indie trip

A Home for Independent Travelers Online

Welcome to the indie travel collective.

A community dedicated to providing everything independent travelers, like you, need to create unforgettable travel experiences around the world.

with other like-minded travelers! Ask questions, find inspiration, and make  new friends along the way.

how to create your own travel experiences with travel classes, resources, and live events.

money with what you learn from events and content + find travel deals from across the web all in one place.

Independent Travel Doesn't Have to Be Lonely!

Have you ever finished all the research and bookings for your trip only to wonder if you've missed something awesome?

When I first started traveling, everything was a guessing game. There was no place online to talk with other independent travelers. I wanted a community of like-minded people to swap stories and resources with!

This is why the Indie Travel Collective was created -- to bring independent travelers together, creating friendships and helping each other create the most amazing travel experiences!  

Are These My People?

The Indie Travel Collective was made for you if you...  

• Want to travel far and wide! We talk about lots of different places all around the world.
• Don't like to follow the crowd. The idea of being stuck with a group and someone else's agenda is a "no" for you.
• Enjoy learning from others and sharing your knowledge. This is a home for new and experienced travelers alike!
• Love connecting with other awesome, supportive humans and talking about travel!

You can see the world with the time and money you have to spend.

Travel is not a product to be consumed but an experience to be enjoyed.

Venturing beyond our homeland makes us kinder, braver, and more open-minded humans.

Everything, including travel, is easier when we help each other.

Life is meant to be lived. We’re not here to just pay bills and die.

How much is it?

This is what you want to know and you don't have to scroll to the bottom to find out!

You'll get two weeks of free access to the community so you can decide if you love it! I think you will!

per year (15% discount)

How Independent Travelers Connect?

Monthly travel classes.

Every month we host a live travel class where you’ll get the knowledge and skills to help you maximize the time and money you have to spend on travel. You’ll learn everything from how to use Skyscanner to save hundreds on flights to planning the perfect itinerary for your next trip. Replays are always available in the portal for members.

Monthly Q&A Calls

Get all your travel questions answered on our live Q&A calls! Whether you want destination info or have questions about the best place to book tickets for a local event, bring it! If we don’t know the answer on the call, we’ll find it for you! If you can’t make it live, you can ask your questions and we’ll record the call so you can watch later.

Virtual Meetups

While we love to share resources, we love to have fun together too! Every month we'll gather for a coffee chat / happy hour. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow community members and swap stories with awesome humans who love travel the way you do.

Online Portal for Conversation

Outside of our live events, you’ll have unlimited access to the online portal on  Circle to share your adventures, connect with your fellow independent travelers, ask questions, watch replays, browse travel deals, and access a multitude of travel resources! 

Upcoming Live Events

Here's what's next for members of the Indie Travel Collective!

Travel Stories:

Peak of the Balkans Trek

July 9 @ 9 AM Pacific

Hear from three indie travelers who just completed a twelve-day trek across the mountains of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro!

INDIE TRAVEL COLLECTIVE

Q&A CALl

July 12 @ 11 aM Pacific

Our monthly community gathering where you get answers to all your travel questions! 

VIRTUAL Coffee / HAPPY HOUR

July 6 @ 10 AM Pacific

Grab your favorite beverage, meet your fellow independent travelers, swap stories, and have fun!

When You Join, You Can Expect...

A Warm Welcome

You’ll feel right at home among your fellow supportive, encouraging, and inspiring independent travelers. We’re all passionate about seeing the world on our own terms and helping each other do the same. Hop into the portal, introduce yourself, and start making new friends!  

Immediate Access to the Good Stuff

When you join, you’ll get immediate access to everything in our community portal. This includes all the upcoming live events, past replays, resources, and all conversations past and present.

An Urge to Buy Plane Tickets!

With all the travel deals and inspiration members share in our community, you’ll be booking your next trip in no time! It’s super inspiring to see where other members are traveling, plus we share travel deals from around the internet on the regular.

Fresh Content on the Regular

Whether it’s a new live workshop, member-only video, or destination guide, we’re always creating new content that will help you navigate the ins and outs of planning your own epic travel experiences.

What Else Do Independent Travelers Get?

Travel planning resources: .

Recordings of Travel Classes and Q&A calls, travel deals, templates for organizing your plans, and more is always on the way.

Discounts & Exclusive Events: 

Special discounts on travel planning services  + exclusive community events. 

Destination Guides: (coming soon!)

An ever-growing library of information for destinations across Europe and the US (for now).

What Our Community Members Have to Say...

The Indie Travel Collective is a fantastic community to discuss all things travel! This uplifting community is a great place for travel inspiration, deals, and discussions about all things travel.

My favorite piece is the resources that Annie puts together to help independent travelers plan their dream vacations!

I've always wanted to travel the world but had zero idea where to start. When I came across the Indie Travel Collective I knew that I had landed in a gold mine. Now I have the confidence and support from a group of fellow wanderers along with all the resources I need to travel the world.

It's a group experience for those of us who dislike group travel!

When you're an independent traveler, that doesn't mean you want to travel alone! We want the flexibility and excitement of planning ourselves and following our nose, but it's nice to have others to share our experiences with. That's what the Indie Travel Collective is for! 

You'll get insight on deals, resources, and travel hacks, AND you'll have a community to share it with. We encourage each other to try new things or celebrate our discoveries and achievements. 

If you're new to planning your own travel, Annie and the community are here to help you learn the skills. 

If you're an experienced traveler who loves sharing what you've learned, you'll find no better place to do it than the Indie Travel Collective. 

The Indie Travel Collective has quickly become one of my favorite virtual spaces!

Annie, who heads up the community is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things travel AND she's super real. She's someone you can get comfortable with almost immediately and who feels like an old friend from the moment you meet her. 

If you want to learn more about busting out of your regular routine and visiting some truly interesting destinations, this community is the place for you! Not only will you learn how to travel on damn near any budget, but you'll also learn about new places, travel tips, and best of all, you'll get to connect with other travel-minded people. 

Cheers, Salute, and Hell Yes to the Indie Travel Collective!

Have a Look at the Indie Travel Collective

It's hard to say "yes" to something you've never seen so here's a little sneak peek into the platform and space we share.

This is what new members will see when they login.

You'll get a video tour of our online home so you feel comfortable jumping right in!

This is what the "feed" looks for returning members.

Sort the posts however you'd like -- there are no algorithms telling you what to do!

Once a "Travel Class" is done, it becomes a replay you can access anytime in the portal.

Pricing Plans

Join now to meet your new friends and get access to all the travel goodness!

Save 15% when you choose an annual subscription!

What if the live event times don’t match my schedule?

If you can't make it to the Travel Class or Q&A Call live, you'll have access to the replay. If you have a question for the Q&A call but can't make it live, simply send me a message and I'll be sure to answer it so you can see it on the replay. Virtual Coffee Chat / Happy Hour events aren't recorded allowing participants to connect authentically without worrying about having it watched back later. 

What platform do I use to access the community?

The Indie Travel Collective is hosted on the Circle platform. We chose to keep this community outside of Facebook to give independent travelers a place to connect without additional distractions. The interface is intuitive and functions similar to what you're used to on other social media platforms but this space is just for you and your travel friends. You can get a sneak peak of what it looks like here . 

How easy is it to cancel my membership?

It's super easy! You can do it yourself with just a few clicks in the "Subscriptions" area of your profile. We think you're going to love being a part of this community so we don't make it difficult to leave. We'll even refund one month of your membership if you're not totally happy. 

You didn’t answer my question.

That's not a question, but I'll find an answer for you. Email [email protected] (that's me!) and I'll find an answer for you, even if I have to scour the internet for it. :)

The world is waiting. Are you ready?

We're here to help you get out and do more of what you love -- travel!

Cheers to all you independent travelers out there who want to see the world your way!

Adventure on, my friend. <3

Not Quite Ready?

That's okay! We have other ways for you to get the indie travel info you want and stay connected!

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Read the Blog

April 5, 2022

Travel Preparations Checklist: Easy Steps to Get Ready for Your Next Trip

April 28, 2022

Planning A European Road Trip? 4 Steps to Create an Epic Adventure

November 4, 2021

3 Questions to Help you Choose a Destination for Your Next Vacation

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Fathom's 24 Best Indie Travel Guides

Photo by Victoria DeLeone

Before the Internet existed and websites like Fathom were even possible, travel writers Verlag Karl Baedeker, Eugene Fodor, and Arthur Frommer revolutionized the way travelers explored the globe. The modern guidebook was born, and planning a trip became a whole lot easier.

Fast-forward to today. The companies these pioneers inspired have become the standard bearers in the mass-market guidebook space. And while everyone at Fathom has a favorite mainstream travel guide, our hearts and loyalties are with the smaller, charming independents. (They speak our language, after all.)

We're pleased to announce the latest in our 24 Best series : The heavily researched and exhaustively debated list of the 24 Best Indie Travel Guides . These best-in-show volumes are written with passion and are the ones we rely on for in-depth research and inspiration. They're the ones we are happy to make space for in our carry-ons. Have a look. You'll like what you see.

ABOUT FATHOM LISTS

Fathom has three missions: To help you indulge your love of travel, whether you're on the road or staying home. To narrow down endless options (hotels, sites, destinations) to those that are special. And to find the best travel stories. These guidebooks help us deliver all of the above, through their insight, intelligence, adventures, and great writing.

And not 10 or 25 or 100? You'll see 24 a lot around Fathom. For a few reasons: We want to deliver a balanced but concise mix of options, and twenty sometimes isn't enough. And mainly because it's our lucky number.

Herb Lester Associates

What we love: Handsome, retro-inspired city guide maps designed around incredibly endearing themes like "It's Nice to be Alone in Paris" and "How to Find Old New York." The thoughtfully curated selections touch on old and new sites, appealing to tourists and locals alike. They're super affordable and nice keepsakes after a memorable trip.

Cities: Major players like London, Paris, and New York, as well as smaller spots like Austin, New Orleans, and Portland. See full list .

Price:  From £4 Where to buy:   herblester.com

All-You-Can-Eat Press

What we love: Explore New York City's culinary culture through local food obsessions like diners, doughnuts, and oysters. The indie travel maps pinpoint the city's best, give a thorough history, and make great gifts for the gastronomically inclined traveler. Their most recent release is a Paris croissant map.

Cities: New York and Paris.

Price: $8 Where to buy: allyoucaneatpress.com

Stylist's Guide to NYC

What we love: A beautiful and curious compendium of Australian stylist and designer Sibella Court’s favorite New York City haunts. From haberdashery and hardware to the city’s best flower markets and non-traditional merchants. Find more of her global pics on Instagram under the hashtag #thestylistsguidetotheglobe.

Cities : New York

More on Fathom: Sibella Court's Sydney Debrief

Price: $18 Where to buy: amazon.com

Bonjour City Maps

What we love: Creator Marin Montagut hit the nail on the head with his whimsical series of field guides featuring hand-painted drawings and a charming selection of unconventional and rare spots. Each map folds to the size of a passport and is easily stowed in a carry-on or large pocket.

Cities: London, New York, and Paris.

Price:  €12 Where to buy:  Offline in NYC at Bookmarc and John Derian and in Paris at Colette and Merci.

What we love: The original indie travel guide? Maybe not, but they certainly were one of the first in our collection. The finely honed aesthetic is one you can count on time and time again. It's nice to know that no matter what city you're traveling to, Wallpaper will have dug deep and found the most sophisticated and well-designed options around.

Cities: All major cities. See full list .

Price: $10 Where to buy: amazon.com

Quiet Travel Guides

What we love: It's hard to imagine a quiet side to four of the world's busiest cities, but Siobhan Wall accomplishes just that. From mellow museums to low-key cafes, she uncovers the peaceful and relaxing amid the hurried and harried.

Cities: Amsterdam, London, New York, and Paris.

Price: $20 Where to buy: anthropologie.com

Wildsam Field Guides

What we love: A quality paperback stuffed with interviews, essays, local favorites, back-flap maps, and travel miscellany to guide you to a genuine experience and full understanding of your destination.

Cities: Austin, Nashville, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Detroit. ( Brooklyn  and  Charleston are coming soon.)

More on Fathom: Wildsam Field Guide in San Francisco

Price: $18 Where to buy: wildsam.com

The Hunt Guides

What we love: Full-bleed imagery and neighborhood favorites occupy the packed pages of these visually appealing handbooks. Easy 48-hour itineraries hug the front covers of each guide.

Cities: Austin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and  Paris (next release) .

Price:  $11 Where to buy: amazon.com

Deck of Secrets

What we love: We spent time with Deck of Secrets founder Michelle Matthews in Melbourne last summer and saw firsthand what incredible taste she has. Her themed decks (bars, restaurants, culture) contain 52 cards that have descriptions and information on one side and maps on the reverse. Draw a random hand, and let chance decide your itinerary.

Cities: Melbourne and Istanbul. (Milan is coming soon.)

Price:  AU$10 Where to buy: waymore.com.au

Knopf MapGuides

What we love:  They may not be indie, but Fathom founder Pavia Rosati has a soft spot for the series. The small guides consist of neighborhood-at-a-glance foldout maps with listings for key sites and eateries. They make figuring out a big city a breeze.

Cities: From Amsterdam to Washington, D.C. and almost everywhere inbetween.  See full list .

Uncommon Guide Books

What we love: Uncommon solves the problem that most guidebooks present (generic, boring, dry information and photos that don't really speak to the reader) by presenting a beautiful, edgy collection of literary pieces and itineraries written by locals in the know. Four sections — Relate, Review, Recreate, and Reroute — include intimate images, photos, and hand-drawn maps.

Cities: Stockholm, Malta, Dubai, and London (coming in June).

Price: From €25-€35 Where to buy: uncommonguidebooks.com

Love Travel Guides

What we love: You can literally feel the love pouring out from the pages of these fabric-covered guides, like a caring friend is showing you around India. That friend is British expat Fiona Caulfield, who divides her recommendations into categories like Musts, Adventurous, Wildly Adventurous, Delicious, and Gorgeous; includes maps, quotes, and first-person anecdotes; and envelops them in pretty matching pouches.

More on Fathom: Luxury Vagabonding in Goa

Cities: Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

Price:  From $30 Where to buy:   amazon.com

Luxe City Guides

What we love: The widely recognizable accordian booklets tucked into many a jetsetter's fancy handbag are tightly packed with sassy, matter-of-fact tips and authoratative recommendations on what's hot and what's definitely not in various international locales. Their motto pretty much sums it up — "stylish, brutally frank, and sometimes, frankly, brutal."

Cities: Heavy on Asian destinations (from Hanoi to Tokyo to Ho Chi Minh) along with the big cities in Western Europe, Americas, Pacific, and Middle East. See full list .

Price: $12 Where to buy:   shop.luxecityguides.com

Xenophobe's Guides

What we love:  Funny, insightful, bite-size factoids and trivia about the people and characteristics that make a destination unique. Yes, they are filled with sweeping generalizations about the way people talk, express themselves, and feel, but the peculiarities come across as offbeat charm and help travelers get into the spirit of a place.

Cities: 30 cultures and counting, including the Americans, the Danes, the Estonians, the Kiwis, and the Russians.

More on Fathom: What the Hell is "Hygge"?

Price: $8 Where to buy: amazon.com

Citix60 City Guides

What we love: A compilation of 60 cool hangouts (landmarks, art spaces, markets, cafes, bars) selected by 60 creatives around town (architects, designers, musicians).

Cities: Design heavy hitters like Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, London, New York, and Tokyo.

Price: $10 Where to buy: victionary.com

Analogue Guides

What we love: Full color pictures let you get a feel for where you're going before you get there, and the color-coding-by-'hood makes it easy to pinpoint nearby options.

Cities:  Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, New York, and Paris.

Gogo City Guides

What we love: A list of "hangouts" from a coolhunter in each neighborhood and companion apps help you pretend you're a local. The minimalist design and multi-scale maps get you where you want to go. Best yet, twice-a-year updates mean you're always going to the hottest things right now.

Cities: London and Paris.

Price:  €9 Where to buy:   gogocityguides.com

ZigZag City Guides

What we love:  Adorable city guides for kids come as a set of cards that teach travel etiquette, keywords and phrases, and cultural differences.

Cities: San Francisco, London, Rome, Paris, and New York.

Price: $24 Where to buy: zigzagcityguides.bigcartel.com

Rapha City Cycling Guides

What we love: The pages brim with in-depth neighborhood info, invaluable tips on getting around by bike, and gorgeous illustrations, but it's really the front and back flaps that we dig. The front orients neighborhoods into a city-wide map and details a day-long itinerary by bike. The back offers weather stats (all-important to two-wheeled travelers), as well as other pertinent information. These guides are small but mighty.

Cities:  Amsterdam, Antwerp & Ghent, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Milan, and Paris.

Price: $5 per booklet, $12 for three. Available at:   rapha.cc

The Cognoscenti's Guide to Florence

What we love: A spirited pocket guide navigating readers through the old streets of Florence in search of the most distinctive shops — both legendary and little known. Besides colorful back stories and photos for each, there are eight walking tours as well as clear explanations for the city's famously confusing address system and sporadic store hours.

Cities: Florence.

Price: $16 Where to buy:   papress.com

City Secrets

What we love: Elegant monochromatic guides filled with tips from the most cultured locals. If skipping the tourist spots in favor of secluded churches, hidden gardens, and free tours at dawn sounds like a dream come true or if you want to experience the classic sights with a more artistic and academic sensibility, these guides are for you.

Cities:  Florence & Venice, London, New York, Paris, and Rome.

Price: $19.95 Where to buy: amazon.com

A Literary Guide for Travellers

What we love: Regions of the world are expressed through the literary giants who left their marks (and words) on the places — Cervantes, Shakespeare, Milton, Dickens, Twain. Trace the footsteps of poets who have lived, written in, or been inspired by various landscapes and cultures.

Cities:  Florence & Tuscany, the French Riviera, Sicily, and Tangier.

Price: $19 Where to buy: amazon.com

The Fashion Guides

What we love: Shopping, beautifying, and dining tips compiled with testimonies from fashion "editrixes, AAA-stylists, and CFDA-approved designers" who, as we all know, have incredibly discerning taste. Especially when it comes to late-night haunts, vintage shops, and naturopath facialists. Little hardcover books are filled with watercolor illos and wrapped in nice textiles, making them a tactile pleasure to carry around.

Cities:  Harlem, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Paris.

Price: $14–$17 Where to buy: amazon.com and mcnallyjackson.com

Guided: London (By Cereal Magazine)

What we love: Gorgeous photo essays and discerning lists of places presented with the same stylish and subdued design as their quarterly magazines.

Cities: London

Price: £8 Where to buy: readcereal.com

We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.

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Indie Campers   Reviews

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Reviews 4.2.

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Lovely experience, from start to finish

Lovely experience, from start to finish. The vehicle was in perfect working order for anything you might throw at it. Kind and reassuring staff o both locations. Thank you and see you soon!

Date of experience : April 14, 2024

May was very helpful

May was very helpful, and happy to hear feedback about our experience. She explained to us effectively how the next steps worked, and made sure that we had a means to get back to the airport.

Date of experience : March 26, 2024

Everything was really awesome 👍

Everything was really awesome, there was only two small problems: at the last night the heating didn’t worked at all, it was blinking with a red light, but it was our last day so it was not a huge problem, and the wifi didn’t worked at all, which also wouldn’t be a problem but I payed extra for it : /. Overall it was awesome and I'm glad I choose you guys!

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

The rental process with Indie Campers…

The rental process with Indie Campers was extremely easy and seamless. We are out of state and wanted to RV around Arizona and the surrounding areas, which was so simple with Indie Campers. The staff were super nice and helpful in setting us up for success with our trip!

Perfect service one more!

Perfect Service once more. Daniel was expecting us even if we came a little bit earlier. We checked the vehicle together and he informed us again briefly that everything looks fine. thumbs up for your service during picking and dropping the vehicle.

Date of experience : April 02, 2024

Campervan hire experience

The camper pick up and drop off was really smooth. The one thing that could have been better was including some basic items in the package deal like bedding, kitchen set and basic essential items like scrubs, brooms, bins.

Date of experience : April 16, 2024

Reply from Indie Campers

Thank you for the kind words! We’re so happy your vacation went so smoothly. We’d love to continue providing great service to awesome customers like you. Your Indie Team

Over all loved the experience!

Over all loved the experience! But would love for the check in and check out times to be more flexible without charging more I would have rented an extra day if the times were more flexible.

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

Unfortunately the collection experience…

Unfortunately the collection experience was very poor. An under-staffed location meant we had to wait over 2 hours to get on the road. The kitchen equipment in our jeep was filthy- we didn't even use our fridge as it was mouldy. Our roof tent had litter inside and the mattress was damp.

Date of experience : April 07, 2024

Thank you for reaching out to us and for bringing this issue to our attention. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused and that you did not have a pleasant experience with us. Your opinion matters to us and is being shared with our team. Rest assured, we are committed to resolving this issue in the most suitable and effective manner. Best regards, Indie Team

Nice experience

Everything is done online before you get your van but I had all answers to my questions via the chat. Everything went well to check in and check out with local team and we had a nice 1 week experience with the van with no real issues

Date of experience : April 19, 2024

I would have given 5 stars but the fact…

I would have given 5 stars but the fact that we were charged an early pick up fee ($218) to pick up the RV at 10am AND a late drop off fee ($222) to drop off at 6pm, when it was during normal business hours seemed a bit much.

No worries, just relaxing!

We were a bit worried because of some bad reviews about high hidden costs, but none of that turned out to be true. The camper was in good shape, a couple of parts that were a bit battered, but never hindered a good trip (such as taped up curtains or a table that's clearly been put together and fell apart a couple times too many) Remembering to just have fun an relax is the key to enjoying Indie Campers. We were 2 adults and 2 toddlers (2yo and 4yo) and drove from Milano to the region of the lakes and really enjoyed ourselves!

Date of experience : April 10, 2024

Thank you so much for the positive review! Looking forward to serving you again! Your Indie Team

Everything worked well and very well!

Everything worked well and very well. Check-in, van performance, included options- all was outstanding. Made possible to focus on our voyage and made it the best!

Date of experience : March 17, 2024

Everything was working great!!!

Everything was working great!!! The main door lock is hard to operate and the driver window blinds are not getting until the end. But this things are not really important. And the overall experience is so great, I can not thank you enough!!!

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

We are happy to hear that! Cheers, Your Indie Team

Great experience

Spain is a beautiful country and with campervans it is a perfect vacation. Indiecampers doing a great job providing a variety of choice of campervans.

We are seriously telling everyone about this company and the trip we had

We are seriously telling everyone about this company and the trip we had. What a way to explore a different country! There is truly no competition with what IndieCampers has to offer.

All appliances and key functions worked…

All appliances and key functions worked as expected. Pipes and hookups had no surprises. No breakdowns along the route. Text message support from the pickup center was very helpful. Internal cleaning on the driver side could improve a bit.

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

Thank you for the great review! We’re so happy you loved your experience and can’t wait to have you back for your next roadtrip. Until then, we’re here if you need anything. Your Indie Team

Cleaning at pick up not great

Cleaning at pick up not great Great experience of driving the van and touring Great experience at checkout very helpful

Date of experience : April 21, 2024

I literally ended up in the hospital…

I literally ended up in the hospital because of the sliding door malfunctioning in our rental as well as over half the amenities being non functional for the entirety of the trip and they still won’t give us more than an 8% refund. I’m still recovering and the refund offered doesn’t even cover the extension I had to pay for the delay from the ER.

Second time California rental

This was my second time taking a California Camper Van out for a skydiving trip in Seville and it works perfectly for me on my own.

Better than anticipated, easy, good customer service.

Honestly, due to the previous reviews I read I was ready for this to be awful. Had I read those reviews before renting I probably would have moved on and booked something else. However, this experience was easy, straightforward and I appreciated the customer service provided even if I would have preferred to be able to reach someone on the phone rather than it being purely through text. The van was a little beat up (mostly on the outside) which made me cautious but it ran fine and besides the oil light coming on (which happens in every car) it had no issues. They even walked me through an issue (of my own making) when I didn't seat the gas cap tight enough and the van threw a warning. When I wanted to extend by a day they made it incredibly easy with just a few messages on WhatsApp. I put a pretty significant dent and scratches on the van while getting used to the turning radius and due to the insurance upgrade I bought only paid somewhere around 80$ deductible while the insurance covered the rest. Return was easy and I was absolutely grateful to have paid for the return cleaning with the two pups I had with me on the trip. All in all an easy experience. I had the van for a full week and took it from San Francisco to Oceanside and back. I did bring my own bedding and I wish I'd brought my own kitchen equipment. The kitchen equipment was a bit dirty and very clearly roughly used. I think it would be time for a replacement.

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

Thank you so much for the positive review and thank you for bringing this matter to our attention! Looking forward to serving you again! Your Indie Team

Explore India

Plan Your Trip to India: Best of India Tourism

Essential india.

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India Is Great For

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22 things you need to know before visiting India

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

India is a feast for the senses and we've got everything you need to know before you visit © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

It would take a lifetime to see all of India , let alone understand every nuance and facet of this nation of 1.4 billion inhabitants. But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.

We've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Apply for your Indian visa online for a smooth arrival on the subcontinent. Read on for 22 more insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Plan your trip around the seasons

India has a reputation for being hot and humid, but with beaches, mountains, hills, coastlines and plains all jammed into a relatively small geographical area, the climate is quite diverse. The southwest monsoon brings rainy weather to most of the country from June to September, but this is the best time of year to visit the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh , although depending on the route you take, you risk encountering landslides and floods.

In the far south, there’s also a milder rainy season from October to December. The ideal weather window for travel is from October to May, though temperatures and humidity climb to agonizing levels from March onwards in the run-up to the monsoon. If you find yourself in India in the spring, head to the Himalayan foothills for milder temperatures and good trekking conditions.

2. Get your jabs before you travel

There is no official requirement for vaccinations to enter India (although yellow fever vaccination is needed if you are traveling from a country where the disease is endemic).

That said, it is important that you contact a health professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure your jabs are up to date. Vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, on top of childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

Vaccinations worth considering for longer trips include Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. Monkeys, dogs and cats can all carry the rabies parasite, and infection is fatal if untreated.

3. Take malaria precautions

Depending on where in India you are traveling to, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about taking a course of anti-malarial tablets. For instance, northeastern and eastern parts of India, as well as the city of Mangalore, have a higher malaria risk.

Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – this will also help you avoid dengue fever, a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and trousers in light colors, and using a repellent and/or a plug-in mosquito killer with a high concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) is advisable.

4. Get insured

Travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.

If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, contact the local police station or dial 100 or 112, the national emergency number. You’ll need to get the police to file a report (a “FIR" – First Information Report) to make a claim on your travel insurance.

5. Book ahead for busy times and festivals

India can get very busy from November to February, so affordable accommodation is usually swamped in peak season. It’s a good idea to book ahead, either directly with the venues or via booking aggregator sites such as Agoda and MakeMyTrip .

Also, book train tickets in advance where possible , particularly for popular routes. Tickets can be booked (with a fair amount of hassle) via the government booking site IRCTC or more easily through local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip .

6. Plan your comms before you travel

Many things in India (including train bookings or ordering food online) get easier if you have a local SIM card. Bring an unlocked phone from home (or pick one up locally) and get a phone shop to sign you up for a local pay-as-you-go SIM package on arrival. You’ll need to bring passport photos and photocopies of your passport ID pages to complete the application.

7. Check your lunar calendars

While India officially follows the Gregorian calendar, the major festivals for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and several other religions follow lunar calendars and fall on different dates from year to year. Always check festival dates before you book your trip (bearing in mind these dates are subject to change); the Indian government maintains a useful online list of public holidays .

8. Learn local etiquette

English is the  lingua franca in most metropolitan areas in India, and you’ll get away with polite hellos, goodbyes and thank yous in smaller towns too. However, if you’re traveling in northern India, you can say "namaste" (I bow to you) with your hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of your chest. Similarly, when meeting Muslims in north India, you can say "salaam alaikum" (peace be with you) – the correct response is "alaikum salaam." Most of the time, it’s the effort that’s welcomed over pronunciation, so don’t be shy!

Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.

If you get invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift (flowers or sweets are always a safe bet) and remove your shoes before entering. It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.

9. Dress modestly

Depending on where in India you are, modesty is taken seriously – especially for women. Travelers of any gender will have an easier time if they wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their legs and arms. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach – although it is not uncommon to see locals swim fully clothed. To fit in, consider investing in a kurta pyjama (a traditional garment resembling a long shirt and loose trousers for men) or a salwar kameez (a long shirt, loose trousers and scarf for women).

10. What to eat and how to eat it

Many religions in India have their own dietary rules. Muslims avoid pork, many Hindus avoid beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan. Many Jains are vegetarians who avoid some vegetables (most notably onions, garlic and potatoes) and who try to avoid causing harm to all living creatures. These rules mean vegan and vegetarian food is often easy to find in India.

Eating with your hands is the norm in many restaurants, particularly in parts of southern India. Take your cue from other patrons in the restaurant, and remember to eat with your right hand. Mix rice and curry into balls with your fingers and push it into your mouth with your thumb. Some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple dishes served in tandem) are served not on a plate but on a washed and flash-heated banana leaf.

11. Haggling is not a game of life and death

Haggling for a fair price when buying things – in street stalls and open-air markets – is a way of life in India. Although it can sometimes be a frustrating experience, losing your temper is extremely bad form – if you can’t agree on a price with the vendor that you are both happy with, politely decline and shop somewhere else.

The rules of the game are as follows. The vendor will quote you a price that is more than the item is worth, then you’ll come back with a counter-offer, working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure.

The “walking away” trick may bring a few last-minute adjustments, but before long, you’ll reach a threshold that the vendor won’t go below. Throwing in extra items may bring a discount on the overall cost. Many travelers prefer not to haggle in places where the money goes directly to artisans.

12. Respect etiquette at religious sites

Religion is taken very seriously in India, so it pays to know the rules and expectations for visits to temples, mosques, monasteries, gurdwaras (Sikh shrines), synagogues and churches. Always check if you are allowed to enter – some temples and mosques are closed to people who don’t follow the faith. Mosques may also be closed to visitors during prayers or on Fridays.

If asked to do so, remove your shoes before entering any religious building, and be prepared to cover your head with a scarf or shawl. Generally, always cover your legs and arms (a sarong can be handy as an emergency cover-all). Some temples also ban leather goods, and many religious sites do not allow photography.

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards a person or deity – this is considered disrespectful. The same goes for touching any person or effigy on the head. It is conventional to walk around Buddhist and Hindu shrines in a clockwise direction, in a ceremonial circuit known as a parikrama .

Making an offering or leaving a donation is often expected – locals always offer something, but be wary of people waving receipts showing huge donations. Giving something is appropriate, but don’t feel pressured into leaving large sums.

13. Giving alms is common but up to you

The giving of alms has a long history in India, and foreigners can expect to be approached regularly with requests for money. Whether you give or not is a personal choice, but many Indians give on a daily basis, particularly when visiting temples and mosques. Be aware that some requests for money will be scams, and you may be able to do more good by giving your time or cash to charity or aid organizations you’ve taken time to research, rather than handing out cash.

14. Respect local social attitudes

India has complex social rules about respect for elders. Depending on where you are traveling to, older people are often greeted with the honorific “auntie” or “uncle,” and the ending ji may also be added to someone’s name as a sign of respect.

Outside bigger cities, India can be quite conservative when it comes to interactions between unmarried men and women. Also, most parts of India are conservative when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whatever your sexuality, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

15. Street harassment is unfortunately common

Although harassment can happen anywhere, parts of India are constantly in the news owing to a lack of women’s safety. Beyond long, unwelcome stares and persistent attempts to start a conversation, more serious assaults are also a risk. Groping is common in crowds (particularly during festivals).

Exercise caution like you would anywhere else, and remain alert. Never get into a taxi or auto rickshaw containing anyone other than the driver, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas, particularly at night. Decline offers of food or drinks from strangers.

If traveling by public transport as a woman, it's best to seek out train carriages and designated seating reserved for women. Wearing a wedding ring (even if not married) and using dark sunglasses and headphones can buy you some privacy on public transport. If you are being hassled, drawing loud attention to the intrusion may encourage others to come to your aid.

16. Keep track of security situations in India

India has seen deadly attacks by separatist and Marxist groups and Kashmiri insurgents. Monitor the local news and be alert for suspicious behavior, particularly around major tourist sites. Always check the security situation before traveling to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley in case of flare-ups of unrest. Strikes, demonstrations and protests are also best avoided, as violence is a risk. It goes without saying but in the event of trouble, obey local curfews and stay inside – your hotel is probably the safest place to be.

17. Take the altitude seriously when hiking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk when traveling above 2500m (8202ft), which covers most of the Indian Himalayas . AMS can be fatal, so always ascend slowly and take rest days to allow your body to acclimate to significant elevation changes. If you begin to feel ill while hiking in the mountains, stop, and if your symptoms don’t improve, descend immediately.

18. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

India has a few laws and regulations that visitors might be unfamiliar with. For instance, taking photographs of bridges, the periphery of military camps and border crossings – or flying drones over them – is considered a serious security issue.

When traveling by plane internally in India, you may be asked to surrender batteries from devices in your cabin bags. Smoking is banned in most public places, and a few states also have bans on the consumption of beef – killing or injuring a cow in a road accident, even accidentally, can lead to violent reprisals.

To avoid sticky situations, take the time to research where you’re going, and talk to staff at your hotel or hostel or your B&B host for advice on things to be aware of.

19. Steer clear of drugs

India may have a reputation amongst travelers as a place to push boundaries, but its drug laws are strict. Possessing even small amounts of drugs for personal use can lead to a prison sentence.

Some religious groups are permitted to consume marijuana for ceremonial purposes, but that often doesn’t extend to tourists. You can, however, find bhaang – a marijuana mixture made with the leaves (rather than the bud) of the cannabis plant – at government-approved bhaang shops.

20. Avoid the tap water

The tap water in India is not potable. Drinking or brushing your teeth with it can be a fast track to stomach troubles – the most common illness tourists experience in India. Stick to purified or bottled water (or even better, purify your own to avoid contributing to India’s plastic waste mountain).

The water rule extends to ice (be wary of ice in drinks and ice cream) and to uncooked foods, particularly salads and dishes such as coriander chutneys, which may have been washed with contaminated water. When eating fruit, stick to things you can peel or wash thoroughly yourself, and be cautious of freshly prepared juices. Hot drinks are generally fine, so drink your fill of chai (milky tea, often spiced and sweet).

21. Watch local news to keep track of natural disasters

Some geographical areas in India are prone to natural disasters, and the risk is higher in certain seasons. Hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, for instance, often see flash flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Be alert to signs of natural disasters and keep an eye on the local news so you know which areas to avoid. Follow the Indian Meteorological Department’s website as well as their social media handle for timely updates.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster, follow the advice of emergency workers and try to leave the area quickly.

22. Spot the scams

India has a reputation for scams designed to separate tourists from their money, and touts and confidence tricksters can often be found where tourists gather. Get tourist information and make bookings at official offices, rather than “tourist offices” you have been led to by people offering unsolicited help.

If anyone steers you to a hotel, shop or other establishment without you asking, they may be angling for a commission, which will be added to the price you pay. Be dubious of claims that the place you want to go is “closed” – always check yourself to be sure.

Exercise common sense and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true – for example, the gem scam, where travelers are tricked into buying worthless gems to “sell at a profit back home.”

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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The splendid Taj Mahal, magnificent palaces, colorful religious festivals, and delicious curries all showcase the unique and mysterious charm of India.

Planning a trip to India could be overwhelming due to the abundance of choices for destinations and the complexities of dealing with travel logistics. With this guide, we aim to help you make the most of your time and create your dream trip.

• 1. Where to Go in India
• 2. How Many Days to Spend
• 3. Top 2 Handpicked India Itineraries
• 4. How Much Does an India Trip Cost?
• 5. Special Accommodation Experiences in India
• 6. Best Times to Visit India
• 7. How to Get to and Around in India

1. Choose Where to Go

India is a vast country with so much to see. For a better understanding, we could divide it into tropical-landscape-filled South India and history-packed North India. According to our previous clients' choices, most of them prefer to visit North India first for its iconic architecture, such as the Taj Mahal.

North India

The Golden Triangle route (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur) serves as the natural starting point of most first visits in North India and even India in general. Following this route, you could discover chaotic Indian city life in its capital, Delhi, encounter the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra, and explore majestic palaces and ancient forts in pink Jaipur.

Beyond the Golden Triangle, you could extend your trip to the following destinations:

• For wildlife enthusiasts, you could take a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park . Hop in a jeep, venture into the jungle to see tigers, and sleep under the stars at a tented camp. The park is closed for safaris from July to September though, as it's the rainy season.
• The Rajasthan region: If you'd like a heritage tour with a desert experience, don't miss this region. Starting from pink Jaipur, you would discover most-ornately-decorated Junagarh Fort in red Bikaner and take a camel safari in golden Jaisalmer. Then, enjoy a leisurely heritage walk with a family visit in blue Jodhpur and savor a private dinner at the palace on Jag Mandir Island in white Udaipur.
• Varanasi: As the spiritual hub of India, Varanasi is a must for history buffs. Immerse yourself in the peaceful Ganges ambiance with a sunrise boat ride, walk along the riverside to explore the ghats and temples, and appreciate the impressive Ganga Aarti ceremony at night.

In addition to the above-mentioned cities, there are yet more hidden gems in the north, such as Amritsar for the Golden Temple and the border ceremony, Shimla for summer retreats and toy trains, and Khajuraho for less well-known temple complexes and their erotic sculptures.

South India

South India is characterized by backwaters, beaches, and colonial history. So, if you prefer a laid-back vacation, which may be particularly suitable for a family with teenagers, South India would offer a more relaxing vibe than visiting the highly-frequented historical gems of the north.

Among the popular destinations in South India, Mumbai is a gateway to learning about Indian culture. Meanwhile, Goa and Kerala are renowned for their relaxing beach destinations and backwaters. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu is a paradise for history lovers.

• Mumbai: You could vividly experience the stark wealth disparity in Mumbai by contrasting Asia's largest slums with the high-rise downtown area. Also, discover the Indian film industry and watch a Bollywood dance show at Bollywood.
• The Goa region: With picturesque beaches, Goa boasts rich water sports, yoga retreats, and a unique Portuguese colonial history. For those seeking more secluded beaches, head to the southern parts of the region.
• The Kerala region: In Kerala, you could admire colonial-style buildings in Kochi, go on a trekking tour in Munnar, discover the spice plantation in Thekkady, cruise the backwaters in Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat, and indulge in some beach time and Ayurvedic rejuvenation in Kovalam.
• The Tamil Nadu region: You could experience Tamil Nadu's metropolis, Chennai, admire the spectacular rock sculptures in Pondicherry, and discover iconic temples, such as the tallest temple, Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, and the grandest Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

Get some ideas about a classic South India tour : Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

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2. Decide How Many Days to Stay

For first-time visits, you're advised to stay for at least 9 days to experience some of the best of India at a comfortable pace. For classic 9-day tours, you could choose to discover India's icons in the north, take a week to see the Golden Triangle cities (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur), and then allocate the remaining 2 days to Varanasi or a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park. Alternatively, if you prefer the south, you could focus on the Kerala region or Tamil Nadu.

A good amount of time for exploring India more deeply is 14 days. Following 1 week in the Golden Triangle, you could spend another week in Rajasthan (Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur) in North India. Or you could delve into the top two regions of South India: Kerala (7 days) and Tamil Nadu (7 days).

You could also gain a comprehensive overview of India from the Golden Triangle in the north (9 days) to Mumbai (2 days) and Goa (3 days) in the south. If you are ambitious and want to see the multiple facets of South Asia in one trip, you could also combine the Golden Triangle of India with neighboring Nepal and Bhutan .

If you have over 2 weeks to explore off-the-beaten-path routes , consider extending your trip by 3 to 7 days in the northernmost region of Ladakh (Leh, Pangong Tso, and the 'valley of flowers') for outdoor adventures and Tibetan culture. Additionally, you could opt for a wildlife safari for 5–9 days in Madhya Pradesh (Satpura, Pench, and Kanha) for a unique wildlife experience.

3. Our Top 2 Handpicked India Itineraries

We've thoughtfully crafted two itineraries for readers' inspiration: 9-Day India's Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari and 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour. Most of our clients take them as a starting point for customizing their own ideal India itinerary. If you have a different schedule or interests, feel free to contact us for a personalized itinerary .

India Itinerary 1: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur in 9 Days

This tour is specially designed for first-timers, particularly for families with teenagers. Your 9-day adventure starts from the capital, Delhi, where you would experience a profusion of Indian city life. In Agra, known as the epitome of love, you could marvel at its grandest wonder, the Taj Mahal. Then, venture into Ranthambore National Park on a thrilling jeep safari to spot tigers. Finally, visit Jaipur to see the captivating historical palaces and forts of the Pink City.

For more exclusive experiences, you and your loved one(s) could traverse the lively markets via a rickshaw ride in Delhi, take a light walk around a local village with a high tea break, and create your own Indian cuisine with a local family in Jaipur.

If you are more interested in India's religious culture, you could consider replacing the tiger safari with Varanasi( See the itinerary accordingly ).

Here is a suggested itinerary:

• Days 1–2: Delhi sightseeing
• Days 3–4: Drive from Delhi to Agra, Agra sightseeing
• Days 5–6: Drive from Agra to Ranthambore, Ranthambore jeep safari (only available from October to June)
• Days 7–8: Drive to Jaipur, Jaipur sightseeing
• Day 9: Drive back to Delhi

India Itinerary 2: 14-Day Golden Triangle and Rajasthan Highlights

This 14-day tour would take you beyond the Golden Triangle (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur) deep into Rajasthan, the 'Land of Kings'.

Starting your trip from the Golden Triangle cities, visit the interesting Karni Mata Temple ('sacred rat temple') in Bikaner, take a camel safari in the desert of Jaisalmer, wander around the blue city of Jodhpur, and unwind in laid-back Udaipur.

If you are looking for romantic experiences, you and your partner could visit the Taj Mahal in Indian attire in Agra, enjoy a candle-lit dinner like a king and queen in Amber Fort in Jaipur, and stay at a heritage palace hotel in Udaipur.

You can see the summary itinerary below:

• Days 3–4: Agra highlights
• Day 5: Jaipur sightseeing and cooking class experience
• Days 6–7: Bikaner sightseeing with a heritage hotel experience
• Days 8–9: Jaisalmer exploration with a camel safari
• Days 10–11: Jodhpur sightseeing
• Days 12–13: Udaipur tour with a boat ride experience
• Day 14: Back to Delhi

Click here to get the full itinerary! You could also check out our 2-Week Luxury India Tour for more romantic choices and see more on 2 Weeks in India: The Best 4 India Itineraries for You!

4. Best Times to Visit India

For cool and dry weather, December to February is the best time to visit most of India , except for the far north areas, such as Ladakh. This is because the monsoon lasts from June to September and hot temperatures dominate from March to May across most of the country.

March, October, and November could be seen as middle-ground periods. During these periods, you could enjoy mostly warm and dry weather, and also benefit from more affordable prices than December to March. Besides, you would have chances to celebrate India's most important festivals with locals: join in the colorful powder fights during Holi (around March) and hang out at the festival markets during Diwali in October/November.

Celebrating with colorful festivals with us:

• 8-Day Diwali Festival in India's Golden Triangle Tour
• 10-Day Royal Rajasthan and Camel Festival Tour
• 11-Day India Holi Festival Tour

5. Consider Your Travel Budget

India is a large and diverse destination that offers different costs for traveling. The cost of travel in India depends on where you are going and what kinds of hotels you are going to stay at.

If you're looking for a hassle-free and comfortable trip in India, the daily cost is about US$200 to 250 per person per day for a private tour during the peak season (December to February). During the festival seasons (Holi in March, Diwali in November, and Christmas and New Year), prepare for even higher prices and avoid last-minute bookings.

If you're traveling in the low season (June to September), the price would decrease to 170 to 200 USD per person per day.

These prices include private transfers, private land tours with guides, 4/5-star hotels, and internal flights. You could see more price details from our two best-selling private tours.

• 9-Day India's Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari : from US$1,869 per person
• 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour : from US$2,459 per person

Check out more on our How Much Does a Trip to India Cost?

6. Special Accommodation Experiences in India

When traveling to North India, treat yourself to a special palace stay, which is especially recommended for a milestone celebration. You could easily find budget-friendly to luxury options in Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Surprise your loved one(s) with the sunset views of the Taj Mahal from The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra or enjoy a private lakeside candlelit dinner at The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur.

Wildlife enthusiasts, don't miss a luxury jungle camp experience in Ranthambore National Park . SUJÁN Sher Bagh, just outside the park, comes highly recommended. Stay at a luxury tented camp, enjoy a private dinner by a campfire, and immerse yourself in all the sights and sounds of nature with a rustic and old-world vibe.

If you are going to travel to South India, consider taking a private overnight backwaters houseboat in Alleppey , Kerala for exclusive and tranquil experiences. Cruise the waterways among green fields, palm trees, and quaint villages, and sit back with your partner to enjoy sunset drinks.

Contact us to customize your private India tour with more special stays within 24 hours! Or get some inspiration from How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Trip to India .

7. How to Get To and Around India

Getting to india.

The best way to get to India is by flight. There are direct flights from the main cities in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and other countries to Delhi and Mumbai. It takes about 12–15 hours from America or Australia to India and 8–10 hours from Europe to India by air.

How to Get Around in India

Private transport is the main choice for city tours, especially when taking in some offbeat experiences and venturing into remote areas. Our door-to-door service offers the best flexibility and saves you from the hassles of navigating train stations with confusing signs and the hardship of being crammed into a small seat on a crowded bus.

The train is considered to be the most atmospheric and relaxing way to unveil authentic Indian life and scenery in a longer journey context. In India, you could use express trains or slower trains. Slower trains are not recommended due to their lack of privacy and hygiene. Meanwhile, booking train tickets online poses challenges for first-time visitors, given the complex registration process and ticket class selection.

So, if you're considering including a train journey in your private India tour, for hassle-free booking and to ensure your comfort, we recommend opting for express trains for short journeys, such as Delhi to Agra (about 2 hours), or exploring on all-inclusive luxury tourist trains , such as our 7-Day Maharajas' Express Luxury Train Tour .

Flights are highly recommended for long-distance travel. For example, from Delhi to Varanasi, flights just take 1½ hours, while the fastest trains require 8 hours and private transfers need 12 hours. For shorter distances, the check-in time, transfers from/to the airport, and possible delays could whittle away the time advantage.

Tour India with Us

As one of the leading tour companies in Asia, we have been providing travel services for more than 20 years to thousands of satisfied customers. To fulfill your South Asia travel dreams, let us know your requirements and interests for a tailor-made tour of India .

Here are some popular itineraries for your reference:

• 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari
• 12-Day India and Bhutan Tour
• 14-Day Family Holiday in India
• 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 7-Day India Golden Triangle Tour
• 9-Day India Tiger Safari and Golden Triangle Tour
• 14-Day India, Nepal, and Bhutan Tour
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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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