India vs South America

echo99

Hi. I'm a 31 year old American male and am trying to plan for a trip from Nov 20th to Jan 5 this year.

My life has hit rock bottom recently and perhaps i could say that i'm mildly depressed. I feel extremely jaded about everything and life in general these days.

That's why i've been thinking about a trip to either India or South America. (Any other possible suggestions are welcome too) I'm hoping it'll give me a good kick in the pants. Due to my current work situation, it will be a long time before I'm able to take another decent vacation (more than 10 days!!) unfortunately. So this trip is a big deal for me...

It's been nearly 10 years since i've taken a real trip abroad. (I went to Mexico for 5 weeks in 2002)

I've been to:

Europe (1 year- 1 year and a half) 10 years ago
Japan/Korea (6 months) 12 years ago
US/ Canada

Morocco (one month) 10 years ago
Turkey (10 days) 10 years ago
Russia/Baltic States (one month) 10 years ago
Bangkok, Singapore, Bali and Hong Kong (3 weeks) 12 years ago

Can someone help describe the differences between the two? Or other possible places?

I'd like to do 4 weeks in the North, and 2 weeks in the South for India, and 2 weeks for for Rio, Buenos Aires & Sao Paolo, 2 weeks for Bolivia and Peru and 2 weeks for Brazil & beaches in South America.

I've heard that most people have strong reactions to India, and that some just want to take the first flight home. I'm particluarly afraid that I could be one of those people or would catch something and be sick the entire 6 weeks!! I'm kind of leaning towards india, but also think that South America could give me a more well rounded (1st world, 3rd world and beautiful landscapes) experience.

Thanks!!!

mercedes10

Having never been to South America before I'm not in a position to compare it with India. However, what I would say is that in India I felt more alive than I've ever felt before. The country has a real buzz about it that is bound to rub off on you. Also, I think seeing the poverty over there can be quite instrumental in putting your life in perspective and seeing your 'problems' in a whole new light. The ever-present spirituality over there is also something I found quite heart-warming & inspiring. So if you're feeling jaded then India might well kick-start you! That said, I certainly wouldn't recommend it (or anywhere else for that matter) as a 'cure' for depression. So when you say you're "mildly depressed" - are we talking feeling a bit low, or actual symptoms of clinical depression??

drwho

Hi

Visit Sikkim/Darjeeling ..that will cheer you up

Pictures from Sikkim : http://www.pbase.com/mreichel/india&page=1

volga_volga

(quoting from the LP TT similar thread): South America is not Asia is not Africa.

You can't compare. And unfortunately noone except yourself can answer the question whether one should be preferred over another as a travel destination. Moreover, this forum is somewhat biased towards one particular country!!!

Myself having been to Argentina and Chile, and Indian subcontinent, I can't say whether I can recommend one place over another... yes, India make you feel alive but S Americans way of life may arguably be the best remedie for depression - the particular lightness with which they live their lives... bring the smile back on your face. i am not even talking about S American parties

v-v

PS PLEASE ask this question at LP TT - last time the discussion was very interesting unfortunately got deleted.

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