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Booking Your Airfare | Money | Phone and E-mail | Travel Insurance | Passport and Visa | Physical Requirements | Vaccinations


Booking Your Airfare

For greater flexibility and better rates, we recommend booking your airfare through our preferred travel agent, Nathan Parr. Logistics can be difficult in India. If you decide to change your reservation or travel to another country (ending on a beach in Thailand is amazing!), having a travel agent will make this process much easier. Please contact Nathan at 503.807.8274 or via e-mail at nathan@redbacktravels.com

Money
  • We do not recommend travelersÂ’ checks as the rate is lower than an ATM card
  • Most ATM cards with the Cirrus, Star or Link logos on the back will work.
  • Bring $100-200 cash in case of an emergency
  • Credit cards are not accepted at very many places so please do not rely on this as your sole means of having money.
Phone / E-mail

The best way to keep in contact during their trip is through e-mail at an internet cafe. There are also phone booths everywhere to call the States for a very cheap price. If you still want to bring a cell phone, make sure to have an international plan on it.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is compulsory on all Redback Travels trips and is a condition of booking with Redback. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

Your insurance policy will need to be sighted by your leader on day one of your trip. Please ensure you have your policy number and emergency telephone number for your insurance company. If this is unavailable please ensure you have the necessary information required by your Insurance company in case of an emergency.

We suggest the following companies:
Passport / Visa

A valid passport is required for all international travel. Allow 4 weeks for delivery.

A tourist visa is required for travel in India. Get your visa 2-4 weeks prior to departure.

Visit www.travisa.com for all your visa requirements.

Physical Requirements

Due to the nature of our trips, it is important to arrive in good physical condition. Often times, we will be in the mountains and at altitude so please prepare ahead of time. While we strive to make your travel experience smooth, days can be long and tiring. The more fit you are, the easier the hiking and traveling will be!

Trekking Tips
  • BREAK IN YOUR BOOTS AHEAD OF TIME to avoid blisters
  • To avoid injury, don't leave training as an afterthought and start early
  • Go on at least one long walk per week and work yourself up to 3-5 hours
  • We will be walking for many hours over successive days. Try to walk multiple days in a row while you train
Yoga Information
  • While prior yoga experience is necessary, beginners are welcome
  • Please try to attend at least 2 classes / week so that you are relatively comfortable with a regular asana practice
  • We will conduct yoga and meditation classes each morning when possible
  • Our classes will complement the group and the demands of the trip and we will adjust accordingly as we see necessary
Vaccinations

Talk to your doctor 4-6 weeks prior to departure about any vaccinations you may need. For information on current vaccinations visit : www.cdc.gov

When traveling in Northern India, Malaria is not a risk and taking Malaria pills is optional. Please consult your doctor to decide what is right for you when making this decision. For an herbal alternative, Artemesia can be substituted and bought through a naturalpathic doctor.

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[INDIA 2008 BLOG]