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Journeywoman published a blog about 12 things you’ll find difficult [about traveling] in North India. The blog title is actually a lot more negative than blogger’s conclusion “this is an experience you’ll savour for the rest of your life. I would not have missed the markets in Delhi, the splendour of the Taj Mahal, Agra’s Red Fort, the holy city of Varanasi, Rajasthan’s camel market, and the beautiful people who live here for anything in the world”. In short, culture shock notwithstanding, it sounds like the author enjoyed her visit. After reading this blog, I feel compelled to note however, that in today’s global environment, where business people, students and tourists keep airlines and hotel chains hopping, travelers are not as much of a spectacle as you think. Here are five tips to help minimize or eliminate your culture shock if you decide to travel to India – or other similar zones.
- Dressing like the locals. Keep in mind that it’s 2010, and you don’t have to dress in a salwar kameez or a sari – many modern Indian women don’t wear these garments except for select occasions. Here’s an outfit that will not turn heads in most urban or suburban areas anywhere on the planet. Jeans and a t-shirt, casual trousers and a polo shirt or a neat blouse – the caveat is that nothing should be tight fitting or have straps or flounces or other embellishments that tend to slip at inopportune moments and reveal parts of your body that you aren’t comfortable showing in an unfamiliar environment. Tops that cover all or most of your rear area are good. Sneakers or comfortable walking sandals and a sensible shoulder bag that you can carry closely under your arm are good. Keep in mind they manufacture this type of clothing in India so it is hardly unfamiliar to the populace. If you have floppy or fly away hair then braid it up and wear a hat, cap or a scarf. Whenever in doubt keep your hair covered. Read the rest of this entry »
I always enjoy staying in a well kept inn or bed and breakfast because of the little touches of personality that are often missing from bigger chain hotels. For the bargain conscious traveler these types of lodging often offer deals on rates without sacrificing a quality experience. The Intelligent Travel blog lists four B&B’s Bangkok with rates under $100/night. While the present Red Shirt movement protests in Bangkok will probably put a damper on tourist travel plans to that city for the moment, here’s hoping for a peaceful resolution to the tensions. If this was a good time to visit, and I had to pick right now I’d choose the LUXX XL for amenities and location- its funny name notwithstanding which may be a translation from the Thai with none of the American English connotations.
The Intelligent Travel blog review says:
Off Langsuan Road and as centrally located as you can probably get, nine-month- old LUXX XL (www.luxxxl.com; from $90) strikes a decidedly cool and hip note. Streamlined and spacious interiors feature floor-to-ceiling windows, stone bathrooms, and corrugated teakwood paneling. After a day of sightseeing, head back for a dip in the property’s infinity pool. From the hotel, you can walk to the Suan Lum night bazaar.
I like to think I’m cool and hip – and I’m a night owl so I’d love easy access to the night bazaar. In addition this B&B is just a few meters away from sky train stations and plenty of malls. The US, UK and Japanese embassies are within 10-15 minutes walking distance and the infinity pool looks very pretty.
