peice of time to explore 2/3 regions of INDIA, in whatevr mode you decide to ultimately go..HPPY TRIP Planning and if you have any more questions, do post or be in touch. Dreamingofindia@aol.com

Groovy Guru · Jun 30th, 2004, 13:38

Hello Sharanov,
Hope by now most of your questions must have been answered and your plans for India are well under way.I came across this very interesting thread which I feel might be of some help to you........check it out it might help.It is dated the 6th of June by Kffilms.......about her first trip to India.Hope it helps .........have a great trip.

Jun 19th, 2004, 04:16	#1
Sharonov Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 60	Group Tour, Private Guide/Driver or both? My husband and I (young 50's) have frequent flier miles and a month to explore India. We don't want to be stuck with a group for that long, don't want the uncertainties and hassles of being alone (been there, done that) and have some reservations about maybe being stuck with a guide we don't like too much. Any suggestions?

Jun 19th, 2004, 05:56	#2
Bonita Dreaming Of India Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: NEW DELHI..NEW YORK..Wherever i am.. Posts: 110	Well, first off, most group tours to India are about two weeks, and are concentrated in North India..They usually follow a similar itinerary of Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, maybe on to kathmandu, and utilize a combo of private bus, perhaps a train, and perhaps a domestic flight..Price differnces in group tours are basically found in what Hotels are used, and what modes of transport..All tours will be escorted with either a Indian Tour escort, or perhaps a American Tour Manager(considering we are talking U.S Tour Operator)..They last about two weeks, and yes, you will be stuck with Tom, Dick and Harish for the duration..But, you do get good prices, a guarenteed group to chat with, and all the logistics taken care of..Another way to go, if ya can afford it, (it may be a bit more) is to create a custom-made tour for yourself, plotting and planning away, and utilizing the services of a local Tour Operator to take care of all logistics..This way you will have alot of freedom, your own private trip, (with an occasional guide), and not have to deal with the things you don't like about the group dynamics..However, a month is a nice chunk of time, so creating your own program for that period is going to cost you, but still can be down quite reasonably, considering the cost of doing soemthing like this in another destination..One another idea i have for you, is perhaps take a two week primer North India trip with a group, and then, plot and plan your own custom trip to the South, where most tour groups don't go anyways..Okay, i hope i was helpful, and feel free to contact me if you would like more suggestions, or help/advice in your plotting and planning, as I am a American who lives.works in India.. I can both reccomend many U.S tour Operators that run group tours in India, or advise you in creating your own program, two week or four weeks, and reccomend/sugest local Operators to carry it out..well happy travels., be in touch, Dreamingofindia@aol.com __________________ Dreamingofindia@aol.com

Jun 19th, 2004, 11:59	#3
bijapuri Lord of Kalinjar Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: the real surf city Posts: 2,646	you don't really need a tour group for India, even for first timers. An alternative is to read about India, and come back here with what strikes you as worth visiting, and we'll have vicarious fun helping you out with how to do it. You see, we're mostly hopelessly addicted to traveling in Ma India, and when we can't be there, we love helping others do it. It's what makes this site so grand. And remember, you don't have to take a word of what we say to heart- just take what ya need! __________________ lookit me!!!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bijapuri/ Utube fuzzy logic: http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=bijapuri&p =r

Jun 19th, 2004, 12:54	#4
SHIMLA Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Yangon, MYANMAR Posts: 4,126	Agree with bijapuri. You should travel on your own, without the support of a travel operator or a tour guide; in fact you'd be better off preparing your own itinerary and visiting places which are generally off a tour operator's blinkered map. However, you cannot explore India in a month! You can cover only a small part of it. I suggest you select an area/region/state and tour intensively, instead of trying to cover the four corners of this huge country. Once you decide which area; we will try to fine tune your programme. __________________ Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to shop !

Jun 20th, 2004, 00:44	#9
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,009	Plane, Train, Tata Sumo????? Bonita you've got it just right!! This from someone who did momentarily suffer from the idea that there is only one way to travel India "the hard way" India has moved on, there are so many comfortable ways to see India now, even the organised tours are becoming more intrepid, with the new AC tour buses and knowlegable local guides this is a nice option, although you present a bigger target for the touts in this kind of group!! Of course tours in India as elsewhere tend to be timetabled rushing in places you may have wanted to linger. the biggest downside to group tours anywhere!! As they begin to realise the cultural wealth India has to offer group tours are a great way to get to some of the wonderful scenarios India has around every corner!! So back to the question well as usual the guys manning the oars have got it down pat, choose a region and work from there, if using your airmiles is an option perhaps you could do justice to the main sites of two region! As far as the A to B stuff goes well again what makes you comfortable, the beauty of travel in India for the tourist is the flexabilty of the Indian business mind. So if you chose to do a tour by car at the end of the say a 10 day period, you decide this is for me, then the rest of your itinery can probably be sorted out via the driver and a mobile!! So you can just continue on your merry way with the driver you're used to and go and see what you missed. Equally if you decide nah I'm confident enough to go try the public transport , this isn't hard to do, armed with the famous "Trains At A Glance" many destinations have a railhead, the rail option offers varying degres of comfort and should you wish to get back to taxis it's pretty easy to sort out anywhere you happen to be, ask a hotel they will put you in contact with someone, also the local taxi union offices are a good place to book a taxi or a tour by taxi!! From the heart I would suggest the taxi option for a week and then decide from there and again As Shimla and Bijapuri said look at a particular region, chasing your tail to see too much in India is not to contemplated!!! Happy Traveling

Jun 19th, 2004, 12:57	#5
bijapuri Lord of Kalinjar Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: the real surf city Posts: 2,646	once again, I am in agreement w/SHIMLA. A month is a good amt. of time to cover one region, north or south.

Jun 19th, 2004, 14:33	#6
Basho Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: UK Posts: 40	If you want an good guide an car and can afford it you could try a tailor made tour with Namaste Indian tours. they are very good and reliable, make sure you get a good price though. for more info about them do a search for them on this site.

Jun 19th, 2004, 23:36	#7
indiaguide Account Closed Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Calcutta(Kolkata) Posts: 330	it's better to take a local guide in every place. I think it's very difficult to communicate Namste india tour. My friend from Japan try to contact them through email but they never replied it. Lot of members suggest Namaste India tour & some of them have already taken the services and are satisfied.

Jun 19th, 2004, 23:46	#8
Bonita Dreaming Of India Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: NEW DELHI..NEW YORK..Wherever i am.. Posts: 110	As India is such a huge, diverse and fascinating Country, there are also many ways and means to travel and explore India. People have differnt needs, intersts, requirements, etc. Some prefer to go with the flow and a backpack, with or without a map, and others like a trip that is tailor-made, guided, looked after, and organzied..One can travel to so many differnt regions in India, in so many differnt ways, alone, with a loved one, in a group, with a private car and driver, with a local bus, a domestic flight, etc..It depends on the people, how they like to travel, what makes theme feel comfortable, sometimes thier budget and where they are in life, etc..No matter where you go and how you go, YOU ARE IN India, and will get the experinces that you encounter /open youself up to..Anyways, I have been traveling in India in so many guises, starting with a two year romp in my early 20's as a independent female solo backpacker, to many differnt styles and incarnations there-of..I am always comfortable on my own and encourage others to go at it independently, but, it is not everyones style, and not the only way to experince India..One mode of traveling is not neccessarily better or worse then the otehr. What is important is your attitude, openess, kindness, contacts with the people, ability to learn, and so many more things..I have stayed in simple Hotels or Luxury Palaces, and all bring you face to face with the many sides of India, all a reality. If you are in a group tour, you may meet wonderful new people, and if you are at it alone, you may discover new things about yourself..Anyways, the important thing is to travel, to learn, to explore, and to visit India! And now that i am living in INdia the majority of the year, I like to help/encourage others to travel , whatever may be their style, give them encouragement, answer questions, offer suggestions, or even assistance ..feel free to e-mail me if have some questions, concerns, or like some guidance in your trip planning. Dreamingofindia@aol.com

Jun 20th, 2004, 05:48	#10
Jorge Reverter Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Murcia - Spain Posts: 1,463	Hi Sharonov, I'm also in my 50's and travelling every year to India. Sometimes with my wife and/or with my 19 yr old son. My advice is to hire a car with driver and travel at your own. Indian drivers are normally well educated and very helpful and in any case you can take local guides if necessary. One month, in my opinion is more than enough to travel across a region of India (I personally recommend for the first visit, South of India. Kerala/Tamil Nadu). In any case you'll find here in Indiamike plenty of nice people who will help you with the itinerary, hotels and everything you'll need. Jorge

Jun 20th, 2004, 20:45	#11
LuAnnandJawahar Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Delhi/U.S. Posts: 663	huh? We answer ALL emails that arrive in our inbox. __________________ Reject violence.

Jun 28th, 2004, 22:08	#12
Bonita Dreaming Of India Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: NEW DELHI..NEW YORK..Wherever i am.. Posts: 110	Hello there Sharanov...HOPE YOUR trip plannig is going well, and it looks like much advice was given, that covers the gamut. HOPE IT WAS HELPFULL. IN one month you have a nice peice of time to explore 2/3 regions of INDIA, in whatevr mode you decide to ultimately go..HPPY TRIP Planning and if you have any more questions, do post or be in touch. Dreamingofindia@aol.com

Jun 30th, 2004, 13:38	#13
Groovy Guru Account Closed Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Cloud 9 Posts: 29	Hello Sharanov, Hope by now most of your questions must have been answered and your plans for India are well under way.I came across this very interesting thread which I feel might be of some help to you........check it out it might help.It is dated the 6th of June by Kffilms.......about her first trip to India.Hope it helps .........have a great trip.

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