Scotts Guide to India: Navigation / Traveling as a Group

Traveling as a Group

The tour is set up to allow for both group cohesion and individual freedom. When we first arrive at a destination, we'll occasionally have a formal introductory tour. On most days, however, there is no set itinerary. People are welcome to come and go, individually or in groups as they desire. Generally, however, we meet each day for breakfast to plan the day ahead and then again for dinner to debrief the explorations and experiences of the day. I also use these times to brief and prepare the group for what's coming next.

Traveling smoothly as a group requires organization and coordination. I've learned from past experience some things that aid us in traveling smoothly together:

Sightseeing
When we're traveling as a group to visit a temple or market, there will usually be time for everyone to wander, explore and shop. In this case, I will set a rendezvous place and time for us all to meet. At the agreed time of rendezvous, it is very important that everyone be punctual and show up at on time. If you choose to wander off on your own, please let someone know. I’ve had many experiences where we’ve waited for a long time for someone to show up or we have had to go looking for them; this creates a lot of wasted time and tends to build group resentment. Therefore, if someone isn’t at the designated rendezvous point at the set time, the group will continue on without them.

Please be sure to carrying with you the name, address, and phone of the hotel we’re staying in. That way, if you get lost or miss a designated rendezvous point, you will be able to tell a taxi or rickshaw driver where to take you

Hotels
When arriving at a new hotel, it's imporant that everyone in the group wait together in the lobby while I will check us in and obtain keys. Sometimes this can take some time as I might also check out the roooms to make sure they meet our needs. This check in time can be a bit chaotic and it's essential everyone stay together until the process is completed. At times I will need some information or have some announcements to make so please stay focused. If you need to attend to some matter like going to the bathroom, please let someone in the group know where you are going. When I hand out the keys, I will also let everyone know who is in what room; at this time, please have a pencil or pen handy. On the day of our departure, please check out of your room separately and pay any extraneous food, phone, or room service charges that you have incurred.

Food and tips
Once we're in India, the group will decide how we want to handle restaurant bills and tips. Usually we establish a kitty and someone is responsible for petty cash. This makes it alot easier than everyone figuring out their amounts and paying separately. However, it's up to with whatever the group is comfortable.

Caring for others and ourselves
It's important we take care of one another. Culture shock or the stress of travel can leave people feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. Feeling sick or under the weather can do the same. Check in on one another. Take care of one another.

It's also important you take care of yourself. Pace yourself. If your body needs rest, give it rest. If you are feeling emotional, talk about it.

Group Psychology
When traveling together, the welfare and morale of the group can be the deciding factor as to whether the trip is enjoyable or not. It is normal that things will come up between people given the intensity of India and the amount of time we'll be travelling together. Please deal with tensions directly or come to me if you want to sort stuff out. Please feel free, as well, to talk to me if you have any problems, concerns, feedback, and/or suggestions.