Travel Essentials

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Clothing
The best way to have the right clothing is to buy when you arrive. Clothing is very cheap and this way you will not only have clothes to fit it, you will have clothes designed for the climate unlike what you are likely to find at home, so plan to go clothes shopping on your first day. You will need to find conservative outfits, usually long cotton pants and a long tunic and scarf for women and long pants and a shirt for men. Legs should be covered at all times with shoulders and chest covered. This modest dress respects the Indian culture. If travelling during the monsoon season, it is very important you have waterproof clothes and good footwear while in the summer, be sure to have a set of long sleeved tops to shade you from the extreme heat. A hat may also be necessary.

Health
Health is a major issue when travelling to India. It is essential that you are very organised as you will need to be sure you have all the necessary vaccinations before you go and have the advice of a medical professional. The vaccinations recommended by the Centre for Disease Prevention include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and typhoid. If you are planning to be in rural areas for a length of time, other vaccinations might also be recommended. Keep in mind that some medications have to be taken a time before you leave so do your research well ahead of your travel dates. Malaria is a big risk so as your medical professional will advise, you should take one of the anti-malarial drugs available (each have different possible side-effects so consult your doctor to find out what is best for you).

Food and waterborne disease is the biggest threat so only drink purified water (either bottled or boiled) or alternatively carbonated drinks sealed in cans or bottles. Therefore avoid tap water and ice cubes especially. You can purchase water filtration kits, even drink bottles can be found that you can pour tap water into which will filter it for you before you drink. These are most likely to be found at your Travel Doctor. Food wise, be cautious of food you buy on the streets (most will advise you to stay clear), but most importantly make sure everything is thoroughly cooked and fruit is the kind that you can peel. Hence steer well clear of already cut fruits such as watermelon, no matter how good it looks!

Hydration is vital as especially in the summer months, the sun can really drain your energy. Make sure to have bottled water with you at all times to stop yourself from getting dehydrated. You should also use this water to brush your teeth.

Other health tips include washing your hands thoroughly with soap and carry hand sanitizer with you always. Because malaria is so dangerous, be sure to keep mosquito repellent on no matter where you travel in India as mosquitoes carry many diseases and you don’t want to end up sick at any cost!

Packing
As most will tell you – pack light and pack smart. Remember your western clothes are not much use here so bring one or two outfits and plan to buy the rest when you arrive. You should bring suitable footwear and not anything you want to keep as you will find your western clothing will wear out very easily in this country. There are many things to think about when packing for India but as a general overview the following lists some of the necessary items that should find space in your bag.
- toiletries (including hand sanitizers, toilet paper and (for women) sanitary items)
- sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water purification tablets
- footwear (sneakers, flip-flops) and plenty of socks as you have to take your shoes off in temples
- summer: sunglasses, hat, light covering clothes
- winter: warm clothes and waterproof gear if travelling in the monsoon season

Visas
A visa is necessary for all foreigners entering India. A tourist visa can be obtained and can be used for up to 180 days. It is best to contact your local Indian embassy to find what visa you will need for your trip.

Customs
When coming through customs at your port of entry, if you don’t have any dutiable goods, high value goods or more than US$2,500, you can walk straight through to the “green channel”, otherwise you will need to pass into the “red channel”. Also on arrival you must display a completed Tourist Baggage re Export form (TBRE).

Currency
Remember that you cannot bring any Indian currency in or out of the country. There are many ATMs in big cities and some in the smaller towns, but if venturing out of the cities make sure you bring enough cash as you will need in case you cannot find any on your way.

General
Before you start planning your trip, there are a couple of things to consider before starting the planning process. India’s climate can be extreme so determining the right time of year to travel is very important as you don’t want to be traipsing around the streets in 45°C conditions. Another important thing to consider is the culture of the place you are travelling to. This may mean you should plan to dress differently, behave differently and change your etiquette to match that considered respectful in the region. Also if you have any diet specifics, it is advisable to know the local cuisine to be able to choose the right foods compatible with your food requirements.

Keywords: Travel tips, travel essentials, travelling, Visas

Hello Friends...

Travel essentials are the important part of any traveling trip...these are the things which we require to fulfill our basic needs..."minisoji" has done a great work by listing these travel essentials here...I appreciate his effort to help the others from the experinece he gained by hid traveling...

Justin Loe.
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Packing is part of any travel experience. Whether you’re headed to a beach condo or an Alaskan cruise, you’ll need to bring appropriate clothing and travel gear. Here are 10 travel essentials to include on any trip, regardless of destination.

1. Wheeled Suitcase / Backpack / Duffel Bag

Wheeled luggage has revolutionized travel. No more backaches and strained muscles! Today you can buy suitcases, backpacks and duffel bags with attached wheels, any of which can make transporting luggage easy, if not entirely effortless. If you’re planning to hike or walk over rough surfaces, consider a wheeled backpack or duffel bag so you can pick it up and carry it as necessary.

2. Daypack

You’ll need something to carry maps, snacks and bottled water while you explore. Keep your heavy wheeled bag in your hotel room and pack daily essentials in a daypack or tote. Daypacks, while not quite as stylish as totes, distribute the weight of your travel items more comfortably across your back and shoulders.

3. Comfortable Shoes

Leave the high heels and beach sandals at home – unless, of course, you’re going to the beach – and pack shoes you can really walk in. Be sure to break them in before your trip begins. Blisters can ruin a perfectly-planned vacation.

4. Personal Toiletries / Medications / Glasses

These essential items vary from person to person. You’ll need to bring small, three-ounce bottles of liquids and gels if you’re traveling by air and intend to pack your toiletries in your carry-on bag. Bring your medications in their original prescription bottles, not in a weekly pill organizer. If you use an organizer, pack it empty and set it up when you arrive at your destination. Don’t forget your glasses, especially if you aren’t sure you can buy contact lens solution while on your trip.

5. Money Belt

Don’t fool yourself – pickpockets are deft and quick, and they’ll relieve you of your money and passport before you know what has happened. Buy a money belt and use it. Save your daypack and purse for items you can afford to replace, such as maps and water bottles.

6. Rain Gear

Collapsible umbrellas, water-repellent jackets, ponchos and folding hats make all-weather travel bearable. Unless you’re headed to Death Valley, you’ll probably need one or more of these items.

7. Travel Alarm

You’ll want to know what time it is and when to wake up, especially if you’re traveling with a tour group. Many people use the alarm functions on their watches or cell phones for this purpose. Others prefer a small travel alarm clock that’s easy to see in the dark.

8. Voltage Converter and Plug Adapters

If you’re traveling overseas and use plug-in appliances or electronic equipment, you will definitely need plug adapters. Some hair dryers, camera chargers, laptops and cell phones are dual voltage, but others need a voltage converter.
Check the label on each item you plan to bring. If it says “Input 100V-240V 50 / 60 Hz,” the item is dual voltage and only needs a plug adapter. If you don’t find this information on your appliance, never plug it directly into a foreign wall outlet. You must use a voltage converter to “step down” the 220-volt current.

9. Map / Guidebook

Bring guidebooks and domestic maps with you. Do some research on map prices if you plan to travel overseas. In many cases, it’s less expensive to buy local maps at your destination rather than in your local bookstore. You’ll need to factor in the currency exchange rate when comparing map prices.
Many people tear out relevant guidebook chapters and carry only the pages they need. This approach saves weight, but it destroys the guidebook. Go on a trial outing with your daypack, carrying the entire guidebook, your camera, water and food. If it’s too heavy, you may want to disassemble your guidebook and leave some of the pages at home.

10. Backup Documents

Make copies of your passport and tickets and keep them in a safe place in your luggage. If your passport is stolen, a copy will speed up the replacement process. Leave a second copy of your passport with a family member back home. You may also want to bring copies of other documents, such as your credit card’s rental car insurance coverage information, depending on your destination. It’s also a good idea to bring telephone numbers for your bank, credit card company and, if relevant, travel agency in case you need to contact them.

While traveling many ignore and forget to take basic medicines. I suggest always carry basic medicines for vomiting, headaches, cough an cold.
Also always carry mosquito repellents like skin-friendly mosquito repellent creams, mosquito repellent sprays, mosquito repellent patches and if possible a liquid vaporizer.