17 Easy Travel Planning Tips Going to South India

To go on a journey all starts with the decision where to go. Questions like when and how to finance your trip are part of the process.

1. Decide on your dream travel destination in India. Where do you want to go, what do you want to do, who do you want to travel with or are you taking a solo trip? Do you want to book an organized tour or explore on your own being adventurous?
2. Dates Time off from work or business. Coordinate with travel partner, spouse, or children’s school vacation. If you travel by yourself, the easier it is.
3. Look at Finances How to finance your journey? Savings, credit cards, loan, cut expenses, start using travel rewards card to get points you can use for your flight.
4. Get your Passport or make sure your passport is still 6 months valid when you return home.
5. Get your India Visa. Get an eVisa online for a short-term or first-time trip or a regular 10 year visa for multiple entries to India.
6. Look into Travel & Health Insurance, and recommended immunization. Check with your doctor and insurance carrier. A popular travel insurance is World Nomads. If over 65 you may want to check with Insure My Trip.
7. Book Flight. Get last minute deals at Kayak, Vayama, Clear Trip or Make My Trip.
8. Book Accommodation. Book your hotel or guesthouse room. If you are not sure about the accommodation, book for 2 nights only. Then while there if you don’t like the hotel or guesthouse, look for a different place. You can use Booking.com, Agoda, or other such sites for easy online booking.
9. Make a packing list or use this one here.
10. Go shopping for your trip. Get a backpack, travel bag, money belt, clothing, flip flops… Keep in mind that clothing is much cheaper in India.
11. Medication. Take enough medication along that lasts for the duration of your journey or beyond. Include diarrhea pills.
12. Go over everything a second time or third time just to make sure.
13. Inform your bank so you won’t have any problems withdrawing money from your account while in India.
14. Inform relatives or a friend about your trip especially as a female solo traveler. Depending on your comfort level, if traveling by yourself stay in touch with people at home.
15. Mail. Decide what to do with your mail. Forward it to the address of a family member or a trusted friend.
16. Prepare for a ride to the airport, use airport parking, or use an airport bus.
17. Enjoy your trip of a lifetime!

Let me know of any other trip planning considerations or questions you may have in the comments below. And no, the above are not affiliate links… 🙂