Travel in Bhutan and India with Beth Whitman
August 28, 2009 in Bhutan, India
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Beth Whitman is a publisher, author, tour guide and traveller. We previously spoke with Beth about women travelling solo around the world, but today we focus on two of her favourite countries: Bhutan and India.
India
India is a huge country with amazing variety and an energetic vibe. Beth compares her budget travel there 20 years ago with her recent visits with friends who have hosted her.
India is still a cheap country to travel in; she estimates US$5,000 could last for six months or more, and outlines several regions to visit during that time. We also touch on arts and politics, looking at practical ways to help alleviate the suffering of beggars and children.
Bhutan
Bhutan is a tricky country for independent travellers: the government mandates that everyone must be part of a guided tour! That said, Beth talks about the country’s beauty, peace and culture. She tries to dig below the surface and give us a taste of travelling there.
To hear this interview, click here to open the Indie Travel Podcast in iTunes (for free) or click the orange “play” button on this page.
Sponsor: Placespotter
If you have ever wondered how to find and connect with local people on your trip and get first-hand information or even a free host then today’s sponsor, European travel startup PlaceSpotter.com, can help you with that. They connect you with locals to save you money and time. Nobody knows a place better than people living there; and that is where the main idea of PlaceSpotter comes from – connecting travelers with local knowledge.
Placespotter are re-launching their site on September 1 and are giving away an 860 euro ticket to wherever the winner wants! You have to be in to win, so visit Placespotter today.
This article was written by Craig and Linda
Craig and Linda Martin have been living on the road since February 2006. Both born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand they are ... somewhere in the world! Craig and Linda host the Indie Travel Podcast - you can get in touch with them here.
Since November 2006 the Indie Travel Podcast has evolved into an independent travel hub with regular audio and video podcasts along with articles by travellers from all over the world. 
Hosts Craig and Linda Martin started travelling in February 2006 and have been to over 50 countries. They were 
marina k. villatoro said on August 29, 2009
wow, 5k for 6 months! Those were the good old days in Central America, but no more! 5k will barely get you around for 3 months. But I’m also talking a step above dirty hostels:)
Inn @ Delhi - Bed and Breakfast New Delhi, India said on August 30, 2009
Wow! 5,000 USD for 6 months, that would mean back packing in the extreme! Esp. in the metro’s where the prices are higher than the countryside, or does this budget exclude the metro’s.
The kind of hotels you get for cheap in Delhi are not worth staying in. Delhi, Mumbai & other big cities can be expensive.
I can only presume that this budget does not include air travel at all, is that right?
jessiev said on September 1, 2009
what a great podcast! whoo!! thanks so much for featuring beth – and two great places we can’t wait to visit.
Craig and Linda said on September 1, 2009
It does sound amazing, eh? We were jealous doing and editing the interview with Beth
Marina, we’re off to South America next January to June/July. What kind of budget would you recommend for six months of budget travel?
rimi said on September 11, 2009
Hi ,
Indian railways has come up with a new website for Passenger Reservation Enquiry with many enhanced features that give better user experience. Thought of sharing the link for the benefit of all
http://www.bharatrail.net
thanks
Craig and Linda said on September 11, 2009
Thanks Rimi; great resource.