India on a Shoe String: G Adventures review and safety FYI's

This was meant to come much sooner, but you know, life gets in the way of life! 

I wanted to review my tour and pass on some notes on India to anyone who is considering heading that way. Overall, it was amazing. It's not quite your typical backpacker location when compared to places like Thailand or Bali. I mean, I didn't actually bump into that many other backpackers for one! It's hot and hectic. Imagine the messiest bedroom crossed with a sauna. 

When discussing the trip I was greeted with concerned looks when I said I was going alone. We can't pretend India has had great press in the last few years in terms of women’s safety. It's not a dangerous place by any means, however, I personally felt it was less female backpacker friendly than some places I've been. That said, it's a beautiful, magical place, with some wonderful people to meet, so I really wouldn't want anyone to be put off. 

Tour Guide:
You can either hate or love your tour guide. Our tour guide, DJ/Dhananjay was amazing. This was my second Gadventures tour and I've not been let down yet. He was so enthusiastic and remembered the little things. He'd turn up with ice cream we said we liked earlier in the day. He was like a really nice boyfriend but to a tour of 18 people. That sounds a bit weird, doesn't it. 

People:
Obviously this can make or break a trip. Another lone traveller said she called GAdventures when booking and asked about the general demographic on the tour. Our tour had a mix of couples and younger single female travellers, so it was great for another solo female. I hadn't ever thought to ask about the demographic before so do consider this if you're between dates or travelling alone. I mean they can't tell you if your group will be eye wateringly boring, or absolutely insane... but that's the risk of a tour right...?

I've tended to do the Shoe String/Yolo tours, they pack loads in and are really good value. You cover loads of ground but the tours move fast. You might only get one night in a city, so it can all pass in a blur of busses, temples, hotels and naps. If you like to travel slower and get time to take a place in, it's worth scouting out other tours or seeing a place on your own. Or adding a few days to the start or end of your tour. 

Safety and general FYI's:
Okay so, I knew people would ask for photos. I didn't realise how often, or even if you say no, they might take it anyway. People would sneak us into their selfies - I don't know why, I wouldn't want me scowling with a double chin in the back of my photos! I'll be honest, at the odd point when I was alone, I could feel a little harassed. I was alone on a beach in Goa, and found myself circled by a group of about 6 men asking for a photo, phones already out. I wasn't overly happy obviously and firmly said no and left, while they called after me. That was the only time I felt a little threatened, I was alone and out numbered on a quiet (but not empty) stretch of beach, but mostly annoyed that I was leaving the beach earlier than I planned! Trust your gut. If that knot appears it's a warning. Aaaand keep your hand on your bag all the time. 

General advice from this trip and others:
Travel with a few cards, you can block them if you need to, and sometimes they just don't work, so you will want a back up. Maybe don't keep them all together in case you lose ya wallet. I've got credit, debit and Monzo. I love Monzo and use it for everything, it has no fees abroad :) 

Other than that, honestly, relax and enjoy. The majority of trips will be magical and will change your life for the better, India was absolutely no exception. Would I go back? Maybe. There's other places on the list next though.