Important Considerations
Travelling To Mumbai
The first is to fix a date of travel and the length of stay. The advantage of doing this is that you can enjoy cheap prices offered for advance booking on air tickets. If you are in no hurry and want to enjoy your travel till you reach Mumbai, it would be advised to choose rail journey, enjoying the scenic countryside. Again, before you book your rail tickets, check the route as well as the duration. On the other hand, if you need to reach Mumbai fast or that you don't want to waste your vacation travelling, then air travel is the best option for you.
Staying In Mumbai
In case you plan to stay in a hotel or resort, it's better to make the bookings well in advance. This saves you from falling into the trap of agents who might charge you extra for last minute stay arrangements. Before you start your journey, it is better you research on all the good hotels and rooms in Mumbai; you can discuss this with your friends or colleagues who have already been in the city before or alternatively, you can also consult a travel agent. You can also look for reviews regarding the restaurant on the internet and make a decision. This way you will be able to find a decent place to stay at affordable prices.
Food
The food outlets in Mumbai serve tasty food at pretty cheap rates. However, it is always better to keep a check on hygiene if you have a sensitive stomach. Bombay treats its visitors very well with its variety of lip-smacking local delights and dishes. There are numerous cafes and restaurants with mouthwatering continental food and various other well known food chains.
Medical Checkups
This is yet another important part before you plan your travel. Get your medical checkups done and keep your medicines and a basic first aid box handy for use in any case of any emergency. Also, you might need to carry a sunscreen lotion, umbrella or a sun hat to protect your skin from the harsh radiations of the sun in this coastal city.
Local Commute
The most important factor that can make or break your stay in Mumbai is the local commute here. The local trains are almost always jam-packed to the point of insanity, more so during peak hours. Buses, while available aplenty, may take ages to reach the destination depending upon the route you are travelling on. Auto rickshaws and taxis come with their regular set of problems if you don't already know your way around the city. The point of all this information is that you must talk to a few local people, read relevant reviews and research regarding local travel before you venture out. Although it would be safer for you to chuck local trains altogether, if you want to experience the real Mumbai, you cannot give them a miss; they have been the lifeline of commerce in the city since forever. In case of buses, it is advisable that you understand the route and take the shortest one to reach your destination faster. As for cabs and auto-rickshaws, a map always goes a long way in setting things straight on this front. And finally, the golden rule of travel in Mumbai: Time your travel. Yes, stay in during peak hours and venture out on days and times when the traffic is not at its peak. This way, you would find trains 'not that full', traffic 'not that bad' and cab drivers 'not that crabby'!
Additional Travel Tips