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I reeeeeeally don't want to go to India

472 replies

Harshreality · 06/04/2026 06:09

Husband and DC (12) want to go. I do not. Holidays for me are not a break, it's just my same stressful life somewhere else. I can envisage India being stress on steroids. The constant worrying about safety, getting ill, the noise, the hygiene, the hustle bustle, potential harassment...etc. Nothing about it appeals remotely but I'll almost certainly be forced to go with nagging. Our breaks are always nonstop activities because dh is so driven but I have been saying no to India for almost 25 years .Is it unreasonable to not want to go?

OP posts:
Villanousvillans · 06/04/2026 09:21

I definitely wouldn’t go. It’s the last place I’d want a holiday. They can go without you, if they are so set on it. Dig your heels in @Harshreality you don’t have to go.

Torchout · 06/04/2026 09:21

My dad's been to India on a couple of trips, both wildlife orientated. He really loved it and despite hating spicy food he said the food was very nice and didn't get ill on either trip. He has, though, advised me not to go as I'd find the poverty too distressing.

DH wants to go to watch India play England in one of the smaller test grounds. He'd been gradually talking me into it but I'm too ill to go and could be long term.

user1476613140 · 06/04/2026 09:21

Namechangerage · 06/04/2026 09:10

Why wouldn’t he go without you?!

Probably because he would have to do all the childcare stuff that his partner would normally do.

Miranda65 · 06/04/2026 09:21

As others have said, India is not the real issue, but the fact that the husband won't accept even a night apart. This doesn't sound like love, it sounds like control.
OP, it's perfectly normal to be happily married for decades and yet still spend time apart - you are two independent people. What will happen to your husband if you die before him, or have to move into a care home? You need to think long-term, because this dependency could end very badly.

grizzlyoldbear · 06/04/2026 09:21

It's moving around India which is not that fun.
If you go somewhere peaceful, (Goa, Kerala) and stay in a luxury hotel you will love it

LightUpLavender · 06/04/2026 09:19

It depends where they want to go in India. In the tourist hot spots, aka what they call the golden triangle expect a stressful and not very restful experience. But Goa, Calcutta and Mumbai were different. Yes still often very busy but no hassle. I also think it depends how much you spend on accommodation. We backpacked around in our 20s so all done on the cheap. But nice hotels equal nice service and that comes at a cost. Amazing country but maybe not a restful holiday unless you stay on a resort in Goa. Tell him to go on his own.

user1476613140 · 06/04/2026 09:19

I have never wanted to visit India. Doesn't appeal.

38thparallel · 06/04/2026 09:19

Why is her DH allowed to say no to Korea but she should research India a bit more and convince herself she’ll enjoy it.

Fair enough.

Bumblebeeforever · 06/04/2026 09:15

DH has always said he’d like to go to India but for me it’s absolutely a no, for all the reasons you’ve said, they’d have to drag me on to the plane kicking and screaming. I genuinely would let your DH go without you.

ItWasnaMeGuv · 06/04/2026 09:12

Harshreality · 06/04/2026 06:09

Husband and DC (12) want to go. I do not. Holidays for me are not a break, it's just my same stressful life somewhere else. I can envisage India being stress on steroids. The constant worrying about safety, getting ill, the noise, the hygiene, the hustle bustle, potential harassment...etc. Nothing about it appeals remotely but I'll almost certainly be forced to go with nagging. Our breaks are always nonstop activities because dh is so driven but I have been saying no to India for almost 25 years .Is it unreasonable to not want to go?

I haven't read the thread but it intrigued me, some years ago my DH wanted us to tour China, along with DD. I didn't fancy it so stayed home to decorate the house while they did the tour. worked out well for all of us Grin. I am not saying that you decorate your house obvs, but do something for YOU.

BuckChuckets · 06/04/2026 09:12

Harshreality · 06/04/2026 08:59

Eh? At no point have I said he can't go? He is welcome to pop off and leave me but he wouldn't go without me

Then that's a him problem. As is, I suspect, the fact you don't feel relaxed on holidays. Why doesn't he feel stressed? Is it because you're running around doing everything for everyone?

FWIW I go on holidays just me and my 8 year old, we have amazing, relaxed holidays, and I can't wait to take him to India because it's somewhere I loved going before I had him.

Miranda65 · 06/04/2026 09:11

Personally, I loved my holiday to India. But, if you don't want to go, then don't! You have agency, OP, so use it. Your husband and child can go, and have a great time. Meanwhile, you can have whatever kind of holiday you prefer.... maybe a nice UK cottage, take a pile of books and just relax?

Namechangerage · 06/04/2026 09:10

Harshreality · 06/04/2026 08:59

Eh? At no point have I said he can't go? He is welcome to pop off and leave me but he wouldn't go without me

Why wouldn’t he go without you?!

LibraColour · 06/04/2026 09:10

If you stay at the high-end hotel India is fine! However, if you hate the very idea of it, there is no reason to push yourself into it. Let them go and find anothe direction for yourself!

CharlotteRumpling · 06/04/2026 09:09

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 06/04/2026 09:09

Then that’s his problem. He doesn’t get to force you into a holiday you don’t want because he won’t go on his own.

I would find this really suffocating.

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 06/04/2026 09:09

Harshreality · 06/04/2026 08:59

Eh? At no point have I said he can't go? He is welcome to pop off and leave me but he wouldn't go without me

Then that’s his problem. He doesn’t get to force you into a holiday you don’t want because he won’t go on his own.

Mt563 · 06/04/2026 09:08

I honestly find it quite sad when a couple has never spent a night apart when it results in issues like this. He's harassing you which isn't fair and he isn't doing the holiday he clearly wants because he won't leave you. Not nice for either of you though all in his control.

Samiloff · 06/04/2026 09:08

anyolddinosaur · 06/04/2026 09:02

if dc is a girl then I wouldnt let a 12 year old girl visit without me, the attitudes to women are appalling. IRL 95% of those I know who have been to India came back ill, including those of Indian origin. So it's near the bottom of countries I might visit one day.

If DC is male then send them without you. Would you consider a cruise or maybe a river cruise? Audley travel offer river cruises.

95% of the people you know who have been to India come back ill?? That sounds crazy. They can’t have been taking the sensible recommended precautions.

I know about a dozen people who have been to India in the past few years (including DH who goes regularly for work) and none of them have come back ill.

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 06/04/2026 09:08

38thparallel · 06/04/2026 08:55

I'd love to go to Korea I think. Haven't been there. Dh says it's a boring choice.

Korea is a beautiful and fascinating country. However I agree there’s no fun going somewhere if your travelling companion is against the idea and goes with a negative mindset.
As pp have pointed out, India is a huge country. Could you do some research and find places there that you think you would enjoy?
Also, finances permitting, having a guide takes away a lot of stress.

Why is her DH allowed to say no to Korea but she should research India a bit more and convince herself she’ll enjoy it?

godmum56 · 06/04/2026 09:07

InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 06/04/2026 09:06

Can’t your husband do activities on his own / with your child on holiday, if you get so stressed by them? Why can’t you stay in the hotel and read your book if that’s what you’d prefer?

or just stay home?

InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 06/04/2026 09:06

Can’t your husband do activities on his own / with your child on holiday, if you get so stressed by them? Why can’t you stay in the hotel and read your book if that’s what you’d prefer?

godmum56 · 06/04/2026 09:06

one question really. Why do you not take separate holidays? Wish them a lovely time, even maybe help them pack and then do something YOU want to do. Not sure why you have ever let yourself be nagged into doing something you don't want to do.

RupertTheBlackCat · 06/04/2026 09:05

Blondiebeachbabe · 06/04/2026 09:00

I just got back from India last week. We stayed in Baga, in Goa. I'm sorry, but there's so much crap on this thread! It was a lovely holiday.

We were treated like royalty by all the staff at the hotel. We had an infinity pool that actually jutted out into the sea. Every morning the pool guy reserved our favourite sunbeds for us, so that we didn't have to get up early. He would also radio for the waiters whenever we wanted cocktails or snacks. When we came out of the pool he rushed over with fresh towels.

The food was INCREDIBLE. Every single time I've been to places like Tenerife, Lanzarote, Furteventura, I have been as sick as a dog from food poisoning, despite staying in top hotels. I had chicken every day in India, and I wasn't sick once. The curry is like nothing I have ever tasted before - the best food I've had in my life, truth be told.

Out and about, we didn't experience any harassment, not even once. And I am blue eyed with blonde hair, so definitely stuck out somewhat. All the waiters, shop staff, other holiday makers, were so, so friendly and very respectful. We never felt unsafe, even walking back to the hotel late at night.

Everyone was dressed very western, we only saw a few older ladies in sari's, all the other women were dressed like Brits, mini skirts, cropped tops etc. It was very family orientated, with children present in all the bars and restaurants, even late at night.

I mean, don't go if you don't want to, but similarly at least inform yourself rather than listen to the pearl clutchers on here. If you pick nice hotels, you will be fine. And you can fly direct (missing out the Middle East) - we flew direct with TUI. We upgraded to Premium. Flights were fantastic with 4 course meals and plenty of wine.

I would go back in a heart beat.

This sounds lovely but the question it leaves me with (as a reluctant traveller who would always prefer to be at home, but has actually travelled fairly widely at the behest of others) is, why go all the way to India? Couldn't you just go to a luxury hotel in Europe somewhere for a lot less money?

landlordhell · 06/04/2026 09:05

DD worked there for 3 months- top hotel, driven to work etc but she still got ill. She found the noise the hardest thing to cope with and the staring. She loved the experience and the people though.This was Bengaluru so not a tourist destination.

Snackpocket · 06/04/2026 09:05

I visited India for work last year, and did get some time to go out and explore. The traffic is insane and it is a culture shock seeing the state of the streets. But I had a fab time, visited some amazing historic sites, ate fantastic food and did not get ill. The people were great, but maybe I’m biased due to my colleagues there.

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