Journeys: North India Highlights - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the key highlights of the "Journeys: North India Highlights" tour?

  This tour allows you to delve into ancient and modern India with a local guide, experience Delhi through a walking tour led by former at-risk youth, visit historical forts and palaces, connect with history during a night in a heritage village home, and marvel at the grand Taj Mahal.

• What is the travel style for this tour?

  This tour is part of the "National Geographic Journeys" travel style.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation primarily includes stays in hotels (6 nights) and a heritage hotel (1 night). Please note that some properties with only two stories may not have elevators, requiring you to carry luggage upstairs.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Generally, other meals are not included to provide maximum flexibility in dining choices.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 10-12 people.

• What are the age requirements for participants on this tour?

  Travelers must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21, the minimum age is 12.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour.

• Are there any local flights included within India?

  No, there are no flights planned on this particular tour itinerary.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation methods include vans, buses, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and walking. Be aware that road travel in India can be different from Western countries, with varying road conditions and driving styles.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for India?

  All travelers must have a valid Indian visa prior to the start of their tour and a passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. e-Visas are available for some nationalities. An e-Arrival Card must also be completed online before arrival.

• What is the recommended dress code to respect local customs in India?

  India is very conservative. It is recommended to dress respectfully by covering shoulders and knees at all times. Wearing shorts is not allowed as it may restrict entry into religious buildings and family homes. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is advisable.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers who want their own room?

  For group trips, shared accommodation is standard, and there is no single supplement if you are willing to be paired with a traveler of the same sex. However, if you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive a single room for all night stops.

• How much spending money should I plan for?

  Spending money requirements vary by individual, covering drinks, shopping, and tipping. It is also recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  In Jaipur, optional activities include a cooking class with a local family and watching a Bollywood movie at Raj Mandir (for an additional cost of 200-400 INR per person).

• Who leads the tour, and are local guides used?

  All group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), also known as a National Geographic Expedition Leader, who provides general knowledge. Local guides are also used to offer more specific knowledge in visited locations.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses, empowering women, and providing youth employment. The tour operator covers all operating costs, so 100% of donations go directly to projects.

• What should I know about tipping in India?

  Tipping service providers like waiters (around 10%) is customary and expected as an expression of satisfaction. For local guides and drivers, recommendations range from USD 1-2 per person per day. Tipping the Expedition Leader (CEO) is also appreciated, with a guideline of USD 20-30 per person per week.

• What should I know about currency and credit cards in India?

  The local currency is Indian Rupees (INR). ATMs are available in major cities and accept Visa and Mastercard. The use of USD cash is also recommended. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but may incur a 2-4% transaction fee.

• What general cultural notes should I be aware of when traveling in India?

  India can present an initial culture shock due to differences in timekeeping, public cleanliness, privacy, and service. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays (e.g., trains), temperamental plumbing, and occasional power cuts. A lot of patience and a healthy sense of humor will enhance the experience.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  The tour includes stays in hotels for six nights and one night in a heritage hotel. Please note that accommodation styles can vary, and power cuts can occur in some areas. Some properties may also not have elevators, requiring guests to climb stairs with their luggage.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner.

• What kind of transportation will be used on this trip?

  Transportation will primarily be by air-conditioned private vehicle. Additionally, local transport such as auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, vans, buses, and walking will be used to enhance the experience. Please be aware that road travel in India can be different from Western countries, with varying driving habits and road conditions.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 10 to 12.

• What are the age requirements to join this tour?

  Travelers must be at least 12 years old to participate when accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old. The minimum age to travel unaccompanied on a group tour is 18, and the maximum age is 100.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2. Travelers should possess an average level of fitness and mobility, meaning they should be able to walk without aid, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage.

• What are some of the key highlights of this North India tour?

  Highlights include delving into ancient and modern India with a local guide, a walking tour in Delhi led by former at-risk youth, visiting historical forts and palaces such as the Taj Mahal, 'baby Taj,' Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Amber Fort, experiencing a night in a heritage village home in Pachewar, and participating in the Anoothi block printing experience in Jaipur.

• Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, optional activities in Jaipur include a cooking class with a local family and watching a Bollywood movie at Raj Mandir (for an additional cost of 200-400 INR per person).

• What is the role of the Expedition Leader (CEO) and local guides?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany the group throughout the trip to manage logistics, provide information, offer suggestions for activities and dining, and ensure a smooth experience. Local guides are also utilized at specific sites to provide more specialized knowledge and enhance the enjoyment of the places visited.

• What are the cultural expectations regarding dress code in India?

  India is very conservative regarding dress. It is recommended to wear loose, lightweight, long clothing that covers shoulders and knees at all times. Shorts are generally not allowed as they may restrict entry to religious buildings and family homes. A shawl or scarf is useful for temple visits.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money in India?

  The local currency is Indian Rupees (INR). Many ATM machines accepting Visa and Mastercard are available in major cities, but their availability may be limited outside these areas. The use of cash in USD currency is also recommended. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but may incur a 2-4% transaction fee.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leader. The policy must include a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue.

• What is the policy on tipping during the tour?

  It is customary to tip service staff in India, typically around 10%, depending on the service. For local guides or drivers, a guideline of $4-5 USD (in local currency) per person per day is suggested. Tipping the Expedition Leader is also appreciated, with a guideline of $10-15 USD per person, per day.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour. On some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights may be included, but not for this specific trip.

• How does this tour support local communities?

  This tour includes 'G for Good Moments' that directly support local communities. These include an arrival transfer through the Women With Wheels project, a City Walk in Delhi led by former at-risk youth, and the Anoothi Block Printing Experience in Jaipur, which supports a collective of women from a marginalized community. The tour operator is also the largest corporate donor to the Planeterra International Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism.