Best things to take to India?
 

Other than T.P. and hand sanitizers, what things would you recommend to take that one may not think of?

socks to keep your feet clean when wearing sandals....sun block....deet spray....lots of $$$$, hat

Ziplock bags to store stuff. Plastic bags are not as commonly given in India as paper

A warm jacket and mittens if going on tiger safaris. It was cold whne the sun wasn't out! I took an old down jacket in a vaccuum bag with all the air sucked out, then left it there to make room in my suitcase for souvenirs.

Surgical/dust mask also for safaris

Extra camera memory

If you'll be washing your own clothes, quick dry stuff.

If you plan to have your clothes done by Hotel laundry, be aware they really scrub things. Don't take delicates.

I would bring a sense of humor and an acceptance that things will not go perfectly no matter how carefully you have planned.

Indeed, Craig. Lcuy, dust masks for safaris?

Definitely take dust masks for safaris. I didn't and ended up using a cotton scarf, bandit style, to keep my mouth and nose reasonably clear.

I did have thin surgical gloves, which came in handy in places like the toilet on the train.

What is the best way to pack toilet paper?

Any TP you bring will most likely only be used in an emergency (but you'll be glad you had it). At the roadside stops a bathroom attendant can provide you with a little roll for a 25 cent tip. Or you can "borrow" some from your hotel. I know from experience that facial tissues will work in a pinch.

V S Naipaul's book INDIA.

We brought lots of those litttle packs of Kleenex. Easy to stick one in your pocket each day.

Of course, we have a fifty year supply of them, from our trips to Japan... (they pass them out on corners everywhere, covered with advertising)

Some drinking straws and stick with fresh coconut water (which is readily available, the top of the coconut is cut off right before your eyes) when on the road. Enjoy!

Is it safe to eat at restaurants recommmended by western tour books and travel articles? Should we buy plastic plates and utensils and ask those restaurants to serve their food on them instead? Or they'd think it's a big insult?

JC98 - we didn't get sick, we didn't take any extreme measures but we did stick to mostly hotel restaurants recommended on this forum. If you feel the need to bring your own plastic utensils and plates, perhaps India is not a good destination for you.

Craig, we won't be staying in 5 star hotels like many people here in this forum. So, I thought we should take some extra precautions.

Also, from the trip reports on this forum, it sounds like everyone had their trips well planned out ahead of time with stays in Oberoi and other 5 * hotels and a guide/driver escorting them everywhere. Under such insular circumstance, why do people still have qualms about traveling India? Is it that bad? We're trying to go independently most of the time, and I'm not sure if that's a bad idea for a first trip?

JC98 - I really wasn't sure where you were coming from on your last post so I thought I would respond in a way that would elicit more information. There are many on this forum that have done India independantly and I would hope not to discourage you. However, I perceived your question re: bringing your own utensils as naive - I think it would be offensive to do that. The reality is that hygiene in India is not what it is elsewhere so certain precautions are necessary. When we were there, we felt more comfortable eating in Western-style places (i.e. hotels) rather than risking getting sick. It is a personal decision - you will probably have a better travel experience by taking risks with your dining choices but then again will your travel experience be ruined by food poisoning - those are the factors you have to weigh.

We went on our first trip to India last December and expected to get ill , were told the dirtiness and poverty would shock. Of course I had seen pictures , looked at posts on this site , read books etc . We are in our 40's and in the end our impression was that as we did the trip in cautious comfort ( 3 to 4 star with drivers in good cars etc )we had no problems. We ate at restaurants / cafes outside of hotels as well as in them and used their washrooms . No illness or even a slight stomach upset . And if you like Indian food it is really wonderful to eat there because of its freshness in terms of spices etc. But I packed all the drugs that might be needed in case of illness and napi - wipes as a substitute for toilet paper if we were caught short or needed to just wipe our hands .Pack really comfortable walking shoes as the pavements were ,in our experience , often broken and generally uneven .A thick rubber cushioned sole made all the difference .In short we were not assailed by bad smells , did not have to constantly side step human excrement ( at all )nor were we confronted by hordes of beggars as was predicted by some ( I have had a worse time with the latter in Bali ).I hope you like it as we would go back anytime and do it at a lesser standard of hotel etc as we feel much more certain about what to expect .An amazing country .

i agree with both craig and with john....we are extremely careful what we eat in '3rd world' countries, not just because it may be contaminated or not stored properly, but because our western stomachs may have trouble adjusting....this applies to japan and thailand which are very civilized as well as india and myanmar which are less civilized as it relates to western standards....don't jump on me for saying this, it is simply the truth...

use your head rather than your eyes in what you choose to eat....TP is the least of your problems....take kleenex as suggested or flaten a roll or two in your suitcase or buy some while there or take it from the hotel....

all guide books talk about these issues so you know them to be the truth

Something I advise is to have a pair of old socks to wear. Shoes have to be removed at most places of worship, Taj mahal, and so-on. Some of the stone can be very hot and gritty. Have these old socks to put on, and they can be removed so you dont get grit in your shoes for the rest of the day!

Bring to India a sense of humor, an open mind, patience. Ziploc bags can be good, good shoes (easy to take off for temples or visits to homes), a pocket knife for picnics, sunglasses, good hat, sunscreen you like. In fact a lot of things you would take on any trip. My philosphy is usually to let things do double duty vs. try to plan for every specific situation. For example I would never pack a mask if a bandana could serve me in any number of ways.

In cities you will be able to find a lot of things to purchase (including the TP that so many are so concerned about).

Definately don't bring your own plates/cutlery. If dishes/glasses seem dripping in water (use that bandana!) and dry them off. But this is unlikely. Eat cooked food, avoid fresh juices, drink bottled water, ice cream if you want to be really careful. But also keep hydrated, eat regularly but not overeat, don't over do it and get plenty of rest these things are also critical in keeping healthy.

I didn't pack any differently for India than anywhere else in Asia, but I do take Immodium, Cipro, Purell and toilet paper (squash the roll & store in a plastic bag, carry a chunk in a small baggie in day bag). I didn't stay in upmarket hotels and mostly traveled by train, but I tried to eat in places that looked clean and popular. I mostly avoided street food, unless I could see it cooked. I can't imagine taking my own plate and cutlery into a restaurant. You could always use your right hand, like the locals.

The only time (in 10 weeks) I had a stomach problem (fixed by a few doses of Cipro) was when I accepted a pineapple juice bought at a station by a charming couple sharing my compartment on a long train trip. I chose to take the risk rather than be rude.

For night trains I take a silk sleep sack (from http://www.dreamsack.com/) and a cable and lock for securing my pack.