Not what to pack - what to pack in?

Wellbalanced

OK I should point out I am not a backpacker - maybe just a slightly adventurous tourist - but don't hold that against me

My wife and I are planning 3 weeks in November/December - Golden Triangle, Kerala and Mumbai - travelling by plane and train.

We would normally plan on taking 2 suitcases - my question is how easy is that to manage on the trains?

Reading some of the stuff here I am thinking we may bring too much - but we do need room for all the shopping and of course the kitchen sink!

Cheers
WB

seventies'hippy

You'll be far happier with something on your back, or at least shoulders, Suitcases in hands are a diffinite no no, makes you too wide to get in anywhere ,,,,,,,,

Suitcases with wheels don't work in India, the wheels just get clogged with all the gargage & shit we've just had some threads about. also most places footpaths don't excist, you'd be wheeling your cases over dusty cobbled dirt tracks,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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scub_a_holic

There are backpacks available that have side zips. So you can open them similiar to a suitcase and have a sort of similiar feel to being able to get things with out the need to pull everything out.

Just make sure its not a hard back case thing, a case with straps. Those are not designed to be carried.

I don't like them as a personal choice, but way better than a suitcase.

Judi

Sorry to disagree ..... flat suitcases are much easier to put under the seats in trains than back-packs. Also, didn't have any trouble whatsoever with my suitcase on wheels, although I must admit we didn't have to wheel them very far on pavements, but it did mean we didn't have the hassle of dealing with porters at the stations. Flat suitcases on wheels for me in India every time

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smida02

suitecases on trains are no problem. Are you just going from train to taxi to hotel? If so, a suitecase would do just fine. If you are traveling overnight, by train, buy a chain and lock your suitecases to the poles. You'll sleep better that way.

India Edge

Depends on the kind of traveller you are. We've tried both, and found that a small rolling suitcase works best for our purposes. Easier to manage in airports and crowded trains. We always have to buy another bag (inexpensive and readily available) in India for souvenirs anyway. And if you're staying in nice hotels you may feel foolish walking in with a backpack. But if you're going to be trekking or walking around the town with your belongings then a backpack would be better.

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Wellbalanced

Thanks for all your replies. We are not planning to go on an overnight train so airport to hotel to train will probably be the extent of it.

I think based on these we will be fine with the cases we will take. I will be prudent and take a rucksack in one of the cases so we should be covered for all eventualities.

Cheers
WB

Nick-H

I vote for suitcases too. They fit so easily under the train seats and are easy to wheel along the platforms and as far as taxi/auto.

Also they are easy to slide out and open if you find you packed something you need on the trip.

Wheels put much of that weight on the ground: I'm a wimp,no way would I want it on my back!

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PeakXV

My luggage to India is similar to the Russian matrioshka nesting dolls. 1 giant on-wheels PVC(tough) case which is my base, inside that 1 smaller Swiss Army canvas case, inside that 1 backpack, inside that 1 giant canvas bag rolled up. Dispersed wherever I can find room are my cloths, shoes, & toiletries etc . Anything I can't pack or forget - I buy there. The PVC wheelie case cum safe is my base and has extra secure locks and stays in my port of disembarkment in India with items/purchases that I don't wish to travel further or tour with. The other luggage bags are my foot soldiers , if you will, for travel excursions. On my return all these bags are strategically filled with purchase, gifts, Momentos, small elephant etc.

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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

conora

im a backpack man in all my travels.... but funnily enough while in east timor i didnt put my big bag on my back once!! i just carried it between trucks and accomadation,because i only had to walk 100m at the most.

But a travelling bag is ideal for what im doing, i think it all comes down to the individual.

datspreets

all depensd upon the kind of places u are plannign to visit.
suitcases n bacpacsk both fit well under berths of teh trains...
but backpacks are eaiesr to acrry n lungh around.

i woudl go for backpacks...

michaelpeterson

While in Agra, I will have to keep my luggage (one back pack) with me. Is this unrealistic? Will the let you take a back pack into most places or require it left. And shoes...can you take them off, pack them and carry with you. Hope these are not stupid questions.

LuAnnandJawahar

No it's not a stupid questions. No you can't take your backpack into the Taj or any other major (and many minor) monuments.

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gypsie,lotus

most places require you to leave things at the front, Shoes as well at a lot of places. And a lot of the places do not allow pictures to be taken, your camera as well, I do not like when I have to leave my camera's.
gypsie

michaelpeterson

Do they have "secure" check in systems (specifically at the Taj) or is it a crap shoot? If I have my $500 camera and lap top in an old travel back pack, and it's locked and no one knows the content... what are the odds?