India 1st Time Itinerary Revised - HELP!
May 22nd, 2016, 06:31 PM
#21
Why are you just saying? Suggesting the south is a ridiculous distraction when the OP is trying to finalize a northern itinerary. If you have to talk about the south (which I agree is well worth seeing) start your own thread.
May 23rd, 2016, 07:19 AM
#23
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Thank you, Lolazahra, for catching my error about the tigers. I learned that tigers are distinct to Asia when I visited the San Diego zoo as a child. I meant to say, "If you want to see animals in the wild, then visit Africa." In fact, those were the exact words of my son when I tried to persuade him to add a tiger safari to our itinerary.
May 23rd, 2016, 01:57 PM
#24
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Thanks everyone. I think I've settled on this (and by settled I mean am happy with...but showing to you for final review). I think I have a reliable driver (vetted) and will book direct with hotel and use him (name is Bal, comes via well-travelled person with lots of references). I would love to visit the southern areas, but that's a different trip and I can't get side-tracked.
Per suggestions, I've cut the safari...
March 10th – arrive 1am Delhi on 10th, 11th - Imperial Hotel
March 12, 13, 14 Jaipur - Jaipur Friendly Villas
March 15th drive to Shahpura Bagh
March 16th, 17th Jodhpur - Ratan Villas
March 18th Rawla Narlai
March 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd Udaipur - Jagat Niwas
Fly Udaipur to Delhi March 23rd
Jet Airway Udaipur 15:30-16:40 or Air India 3.25-4.50 or IndiGo at 7.20pm-8.40pm Del, for a 3am flight to London and then Boston
Per suggestions, I've cut the safari...
March 10th – arrive 1am Delhi on 10th, 11th - Imperial Hotel
March 12, 13, 14 Jaipur - Jaipur Friendly Villas
March 15th drive to Shahpura Bagh
March 16th, 17th Jodhpur - Ratan Villas
March 18th Rawla Narlai
March 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd Udaipur - Jagat Niwas
Fly Udaipur to Delhi March 23rd
Jet Airway Udaipur 15:30-16:40 or Air India 3.25-4.50 or IndiGo at 7.20pm-8.40pm Del, for a 3am flight to London and then Boston
May 23rd, 2016, 02:21 PM
#25
That looks much better. Although I'm not sure how I feel about flying into Delhi that close to you outbound flight. Do any of those flights arrive at the international terminal? And you know you probably can't get into the terminal until three hours or so before your flight?
May 23rd, 2016, 04:57 PM
#27
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Six hotels in fourteen nights? This is way too much for me, but since the two divas of the message board, thursdays and Kathie, are standing behind you, I will as well. However, I do have some suggestions...
First, I would add a night in Delhi, and take one away from Jaipur. Although Delhi is not charming or beautiful, there are so many important sites there. My son and I made a list of 23 sites we wanted to see, and then I divided them geographically over three days. We were busy every minute, but we got to all of them. One example we liked was the Lotus Baha'i Temple--the grounds are beautfiul.
Next, you might want to consider staying in Dealhi the first night (maybe at the airport), and then going onward very early in the morning. Then, you can see Delhi at the end of the trip. Alternatively, I would not plan on leaving Udaipur for Delhi within 24 hours of your departure, unless they are on the same ticket. I am not sure where your award is coming from, but are any of the domestic Indian carriers part of the system? If so, then you will be protected.
That's great that you decided to plan independently--it takes a lot of guts. However, have a back-up driver for Bal, in case he flakes out on you. And keep checking his reviews over the next year, in case they decline. Lastly, insist that you don't want to visit every carpet shop known to man.
First, I would add a night in Delhi, and take one away from Jaipur. Although Delhi is not charming or beautiful, there are so many important sites there. My son and I made a list of 23 sites we wanted to see, and then I divided them geographically over three days. We were busy every minute, but we got to all of them. One example we liked was the Lotus Baha'i Temple--the grounds are beautfiul.
Next, you might want to consider staying in Dealhi the first night (maybe at the airport), and then going onward very early in the morning. Then, you can see Delhi at the end of the trip. Alternatively, I would not plan on leaving Udaipur for Delhi within 24 hours of your departure, unless they are on the same ticket. I am not sure where your award is coming from, but are any of the domestic Indian carriers part of the system? If so, then you will be protected.
That's great that you decided to plan independently--it takes a lot of guts. However, have a back-up driver for Bal, in case he flakes out on you. And keep checking his reviews over the next year, in case they decline. Lastly, insist that you don't want to visit every carpet shop known to man.
May 24th, 2016, 11:14 AM
#28
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Also getting a quote from TGS in case I feel too nervous about booking this alone with just a driver (if I were with another adult perhaps I wouldn't question it, but with my son...). I will sat the night in Delhi and leave 11am the next day so I don't risk flight issues. Better? THANKS, all!
May 24th, 2016, 12:42 PM
#29
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Excellent, BW, good work. I agree with the risks of drivers coming out of nowhere. It's one thing when you do day trips with them, but when they drive you all over India, you need to be very careful. So you are in a great position now--you can book your own hotels, and hire an agency just for a driver. Do shop around, though, and get a good price, and also, find out their policy in case you don't like their driver--are you allowed to substitute?
Also, my son and I went to a Bollywood movie in Jaipur. The theater there is all glitzy and modern, and it was lots of fun.
Also, my son and I went to a Bollywood movie in Jaipur. The theater there is all glitzy and modern, and it was lots of fun.
May 24th, 2016, 02:02 PM
#30
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I would encourage you to contact Ramesh Meena, CEO of India by Car and Driver. He and his company are reliable, dependable, and reasonably priced. I've travelled with them both trips I've taken to India:
http://www.indiabycaranddriver.com/
http://www.indiabycaranddriver.com/
May 24th, 2016, 02:07 PM
#31
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Wise, Boston. But wasnt your outbound flt to London at 3 am? You were able to change, finding FF miles available for a different time? Lucky!! Great!!
You don't even have to go IN to New Delhi. There are, in the last several years, new branches of well known chain hotels a mile or two from airport terminal,e.g. Holiday Inn, Marriott. Not sure if there are free shuttles from the terminal, so check websites.
For the day you depart from the airport, i don't think there is currently a three hour minimum for when you can enter, although at one time there may have been (definitely was at Bangalore). The check in counters open (theoretically!) three hours before the international flights depart, and I entered well before that. Shops are probably glad to have passengers whiling away their time for as many hours as possible before flight departure, spending their last rupees!
You don't even have to go IN to New Delhi. There are, in the last several years, new branches of well known chain hotels a mile or two from airport terminal,e.g. Holiday Inn, Marriott. Not sure if there are free shuttles from the terminal, so check websites.
For the day you depart from the airport, i don't think there is currently a three hour minimum for when you can enter, although at one time there may have been (definitely was at Bangalore). The check in counters open (theoretically!) three hours before the international flights depart, and I entered well before that. Shops are probably glad to have passengers whiling away their time for as many hours as possible before flight departure, spending their last rupees!
May 25th, 2016, 04:24 AM
#32
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There were flights available at 11am on 24th, so I'm booking those and we will leave Udaipur on 23rd and spend the night wherever you think makes sense (would love a decent last trip dinner, but don't think going into Delhi makes sense...?).
And have no convinced my mother (70!) to go to Southern India this November, so probably another post to come!
In terms of a driver - if I have friends who have used a driver they really like and I can hire him on my own, should I just do that with the hotels? Or am I better off with my son going through TGS where we have "back up" for any issues (not only with driver but hotels, problems ,etc)? Is it worth it?
And have no convinced my mother (70!) to go to Southern India this November, so probably another post to come!
In terms of a driver - if I have friends who have used a driver they really like and I can hire him on my own, should I just do that with the hotels? Or am I better off with my son going through TGS where we have "back up" for any issues (not only with driver but hotels, problems ,etc)? Is it worth it?
May 25th, 2016, 05:17 AM
#33
No need for the exclamation point! My last trip to India I was in my 60s, and I was traveling solo. I turn 69 this year and am headed back to Asia, although it won't be India this year. But I still have Simla and Ladakh and Dharamsala on the "places to go" list.
May 25th, 2016, 12:09 PM
#34
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Bostonwriter, to state the complete obvious everyone has a different appetite for risk when the travel abroad and you must work out what feels right for you and your son.
However for me the fact that all the key people in India will speak good English is particularly relevant as neither of you would be left at a complete loss if the worst happened.
I definitely think any lesser and more practical problems with hotels etc could be readily sorted if you take a little contingency money with you and ,for me, there would not be benefit in paying extra to cover these issues.
If you were taken ill or broke your leg or similar I suspect many a 17 year old would be fine [well as fine as if away on territory nearer to home] particularly if given a back up phone contact with trusted person at home and a good insurance plan that has medical help and advice available as needed but I guess this scenario is the main factor you will need to assess in making your choice.
These are remote possibilities though and it sounds like you are going to have a really amazing time however you play it.
However for me the fact that all the key people in India will speak good English is particularly relevant as neither of you would be left at a complete loss if the worst happened.
I definitely think any lesser and more practical problems with hotels etc could be readily sorted if you take a little contingency money with you and ,for me, there would not be benefit in paying extra to cover these issues.
If you were taken ill or broke your leg or similar I suspect many a 17 year old would be fine [well as fine as if away on territory nearer to home] particularly if given a back up phone contact with trusted person at home and a good insurance plan that has medical help and advice available as needed but I guess this scenario is the main factor you will need to assess in making your choice.
These are remote possibilities though and it sounds like you are going to have a really amazing time however you play it.
May 25th, 2016, 08:20 PM
#38
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In addition to above, see insuremytrip.com and traveinsurancereview.net
Both these websites have good info on different kinds of insurance and coverage. For example, for me getting back home asap in case there's a family emergency is a high priority. Tell the service rep at insuremytrip this kind of thing, and they'll help you chose. I've used CSA several times and when they had to reimburse a sizable chunk from a trip I had to delay due to family member hospitalization,
If you look at the company reviews on insuremytrip, ignore those (the majority) that say things ike, "nicel rep at XYZ company." Look only for those who've actually had to USE the company for a problem. Travel insurancereview also has company reviews, including from those who've used it.
Insuremytrip will intervene on your behalf if you have problems with the company you've chosen from them.
As for directly getting a refund from a hotel if you've had to pre-pay in advance (some require 50% deposit, for example)... be very clear in advance on their cancellation policy. Won't bore you here with all my assorted anecdotes, but know the policy if, for example, you don't like the place once you arrive. There are some things gorgeous photos can't show (and other reviewers may not care about--like a beautiful, try stunning home in Hanoi that reeked of damp and mold spores--my travel agent after one night saved my $ and my lungs!)
This, by the way, is partly why I use a travel agent in long "non-Western" country trips --there have been issues with hotels in four different countries where the agent intervened to get back $, change hotel, or get a decent room. Everyone has different stories,and opinions on this, but for me, having a great agent IS the first step in "insurance" ...and does NOT necessarily cost more. (Yadayyadayada said before, i think on your other thread...--apologies for repetition)
Both these websites have good info on different kinds of insurance and coverage. For example, for me getting back home asap in case there's a family emergency is a high priority. Tell the service rep at insuremytrip this kind of thing, and they'll help you chose. I've used CSA several times and when they had to reimburse a sizable chunk from a trip I had to delay due to family member hospitalization,
If you look at the company reviews on insuremytrip, ignore those (the majority) that say things ike, "nicel rep at XYZ company." Look only for those who've actually had to USE the company for a problem. Travel insurancereview also has company reviews, including from those who've used it.
Insuremytrip will intervene on your behalf if you have problems with the company you've chosen from them.
As for directly getting a refund from a hotel if you've had to pre-pay in advance (some require 50% deposit, for example)... be very clear in advance on their cancellation policy. Won't bore you here with all my assorted anecdotes, but know the policy if, for example, you don't like the place once you arrive. There are some things gorgeous photos can't show (and other reviewers may not care about--like a beautiful, try stunning home in Hanoi that reeked of damp and mold spores--my travel agent after one night saved my $ and my lungs!)
This, by the way, is partly why I use a travel agent in long "non-Western" country trips --there have been issues with hotels in four different countries where the agent intervened to get back $, change hotel, or get a decent room. Everyone has different stories,and opinions on this, but for me, having a great agent IS the first step in "insurance" ...and does NOT necessarily cost more. (Yadayyadayada said before, i think on your other thread...--apologies for repetition)
May 25th, 2016, 10:14 PM
#39
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Bostonwriter I am from the UK and we are always guided by "Which" an very reliable independent consumer website which fully assesses travel insurance companies each year and rates them. You do have to pay to get their reports but worth it.
http://www.which.co.uk/money/insuran...vel-insurance/
I suspect this is of no help to you as you are US based but thought I would add a note of it in case fellow UK members are reading along!
http://www.which.co.uk/money/insuran...vel-insurance/
I suspect this is of no help to you as you are US based but thought I would add a note of it in case fellow UK members are reading along!
May 27th, 2016, 04:12 AM
#40
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Ok - final pricing question. TGS price for driver/tour for about 1100 USD which gives me the safety net of his experience/problem sorting, questions that arise, etc OR I have a driver through a friend who is about 800$. Hotels booked on my own. Which would you do??
