India, known as the seventh-largest country globally, is one of the go-to travel destinations for tourists around the globe.
With the various tourist attractions, diverse culture, a broad range of local languages, festivals, natural resources, people, and so many more, this country could offer many exciting activities you could enjoy during your stay.
But, common myths and misconceptions about this beautiful country keep circulating up to this date, making other tourists hesitant to book a ticket to visit. Misconceptions about specific travel destinations could affect society and make people believe in false information.
Thus, if you’re contemplating whether traveling to India is a good idea, read below to clarify some myths that could help enlighten and guide your decisions.
Post-Pandemic Traveling To India Is Cheap
Many would think that since India was ranked second as the cheapest country to live in in 2021, the cost of living and travel expenses would still be relatively affordable. But, this is a myth because post-pandemic traveling has increased in expenses since tourism businesses are still thriving to get back on their feet and resume operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected many kinds of businesses, including tourism. During this time, oil prices have increased, and even the COVID-19 tests per country would also vary. Thus, make sure you have enough budget when traveling, even to countries considered to be cheap.
A great way to cut off some money on your expenses is to look for websites that offer cheaper flight costs, like Next Vacay for airline flights. Nowadays, access to the internet makes everything easier and faster. In this way, you can find discounted airfares that could help you save up for more, monitor flight prices, and provide the best deals for travelers around the globe.
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There’s A Huge Issue In Language Barrier
Given that India possesses the highest number of official languages, twenty-two to be specific, it doesn’t mean that the locals cannot communicate well in English. India is ranked as the second largest English-speaking nation after the USA.
Although these twenty-two languages are often used too in other countries, such as Nepali, Punjabi, Urdu, and more, inevitably, locals will indeed have accents when they try to speak English, but they will still be understandable. Thus, some may need minimal improvements in basic English articulation.
Still, some Indian residents are fluent, which most of them can do, especially that private schools in this country use English in teaching. Also, consider that when traveling to a foreign country, it’s always best to learn about some of their common terms and languages to help you.
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COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Are Fully Lifted
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have considered the possible effects and risks of getting the virus. As a result, people have become very cautious of their health and tried to maintain a stronger body.
Additionally, travel restrictions were strictly implemented, and India was one of the countries that announced a lockdown of the country last March 24, 2020, as imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thus, officials stopped any unnecessary travel made within and outside the country.
This 2022, India has not yet fully recovered from the effects of the pandemic, but travel restrictions are not that stringent anymore. Hence, travelers are welcome to revisit the country.
Even though some restrictions have been lifted, travelers are still encouraged to get fully vaccinated and present proof to ensure everyone’s safety. The vaccine is not mandatory, but it’s highly encouraged. Still, masks must be worn in public places, but fourteen days of quarantine is no longer required.
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India Is Untidy
Portraying India as a dirty place is not true, mainly if the opinions circulating depend on what the media says. With this, many people are stereotyping India as not a well-developed country. However, the truth is India is still a developing country but labeling the whole country as dirty is only half true.
Not everyone knows that India is also a country that offers luxurious living like fine dining, malls, shopping, restaurants, and more. Suppose your primary concern in visiting this country is cleanliness. In that case, you have to know that India has made amazingly rapid progress in eradicating open defecation in the places that helped improve sanitation in the country. You could even enjoy the nightlife in India on Fridays, Saturdays, and Wednesdays as they also have bars and clubs.
The Taj Mahal Is The Only Tourist Destination
Usually, when people talk about India, it is connected to the Taj Mahal. But that isn’t the only tourist destination in that country. Try checking when the celebratory dates of their vibrant festivals in the country, like Diwali, a celebration of lights, and Navratri.
Also, Sri Harmandir Sahib is a golden structure in India and a great tourist spot to observe some Islamic elements, spirituality, water reflections, and more. Lastly, India has lots of natural resources and hills that you could hike!
Final Thoughts
Going far from your hometown and visiting various places around the globe, like India, even for a short period, is good therapy for the soul. It allows space for growth and you to discover more about the world and even experience different cultures and lifestyles.
With this, always remember to learn more about the places you plan to visit before traveling. Remember that knowledge is power, so do some research and increase your knowledge to know what to do whenever you’re in a new area.
