7 Items to Include on Your India Packing List

A good India travel book can be invaluable when planning your vacation, and particularly so when traveling around India. Not only will it provide you with useful background information about the country and its attractions, it will give you valuable advice about what's good and what's avoidable. India can be a challenging country to visit, but with the right planning, you'll find that your trip to India is much more enjoyable. Some guidebooks are better than others.

Many people find it useful to know some of the local language when traveling in India. Most widely spoken is Hindi. Whether you simply want to learn a few useful phrases, or you're more serious about studying Hindi, there are plenty of books to help you. I find the Lonely Planet Hindi, Urdu & Bengali Phrase Book to be a great resource if you're just starting out. The bonus is that it's not just restricted to Hindi phrases.

If you wish to use any electronic devices from the United States, you'll need a voltage converter and plug adapter. People coming from countries with 230V currency, such as Australia and the UK, only require a plug adapter for their appliances.

What is the Voltage in India?

Indian power plugs come in varying shapes and sizes. It's not uncommon to see five holes in one socket to accommodate them all! The most common plug consists of two round prongs. Sometimes there will also be a third round prong, making a triangle shape.

Traveling in India requires a comfortable, and most of all, sturdy pair of shoes. The ground is often dirty, dusty, rocky, and uneven. Walking around puts quite a bit of stress on your feet and footwear, and there's nothing worse than a cheap pair of shoes unexpectedly falling apart. Your feet will be grateful for the extra support that you give them! I prefer sandals because India is also a hot country, and I like to let my feet breathe.

One of the handiest things you can possibly have when traveling around India is a good quality day pack with plenty of compartments. It becomes invaluable for the safekeeping of all the items you'll need to carry with you in India. When put together, the number of items do add up (water bottle, guide book, camera, anti bacterial hand wipes, toilet paper, maps, snacks, money, calculator). It helps if you can carry them properly, and not all jumbled up together, in way that they're easy to access.

There's no doubt that India is unforgettable. However, you'll find that there's so much going on everywhere in India, you'll need to write the details down to remember it all. An especially designed travel journal will really help you keep track of all your experiences, the sights, and the sounds.