Over 50% of Über Desis who responded to this poll visit India once in 2-3 years. 20% visit India every year, including myself.
Some have only been there once in the last 5-7 years. These people are in for a surprise if their last visit was pre-2005. As for those who’ve never been there I’d highly recommend it, now is as good as any time.
Some personal perspectives:
Even though I like visiting India every year, I really hate the trans-continental flights and drain on finances. A ticket usually bought well ahead of time cost anywhere between $1000-$1500 per person, if you’re not flying from New York. To put things in perspective, I priced a Carribean trip on Orbitz.com and the total cost was between $1200-$1500 for 2 people from the East Coast of US.
After a couple of bad experiences which involved flying all over the US and the world to get to India, I religiously avoid desi travel agents and buy my tickets on Orbitz.com. That way I’m able to micro-schedule my flights including seating arrangements (aisle seats preferred) without having to correspond back and forth with someone over phone or email.
It does take up most of my paid leave at work to visit every year and I don’t have as much time to visit places in the US and other parts of the world. So I’m considering doing week long trips yearly, with the occasional month long touristy trip every 3 years. Most of my childhood/college friends have either moved somewhere else in India or abroad or don’t have time for me anyway.
To those infrequent travelers or those who’ve never visited, if you don’t have kids and their school vacations to worry about, try non-peak travel months but, if possible, avoid visiting during the monsoon season.
I’m interested in hearing from others on how you plan your India travels. Please share your opinions, suggestions and experiences in the space below.
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