Category: RWZ Note: This is from an email that Dan sent me and Taniya, for the benefit of the class when we travel to Delhi at the end of the month. Certainly this isn’t an all-encompassing list, so anyone who has something to add, put it in the comments and I’ll keep editing the post…
Dan’s Comments:
- Avoid tap water or ice in drinks. I put my toothbrush on my bottled water in the bathroom so I don’t forget, and I usually have a piece of gum or candy while showering to remind me not to open my mouth.
- I recommend Ambien or another sleep aid when traveling that distance, especially if you need to work the next morning. One on the plane, and one the first night helps me get on a new schedule almost immediately.
- Don’t take any pictures in the airport. Don’t argue with anyone at the gate of any foreign airport. Long story, but they ultimately released me.
- If you haven’t spent much time in countries with large populations of poor, brace yourself. There will be beggars ranging from age 3 to 80. Some will grab your arm or leg, which can be disconcerting. It is sad to say, but try to ignore the tragic poverty. Think (as a class) about ways to give back more strategically than just giving some rupees to random beggars.
- Being on the roads seems perilous but everyone is pretty vigilant, and there are not nearly the accidents you would expect. Taniya told me, “You just watch your front, and everyone else watches your back and sides.” Seems to work pretty well.
- Always check and negotiate prices before getting in cabs or rickshaws. Some are metered, others are not.
- I like the pre-paid cab service at the airport. Plus, you can use a credit card (I think).
- Budget plenty of time to get to and through airports. My flight from Delhi to Mumbai landed at about 9:30pm, and I had 1:30am connection to NY. After all the airport shuttles, terminal changes, security, etc., I had about 30 minutes to eat before boarding the NY flight.
- In Delhi, go to the market at Connaught. You can also see the monkey house there.
- Kingfisher Strong is the best beer value.
Naveen’s comments:
- Stay safe. Do not wander off alone, especially late evening and nights. Move around in groups of 3-4 people minimum. If there are women in the group, make sure they are accompanied by at least a couple of guys.
- If you have any pre-planned travel plans, book a cab through the hotel you are staying in. If you plan to hire a bus to visit places, make sure you book at least a full day in advance and get the contact details of the relevant tour operator. If there are last minute hassles, you know whom to catch.
- Carry INR. Make sure you have sufficient local currency for travel and food. While credit cards are accepted at most places, you never know where they aren’t and you don’t wanna end up with less cash after the meal. Also, in touristy places where you might buy souvenirs, you will need cash.
- Be careful of your wallets and if you plan to carry satchels for your stuff. They might be easily flicked.
- Stick to mineral water. 20-25 cents for 1 litre (INR 10-12)
- Be prepared to enjoy the hospitality and warmth of the people. I’m not sure you will ever again see so many people around you, except maybe if you are in China ;)
Delhi, 
[...] Marshall ‘10 Andrew met Alfred Mann Institute’s Head of Marketing and Business Development, Nathalie Gossett. Darden ‘10 Mechanigal dared to look back at the ups and downs of 2009. Darden ‘10 July Dream received a full-time job offer, but struggled to decide whether to take it. In preparation for a class trip to India, Fuqua ‘10 Dan and Naveen posted a number of helpful travel tips. [...]
[...] Marshall ‘10 Andrew met Alfred Mann Institute’s Head of Marketing and Business Development, Nathalie Gossett. Darden ‘10 Mechanigal dared to look back at the ups and downs of 2009. Darden ‘10 July Dream received a full-time job offer, but struggled to decide whether to take it. In preparation for a class trip to India, Fuqua ‘10 Dan and Naveen posted a number of helpful travel tips. [...]