Hilda Smith, who runs the popular lifestyle and travel blog Over the Hilda, joined us on our India adventure holiday. From comfortable shoes to the little things that make active days easier, here are Hilda's top tips on what to pack for India and other Asian countries.
Clothes to Pack for India
- Comfortable runners and several pairs of socks. There can be a fair bit of walking on the India holiday and some of it is over uneven terrain, so make sure you have footwear you’re happy spending the day in.
- It will be dusty, so white will not stay white for long.
- Comfy flat sandals are a good idea too. Your feet may swell initially until you get used to the heat, particularly if it is a long day, so ensure the sandals are not too tight.
- Loose cotton clothing is a must. I had bought two pairs of light cotton baggy trousers in Vietnam several years ago and they were a godsend.
- Also bring some colourful cotton shirts and tee-shirts.
- Colourful, lightweight clothing can be a good choice – take some inspiration from what you see around you.
- A hat is always a good idea for added sun protection and you do not want anything too tight. Mine just sat on my head, so it was not uncomfortable.
- Loose cotton dresses and skirts are wonderful too. I brought several maxis.
- Large cotton scarves can be used to cover your head, shoulders, arms and even your legs. Most temples require you to be modestly dressed.
- A small rucksack with several pockets is handy for keeping your day-to-day essentials together. Or somebody with a rucksack to carry your stuff. I had my husband, GG! Mine held everything from toilet roll or tissues (not all toilets provide it!), sun cream, insect repellent and hand sanitiser to my wallet, phone, camera and scarf.
Essential Medical Items to Pack for India
"Everyone talks about the Delhi Belly and some of our group succumbed. I have written on probiotics recently, which I believe helped me avoid it. Obviously, we used hand sanitiser (I always carried one). It’s important to speak to your pharmacist before you travel about what medicines may be appropriate to bring with you."
- Rehydration Salts: We found Dioralyte useful for keeping hydrated in the heat.
- Mosquito Repellent: Mosquitoes used to love me. They avoided all others and honed in on me so I was obviously the juiciest person around. I’m still careful and apply insect repellent to exposed skin before setting off on the day’s adventures. Some of the group did get bitten, so it’s worth being prepared. Speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional about the right insect repellent for your trip.
- Insect Bite Cream: We brought insect bite cream with us, and there are plenty of options available.
- Throat Lozenges: The air conditioning in hotel rooms can make your throat dry. We had Fisherman’s Friend and Strepsils with us and would recommend taking some throat lozenges with you.
- Emergency First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit is useful to have close at hand, particularly when you’re spending plenty of time exploring on foot. My friend Sara carried her mini medical kit in a small purse. Plasters, cleansing wipes and blister plasters are all handy additions.
A Few More Things for Your India Packing List
- Electrical: Bring an adapter appropriate for the country and your charger(s) for your phone and camera."
- Sunglasses: Make sure you have good sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Face coverings: I found these useful in particularly dusty or busy places. I was especially glad to have one in Delhi’s Spice Market, where it helped stop us sneezing.
Food
If you are gluten-free or have any special dietary requirements it is a good idea to let your travel company know in advance so they can inform your local tour guide. It can also be handy to bring a few familiar snacks for days out. Our friend Jan is gluten-free and always travels with biscuits and crackers, and I brought some chocolate, sweets and chewing gum with me. So I definitely recommend leaving a little room in your bag for some favourites from home! A little preparation goes a long way. Pack for comfort, leave some room for colour and make sure you have the essentials for active days out – then you can concentrate on experiencing India.
Discover our Indian adventures and find your next adventure. If you would like to keep up with more of Hilda's travel adventures, you can follow her on Instagram: @overthehilda
