India is a vast, colorful and addictive country, replete with exotic temples, splendid palaces, incredible wildlife and enticing cuisine. At one end rise the immense Himalayas, while on the other end stretch miles of exotic beaches. Every landscape inspires, and the fascinating traditions and warm smiles amaze. But if you've never been before, India can be a bit overwhelming – unless you are prepared. 

“India is an exciting and beautiful country, but it can be perceived as intimidating for first time travelers,” said Phil Cappelli, president of Luxury Gold. “It's important to be prepared and to travel with companies you trust.”

Cappelli shares these tips for first-time travelers to India to help make their journey as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

1) Pick the perfect route

India packs a lot into a massive space – be careful not to overdo it by trying to see it all in one trip. By far the most common complaint reported by first-time visitors to India is fatigue from trying to do too much. A wisely planned visit to a particular area can deliver plenty of the unique texture and spirit of the place. Pick a trip according to what interests you, what you like doing, and how much time you have. Luxury Gold has more than eight curated experiences to choose from, of various lengths and covering different regions.

2) Escape the crowds

With over a billion people, many parts of India are crowded; personal space is especially hard to come by in the big cities. While some travelers find it energizing to be immersed in crowds, others may find themselves disarmed by the stares and personal questions that come with the territory. It's important to remember that this is simply part of Indian culture, and merely indicative of the locals' polite interest in you. If you feel the need to relax and recharge in the city, you can always retreat to the calm of your amazing hotel for a breather. Or head out to someplace rural or off the beaten path. Luxury Gold offers experiences that cater to urban adventurers, lovers of wide-open spaces, and those who want to experience the best of both worlds. 

3) Stay healthy

India may have different microbes and a different level of sanitation than you're used to, but that doesn't mean you will get sick. In fact, it's relatively easy to stay healthy if you take common-sense precautions: Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated (but make sure it's bottled, and not from the tap); steer clear of ice, fruit you haven't peeled yourself, and any food that has been washed in tap water; bring your own toilet paper when using public restroom facilities; and keep anti-bacterial wipes or gel in your day bag. Indian food may also be more rich and intense than you're accustomed to, so ease into the cuisine slowly. Your stomach will thank you.

4) Respect local customs

Indians are forgiving of those who aren't familiar with their culture, but you can quickly make a good impression by learning the ropes before you go. For example, remove your shoes before entering someone's home, cover your arms and legs (and head, if necessary) when visiting a religious site, don't touch things with your feet, and don't eat or pass objects with your left hand. If you're unsure of local customs, Luxury Gold's highly-skilled Traveling Concierges are on hand 24/7 to share knowledge, advice, and give practical assistance.

5) Remember that Indian time is relative

India is unique and operates on its own timetable; this may frustrate the traveler who comes from a culture of punctuality. For example, you may well find yourself waiting half an hour when someone has assured you they will be there in five minutes. Many shops do not open until 10:00 am, and many government offices close in the afternoon for lunch. Traffic and other interruptions can also mean that getting around can take a lot longer than expected. The key is to be prepared for it, and accept it all as part of India's charm. Build in plenty of time for unexpected waits, and make sure to check opening hours. You will have a wonderful time if you simply enjoy India for all that is illogical about it.

Luxury Gold offers eight highly immersive, curated experiences in India, which cover destinations from Agra to Udaipur. The most popular trips include the 14-day Classical India with Nepal experience, the 9-day Essence of India with Ranthambore experience, and the 14-day Imperial Rajasthan experience. 

For more information, please visit us at www.luxurygoldvacations.com, and join the conversation using the hashtags #LUXURYGOLDMOMENTS and #LUXURYGOLDVACATIONS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For reservations, contact your favorite travel agent or call Luxury Gold at (888) 680-1241.