If you are planning to go to India one day, don’t even hesitate and book your flights. The Indian food is unreal, the people are amazing, and the history and architecture are just mind-blowing. If you are planning a trip to India or have an interest in visiting India, then look no further. This article covers everything you need to take with you to travel to India.
On my trip to India, I learned a lot about the essentials of things you have to pack for the journey. I know many travelers ask this question: what should I take and what are the essentials for packing for India? If you are going on a two-week or more trip, these are exactly the things you have to take for your journey.
First, you need a durable upright suitcase and carry-on from Victorinox. These are from their new Works Traveler 6.0 collection, and they are great for long-haul trips for several reasons. The extra-large size weighs only 12.13 pounds. I plan on buying gifts and packing gear, so this gives me the space I need without being too heavy. To start, the outer polypropylene shell is super tough and resistant to scratches. I love how it glides on eight wheels—very smooth—but the best part is the new Pack More System, which offers a removable padded compartment where you can pack your clothes and your laptop safely. This is perfect when you are going through security; you just take it out. Plus, these bags have all the features I always loved about the Victorinox brand: TSA-approved lock and they just look very high-end and professional. You can check it out at the link.
Remember, India is a massive country. It can be really hot in one city and really cold in another city in the same day. It really depends on whether you are going in winter or summer. In cold places, you definitely need to have a fleece sweater. It keeps you warm but it is not too bulky.
The next important thing is medication. After my last trip to India, I learned the hard way that eating street food in India can wreak havoc on your digestive system. Yolo, right? So, this time I visited a travel clinic and got prescriptions for antibiotics. Electrolytes are also a great thing to take with you. I like these packets, which can dissolve in water. In case you catch a stomach bug, which most people do in India, electrolytes are super important to help you fight dehydration. You must also take medication with you for an upset stomach and diarrhea. In addition to all this, all the travel vaccines must be up to date, including hepatitis A and B.
So, the next one is wipes and hand sanitizer. This is extremely important if you plan on eating street food, and also carry some toilet paper with you because most bathrooms do not provide toilet paper, only water.
For clothing, choose loose and comfortable walking shoes, and for pants, try cargo pants because they have multiple pockets and you can carry many things. You can keep dirty clothes in a bag to keep your clean clothes separate from your dirty clothes. In terms of how much you should pack, take at least clothing for half of your journey. So, for a three-week trip, take 20 pairs of socks, underwear, 15 shirts, maybe 3 pairs of jeans, cargo pants, and 2 pairs of shoes. And also don’t forget to pack your charger and power bank. Definitely get yourself a portable power bank.
Another thing is to bring sunscreen. India’s hot, you will burn, don’t let the sun burn you. The last thing you need to bring to India is very small but it will save your life and let you sleep because India is so freaking loud, and I mean every part of the day you’re gonna hear somebody honking a horn. For real, you will hear horns honking all the time, so bring yourself some earplugs. This will save your life and let you sleep. That is everything you have to take with you on a long, hot trip to India.
Some tips: No matter where you are going in life, always pack in packing cubes because they are the best thing. There is just a perfect way to compress everything you need and keep everything organized. Even pack a few spare lines just in case they show, packing in general is very simple. Do what works for you. It is not always necessary to pack light. If you are a traveler, then carry backpacks not suitcases. Suitcases are for the ones on holiday. For women, bring swimmers only if you travel to Goa and if you are staying in a 5-star hotel with a lot of tourists. It is pretty fine and safe to wear a bikini there. And on all the other beaches, you do not want to go in a bra and undies; even the locals will go in a conservative style swimming cozies. Now, outside advice: dress very conservatively in India.