Absolute essentials for 9 or 10 month trip

w1314 · Jul 10th, 2008, 10:50

In September I will leave for Northern India for nine or ten months. Partly because I don't want to deal with a large bag and partly as a silly challenge to myself, I plan to take one carry-on sized bag. My plan now is to take a pair of clothes (I will get a few items there once I decide what I need), minimal bathroom stuff (toothbrush, paste, floss), a minimal first aid kit, money and important papers (haven't figured out how this will be dealt with/carried), a camera, a sketchbook/journal, several writing things, and a book or two.
First of all, is this feasible?
Second, what else is absolutely essential that I should plan on getting before I go? There are several things I will buy when I get there like a few pieces of clothing and a knife but I may be forgetting something major. Would it be worth it to bring a sheet?
For the most part I figure once I arrive I will know what is necessary far more than I can being here.
thanks,
Willy

costaguana · Jul 10th, 2008, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by w1314

Partly because I don't want to deal with a large bag and partly as a silly challenge to myself, I plan to take one carry-on sized bag.

I can empathize with the first reason but not really with the second. India presents enough challenges by itself without adding more of your own!

Um, a lot of what you will need/want depends on what exactly you will be doing for those 9-10 months? For example, if your plan is to do a lot of trekking, then you will need different things than if you simply plan on visiting more tourist and historic sites.

Think about what you would like to do, and what you normally would use when doing it.

You can always pick up essential things that you might forget in India itself, but if there is anything "you can't live without" then be sure to bring it along.

Have you looked at this IndiaMike article yet?

Nick-H · Jul 10th, 2008, 12:25

Your knife won't get through security!

Even if you want to take a pair of nail scissors, it means a checked in bag --- however small.

Your first task is to check out the current "security" restrictions, and plan around them.

I'm a kitchen-sink man; can't see the point in travelling light, when one can try to have everything one might possible need, so can't offer further advice!

wonderwomanusa · Jul 10th, 2008, 12:27

I have travelled in India with a carry-on bag and found it very liberating.

The essential, IMO, things are your comfy undies, sunblock, socks and shoes that fit, and a money belt for your valuables. You can get almost anything else in India, as you need it.

Your important papers can be scanned and carried on a CD, so you can print them out when needed.

Or you can use one of those plastic envelopes with a button and string closure, for important papers and paper souvenirs. Mine is usually stuffed when I get back, with business cards and notes for the next trip.

ananda2193 · Jul 10th, 2008, 22:09

I've traveled in India with a small carry-on bag also with just a change of clothes and the basic hygeine products. Everything else can be bought there. Though you might want to bring extra film and a good combination lock is a good investment. They really don't know them in India. Key locks can be picked.

Sama · Jul 11th, 2008, 06:52

you wouldn't even need to pack the bathroom stuff, get toothpaste, etc. in india -- that'll lighten the load!

it's totally feasible. my friend was in india for a month this year and he basically had a carry-on size bag, minimal stuff like you.

but as was said, check airlines as to what you CAN NOT bring in a carry on bag. you can only bring a certain size of toiletries in carry on, otherwise they will get thrown out. you won't get past security.

I also like to travel light. my next trip is going to be for 2-6 months and I dread the thought of carting a huge bag around.

you don't even have to bring a sheet -- buy a dhoti (lunghi?) when you get to india and use that. I have one that I use on train seats for sleeping. and if all else fails, you can wear it.

waving monkey · Jul 11th, 2008, 07:43

My I ask on this tread if the quality of down jackets are ok
in India?

Thanx
wm

Brisso · Jul 11th, 2008, 08:07

Set up a free internet mail account and place scanned copies of passport, visa, air tickets etc.

All you really need is a passport, visa and cash.

singsub · Jul 11th, 2008, 14:24

viagra get viagra !! they arnt so easily available in india. almost everything else is.

karuna · Jul 11th, 2008, 15:28

^

I'm not sure one would get 10 months'supply of any drug through customs/security, but that much Viagra would be truly embarrassing if your bag was searched!

singsub · Jul 11th, 2008, 15:34

he could always say that he is getting them for his indian friends who find hard to get any.

costaguana · Jul 11th, 2008, 15:56

I've always travelled with my 65-litre backpack (weighs about 15 kg when full of clothes, toiletries, and the odd book). I find it is a a good middle path between lugging a suitcase around and travelling with only a carry-on size bag. Even if you fly into India with minimal stuff, you will accumulate on the road. You can buy large packs here in India itself, but they are generally not of the same quality as what you will find in North America, etc. So my recommendation is still to buy a good-size trekking pack that you can try out beforehand, and bring that with you, even if it isn't full when you arrive.

Also bring warm clothes and a sleeping bag (if you plan on using one). The Indian versions of both tend to be quite bulky, and you will actually save space if you bring higher quality, compact winter gear from home. And you'll need it for a North Indian winter!

Cheers.

Lord Average · Jul 11th, 2008, 16:59

Hey if you really like a silly challenge, why not ditch the bag, and just use one of those multi-pocketed waistcoats!

That would be my dream. I always go to India with my wife, and we have totally opposite packing philosophies. I like to go minimal, she likes to go prepared for everything. Packing is always the most stressful part of our trip!

The interesting thing is that we always seem to come back, with more than we went out with.

Nick-H · Jul 11th, 2008, 17:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by sama

buy a dhoti (lunghi?

not a lunghi: a lunghi has the ends stitched together.

Singsub... how can India be short of Viagra? Isn't it the source of much of the world's cheap viagra as featured in everyone's spam-filtered mail? ---Maybe I answered my own question. Maybe it all goes for export?!

puchoo · Jul 11th, 2008, 19:29

What might be more embarrassing would be returning back with the same amount and not having used any

Quote:

Originally Posted by karuna

^

I'm not sure one would get 10 months'supply of any drug through customs/security, but that much Viagra would be truly embarrassing if your bag was searched!

Jul 10th, 2008, 10:50	#1
w1314 Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: usa Posts: 11	Absolute essentials for 9 or 10 month trip In September I will leave for Northern India for nine or ten months. Partly because I don't want to deal with a large bag and partly as a silly challenge to myself, I plan to take one carry-on sized bag. My plan now is to take a pair of clothes (I will get a few items there once I decide what I need), minimal bathroom stuff (toothbrush, paste, floss), a minimal first aid kit, money and important papers (haven't figured out how this will be dealt with/carried), a camera, a sketchbook/journal, several writing things, and a book or two. First of all, is this feasible? Second, what else is absolutely essential that I should plan on getting before I go? There are several things I will buy when I get there like a few pieces of clothing and a knife but I may be forgetting something major. Would it be worth it to bring a sheet? For the most part I figure once I arrive I will know what is necessary far more than I can being here. thanks, Willy

Jul 10th, 2008, 12:25	#3
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,763	Your knife won't get through security! Even if you want to take a pair of nail scissors, it means a checked in bag --- however small. Your first task is to check out the current "security" restrictions, and plan around them. I'm a kitchen-sink man; can't see the point in travelling light, when one can try to have everything one might possible need, so can't offer further advice! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Jul 10th, 2008, 12:27	#4
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Dhaka Posts: 3,568	I have travelled in India with a carry-on bag and found it very liberating. The essential, IMO, things are your comfy undies, sunblock, socks and shoes that fit, and a money belt for your valuables. You can get almost anything else in India, as you need it. Your important papers can be scanned and carried on a CD, so you can print them out when needed. Or you can use one of those plastic envelopes with a button and string closure, for important papers and paper souvenirs. Mine is usually stuffed when I get back, with business cards and notes for the next trip. __________________ The map is not the territory. --Alfred Korzybski

Jul 11th, 2008, 06:52	#6
Sama a pain in the asana Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: the India inside my heart Posts: 5,465	you wouldn't even need to pack the bathroom stuff, get toothpaste, etc. in india -- that'll lighten the load! it's totally feasible. my friend was in india for a month this year and he basically had a carry-on size bag, minimal stuff like you. but as was said, check airlines as to what you CAN NOT bring in a carry on bag. you can only bring a certain size of toiletries in carry on, otherwise they will get thrown out. you won't get past security. I also like to travel light. my next trip is going to be for 2-6 months and I dread the thought of carting a huge bag around. you don't even have to bring a sheet -- buy a dhoti (lunghi?) when you get to india and use that. I have one that I use on train seats for sleeping. and if all else fails, you can wear it. __________________ *My India, 2005-2008* BE THE REVOLUTION

Jul 11th, 2008, 15:28	#10
karuna The cat's mother Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: the wrong side of the Y-A-M-U-N-A Posts: 1,936	^ I'm not sure one would get 10 months'supply of any drug through customs/security, but that much Viagra would be truly embarrassing if your bag was searched! __________________ Indiamike mod squad's odd bod. Coexist. [Indian Mona Lisa by Dinesh; can't find original uploader to credit in full.]

Jul 10th, 2008, 22:09	#5
ananda2193 Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: you essay Posts: 1,582	I've traveled in India with a small carry-on bag also with just a change of clothes and the basic hygeine products. Everything else can be bought there. Though you might want to bring extra film and a good combination lock is a good investment. They really don't know them in India. Key locks can be picked.

Jul 11th, 2008, 07:43	#7
waving monkey Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: usa Posts: 90	My I ask on this tread if the quality of down jackets are ok in India? Thanx wm

Jul 11th, 2008, 08:07	#8
Brisso Specialist muddler Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 604	Set up a free internet mail account and place scanned copies of passport, visa, air tickets etc. All you really need is a passport, visa and cash.

Jul 11th, 2008, 14:24	#9
singsub Account Closed Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: right next door to hell Posts: 1,170	viagra get viagra !! they arnt so easily available in india. almost everything else is.

Jul 11th, 2008, 15:34	#11
singsub Account Closed Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: right next door to hell Posts: 1,170	he could always say that he is getting them for his indian friends who find hard to get any.

Jul 11th, 2008, 15:56	#12
costaguana a vagabond of sorts Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 73	I've always travelled with my 65-litre backpack (weighs about 15 kg when full of clothes, toiletries, and the odd book). I find it is a a good middle path between lugging a suitcase around and travelling with only a carry-on size bag. Even if you fly into India with minimal stuff, you will accumulate on the road. You can buy large packs here in India itself, but they are generally not of the same quality as what you will find in North America, etc. So my recommendation is still to buy a good-size trekking pack that you can try out beforehand, and bring that with you, even if it isn't full when you arrive. Also bring warm clothes and a sleeping bag (if you plan on using one). The Indian versions of both tend to be quite bulky, and you will actually save space if you bring higher quality, compact winter gear from home. And you'll need it for a North Indian winter! Cheers.

Jul 11th, 2008, 16:59	#13
Lord Average Giant Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Glastonbury Posts: 157	Hey if you really like a silly challenge, why not ditch the bag, and just use one of those multi-pocketed waistcoats! That would be my dream. I always go to India with my wife, and we have totally opposite packing philosophies. I like to go minimal, she likes to go prepared for everything. Packing is always the most stressful part of our trip! The interesting thing is that we always seem to come back, with more than we went out with. __________________ Live your life. Be Free

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