Questions - first timer

magdalena

Hello everyone.

I wasn’t sure where to place this thread, but since it’s my first one, I might as well put it under “self introduction”

I’m planning a two week trip to India in March 2008. I have a few questions…

1- How safe is it for a 28 year old female going by herself? I’m okay with traveling alone, but my husband is not… (if you’re a female and need a travel partner around that time, let me know)

2- Do I need vaccinations to go to India? I get mixed answers for this. Most tell me that I need to get a vaccination three months before my departure, I don’t think this is true, but can someone confirm?

3- I’m going for 16 days (including travel time “from US”) and I’m planning on visiting Delhi – Agra – Varanasi – Jaipur – Jaisalmer. Is this doable?

Thank you so much in advance for everyones answers -this site rocks

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Mehndi Masala

Many who have done the trip may have better advice but all my souces have said YES and then some have told me that if your staying longer you have to have proof of vaccinations. We will be carrying our travel immunization records with us from the public health agency.
Tetanus/Diphtheria
Hep A and B
Typhoid

he talked us out of rabies as we won't be around any animals really and if you get bit, just head to the docs.

I really believe in vacinnations. Your health is all you really have at the end of the day.

Kim

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magdalena

Thank you for the quick reply! one more question -how far in advance should i get vaccinated? is a month before departure enough?

thanks!

mskwan

I believed that typhoid required two weeks in advance. Hepatitis A and B involved a series of shots. I forgot the exact details, but you should start the Hep A & B series now. Just google the topic for more info.

atala

There are other threads here that discuss the safety issue for women travelling alone. Just be aware that you should not leave the airport before dawn in case you arrive at night, except if you are picked up by a hotel car/driver.

CaitlinECox

I've been living in Delhi for about a year and feel quite safe here.

There are some basic safety rules, such as: don't ride at night in a cab with ANYONE other than the one driver; at transportation hubs (railway stations, airports, bus depots, major tourist spots) don't get in an auto/taxi with anyone who approaches you but rather choose the vehicle yourself; stay alert to your surroundings; in public, never feel obligated to talk to any man you don't want to (the silent treatment is perfectly acceptable); dress fairly conservatively when in transit (never know who you'll run into!); and avoid crowds, which can provide cover for the minority of bad people who want anonymity to get away with something. An easy rule of thumb is to look where other (Indian) women are hanging out. If you see a mixed-gender group, you're probably fine.

Wouldn't worry too much about staying at the airport til dawn. Just make sure you take a pre-paid taxi from the correct booth (Delhi Traffic Police) to avoid overcharging and hassle. Hand over your pre-paid slip only upon arrival. And be firm. If anything makes you uncomfortable, don't be reluctant to protest. Loudly. One trick: even if your mobile phone doesn't work in India, pretend to make a call in the cab to someone who's expecting you to arrive shortly. It's not so much that you have to worry about not arriving, but it's an easy way to reduce the chances that the driver will try to persuade you into the hotel of his choice.

But if you can get someone to pick you up at the airport, definitely go for the splurge!

wonderwomanusa

You will be fine travelling alone; I've been doing that in India since the early 70s with only very minor problems. Do see the many threads about women travelling solo.

Oh, and please, don't forget your anti-malaria pills!

magdalena

Thank you so much everyone -huge help!!! i can't wait to go! i've been dreaming about this trip for years

Travellerette

hi Magdalena, when are you gonna be in Delhi? I'm pretty much doing the same itinerary as you in the beginning of november - also 28, single white felmale - eek. I'm planning to do a day tours of the sights while I'm in those places - How are you seeing it? have you booked a whole tour? If not, maybe we can join a same day trip tour or something.

Travellerette

oops - sorry I just realized you said you are going next year... my bad

freespirit123

Hi Magdalena

I'll be in India March 08, and would prefer to travel with someone....(altho have been to India many times and always feel safe their) seems you'll be going to pretty much the places I'd like to see...I'm a single, white female aged 34.....

atala

You do not seem to remember (or were not in India) that in 2004 an Australian lady was murdered by a "pre-paid taxi" - driver, at night, near Delhi IGI Airport. It shocked me and I guess everyone in the traveller community, because you'd think a pre-paid guy would know that he could be traced easily, and still he took the chances.

atala

a link to the story. I think it is most important that this is noticed and read by people, esp women travelling alone.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040318/ncr1.htm

shashank.aggarwal

Now thats almost four years old, and I agree was a really bad thing. But again, has a taxi driver never killed someone in any other city ?

OR over here the issue is highlighted b'coz the victim was a tourist...

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CaitlinECox

Yes, I do remember. That's specifically why I felt the need to post. It is indeed terrible that a tourist was murdered. But there's no reason to let fear grow out of proportion. Without going into a long rant, let me just say that I'd rather take basic safety precautions than to let stereotypes scare me into feeling weak and incapable.

Delhi is, statistically speaking, a very safe city compared to other large cities around the world. It is also changing quickly, and more and more women are out alone late at night (with call center jobs increasing, night clubs becoming very popular, women becoming more independent, women working longer hours at the office). The more of us who are out there the better.