India travelers, lend me your wisdom

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The whole thing is giving me anxiety. If we were staying with family the whole time I would be ok. The 5 days in a hotel is really throwing me because I'm worried about the safety of the food/water. I'm thinking of canceling. I wish my family hailed from Italy.

Don't stress so much OP! My DH is from South India and we've gone to India with DD every year of her life starting from when she was six months old, and she's now 14. She's never had more than a cold there and we've traveled all over the country. Hotels in India that NRIs and western tourists stay at are fabulous. If you drink bottled water from the hotel, and eat at upscale hotels and restaurants, you'll be fine. we've also stayed many times at more "Indian" hotels that only Indian tourists stay at, and we've been fine.

I think my DD has built up a tolerance and good immune system from all her travels - last December we did a road trip through Karnataka and she ate dosas at roadside dabas and never got sick. I'm not recommending this, just saying that she is now able to be more adventurous with her eating!

Good luck - you'll be fine. Indian weddings in India are not to be missed!!!

Family got really sick even at the best hotels. No ice in drinks. Brush teeth with bottled water. Drink only what comes out of a sealed bottle or can. No uncooked food. Long sleeves only, hats, lightweight gloves, socks, pants with elastic on bottom, no sandals, shoes that are cleanable on bottom. Get all the recommended vaccines prior to trip etc.

[Anonymous]

Visit a travel clinic to get some medicine to take with you for you and your LO.

[Anonymous]

Just took my 3 yo to India.

Food/Water:
Only eat cooked food homemade or restaurant food and fruit you can peel.
NO street food.
NO salads or raw veggies
Drink only bottled water (make sure the seal is not broken.
Brush teeth with bottled water.
Wash your baby's hands with bottled water.

Bring a baby carrier. The sidwalks are so uneven that strollers would be such a headache.

It was a big pain to give my 3 yo malaria pills. But I crushed it up and mixed it with a spoonful of juice.

I was an anxious mess, but it was totally fine. He didn't get sick. He loved riding in rickshaws. He loved looking at all the animals roaming the streets.

Bring his favorite snacks and instant packets of stuff (oatmeal, mac/cheese).

Have fun!!! It's a wonderful place!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:India stands for "I'll Never Do It Again."

With that attitude, I am sure India doesn't want you back again anyway.