Your #1 Travel Tip

alouise

Not a joke, at all. I did take a can of tuna this time because I was going to remote places in Andhra Pradesh, places where even local taxi drivers found themselves lost and there was no helpful information to be found beforehand on google, much less mention in LP. It was an emergency can, in case there was nothing available. I did end up missing a couple of meals, but scored dinner so didn't need to open the can. I will take a can of tuna again, it's a good idea for the sort of travelling I do. But if you're travelling between cities or towns you wouldn't need it because there are supermarkets as Nick said.

Nick-H

Those taking cans of tuna, or anything else, don't forget the tin opener!

alouise

No need to bring a can opener. Cans these days have ring-pull lids. Don't they have those sort in Indian supermarkets?

Aishah

I haven't seen them here alouise - they are all tops that need a can-opener, the ones I have bought. Tuna is readily available here in most places, even where I live, which is the backblocks of India!

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"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."

Gelsomina

I've found that when I travel to some place where there have been major "food issues" for me (remote parts of Burma come to mind), that resorting to plain rice, boiled eggs, tea without milk, and peanuts are enough to save my stomach and keep me going. I wouldn't recommend cans of tuna. I used to eat a lot of tuna in NYC but here in SE Asia with the hot/humid climate, it just doesn't appeal. You may find your taste buds completely changed when you get to India.
I'd also recommend reading a couple of good books about Indian history or culture before you leave. You'll find your time there more enriching.
And, if it all starts to become a little overwhelming once you're off the plane, just imagine that you're an anthropologist doing fieldwork Then everything will seem interesting and fascinating!

Nick-H

Re the cans... don't buy much canned stuff, but I'd say its a mixture: some ring-pull, some not. Best to at least have the old-fashioned kind you'll find on a swiss-army knife or Leatherman tool.

I saw someone watching one of those in-store presentation videos on a whizzy-whizzy new electric can opener in UK. I commented, "almost makes you wish they were actually needed, these days...". She didn't buy one.
Most of what you need is on this very site!

sa_ill

My Tip:

Never plan your trip. Quantitatively, the element of surprise passes the element of expectation by 10 raised to the power 99 percent.

cpg2404

Please bring which u feel are essential for you...i mean your attires and allied things.... Every other thing are available in India... Dont worry, you will like chennai and not miss ur place.

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alouise

If you're partial to vegemite and want to be able to indulge yourself with that occasional treat any time you feel like, it can be more convenient to carry a small jar in the pack than have to search for it. Mind you, like the tuna, no need to BYO if you're travelling between cities and with plenty of time to go look. To vegemite lovers, toast just isn't toast without it.

And look, let's just get something straight before someone else offers the well intentioned suggestion or two along the lines of seeking enlightenment to overcome culture shock or better "Indianizing" oneself.

Not every foreigner on IM is a newbie to India. India can feel like another home, and just like when you're at home there may be those food preferences and treats that you like to be able to indulge in at times - eg. the IM thread on lettuce. Simple as that.

Aishah

Count me in here, alouise! I do like my vegemite, but am able to substitute it here with Marmite - rather expensive, but a treat just the same I indulge myself in from time to time.

Nick-H

That reminds me. I walked past some in the supermarket and checked: tin opener required!

alouise

Aishah, my heart goes out to you for being a stoic about making do with the marmite. I'm heading for Jaisalmer in January. Just PM if you'd like me to bring you some of the REAL THING.

Aishah

Wow! That's an offer I can't resist - yes please!

Back to Travel Tips....!!

skullbox

Tender Exact Change while travelling in MTC busses

Brisso

yes, hoard small notes - vendors often refuse or are unable to provide change