posted same request on another site, want to travel with
1,5yr old child to GOA and India in Dec or Jan., any
suggestion such as precaution food, desease, hygean and
stay? Believe would stay only in Goa sort of north coast,
India maybe Mumbai aerea.
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HI desperate Traveler,
I want to first say that I have never been to this area of
India, and i have traveled only with 2 older kids ( 9 &
11). I do think though that probably the same precautions
(at least some) are the same for all around India and for
younger kids.
#1- Food. A lot depends on what your child has been exposed
to at home. My kids adapted well, but we do not eat burgers
and fries alone at our hoome. we eat curry, thai
food...lots of different types of food, so they didn't
expect recognizable foods. Of course you can always get
boiled eggs and fries or rice, staples kids are used to.
The hardest part of the food was what to give them to
drink. they quickly tired of tea, and fruit juice was
always suspect due to probable water content. They ended up
drinking far more coke etc. than they would ever be allowed
at home! I also brought juice crystals to mix with bottled
water (basically sugar, but perhaps better than pop!)
#2-Hygene; Try to keep the hands and face
clean...difficult. Bring those handi-wipes, good for places
where washing facilities are non-existent of unclean (most
places.)
#3- definitely worth the extra $ to get a hotel with
attached bath. Adults having upset digestive systems find
it hard enough to deal with communal toilets, kids have a
terrible time, and so will you!
#4- Medecine: Our doctor presribed something for stomach
ailments, unfortunately I can't remember the name. It was a
lifesaver when the kids did get sick.
#5-Crowds: My kids didn't seem to mind the stares and the
crowds, but I know of kids who were terrified. Just be
ready to have to adapt your travel style, should your child
become uncomfortable ( ie; cabs instead of rickshaws,
private train compartments. Sure this means more money, but
you DO Not want your child to have horrific memories of a
wonderful place.
I have a web site which details our trip , and some of the
funny episodes that happened ( read Buddies and Borders)
the URL is
www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Lagoon/3220/
There is a link on the home page to another great site put
up by the Lockley's a family who traveled for 6 months with
their kids. It has lots of hints too.
have a great trip, and if you need more info please e-mail
me,
Sharon in Canada
Check out http://www.siolimhouse.com - it is a lovely colonial home that has been restored and converted to a beautiful nice hotel/inn in North Goa, perfect for kids.
regards
I was living in Mumbai some years ago with my 1 yr old son, and like Sharons answer to you, clean water is number one. I was able to buy bottled mineral water, which was all I used for drinking. We had 3 filters on the house-water, which we used for cooking and cleaning. In the roof tank we added clor tablets to disinfect, but didn't particularly like to do that.
The other thing was nappies, which I guess you are about to let go of with 1╜ years ? - I forget. I was able to buy little portions of throwaway nappies (5 packs), but imported Pampers from Singapore a.o. .
We used pottassium powder in water to dip our vegetables and fruits for disinfection, but I don't know whether this was an overkill ?
Today I would bring a little house-pharmacy from home, including tea-tree oil (for little wounds/scratches and infections), maybe ask my doctor to prescribe some antibiotic salve just in case. We were taking malaria pills a little while, but not for very long.
We didn't eat much meat, but found that there was a very decent chicken brand (frozen and nicely labelled), we pretty much stuck with the local food, which was mainly vegetables. Only I was very strict about the water.
My son didn't have nice and firm stuhl, but I believe this was due to the heat rather than actual diarhea.
I had a wonderful time and with great experience despite the practicalities, and I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world. Wish you a safe and wonderful travel.
Love
Karen