World Tourism Day: Tips to Travel Safely to the Golden Triangle in India

World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September every year. The World Tourism Day event is organized every year by the United Nations World Tourism Organization or UNWTO. It is celebrated with an aim to create awareness about the significance of tourism among different countries and international communities. World Tourism Day strives to bring consciousness about the social, economic, cultural and political importance of tourism. Moreover, World Tourism Day brings to fore the contribution of the tourism sector in achieving the Millennium Development Goals listed by the UN.

India is the host country for this year’s World Tourism Day. The theme for World Tourism Day 2019 celebration is ‘Tourism and Jobs - A better future for all’. With this theme, World Toursim Day wants to highlight the role of tourism in job creation all over the world. World Tourism Day aspires to maximize the potential of tourism in creating better jobs, incorporate advanced technology and ensure that tourism skills are matches the required level.

India is no less than a paradise for tourists. This makes India the perfect host for the World Tourism Day 2019. Right from the breathtaking Himalayas to the southern backwaters, India has something to mesmerize all the tourists visiting the country on World Tourism Day 2019. However, no trip to India is complete without visiting the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle of India comprises of the cities of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, which marks a triangle when connected on a map. Since this year’s event for World Tourism Day will be held in New Delhi, it gives everyone the perfect opportunity to visit India’s Golden Triangle and experience the richness of India’s different culture.  

If you are planning to travel to India’s Golden Triangle this World Tourism Day, follow the travel tips given below to travel comfortably and safely:

World Tourism Day - Tips to Travel Safely in Delhi:

• Stay Closer to Areas You’ll Be Visiting -Delhi is a big city. Travelling from one place to another may get tiring, especially during peak hour traffic. Therefore, you are recommended to stay at a hotel or homestay near the key places that you plan to visit in Delhi. For instance, if you want to see old Delhi and the historic monuments around it, you can stay closer to central Delhi.
• Carry Enough Cash - Although India is moving towards digital payments, it is better to carry enough cash in order to avoid facing inconvenience during your trip to India. People working in smaller occupations are still conventional and accept payments in cash. However, you should carry your debit/ credit card to make online payments whenever possible.
• Visit Tourist Places Early to Avoid Rush Hour - Tourist places in Delhi can become crowded if you visit them during rush hour. It is advised to all travellers to visit such places early so as to avoid the tourist rush.
• Keep Your Belongings Safe- Since you are new to the city, you may encounter pick-pockets and bag snatchers. Hence, you need to be cautious about your belongings and make sure that your wallet, mobile phones and other valuables are safely kept inside your bag. Wearing your bag crossbody makes it difficult for snatchers to take it away.
• Avoid Drinking Tap Water - Drinking tap water directly is not advisable to tourists visiting Delhi. To ensure that you don’t fall sick, drink only bottled mineral water or filtered water. You can buy it from a regular shop or ask for a bottle at a restaurant.

World Tourism Day - Tips to Travel Safely in Agra:

• Hire a Taxi for Added Comfort - If you will be travelling to Agra from Delhi, hiring a pre-booked taxi with a driver is a better option than opting for a tour bus. Taxis are more comfortable than a tour bus and definitely not as crowded. Besides, tour buses have their own itinerary. Taxis, on the other hand, give you the freedom to stop whenever you want and explore additional places during your journey.
• Visit Taj Mahal Early Morning - The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is early morning. This world’s wonder opens for tourists at 6 am and is literally free of crowd at that time. The monument gets crowded as the day advances. Moreover, if you are travelling in the summer the afternoon sun will make it difficult for you to enjoy your visit to Taj Mahal.
• Hire a Certified Guide - At the time of visiting Taj Mahal, make sure to hire a tourist guide that has been certified by the Government of India. If you hire a random guide, you are under the risk of getting conned and may end up paying more than you are supposed to. Check the Id card of the guide to differentiate between the certified and non-certified guides.
• Beware of Thieves/ Pickpockets - While roaming around in Agra, make sure you are careful of your belongings. Tourists are easy targets for thieves & pickpockets and thus, you should be careful with your valuables, wallets and mobile phones.
• Bargain is the Key- If you are purchasing something from the local vendors in Agra, make sure to bargain. The prices quoted to tourists are usually way higher than the actual price. You should bargain heavily to get a good price for the product you are buying.

World Tourism Day - Tips to Travel Safely in Jaipur:

• Book Your Stay in Advance - Make sure to book your accommodation before arriving in Jaipur. Last-minute booking can turn out to be expensive and also puts you under the risk of getting conned.
• Keep Emergency Helpline Numbers on Speed Dial -  Before travelling to Jaipur, make sure to keep all the emergency numbers on your phone speed dial, including women and police helpline. Doing so will help you save time during an emergency.
• Note down the vehicle number - As a tourist, you should make it a habit to note down the number of the vehicle that you are travelling in. This will help you find the vehicle if it is not around or if you left something in it while travelling.
• Ask for a bill -If you are buying something from a shop in Jaipur, make sure to ask for a bill in order to avoid getting scammed. You can get a hold of the seller if you have a valid bill.

World Tourism Day is the perfect excuse to visit India’s Golden Triangle along with other places in India.  If you follow these tips, travelling to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur can be made enjoyable and stress-free. So go ahead and plan a trip to the Godlen Traiangle during your visit to India this World Tourism Day.