Packing Checklist for Travel in India

Here is a useful packing checklist for travel in India for international tourists. It has a few pointers to help you remember to bring along the essentials for a vacation in India. It is also useful if you have to travel to other tropical countries in the South Asian region like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Remembering to pack these prerequisites can help make your holiday quite comfortable in the hot and sweaty temperatures.

Packing Checklist for Travel

• Plain cottons or cotton/synthetic blends are the most practical and the coolest in summer. It's best to avoid synthetic fabrics that don't 'breathe'.
• Delicate fabrics do not stand up well to laundering facilities except at deluxe hotels, so avoid packing them.
• For protection from the harsh sun a hat with a wide brim is recommended.
• When travelling during monsoons, an umbrella comes handy.
• During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are required.
• For functions carry formal suits for men and long skirts and conservative tops for women.
• Trekkers and travellers going on any outdoor adventure should bring a daypack that will hold a sweater, camera and a water bottle. A pair of binoculars and sunglasses that block out ultraviolet rays are also advised.
• Other important things to bring along are strong sun block, sewing kit, premoistened towelettes, pocket knife with can opener, lock and key for each duffel or bag, high-power impact-resistant flashlight and spare batteries.
• For electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and an adapter. The electrical current in India is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). Wall outlets take plugs with two round prongs.

Packing Checklist for the Airport

Security staff will screen any "Carry-on" baggage that will fit through the x-ray machine. However, it is up to each individual air carrier as to whether the baggage fits the size restrictions for your flight. Please check with the air carrier prior to proceeding through the security checkpoints. Here are some tips and a packing checklist for travel in India, when at the airport –

• Label your laptop computer. Tape a business card or other identifying information beneath your laptop to avoid loss or the accidental ‘exchange’ by fellow travellers.
• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your cabin (carry-on) baggage. The screening equipment for checked-in baggage may damage undeveloped film.
• Pack shoes, boots, sneakers and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.
• Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread your contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations.
• Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
• Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.
• Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a screener will have to handle them.
• Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.

I hope you find this packing checklist for travel in India useful. If you have any other tips or suggestions, please post a comment.