Get creative
Organize your art supplies and get to crafting. Consider making your own paper and learn the art of natural dying – or look for what you might have in your own kitchen and try this eco-friendly recipe!
Pick a film
Watch a movie that relates to your destination. Some ideas for India include:
- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
- The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
- Million Dollar Arm (2014)
Or have some fun with this easy-to-follow Bollywood movie!
- Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008)
Study some history
Dive deep into the history of specific sites you’ll visit on tour, like the Palace of the Winds, the Taj Mahal, or Agra Fort. Then, tour some of India’s ancient history and modern marvels with these virtual journey videos.
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
- Polite Society by Mahesh Rao
- Out of India: Selected Stories by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
Fill up your plate
Hold a virtual cooking class and make butter chicken with your travel group, or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Try naan, biryani, and tandoori chicken…and don’t forget masala chai!
Then, check out this video on why drinking chai out of clay cups is so much better. It sounds wasteful, but it’s actually good for the environment! Unlike plastic and steel, clay cups are biodegradable and made by hand out of clay dug up from the banks of the Ganges River.
Vegetarian? No worries. India has the largest population of vegetarians worldwide, with over 1/3 of the residents following a meatless lifestyle. You’ll have lots of options – just say “veg” or “non-veg” when you order.
Learn the language
Fortunately for foreigners from Canada, English is spoken widely throughout India (and where it isn’t spoken, it’s almost always understood). However, it’s always helpful to know a few essential phrases. Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with common sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).
Did you know?
Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in India, parts of Asia, and some locations across the Western world. Known as the Indian “festival of spring,” the “festival of colours,” or the “festival of love,” Holi signifies the victory of good over evil. Celebrants light bonfires, throw colourful powder called gulal, eat sweets, and dance to traditional folk music.