Budget planning for extensive travel, always advised. There is nothing worse than being at the two thirds point on the journey and finding that only 10% of funds remain. Murphy is invariably lurking somewhere out there to catch the underfunded traveller with an unexpected expense. I suspect that this might be especially so, in an 'exotic' destination like India that is potentially a minefield of missed travel connections, cancelled hotel reservations, plus health issues ready to raise their ugly head without warning.
My first-cut at a budget in $Cdn. for the trip is:
Airfare: Toronto- Mumbai return $1211 ---actual
India 90 day rail pass (2 AC class) 650
Hotels @ $35/night x 90 3150
Visa 90
Health shots & travel medication 300
Health insurance 300
Food $20 x90 1800
Misc expenses (auto-rickshaws) $15 x 90 1350
Day pack--light ruck sac 25----actual
Total $8876.
Possible savings in several of areas:
a) Most Indian express trains (Rajdhani and Shatabdi) between major cities seem to involve overnight travel--according to timetables: it is not unusual to board at 2.30am! The cost of a hotel room obviated.
b) Super (Indian) first (civilised) class rail carriage accommodation is only offered on the system on a very few of the new long distance direct Duronto express train routes. It may be more cost effective just to book a regular 1st. class air con (1AC) pass at half price.
c) Food. I do not plan to eat expensive 'European' style food for the most part, opting rather to live off local fare, if suitable and if not too spicy for this delicate British stomach.
My first-cut at a budget in $Cdn. for the trip is:
Airfare: Toronto- Mumbai return $1211 ---actual
Hotels @ $35/night x 90 3150
Visa 90
Health shots & travel medication 300
Health insurance 300
Food $20 x90 1800
Misc expenses (auto-rickshaws) $15 x 90 1350
Day pack--light ruck sac 25----actual
Total $8876.
Possible savings in several of areas:
a) Most Indian express trains (Rajdhani and Shatabdi) between major cities seem to involve overnight travel--according to timetables: it is not unusual to board at 2.30am! The cost of a hotel room obviated.
b) Super (Indian) first (civilised) class rail carriage accommodation is only offered on the system on a very few of the new long distance direct Duronto express train routes. It may be more cost effective just to book a regular 1st. class air con (1AC) pass at half price.
c) Food. I do not plan to eat expensive 'European' style food for the most part, opting rather to live off local fare, if suitable and if not too spicy for this delicate British stomach.
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