Recent content by Off the cuff

Wow Elizabetonth that's one heck of a way to suffer - two consecutive bouts of stomach issues would be my worst nightmare. I plan on packing some rehydration crystals which are meant to be useful if you get sick from food. They have the salts and minerals needed to balance your body chemistry or...

I was puzzled about how tipping could get you better service if you don't give the cash until the end of the trip or tour, but what jnorth says makes perfect sense.

Would they take your suitcase thedeatheater? Surely they aren't smart enough to open it and have a look through? Then again, maybe they are! I have had unpleasant experiences with several animals when they are spoiled from being fed by tourists. One involved a nasty bite from a donkey and...

Someone told me that it is possible to snorkel with elephants. It sounds amazing, but when I tried to find some more details I found some blog posts saying it is still possible and others saying that the elephants are all retired. If anyone knows the truth I'd love to know.

Crikey, I would think that surviving a walking tour would be something to tell people on Facebook at the end of the day. Surely a tour guide would take care of the people in their charge?

Thanks for all the replies. They are quite mixed, so it looks like I need to check out the hotels offering these deals again and see where they fit into what has been said. Thanks again.

I am looking at the details of several hotels online, and one I especially like the look of offers a breakfast buffet for 499 INR. Is this a good deal? It also mentions that a hot breakfast is available instead, for the same price. Annoyingly enough there is not specific information on either...

Lots of great tips and useful information here. All I can add is that whatever budget you decide on, add 50% for emergency or splurge spending.

I can't give you any advice as I am not a local, but I would love to get some insider tips on the best flea markets, too. Are you looking for places with used goods/antiques, or just general bric-a-brac? I always like to find something which is unique or unusual to bring home for myself as a...

All I read about it was a brief piece which mentioned this beach is on Havelock Island, (part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands), but it looked really nice and worth a visit/stay. I hardly dare look into the cost of getting there, it seems quite isolated so I imagine it would either be an...

Are you talking about motorbike taxis or the rickshaw type ride? I think the rickshaws are motorized too, but maybe a little safer? I know they are bigger too, where the regular motorbike taxi can only take one passenger.

Rice is good too, and if it's bland there are plenty of spices that will liven it up, like those suggested for main dishes. Even if you are not in India you can make curried flavour rice and add cubed chicken and peas or frozen mixed vegetables.

The scariest thing is that you can't reason with people who believe so passionately in something - no matter what it is. The fallout is massive, and includes the fear that such actions spread.

That;s a great suggestion Amelia, and one I will look into for myself in the future. The first poster may do well to avoid taking cash on a regular credit card, as that would attract fees for the cash advance and the transaction , then there's the poor exchange rate. I would always go for a...

Happy New Year\