Luxe India confirmed… 1 week to go!

ow! Today is exactly 1 week until my departure and I’m pretty frantic. I’m not sure about you, but despite the fact that traveling is second nature to me by now, I have a tendency to be a little too blasé.

Don’t get me wrong, when it comes to work and my clients I’m as thorough as you can be. Crossing my T’s and dotting my I’s, but when it comes to myself… forget it! I almost need the services of my own ‘Travel Stylist’ to ensure I am organised on time.

Despite having already run out of time to get my India visa prior to my departure (Lucky I have some time up my sleeve in the UK, so I’ll be able to arrange it there), something I have done is finalise my week’s sojourn through India.

With just 8 days between my Nepal trek (more on that later) and my India, Yoga retreat (yep, that’s right Trekking and Yoga!) I contacted the very knowledgeable team and our personal contacts at Luxe India to get me organised and they have planned the lot. (See, I told you we have contacts everywhere!).

The thought of travelling within India as a solo female traveller was a little daunting and kind of freaked out my parents (It wouldn’t be the 1st time!), so i had a few clear requirements for my journey.

Firstly I wanted to ensure that I would be safe, yet not guarded or kept too far from the sights, sounds, smells and experiences India is renowned for.

Of course I wanted an opportunity to take in the ‘must see’ sights that I’ve always dreamed of. These are the sights our clients always visit, so of course it’s important to experience them 1st hand.

Lastly, I wanted to include some particular areas of interest that I have researched that may be a little further off the beaten track. (Well as far off as 8 days travel will get me!).

So, after sharing my small list of travel ‘musts’ with the team at Luxe India ensured that they have created an itinerary for me that is perfect for my journey.

From witnessing Aarti ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges, to a visit to the Dalai Lama’s residence, where if I’m lucky an opportunity of an audience with him at McLeodganj where a large Tibetan population live … my trip covers all of my requirements and more!

What’s even MORE perfect is that one of my gorgeous colleagues Jodie has now decided to join me. So, now we are 2 female travellers experiencing India for the 1st time. It’s a destination we’ve both longed to visit for our entire travel careers, so the fact that we get to do it together couldn’t be more fitting.

So, stay tuned for updates later in October where I will share first hand the experiences I have of Luxe India and everything that a country as diverse as India has to offer.

For now, it’s back to the packing, washing and other mundane tasks that I always seem to leave until the very last second.

What’s your pre trip routine like? Are you a little ‘too relaxed’ like me or do you pack and plan a month ahead? Share any tips you may have for me.

Katie x