<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by InterflugIL62:
Warning about India. It is a very third world country and I am sure a great experience but it is not something you casually do. Massive poverty, disease, and it requires lot's of patience.
Avoid Zim(babwe), the DRC, Angola, etc.
Lot's of problems now. Use Zambia if you want to go to Victoria Falls. No visa needed for SA which is so convenient.
Save India/Pakistan for that big adventure when you are ready to get down and dirty, and probably come back sick. Sorry to say but true.</font>
This person sounds like an arrogant wimp. Most of the world lives in poverty whether it is India, Zimbabwe or other countries in Asia, Africa, CIS countries or South America. With this attitude you will not be able to see most of what most of the world has to offer (and its these poverty-stricken parts that have some of the richest cultures). One has to overloop a few things and yes get "dirty" but you will be glad that you did that.
Someone earlier noted that India has great deals on hotels but please do keep in mind that during busy season hotels (Western chains) in India and generally pricy for what they are (at least in cities like Jaipur, Delhi and Agra). If you have points with hotel programs, it might be best to use those during such times. For example, at this time of the year the Sheraton in Delhi typically goes for $165 or more a night but can be had for only 3,000 Starwood points.