5 Insider Tips on India for Travel Advisors
India may be labelled as a country, but it’s so massive, so diverse, and so populous, that it’s essentially a world unto itself. Thus, booking a trip to India for your globetrotting clients can prove challenging, especially if you’ve never been yourself. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Several team members recently visited India, including Linda Warner, Product Manager for Asia, Reservations Supervisor Maria Spitman, Group Specialist Irene Herrera, and Destination Specialists Tim Martin and Marieflor Tanfelix. Their journey started in Delhi, where they toured Qutub Minar and the busy streets of Old Delhi. They continued to Varanasi where they cruised the Ganges River and learned about the religious practices surrounding the sacred body of water. Onwards to Lucknow to explore tombs and learn about the local art scene. Next stop was Agra, with the Taj Mahal, and then Ranthambhore National Park, where they went on a tiger safari. The journey ended in Jaipur where they saw the Amber Fort and the Palace of Winds before returning to Delhi for the flight home.
During their journey, our team members learned so much about the country and have come home with some practical insights to share with travel advisors.
1. India is a destination that has everything.
For travel advisors, you can think of it as a one-stop shot. There are cultural highlights, architecture, heritage, wildlife, relaxation at beaches, vineyards, amazing cuisine, and spiritual insights. There’s no other way to describe India than to be there to experience it. Remember that your Goway Destination Specialist is just a call, email, or online chat away to help you create a memorable itinerary for your clients. – Marieflor Tanfelix
2. India is all about the experience.
It is hard to single out one specific excursion we had in India, but the combination of everything from city and market walks to some of the history and incredible sights like the Taj Mahal to wildlife reserves showcased that being there to experience the country is what travelling there is all about. India has a huge variety everything within a short distance, so you can really have a multi-dimensional trip there and plan something special for your clients. – Tim Martin
3. Indian transportation has greatly improved.
The ease of transportation has changed dramatically since I was last there 12 years ago. India’s increasing visibility and influence on the global stage are a testament to its growing economic strength, technological advancements, and rich cultural heritage. In recent years, India has made significant advancements in infrastructure, particularly in roads and railways. New expressways, national highways, and advancements in the Indian railway sector has made connectivity between destinations faster and more comfortable than ever, allowing travellers to easily explore primary destinations as well as less-visited areas and diverse attractions across the country. – Linda Warner
4. India is so big, there are few limits to what a trip here can be.
No matter how big or obscure the ask from your clients is, our local partners and us can handle everything. This could be domestic charter flights, fully private guided experiences, or staying at extremely small luxury boutique properties. With as much variety as India has, most things are possible (for a price). And the connections our partners have are second to none. As well, it’s a country with so many unique places to stay. All of the small heritage hotels in each city offer an unique experience and the hospitality of the owners and management is second to none. I would highly recommend staying at a haveli (heritage property) at least once during a two-week trip. – Tim Martin
5. Qualify your clients who inquire about a trip to India.
I know talking about India can be overwhelming and for most, intimidating. There are tons of misconceptions that you will hear and read about the country. One of the biggest tips I can offer travel advisors is to qualify your clients. India is a great destination, but it requires a certain type of mindset. If you’ve got clients that are open-minded and are looking into unfolding the beauty, spirituality, and richness of a destination, then you can never go wrong with India. – Marieflor Tanfelix
