Planning your Budget Trip: Travelling to India in 2021
Once the world got locked down due to the pandemic in 2020, travellers have had to stay at home and say goodbye to exploring the world. And that too for a significantly long time. But, things are changing. Now, adventure seekers who have been fully vaccinated can continue to explore the world… though there are some things that travellers have to keep in mind such as social distancing, wearing a mask, and may be paying a slightly higher price for some products and services.
Tourism in India is on the uptick and many states have opened themselves to fully vaccinated travelers while offering them the safest of environments to explore the charms of this diverse nation. This opening of tourism channels is especially very appealing to budget travelers as discounts, upgrades and freebies are being offered all around and which makes it very affordable and incredible to visit India in 2021. Using any airline like Air India, you can safely land there and begin your fun exploration. Below are some handy tips to explore India in 2021 in a cost efficient and safe way.
Backpack
You have to pack your luggage as simply as possible. Lesser kilograms means that you don’t have to pay for extra baggage fees and it is much easier to carry around, especially on a hike or in cities that involve a lot of walking.
In addition to packing simple, you need to pack smart too. In addition to your main bag or suitcase, you need to have a small daypack. This daypack carries your essentials, valuables and documents and it should be on your person at all times. This allows you be super flexible with your travel plans, while it mitigates all theft and loss of belongings. You can simply leave your larger baggage in the hotel cloak room or at a friend’s place and travel for a short trip with just your daypack. May be, even go on a weekend motorcycle trip.
Food
India has a huge food scene with a wide variety of regional cuisines and yummy treats. While the world over knows some iconic Indian foods, the traveler to India will discover that each state has different specialties and they are all super affordable. You don’t have to look at high end restaurants and five start hotels for tasty and healthy food. Instead, one should look at street foods, traditional restaurants that locals throng to, food walks that are offered in many Indian cities and may be look at home cooked food in case you are staying at a homestay or if you have been invited to someone’s home.
Plan beforehand
In order to save money while you are traveling to India, it might be prudent to plan your itinerary in advance. Advance booking might get you some additional discounts. And the chances of you facing some additional expenses might be limited thus allowing you to enjoy your holiday in peace.
Safe accommodation
Accommodation costs make up a significant portion of the travel costs of the budget traveller. Luxury hotels have increased their room rates in the post covid era. Even some mid-range hotels and homestays have hiked their prices. Guest houses or apartment rentals might be a better choice these days. They offer safety, freedom and they are cheaper these days. Many such properties can be found on AirBnB. Personally, I would recommend traditional homestays, backpacker hostels and Airbnb to budget travelers for a wholesome experience that doesn’t burn a hole in their pocket.
Use cards, digital wallets instead of cash
Pick pocketing is quite common in the busy areas of Indian cities. You could become a victim if you do not know how to handle your money in a busy environment. Credit cards and digital payment avenues such as Google Pay, Paytm or PhonePe come in handy as alternate sources of payments. In the post covid area, many shops and destinations across India have started accepting digital modes of payments.
Dressing consciously
It is best to dress like the locals so that you don’t stick out like a sore thumb and call for unwanted attention. While modern forms of clothing are quite common in major Indian cities, it might be better to dress conservatively in case you are visited rural India or if you have been invited to an Indian home or an Indian family event. Simple and comfortable local clothing will help you beat the elements while embracing local fashion.
Tips: Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. This will help you avoid any untoward incidents and allow you to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. And do remember to wear your mask in case you are in a crowd or in a confined public space. Socially distance yourself where possible.
Good Luck!
