ABT Travels

Jim answers:

Diapers, baby food (Nestum baby rice and other Nestle products), wipes, medication are easily available in most big cities. In smaller towns, you may have an issue with getting quality diapers (eg pampers or pigeon) may not be available, but the Indian brand Huggies may be available.

On the plane, get to the airport early to get the bassinet seat during check in.

Cow milk (mother dairy or other brands) are pasteurized and so should be good if you have already switched him – shouldnt be an issue. Worst case, you could buy Nan2 baby formula powder and mix with hot water.

My suggestion would be to carry medicines and papers, regardless of thier availability. Also carry one weeks stock of diapers and formula especially if ur baby is fussy about the diaper he wears (sometimes babies develop rashes when a brand is changed)

AM

Jim answers:

First, it depends on which dates you want to go. The most inexpensive time to go is towards the end of January. For the best prices, book your airfare on Tuesday afternoons and travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, as those are the 3 cheapest days of the week for travel. Also, try alternative. Alternative airports if you fly into a major city. Good luck in your search.

Jim answers:

I have been to India. I have been married to an Indian. Here is my two cents…if you are interested.

Traveling with small children is very hard. You are correct. Travelling in India is quite a culture shock. You might be slightly traumatized. BUT…are you going to visit or move there?

Focus on what matters.

1. Your weight doesn’t matter. People may talk….or you may have issues with it, but it should not be a consideration for a trip to India. You might even lose weight…it is hot (southern states anyway). If you are going to get surgery one day. Focus on the future.
2. Like one other person mentioned, why not wait for the whole family. I can’t see why you need to go alone. It is hard even with out children. Your husband may strongly influence if you like it there.
3. Consider the support that his family will give you. They usually have servants and often do all the cooking. You may get lots of help. That could be a positive side to it all. But it doesn’t mean that taking two little kids wouldn’t be really really hard. There are very strong cultural differences. The men are not going to help there. The roles are more traditional. You should be aware of all cultural differences.
4. Asthetically, the walls are plain. The country is really different from the states. BUT you can adjust if you want. Consider if you want to live there long term, but if it is just a visit, then consider it a different life and adjust if you would like too. It takes openmindedness.
5. Do you have to do it all? Life is about balance. Marriage, kids, travel, different cultures. Don’t take it all on. You might not like it.

I am not suggesting that you should go to India. BUT if I were in your shoes. I might suggest waiting til hubby can go.

I loved India. But it is not for everyone. Think carefully.

Jim answers:

It depends on the policy of the airline that you’re flying with. Some airlines require the credit card holder to be one of the persons traveling although they can waive that policy if you fax them a copy of the credit card and the credit card holder’s id, Some airlines may require you to have the card with you when you check in, some may require your husband to be with you at check in and some may not require any of the above. Give the airline you’re flying with a call to see what their particular policy is.

Jim answers:

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize…try not to let the baby’s skin dry out especially on the long flight because it can crack and allow infection in; also see a dermatologist maybe they can prescribe some creams that can help. Good luck and safe travels.