Your #1 Travel Tip

Travel*grl · Oct 20th, 2009, 07:20

I am a newcomer to the forum and have reading everyone's questions and responses for the past few hours. My eye's are getting tired...

I will be flying from the US to Chennai in Jan 2010 for 6 weeks for business. When I am not working (and hopefully not sick, from what I've been reading about water/food) I want to absorb and experience as much of the culture as I can.

What I would like from you

is..your BEST TIP. It could be about womens clothing, immunizations, what to avoid, what to see, food, the long flight, foods, packing? etc.

I look forward to reading everyone's responses.

abracax · Oct 20th, 2009, 08:30

Don't be afraid to say you're from the USA. Now that Obama's in the White House, you cool. I'm sick of Yanks pretending to be Canucks.

Hal · Oct 20th, 2009, 08:30

Don't panic.

/if it's good enough for a trip round the galaxy, it should work for India, too.

camelgirl · Oct 20th, 2009, 08:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by abracax

Don't be afraid to say you're from the USA. Now that Obama's in the White House, you cool. I'm sick of Yanks pretending to be Canucks.

You mean I have to take that flag off my bag now

It's really a lovely change to not be hated--though I must say, throughout the badbush years, India never got mad at us (U.S.)--I think they liked bush offering them nuclear weapons

or something like that but they really did like us apart from that. Maybe because there are so many people with family who now live in the U.S.

Back to the Question....I have lots of tips but if I had to pick one tip specifically for India I would have to say "patience & flexibility" for when you want to rip off someones head

because you get so frustrated about some small (or big) thing!

PeakXV · Oct 20th, 2009, 09:12

Choose one specific aspect of Indian culture, language or art to concentrate on for your downtime. There's so much to see & do there that it really can be overwhelming & swallow you up .... but if you can find something that really interests you & focus on it - then you might well find that experience pays huge dividends & ties that bind long after your business days are complete.

capt_mahajan · Oct 20th, 2009, 09:15

My tip no 1: R-e-l-a-x. Things couldn't possibly get worse

Brisso · Oct 20th, 2009, 10:41

Yep, agree about patience and being relaxed. Treat new associates with a measure of scepticism and remember, fear is an emotion and rarely a reflection of reality.

Oh ... and cleanse, tone and moisturise ...

Wanderer22 · Oct 20th, 2009, 11:25

Learn to travel light!

Too much stuff can be a millstone around your neck.
When in doubt, leave it out.

W22

bethey · Oct 20th, 2009, 12:03

About food...

Try something new frequently! You never know what might be fabulous. Outside of 5 star restaurants/hotels, the cost is trivial so trying something new will only be a matter of getting up the nerve. [I've literally just pointed at the menu not knowing what in the heck something is for the fun of it - and I've been very pleasantly surprised ... well except for that one time, but we won't go there

Oh and there are someplaces that just list "lunch meal" as THE option midday - it's sort of like Christmas, anticipation and wondering what exactly is on its way]. If you don't like it, no big whoop - there are enough western or western-type food joints lurking to fill your stomach.

Now for the caveats on this one - obviously avoid anything you're allergic to, have religious/philosophical doctrines against, or places that truly appear to have food safety issues.

If you haven't been adventurous with food in the past, start slowly with different breads or sweets then branch out into veggies and main dishes.

Nick-H · Oct 20th, 2009, 14:21

Sorry, Wanderer22: When in doubt, Pack it!

But do remember to leave room to bring the shopping home

zanzi · Oct 20th, 2009, 14:57

Do things that allow you to come across people across a range of classes. A business trip implies the execs are taken care of, but people on the street, roadside vendors, people hanging out at the beach, activists, academics, party-goers (if corporate doesn't cover that!), cultural enthusiasts, shoppers, retirees - if you want a well-rounded sense of the culture rather than an acquired one, this will go some way in ensuring your first six weeks are useful, and give you reasons besides business to come back. Of course, you'll have to find the time! But you could start with public transport once in a while, instead of air-conditioned cars

puneri · Oct 20th, 2009, 15:40

Your #1 Travel Tip

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a newcomer to the forum and have reading everyone's questions and responses for the past few hours. My eye's are getting tired...

I will be flying from the US to Chennai in Jan 2010 for 6 weeks for business. When I am not working (and hopefully not sick, from what I've been reading about water/food) I want to absorb and experience as much of the culture as I can.

What I would like from you is..your BEST TIP. It could be about womens clothing, immunizations, what to avoid, what to see, food, the long flight, foods, packing? etc.

I look forward to reading everyone's responses.
---------------------------------
If it's possible for you, try to sleep according to India time (whenever possible) for some days before you leave for India. This will help in setting your biological clock. Drink lots of water on the flight. Avoid alcohol. Do not overeat. Stretch your legs, walk up and down the aisle after every 3-4 hours and try to sleep (again) according to India time. When awake on the flight, do some foot exercise. for example, doing a foot up-down from the ankle joint. This will help you relax your calves and avoid cramps.

Get immunizations done (malaria, jaundice, typhoid, TB, flu shots) from your local health center.

Most local people in Chennai speak English, so language should not be a problem. Once you are in Chennai, get to know the rates from your Chennai friends/colleagues, if you are going to travel in a autorickshaw or public taxi. My advice would be to hire a pre-paid taxi.

Indian foods can be really spicy, so be careful about the food you order. In a restaurant, ask the waiter to point out not-so-spicy foods from the menu. Generally dosa, idli (rice pancakes), upma (salted rice pudding), sevai (looks like thin, broken sphagetti) are good to eat and not spicy.

It will be mild winter in Jan, so light clothing would do. Chennai being a coastal city, the weather can be really humid. Afternoons can be really hot too.

The traditional dress for an Indian woman from Chennai is a saree. You should buy one (and learn to wear it too) before you go back. When we are that, you should get yourself the Indian look (saree, blouse, bindi, jewellery etc.) before you head back

That's all that comes to my mind as of now. If I can think of something else, I will let you know.

Have a wonderful journey and a great stay in one of biggest democracies of the world. I am sure you will love your stay in Chennai

Aishah · Oct 20th, 2009, 15:46

Keep your sense of humour!

brishti · Oct 20th, 2009, 15:54

do not smile at all and sundry [men] on the street... it may be misconstrued as a come-hither sign.
avoid eye-contact with men on the street.
the same however, does not apply for them women!

:brishti

Nick-H · Oct 20th, 2009, 16:08

Who are you calling "Sundry" ?

Quote:

the same however, does not apply for them women!

I know

...

Oct 20th, 2009, 08:30	#2
abracax Mahaguru Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 709	Don't be afraid to say you're from the USA. Now that Obama's in the White House, you cool. I'm sick of Yanks pretending to be Canucks. __________________ tbontbtitq (Shakespeare's password)

Oct 20th, 2009, 09:12	#5
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 5,881	Choose one specific aspect of Indian culture, language or art to concentrate on for your downtime. There's so much to see & do there that it really can be overwhelming & swallow you up .... but if you can find something that really interests you & focus on it - then you might well find that experience pays huge dividends & ties that bind long after your business days are complete. __________________ What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Oct 20th, 2009, 09:15	#6
capt_mahajan Infidel Sufi Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: styx Posts: 13,608	My tip no 1: R-e-l-a-x. Things couldn't possibly get worse __________________ . Outside the machine

Oct 20th, 2009, 15:46	#13
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 7,629	Keep your sense of humour! __________________ "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."

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Oct 20th, 2009, 07:20	#1
Travel*grl Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA Posts: 15	Your #1 Travel Tip I am a newcomer to the forum and have reading everyone's questions and responses for the past few hours. My eye's are getting tired... I will be flying from the US to Chennai in Jan 2010 for 6 weeks for business. When I am not working (and hopefully not sick, from what I've been reading about water/food) I want to absorb and experience as much of the culture as I can. What I would like from you is..your BEST TIP. It could be about womens clothing, immunizations, what to avoid, what to see, food, the long flight, foods, packing? etc. I look forward to reading everyone's responses.

Oct 20th, 2009, 08:30	#3
Hal . . . _ _ _ . . . Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,303	Don't panic. /if it's good enough for a trip round the galaxy, it should work for India, too.

Oct 20th, 2009, 10:41	#7
Brisso Specialist muddler Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 1,084	Yep, agree about patience and being relaxed. Treat new associates with a measure of scepticism and remember, fear is an emotion and rarely a reflection of reality. Oh ... and cleanse, tone and moisturise ...

Oct 20th, 2009, 11:25	#8
Wanderer22 Maha Guru Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 502	Learn to travel light! Too much stuff can be a millstone around your neck. When in doubt, leave it out. W22

Oct 20th, 2009, 12:03	#9
bethey Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Delhi/VA Posts: 124	About food... Try something new frequently! You never know what might be fabulous. Outside of 5 star restaurants/hotels, the cost is trivial so trying something new will only be a matter of getting up the nerve. [I've literally just pointed at the menu not knowing what in the heck something is for the fun of it - and I've been very pleasantly surprised ... well except for that one time, but we won't go there Oh and there are someplaces that just list "lunch meal" as THE option midday - it's sort of like Christmas, anticipation and wondering what exactly is on its way]. If you don't like it, no big whoop - there are enough western or western-type food joints lurking to fill your stomach. Now for the caveats on this one - obviously avoid anything you're allergic to, have religious/philosophical doctrines against, or places that truly appear to have food safety issues. If you haven't been adventurous with food in the past, start slowly with different breads or sweets then branch out into veggies and main dishes.

Oct 20th, 2009, 14:21	#10
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,225	Sorry, Wanderer22: When in doubt, Pack it! But do remember to leave room to bring the shopping home

Oct 20th, 2009, 14:57	#11
zanzi Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: chennai Posts: 74	Do things that allow you to come across people across a range of classes. A business trip implies the execs are taken care of, but people on the street, roadside vendors, people hanging out at the beach, activists, academics, party-goers (if corporate doesn't cover that!), cultural enthusiasts, shoppers, retirees - if you want a well-rounded sense of the culture rather than an acquired one, this will go some way in ensuring your first six weeks are useful, and give you reasons besides business to come back. Of course, you'll have to find the time! But you could start with public transport once in a while, instead of air-conditioned cars

Oct 20th, 2009, 15:40	#12
puneri Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Pune Posts: 10	Your #1 Travel Tip -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am a newcomer to the forum and have reading everyone's questions and responses for the past few hours. My eye's are getting tired... I will be flying from the US to Chennai in Jan 2010 for 6 weeks for business. When I am not working (and hopefully not sick, from what I've been reading about water/food) I want to absorb and experience as much of the culture as I can. What I would like from you is..your BEST TIP. It could be about womens clothing, immunizations, what to avoid, what to see, food, the long flight, foods, packing? etc. I look forward to reading everyone's responses. --------------------------------- If it's possible for you, try to sleep according to India time (whenever possible) for some days before you leave for India. This will help in setting your biological clock. Drink lots of water on the flight. Avoid alcohol. Do not overeat. Stretch your legs, walk up and down the aisle after every 3-4 hours and try to sleep (again) according to India time. When awake on the flight, do some foot exercise. for example, doing a foot up-down from the ankle joint. This will help you relax your calves and avoid cramps. Get immunizations done (malaria, jaundice, typhoid, TB, flu shots) from your local health center. Most local people in Chennai speak English, so language should not be a problem. Once you are in Chennai, get to know the rates from your Chennai friends/colleagues, if you are going to travel in a autorickshaw or public taxi. My advice would be to hire a pre-paid taxi. Indian foods can be really spicy, so be careful about the food you order. In a restaurant, ask the waiter to point out not-so-spicy foods from the menu. Generally dosa, idli (rice pancakes), upma (salted rice pudding), sevai (looks like thin, broken sphagetti) are good to eat and not spicy. It will be mild winter in Jan, so light clothing would do. Chennai being a coastal city, the weather can be really humid. Afternoons can be really hot too. The traditional dress for an Indian woman from Chennai is a saree. You should buy one (and learn to wear it too) before you go back. When we are that, you should get yourself the Indian look (saree, blouse, bindi, jewellery etc.) before you head back That's all that comes to my mind as of now. If I can think of something else, I will let you know. Have a wonderful journey and a great stay in one of biggest democracies of the world. I am sure you will love your stay in Chennai

Oct 20th, 2009, 15:54	#14
brishti disMember Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: india Posts: 3,690	do not smile at all and sundry [men] on the street... it may be misconstrued as a come-hither sign. avoid eye-contact with men on the street. the same however, does not apply for them women! :brishti

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