TripHip - Travel Tips and Advice for Traveling on a Budget

If you are going on a train ride in India, be very careful when everyone gathers together to board the train. This is the opportune moment for pickpockets and thieves. Be sure that your money belt is securely hidden beneath your clothes.

If you are carrying a backpack, no matter what size it is, you are better off taking it off your back and carrying it in front of you. Otherwise, thieves on the train platform will seize the golden opportunity of all the chaos to use a knife to cut into your bag, and try to steal your belongings. With all the hustle and bustle, you wouldn't notice a thing.

Trust me - I was warned about this, and while boarding a train it actually happened to me. Luckily, I felt someone fiddling with my backpack, so I immediately took it off my back and held it to my chest. Later I found a small cut where someone had stuck in a knife to steal my stuff.

If you are traveling to a foreign country, be sure to familiarize yourself with the local customs before you go. This will help you avoid any embarrassing faux pas. It will also help you integrate into the culture a bit better.

For instance, in India you should not offer anyone your left hand for a hand shake. The left hand is traditionally used to clean yourself up after a trip to the toilet; therefore, offering your left hand to someone is a disgusting insult.

You should also try your best to dress accordingly with the native inhabitants of wherever you are visiting. For instance, wearing a tank top and a miniskirt is an extreme no-no in India, no matter how hot it is.

To understand why, read up about Indian culture before you go. Learning about a country's culture will help you get more out of your trip!