Top 5 Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip to India

India: The country of colour, dance, music, and food. While you might think India is just a Bollywood movie where people sing and dance all day long, that is not the case (not always, at least!). Almost everyone I have come across wants me to be their personal tour guide to India. So, instead of that, why not share my personal tips and tricks to hack your way the next time you decide to take the trip?

1. Research, Research, Research

First things first, make sure you research and read up about what India has in store for you. Remember, India is a lot more than just the Taj Mahal and casual elephant rides. Each part of the country has its own unique culture, language, food, and terrain. If you are interested in visiting stunning beaches, then head to Gokarna, in the state of Karnataka, or Kovalam in Kerala. The north of India has its own wonders to discover. Make sure to research destinations beyond the most over-hyped ones, there is a lot more to see!

Gokarna Beach, Karnataka

2. Street Markets for Souvenir Shopping

Almost everyone that visits India (or anywhere for that matter) wants to purchase a souvenir to remember their trip. The best and cheapest place to buy souvenirs is at a street market. Each city is bound to have one. Make sure to stay away from overpriced tourist shops, and head straight for the real deal. Shop for Indian arts and crafts at the street market and help the local community at the same time.

3. Pack Lightly

If you are interested in going on a complete tour of India, you are likely to stay 2 to 3 days in each part of the country. The lighter you pack, the better. That way there is a lot more room to account for all the souvenirs and traditional arts and crafts you are bound to purchase!

4. Brush up on your Bargaining Skills

The one downside to being a foreign tourist in India is that you are likely to be quoted a higher price than locals. This is your time to lay your bargaining skills on the table. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs or simply taking a ride on public transport, make sure you bargain for a local price. The best trick in my book is to slowly walk away and say you will go somewhere else. Vendors are almost always likely to call you back. Trust me, it works!

5. Download Mobile Payment Apps

Believe it or not, India is ahead in the game when it comes to contactless payments. Almost everywhere in the country, mobile payment apps are the go-to method to completing any and all transactions. Make sure you download and set up apps such as Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, and more. Once you have got these installed onto your phone, you are all set!

So, there you have it, my top 5 travel hacks to make your journey to India much easier! Stay tuned as I share more tips and tricks to make your experience every bit worth it.