AIT - The Tropical South - Departing UK 20th Dec

Yes, I am on this trip.  AIT, The Tropical South, departing UK 20th, arriving home Thursday 3rd Jan.

Are there two departures for this trip, two days apart? Very confusing, I agree!

I am on this trip, departing 20th Dec. What is the confusion?

The confusion was caused by a previous post and lots of people were not certain if they were on the same trip or not.  Not helped by my previous post being for a departure date that no longer exists.  Exodus cancelled it and I moved to the 20th Dec departure from the 16th Dec departure.  There is also one leaving on the 22nd, which I did not know until recently.

 Anyway  nice to hear from you.  I was told there were 9 people on our trip, but that was a while ago and there may be more now.

Rob

Ah right, i'm def departing on 20th Dec. flying from Manchester so will see you in Dubai. There are 14 people on the trip. 3 of us flying from Manchester, the rest Gatwick. Have you been to India before? First time for me :-)

I'm one of the Gatwick departures.  Hopefully it will all go smoothly.  On my last trip we left somebody at the airport because somebody else, who arrived independentl, turn up to share the group transfer.  First thing the tour leader knew about it was when he got a phone when we were most of the way to the hotel.

I have been to Northern India (hot and dry), but not the South (hot and wet).  It will be interesting to see the difference.

Rob

Hi there,

 

I'm departing on 22nd.  Does that mean I'm on a different trip entirely?!  

Sort of. It's the same trip code: but you leave 2 days later. Hence all the confusion. There was also one leaving on the 16th, which I was booked on originally, but it got canceled. So my trip gets to see the same as you just 2 days before . We might get to see you at some point And that is just for the AIT trip. There's others to southern India over Christmas too. Rob

I'm having my usual packing dilemas - what to take and what not to take (knowing full well I won't use half of what I do take). 

A few light bits and pieces, a few warm bits, photographic stuff, walking boots, swim stuff, sandals - anything obvious I am missing? 

Laura x

 

 

 

Laura, I am sooooooo stressed about packing! my case is full of imodium, anti bacterial gel, mosi spray, toliet tissue, travel sickness pills etc!!!! can you show shoulders in south india? what about the beach day is a bikini acceptable?

I don't think cold is going to be a problem. I have also found that walking boots are not needed. Comfortable trainers are good enough for days when sandals are not ok. But sandals are gifts when it's wet as they dry quicker than sites. If you have a light scarf or wrap you can use it to cover up when you have to. On the beach it should be ok to wear what you want but may needed to cover up leaving the beach. I think showing shoulders should be ok except at religious sites. Don't forget to leave some space for gifts to bring home. Rob X

Glad I'm not the only one! I read in a previous girl's review of the trip that the dress codes in the trip notes and some guide books are a bit on the conservative side. I am taking vest tops ... but have a few light blousey type things to cover up with. Am def taking headscarf which can double as sarong, wrap etc. And am taking shorts and bikinis. Guess it‘s a case of following local example. Excited now!

Hi all. I just wondered how many of you are taking anti malarials for the trip? It's very low risk but can't decide what to do!

Hi all. I just wondered how many of you are taking anti malarials for the trip? It's very low risk but can't decide what to do!

Hi Cath,

The advise I got was that for a two week trip to a low risk area it was not necessary.  I was not expecting to take any, and my GPs just confirmed what I thought.  As we will not be going to GOA the risk is low, but you should take precautions to avoid being bitten.  Anti-malarials have a bunch of side effects and I try to avoid them if not really needed, but I will take them if the risk is higher.

If you are really worried take them, but I would/will save the money and other effects and use repellent and cover up at dawn/dusk.

 Rob

 

Hi Rob!  Blimey - you're full of useful information!  I was hoping, therefore, that you could tell me how much money you think we'll need for the fortnight.  I have absolutely no idea! 

 

Thanks

 

 

Hi Cath. Just trying to help.  It comes of goin gon many trips over many years.

As to money: I also can never decide.  I will probably rely on using ATMs, but will take some cash just in case.  On these trips I always seem to end  spending more thna I thought I would.  Even though most things are paid for the meals & drink soon add up.  I reckon on about £500 for the two weeks.

You cannot get Indian rupees outside India , so you need to get them on arrival.  It's illegal to import them into India.

Rob

I have heard about £10-15 a day will be more than enough to eat in nice places. Apparently we should ask for a banana leaf meal at lunch times its about £2 and its a lots of little dishes but they keep giving you more until you are full. I am taking about £250 in cash and cards for presents etc. Not long now!!!! This time next week we will be there!!!!!

Hi there, I am joining you guys on the 22nd Dec in Cochin as flying out a day later from Manchester...In the throws of packing and while thinking about how much money to take I wondered if anyone had experience of using cashcards?? I am staying on in India until the 11th Jan so will need additional funds but I thought cash cards may be useful if widely accepted at hotels  etc.. Any thoughts???  Sarah

Hi Sarah,

 

I'll be joining everyone out there on 22nd too, as I didn't sort myself out in time to join the group flight!  I'm having all sorts of packing/money related traumas, whilst dragging myself through until the end of the school term.  Odd question, but are you taking a travel towel??!  Also, I'm not sure about headscarves?  I don't actually have any but will get some if required.... I'm not taking a cash card.  I'm just using cash I think.  Probably take about £300 for the two weeks?  Look forward to meeting you!  My flight lands at 3am on 22nd, so I might be a bit bleary eyed when I see the rest of you! xx

Can anyone work out where we'll be for Xmas Day and New Year? Excited to have a completely different Christmas and New Year entirely! xx

Hi Cath, Yep I am taking a travel towel...I always take headscarves when I travel as they are really useful ........I am sure you could easily get one out there......I arrive in Cochin at 3.25 am on the 22nd from Manchester. Are you flying from London?? Could share a taxi to the hotel if interested??

Hi Laura, Xmas Day I worked out to be the day we travel to Madurai...most of the day travelling it looks like. New Years Eve we are heading to Kovalam so should be New Years Day on the beach!!  Can't wait...

Sarah

Hi Sarah!

 I'm coming in from Gatwick - I'm in about the same time.  Exodus actually cocked up my flight, so they've paid for someone to collect me at the airport, as well as for a rom for that night!  If we coincide, you could share my lift back?  I have no idea how I would actually maange to mee tup with you though.  What do you think? x

A lift would be great if we land at approximately the same time..however, I understand you would not want to be waiting around in the airport. We could exchange flight numbers and on arrival my first port of call will be money exchange and then sort out a pre-paid taxi to the hotel...If you are not about no problem but we could be in the area at the same time, you never know...I am very easy to spot. Very short, very red hair! Sx 

Hi there!  Well, you know what I look like from my profile pic -  but I'll be wearing glasses and looking knackered and a bit crumpled, I'd imagine!  I'll be coming from a stop-off in Dubai, so my flight number from there to Cochin is EK 532.  I'l be heading straight for currency exchange too xx