Traveling Across India with Children
Stick to domestic flights for long distances and hire private cars with pre-vetted drivers for city-to-city travel to avoid the chaos of public trains. Prioritize consistency in bottled water and eating at reputable hotel restaurants to keep your family’s health stable.
- Use pre-booked airport transfers. Never hail a taxi from the curb. Use apps like Uber or Ola to book cars directly to your hotel, or ask your hotel to send a dedicated driver. This avoids negotiation stress and ensures you have a reliable car seat if you bring one.
- Fly between major hubs. Trains are iconic but exhausting with young kids. Book domestic flights via IndiGo or Vistara for journeys longer than 5 hours. You will save 12-20 hours of transit time and arrive at your next destination refreshed.
- Hire private guides for sightseeing. Don't navigate tourist sites alone. A private guide costs roughly $20–$30 for a half-day and helps manage crowds, explain context to kids, and handle logistics like buying tickets so you don't stand in queues.
- Establish a 'Safe Food' rule. Only drink sealed bottled water (check the seal every time). For meals, stick to the hotel buffet or high-end restaurants for the first few days. Introduce street food only once everyone’s digestive system has adjusted to the environment.
- Are child seats available in Indian taxis?
- Rarely. It is safer to bring your own lightweight travel car seat or booster if you plan on using cars frequently.
- What is the best way to deal with Delhi Belly?
- Prevention is key. Drink only bottled water, avoid raw salads/fruit you didn't peel yourself, and carry Ciprofloxacin or similar anti-diarrheal meds prescribed by your doctor before the trip.