Hi all

There are so many great holidays to choose from in JY and I have narrowed it down to two.....Inspiration China and Spirit of India. I need some help with making a decision on which one to choose to go on next year. They both look fantastic and I was wondering if anybody can suggest what is the best one to start with. Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated. This will be my third holiday with JY but my first touring one. 

Sylvie 

:s

Hi I've done both....I preferred the China trip but on reflection, I don't think I was quite ready for northern India when I went (it was one of my first long haul trips).  I found the constant noise, crowds, appalling litter and smells overwhelming and it detracted from my enjoyment of the holiday.  It wouldn't faze me so much now, so if it's your first touring holiday, I'd suggest China and work your way up to India!  Both are excellent itineraries but China would be a better one to ease your way into long haul touring.

All the best,

Bob

Hi Sylvie,

I have done (permutations of) both of these trips and if my lottery numbers came up (must buy a ticket!) I would be back to India like a shot.

The "Marigold" celebs have certainly done their bit to push India but, as Bob says, it is an assault on the senses - even sometimes if you are used to touring holidays.

Out of the two trips you have highlighted then, for your first tour, China would perhaps be the better option.

However, if you are being pulled to India then Kerala should not be overlooked. You get India but at a much more genteel pace and that would serve as a good introduction to the north of India at some future date.

Best, Ian.

Hi

I too have done both trips and have also been to Kerala. I did the China trip in 2010 and the itinerary was slightly different but I saw what I wanted to see. I enjoyed this tour and I am considering another trip to a different part of China for next year. I loved India and this remains my favourite JY holiday. The Tour is very full on and you do travel long distances but it is worth it to see the Taj Mahal at dawn, tigers in the wild and to sail on the Ganges. Again, I would love to visit other area of India.

Whichever tour you choose I am sure you will really enjoy the experience.

Lesley

Hi Sylvie

it is very difficult to recommend a trip to another person as we all have different tolerance levels. I loved my trip to Kerala and spent three days in Mumbai at the end which was very noisy and all the things that Bob has mentioned. But I absolutely loved it. By contrast I visited Beijing at the end of the Mongolia tour and did not like it. Forbidden City and Great Wall etc great but did not like the city itself. Again as Bob says I may not have been in the right frame of mind having spent two weeks in the Mongolian outback. Happy travelling whatever you choose..

Hi Silvia

I too have done both these tours and many others with JY. Both these tours are amazing so whichever you choose first, you will have the other one to look forward to!! Spirit of India is my all time favourite tour with South Africa a very close second. I loved the assault on my senses! But it was the spirituality of the country and people that absolutely won me over. It’s difficult to describe. You need to experience it. The highlight for me was The Golden Temple at Amritsa which is an add on to the main trip. Whichever you choose to do first will be a great choice. Have a wonderful time.