Luggage: what to bring to India for your trip

Prepare your luggage for India is one of the first steps to enjoy your adventure smoothly. If you are wondering what to take to India for 2 weeks (or even 3), the key is to travel lightYou will need to bring the essentials and adapt your suitcase to the climate and local customs. Keep in mind that in India you can find everything you need 😊.

This country is a whirlwind of colors, aromas and experiences, and the more weightless you travel, the more you'll enjoy it. Do you want to know what to bring to IndiaWhat kind of clothes, what kind of footwear is best or what can't be missing in your first aid kit? Here you have the guide with everything.

Suitcase or backpack for India?

Before you think what to bring to Indiadefine the type of trip you will make and choose the format of your luggage.

• The Backpack: Ideal for those who will move in public transport, trains and those who go trekking and adventure activities. Look for an ergonomic and lightweight backpack with a waterproof cover. ⚠️ The backpack is not the best option if you have back problems, contractures or cervical pain.
• Suitcase: Perfect for organized itineraries or trips with a private car. A medium suitcase with sturdy wheels and a daypack will suffice. I always travel with suitcase 🧳😊, for me and my travel style it is much more comfortable and practical.

How many suitcases can I travel with?

• For international flights will depend on the baggage policy of each airline. Check this well as some airlines have started to sell flights without checked baggage included, which can be very unpleasant for you and your wallet if you find out at the airport.
• For domestic flights Within the country, only 15 kg of checked baggage and 7-8 kg of carry-on baggage are allowed. If you exceed the indicated kg, you will be charged at check-in.
• For traveling by train In India, there is no problem of excess weight 😊 but the lighter the luggage, the more comfortable the trip. At the train stations there are the so called "Coolis" or porters who can give you the service of taking you to the corresponding platform, loading your luggage and put it on the train. The price can vary a lot, depending on the volume of luggage and the acumen of the porter...
• For cab, Uber or OlacabRemember not to book mini-transport if you have a lot of luggage.

What to bring to India

In general terms, if you travel in the season from march to octoberYou can take summer clothes for warm weather and a jacket, sweater and/or foulard to protect you from air conditioning in transportation, restaurants, etc. (see below).comfortable and light clothing).

If you are traveling in season from November to FebruaryThe weather is usually cooler and the nights are cold, so you should bring some warm clothes. Keep in mind that during the day it will be hot.

Everything I have told you is at a general level but it all depends on the area you are traveling to. There are areas that are warm all year round and others where you need shelter in any season. I tell you more about this in my article on the weather in India.

Let's go with something more concrete:

• Summer clothing: comfortable, light, cotton clothing to allow perspiration. Long and cool pants or "pirate" type, loose shirts and long skirts as it is not well seen to show the legs...
• Clothes for temples: covered legs for both men and women and for women a pashmina or foulard to cover their shoulders and necklines.
• Winter (Nov-Feb): light sweatshirt or jacket in the north.
• Monsoon (Jun-Sep): clothes and slippers that dry quickly and thin raincoat.
• Mountainous areas: adds a thermal layer and warmth.

💡 Extra tip: avoid white (it is the color of mourning in India), besides, it gets very dirty 🎨 and intense blacks, which attract heat and mosquitoes 🦟.

Footwear: what to wear on your feet in India

• Comfortable slippers for walking long distances.
• Sandals with good support for hot days and temples (where you will have to take off your shoes).
• Flip-flopsfor showers or beach.
• If you are traveling in the monsoon, opt for waterproof or quick-drying footwear.

Basic first aid kit to take to India

The luggage for India should include a small first aid kit:

• Analgesics, antidiarrheals and your personal medications.
• Sunscreen (more expensive in international brands there).
• Mosquito repellent. In India the best brand is Odomos.
• Band-aids, disinfectant and oral saline or electrolytes for heat.

I recommend my article on the Indian vaccines and health tipswhere you will find all the info you need and a more extensive approach to the subject of the first aid kit.

And as always, remember to always travel with travel insurance. I travel with HeyMondo insurance as they have the best coverage and prices, and for being a reader of MiViajealaIndia you have a discount of 5% in this link.

Hygiene and personal care

• Personal hygiene kit (shampoo, gel, toothpaste, deodorant in travel format). Although you can buy all this there.
• Quick-drying microfiber towel.
• Tissues, as they are not always available.
• Disinfectant gel and wipes.

Documentation and money

• Passport with valid visa. Read this article with everything you need to know about the visa for India.
• Digital copies (you can upload them to the cloud) and hard copies of documents.
• Travel insurance (REQUIRED). You have a discount of 5% on this link.
• Travel cards credit/debit cards and cash in rupees.
• Local SIM card or eSIM to keep you connected.

Technology and practical accessories what to bring to India

• Universal adapter (types C, D and M).
• Chargers, external battery (solar is ideal) and small flashlight.
• Headphones and waterproof cell phone case if you plan boat trips.
• Cable organizer and laundry bags.

Extras to bring to India (make your trip easier))

• Hat (folding is more comfortable) and sunglasses.
• Multifunctional pashmina (for temples or dust protection).
• Earplugs (train and noisy cities).
• Foldable bag for shopping (you will fall in love with everything hehehe).

I hope this article will help you to know what to bring to India in your luggage. Bring the essentials to feel comfortable, but don't overpack and leave room for souvenirs and shopping and travel with an open mind.