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How to Travel India on a Budget: 9 Tips for an Unforgettable Trip
Are you looking to travel India on a budget? If so, you’re in luck! There are a number of ways to stretch your travel dollars further in India. From planning your trip during the shoulder season to getting a rail pass, there are a number of ways to save money on your trip.
Keep reading for our 10 top tips on how to travel India on a budget!
1. Set Your Priorities
Before you start planning your trip, it’s important to sit down and think about what’s most important to you. Are you looking to save money on accommodation so that you can splurge on activities? Or maybe you want to focus on finding cheap flights so that you have more money to spend while you’re there? Once you know what your priorities are, you can start planning your trip accordingly. If saving money on accommodation is most important to you, then you can look into alternatives like Couchsurfing or homestays. Or, if you’re looking to save on flights, then you can start monitoring airfare prices and booking in advance.
2. Do Your Research
One of the best ways to save money on your trip is to do your research in advance. This means familiarizing yourself with the currency exchange rate, learning about potential scams, and knowing what sorts of things are worth paying for. When it comes to the currency exchange rate, it’s important to know how much your home currency is worth in Indian rupees. This way, you can budget accordingly and know how much things will cost you. It’s also a good idea to have a general idea of how much things cost in India so that you can haggle effectively.
3. Travel During the Shoulder Season
The shoulder season is the period between the high season and the low season. Traveling during the shoulder season can often be cheaper than traveling during the high season, as there are typically fewer people traveling during this time. Keep in mind that the shoulder season can vary depending on where you’re traveling. For example, the shoulder season for travel to India is typically between October and November. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, then traveling during the shoulder season can be a great way to save money.
4. Consider Alternatives to Accommodations
One of the biggest expenses when traveling is accommodation. If you’re looking to save money on your trip, then it’s worth considering alternatives to traditional accommodations. One option is Couchsurfing, which is a community of people who offer up their couches or spare rooms to travelers. This is a great way to save money on accommodation, as well as meet new people and get insider tips on the best things to do in India. Another option is homestays, which are becoming increasingly popular in India. With a homestay, you’ll stay with a local family and experience Indian culture firsthand. This is a great option if you’re looking for an authentic experience and don’t mind spending a bit more money.
5. Get a Rail Pass
If you’re planning on doing a lot of travel within India, then it’s worth considering a rail pass. A rail pass will give you unlimited travel on Indian railways for a certain period of time, which can save you a lot of money if you’re planning on doing a lot of travel. Keep in mind that rail passes are only available to foreign nationals, so you’ll need to purchase one before you arrive in India. Rail passes can be purchased online or at certain train stations in India.
6. Become a Foodie
One of the best things about India is the food. From flavor-packed curries to mouth-watering street food, there’s no shortage of delicious things to eat in India. One of the best ways to save money on food is to eat like a local. This means seeking out street food stalls and small family-run restaurants, rather than opting for more touristy options. Not only is street food cheaper, but it’s also often more delicious. Another great way to save money on food is to cook your own meals. If you’re staying in a homestay or hostel, then you’ll likely have access to a kitchen where you can cook your own meals. This is a great way to save money, as well as get a taste of the local cuisine.
7. Shop Like a Local
India is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide variety of things to buy, from spices and textiles to jewelry and handicrafts. If you’re looking to save money on souvenirs and gifts, then it’s worth shopping like a local. This means avoiding the tourist traps and instead seeking out local markets and shops. Not only will you find better deals, but you’ll also get a more authentic shopping experience. When shopping in India, it’s also important to remember to haggle. This is a part of the culture, and you’ll often be able to get a better price if you haggle with the vendor.
8. Experience Local Culture
One of the best ways to save money on your trip is to experience local culture. This doesn’t mean doing touristy things, but rather immersing yourself in the day-to-day life of India. One way to do this is to take a walking tour of a local neighborhood. This is a great way to see how locals live and get a feel for the culture. Another way to experience local culture is to visit a Hindu temple or a Muslim mosque. Not only is this a great way to learn about the local religion, but it’s also often free.
9. Travel Insurance
Last but not least, it’s important to purchase travel insurance before you travel to India. This will protect you in case of any medical emergencies or trip cancellations. While travel insurance is not required, it’s highly recommended, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. This is because medical emergencies can be very expensive, and if you have to cancel your trip, you’ll likely lose any money that you’ve already spent.
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