Trip Coach: January 16, 2007

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Austin, TX: Is solo travel in India safe? Are their particular locations to be avoided? What about do's and don't for single travlers? I am in my sixties and very active. Finding a travel companion is not easy and in most cases the single "surcharge" is enough to discourage most single travelers; so I thought if I go it alone you could provide some guidance.

Diane Mehta: I traveled extensively through India, twice, by myself. One thing you may want to do is wear a wedding ring, so men won't harass you as much. Also, if you're alone it's advisable to stay in better hotels, which are safer and cleaner---so if something goes wrong or you get sick you're in good hands.

Also, you might consider joining a tour for part of the trip, or at least taking day tours where you'll meet other people. India can be exhausting and frustrating for anyone, and that gets multiplied when you're solo. So the more things you have set up in advance, the better. I would not recommend taking local buses anywhere alone, though a tour bus for a day trip will be fine. Trains are okay, but make sure you go first-class, as it will be safer, more comfortable, and much cleaner. I also wouldn't go to the less-traveled regions, like Sikkim, or along the east coast, since that's harder to get to, and the more rural, the less safe.

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Knoxville, TN: Is it difficult for a single woman to travel in India?

Diane Mehta: Not at all! I did it twice, each time for a month, and people were friendly and helpful wherever I went. Please see my responses to another woman in this forum, who asked the same question.

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Knoxville, TN: Is it preferable to book short tours in India with local travel agencies? Can you recommend reliable agencies?

Diane Mehta:
I've always done it that way, and it has been perfectly fine---and significantly cheaper. For example, in Manali, in the Himalayas, I booked private treks for $20/day. U.S. outfits charge a fortune.

It's difficult to recommend any one touring agency if you're not sure where you want to go, however. It's best to decide what you want to do first, and then find resources. There aren't really huge agencies with offices all across the country. I usually go with recommendations from hotels, as they tend to recommend the same people, and they stick with agencies and drivers who are reliable.

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Medford, OR: Dear Diane Mehta: My wife and I, both seniors 68-72, are planning a month-long trip to India around Christmas 2007. I was born in Bombay but left for the US 48 years ago. We haven't seen much of India. I would like to travel to places like Kerala, Calcutta, Khajuraho, Varanasi and other major landmarks of India. We would appreciate any advice you can provide in planning our trip. Thanking you in advance and with best wishes, Russy