Living in India with Kids: Expat Life & Family Travel Tips

What is it really like raising kids in India?After sharing her flying-with-babies tips in a previous episode, listener favourite Rachel McCallum is back to give us a fascinating glimpse into her family's life as expats in Chennai, India.Rachel, her British wife Gemma and their two boys have spent the past eight years living in one of the world's most colourful, chaotic and captivating countries. From navigating culture shocks and organised traffic chaos to raising children in a multilingual, multicultural community, Rachel shares the realities of everyday family life in India.We chat about what surprised her most when she first arrived, why India often gets an unfair reputation, and how her boys are growing up surrounded by languages, cultures and friendships from all over the world.Thinking of visiting India with kids? Rachel also shares some of her favourite family-friendly destinations, including the iconic Taj Mahal and Kerala's famous houseboats. Plus, we talk food, festivals, school life, expat perks and the unique experiences that make India unlike anywhere else on Earth.In this episode we cover:• What it's really like living as an expat family in Chennai• Culture shocks and misconceptions about India• Raising kids in a multilingual and multicultural community• Family-friendly destinations in India• Visiting the Taj Mahal with children• Kerala houseboats and why everyone loves Kerala• Indian food, festivals and local traditions• International schools and expat life• Why kids are so celebrated in Indian culture• The realities of travelling India as a familyWhether you're considering an overseas teaching position, planning a family trip to India or simply curious about expat life abroad, this episode offers a fascinating insider perspective on one of the world's most unforgettable destinations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Expat Life in India01:59 Cultural Insights and Realities of Chennai04:21 Family Life and Kid-Friendly Activities06:32 Health and Safety Concerns09:51 Navigating the Medical System11:20 The Role of Domestic Help15:12 Raising a Family as a Same-Sex Couple16:12 Multilingual Kids and Cultural Exposure18:37 Education System in India20:08 Identity and Cultural Integration25:00 Traveling in India with Kids26:46 Exploring the Taj Mahal: A Family Experience29:15 Traveling in India: Tips for Families32:49 Must-Visit Destinations in India34:40 Cultural Experiences: Markets and Street Food38:28 Understanding India's Diverse Festivals42:10 School Lunches and Dietary Considerations in India48:23 Navigating Allergies and Food Options in IndiaConnectThank you so much for listening.Please feel free to reach out with any questions via@snacksandsuitcasespodcast@sallynanamisSnacks and Suitcases Facebook PageEmail: [email protected] If you’re loving the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up.AND... Don't forget the snacks.