can anyone recommend a tour company for me to use to go to India by myself? Not top of the line but not bottom either....thanks Susan

soobloo: Where in India? When? For how long? What $$? What do you want to see? Why do you want to go? Are you old? Are you young? Are you a backpacker?

Do you get what I'm trying to say?

I want to go for two weeks, golden triangle, I am in my 50's leaving husband and kids behind....not including airfare, around $3000/5000..I would love to do the super luxury but with single supplements etc its too expensive, so I am would like to go to smaller interesting hotels...thanks for your help

O.K. soo, now we can rock 'n roll. I travel in India solo. You can do it too. Dunno whether you really need an agent, but first trip to India, solo - I can see that a bit of hand-holding might make you feel good.

Single or double, those Oberois etc are just too crazy expensive - but there are some nifty places just as good. The danger is that you'll abandon yourself to some Indian travel agent/rogue and they'll do you over. Now - how to fix that... Things can be difficult as a single traveller - we are easily outnumbered. lol

I'm gonna think a bit. I'll be back. This is not hard, it's just a question of how tough you are - or how much you need your hand held. What do you think? Either is fine. We just need to know.

thats why I was thinking of going on an organized tour (much as I hate them) because I think I would be uncomfortable travelling by myself. thanks for your help

Yup, totally understand. There are many ways to skin this Indian cat, however.

Here's one way:
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/search/index.aspx

have a look here and see what you like. No, you're not going to use them, they cost way too much - just get inspired.

Then go here:
http://wildfrontiers.co.uk/wildfront...egion.jsf?id=1

for a totally different kind of tour.

Which kind of thing are you after? I'm guessing, first trip, you want to do the classic itinerary; kinda like this..

Delhi (3 nts) - Agra (2 nts) - Jaipur (2 nts) - Jodhpur (2 nts) - Devi Garh (1 nt) - Udaipur (2 nts)

But there are other options. You could do this - perfect for solo travellers:

http://www.pandaw.com/slowly-ganges-p-1138.html

Tell me what appeals. [I'm 59 and have been to India solo four times now so I kinda know the uncertainties you're dealing with.]

Bravo you! for doing it on your own.
We'll get you thru.

Hi, Susan (and hey, dogster!)

I'm a 43 year old woman who went alone on my very first trip to India this summer: I had a variety of hotels and b/b's and had a great time. From your posts, did you get to India before (in 2005?) I'd guess it would be mentally a bit easier if it's not your first time there!

My trip report (with some links for photos) is here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35147706 if you'd like to get an idea; the Delhi Bed and Breakfast worked out very nicely for me as a single female traveler, and they will do travel arrangements for you. The driver I had from there was super, by the way.

Heya Amy, your trip report is exactly what she needs - but I too, did notice those older posts. I think soo has already had a lot of info... all of which is still perfectly relevant.

its funny that you looked up my old stuff, I had everything booked with my husband, and for some reason got cold feet and couldnt go..as it turned out it was the right move because there were some disasters at my home and the kids (& babysitter)would never have been able to manage....so now rebooking that same trip 4 years later the prices have more than doubled and my husband doesnt want to spend that type of money on a trip he isnt that keen on going on...but i HAVE to go...so I will look at Amy's suggestions and one of the compnany's that Dogster recommends looks very promising...thanks again for looking out for me

Although it was about 10 years ago, we went with Worldview tours and were quite happy with their arrangements.
http://worldviewtours.com/main/

Went to India alone and loved it. Did Golden Triangle _ Varanasi & Ranthambore. Had private guide and driver. I used Colleague Tours

Colleague Tours
Flat No. A-2, Sri Kripadham Complex Taj View Xing, Fatehabad Road,Agra
Phone : +91 - 562 - 2331362, 2331363
Fax : +91 - 562 - 2230840
E-Mail : [email protected]

I've made two lengthy trips to India travelling alone and independently - sort of making things up as I went along. I'm the same age and gender as you (though I was ten years younger last time I was there). It really isn't hard but it's down to what you feel comfortable with. If you haven't done much solo travelling to easier destinations (think Thailand, Bali, Turkey, Mexico, etc) then it might be more than you want to cope with.

Several friends (similar age) who just felt they wanted things arranged for them for India went with these folk and had a ball. Not travelled with the company myself but they have an excellent reputation and I just love reading their itineraries!

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/search/trips

Maybe you will find something to suit.

Cheers.

thanks so much for all your suggestions, I am looking into all the tour groups suggested....I like wildfrontiers and intrepidtravel best. I will also contact colleague tours..This would be my first trip alone...