Before you go

1. PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY

REVIEW YOUR PASSPORT

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should
have enough blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps from each country you visit.
If you require assistance obtaining a visa, contact our Cal India Travel Team.

SECURE YOUR VISA

India and subcontinent requires valid tourist visa to enter in country; see Essential
Information for details as it pertains to your journey.
Below are links of Consulates of India in U.S you can reach there directly for more information:
https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/
https://cgihouston.gov.in/
https://www.indiainnewyork.gov.in/
https://indiainatlanta.gov.in/

REGISTER YOUR JOURNEY

Be sure to register with your nearest embassy or consulate for the destinations included in your
journey. U.S. citizens can register through STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(step.state.gov/step). Canadian citizens can enroll in Registration of Canadians Abroad at
travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration.

UPDATE VACCINES & MEDICATIONS

Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health
Organization (who.int/en) for the latest on required and recommended vaccines for your
destination. You’ll want to visit your doctor or local travel clinic a couple of months before
departure to allow time for any vaccinations to take effect or to fill any prescriptions.
Be sure to pack your original COVID-19 and other vaccination certificates and required health
documentation in your personal carry-on baggage in case you are asked to show them on arrival.

MONEY MATTERS

Cal India Travel recommends travelling with some currency and at least three different major credit cards, such as
Visa, Mastercard and Amex, so you have backup if your card is not accepted or lost. Contact your bank
and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be travelling, as well as
confirm any foreign transaction fees.
When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations.
many merchants overseas won’t accept wrinkled or torn bills. Only exchange currency at
authorized outlets such as currency exchanges, ATMs or hotels and save receipts as they may
be required for exit.

KEEP CONNECTED

While most smartphones work overseas, you might need to turn on international roaming service
before you travel. Contact your carrier for information on coverage and voice and data plan
options while travelling abroad.

GETTING ONLINE

Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi and you’ll usually be able to stay connected throughout
your journey, although Internet access may be poor to non-existent in remote destinations. Note
there are restrictions on access to social media sites or what content you can view or send online.

WEATHER & TIME ZONES

Many websites and smartphone apps allow you to check the forecast and time zones for specific
destinations. We recommend weather.com and timeanddate.com/world clock. Upon arrival, the
time on most smartphones will automatically adjust to the local time.

STAY HEALTHY ON THE ROAD

Carry your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in their original containers in your
carry-on luggage. Pack a simple first-aid kit along with medicines for motion sickness and mild
upset stomach. As a precaution, use only bottled water and avoid foods from street vendors.
Take care to observe safe health practices when travelling: Wash or sanitize your hands often.
avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. If
you begin to feel unwell at any point in your journey, please inform your guide.

SAFE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Be sure to bring your own face masks and any other PPE you require during travel; a supply of
masks will be on hand where needed. We also recommend travel-sized hand sanitizer with at
least 60% alcohol, facial tissues and disinfecting wipes or spray.
Guests must wear a mask in accordance with local regulations and service provider
requirements. All protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations and
conditions.

PACKING FOR YOUR JOURNEY

Plan on packing light — many Cal India Travel journeys include domestic flights that impose much stricter
weight restrictions than your international carrier. Consult the Packing List and Baggage
Restriction’s specifics provided in Essential Information. Be sure to also confirm baggage
limitations with your international carrier before packing.
The typical attire on Cal India Travel journeys is relaxed and informal during the day. Choose comfortable,
versatile clothing that can be layered to account for changes in the weather throughout the day.
Smart casual is appropriate for evenings. Be sure to bring a global travel adapter set with you to
recharge your electronics at your hotel or aboard ship.

LUGGAGE TAGS

will provide you luggage tags at the time of arrival. Please use these tags, even if your
bags already have ID tags. This makes it easier for Cal India Travel staff to find and manage your luggage
for you.

FLIGHTS

Be sure to reconfirm your international flights 24 hours prior to your departure. Tickets for any
internal flights, if included on your itinerary, will be issued by Cal India Travel representatives at your
destination and presented to you as needed.

KEEP VALUABLES SECURE

We strongly recommend leaving valuables such as jewelry at home as Cal India Travel cannot be
responsible. Use safes where available to secure your valuables, especially passports, money,
jewelry, electronics and medications. Replacing a lost or stolen passport is much easier if you
have a copy on hand. Pack a photocopy of your passport’s personal information page with your
luggage, and keep a photo of it on your smartphone.

ARRIVE TO A WARM WELCOME

Your Cal India Travel local representative meets you at the airport when you arrive .See your itinerary for additional arrival
instructions.

SMART SHOPPING

If you are interested in shopping, your Cal India Travel guide may recommend local shops; however, Cal India Travel is
not responsible for the quality or value of merchandise. Any purchases and shipping are at your
sole discretion.
Be sure to review your credit card receipts before signing, paying special attention to currency
conversion. We recommend taking items with you in lieu of shipping them whenever possible.
Keep receipts and items together.

PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE

Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of local people, including small children. Note
photography is not permitted in some locations, which is usually clearly marked. If in doubt, ask
your guide to avoid having your camera confiscated.

TIPS ON TIPPING

Tipping on Cal India Travel journeys varies depending on where and how you travel. Consult the Tipping
Guidelines provided for your journey in Essential Information.
While decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, we suggest the following gratuities (noted in U.S. dollars).

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