With baggage fees soaring, chances are you don’t want to check a whole pile of luggage on your vacation to India. Besides the cost, if you’re visiting several cities or regions, lugging multiple bags and suitcases around can be a big hassle. With careful planning and some knowledge of your destination, you can pack everything you need and still have room left over for souvenirs.
Luggage
Unless your visit to India is limited to the city and you’ll only need to bring your bags from the taxi into the hotel, avoid using wheeled luggage to haul your gear. The sidewalks and streets of the smaller towns and villages are generally uneven, dusty and in poor condition, making it impractical to pull your bags along behind you. Opt instead for a large backpack that you can easily carry on all of your adventures. Toss in a padlock and chain to secure your belongings when necessary.
Clothing
Since many visitors choose to adopt a local style of dress during their time in India, it’s not uncommon for people to pack just a few outfits and then buy inexpensive clothing when they arrive. Local markets overflow with colorful tops, saris and shoes that not only allow you to look like a native, but also serve as souvenirs of your trip.
If you decide instead to pack enough Western-style clothing for your entire vacation, bear in mind that India is a conservative country, and modesty is important. Women should cover as much skin as possible, particularly their shoulders and legs, and avoid displaying their chest or cleavage. Tops with sleeves are a must, or use a pretty shawl to cover your shoulders if you wear a sleeveless top or sundress. Avoid wearing short skirts or shorts; instead, pack long skirts and dresses and Capri or cropped pants. If you’re traveling to a tropical beach resort near the Westernized city of Goa, choose a conservative swimsuit and carry a sarong or cover-up to wear away from the beach.
Men should also dress conservatively in India. Do not wear shorts, and instead of T-shirts, pack short-sleeved polo or dress shirts with collars. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential for both men and women.
In the urban areas of India, Western-style clothing is acceptable, as long as it’s conservative. If you plan to have a night out on the town in the city, pack a dressy outfit and shoes. Stylish tops and jeans or shorts are acceptable for the nightclubs in Indian cities.
Toiletries
You should be able to find most standard toiletries like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and feminine products in any drugstore, so consider saving space in your luggage and buying those items when you arrive. If you rely on certain styling products, bring those from home, since the selection is limited in India.
If you’re taking any medications, bring enough with you for the duration of the trip. While most American medications are available in Indian pharmacies, the brand names may be different and getting the correct medication could prove difficult. Even the names of common over the counter medicines are different, so either bring your own allergy medications and painkillers from home, or ask the pharmacist for help.
Since soap and water might be hard to come by in some parts of India, bring a bottle of hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes. If you’re traveling to some of the more remote areas of India, a roll of toilet paper or two might be a welcome convenience, as will a flashlight. Bring bug spray from home, since American brands tend to be more powerful, but leave the useless mosquito net behind.
Necessities
Packing a variety of forms of money – U.S. dollars, Indian rupees and credit and ATM cards – is your best bet when visiting India. You can only get Indian rupees in India, so plan to bring some cash to exchange when you arrive. Many of the most popular tourist attractions actually accept U.S. dollars, so you can use those if necessary. Credit cards are widely accepted in the cities, and you can find ATMs almost anywhere. Divide your money between your bags, and keep some on you, so that you don’t lose everything in the event of a robbery.
Be sure to bring your passport and Indian tourist visa, records of your immunizations and any medical records you might need if something goes wrong. If you have a medical condition, knowing your medical history can help the doctor. Make photocopies of all your documents and your ATM and credit cards, and keep them separate from the originals.
If you’re bringing appliances, such as a hair dryer or other electronics that need to be charged, bring a voltage converter and plug adapter. A recent India guidebook and a language guide can also prove useful, and of course, don’t forget the camera and a travel journal to document your adventure.
Before you leave for your trip, do a little research and determine what you really need to bring and what you can leave behind. It is possible to be prepared and comfortable without overpacking – and your wallet and back will thank you for it.
This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is a freelance writer, avid traveler to India and online media consultant for Expedia. She helps people find cheap hotels and tours throughout India and the rest of the world.
Image by mckaysavage
Awesome post with some great tips.