Overpackers anonymous

lapana · Dec 5th, 2005, 01:32

I tend to overpack... a lot. So, please tell me if I am brining too many clothes!

I am going to be in India from Dec 9 to Jan 3 - Bombay, Aurangabad, Varanasi, Delhi, Palolem. (wedding in Delhi mostly, with reception number 2 in Bombay)

4 pair pants - one of them has legs that zip off to become shorts
3 t-shirts - one is reversible, so I guess that is sort of 4
3 long sleeve shirts - one of them is nice for going out (and wedding events like the Mehndi)
2 dresses (There are 4 formal wedding events, but I figure I can buy a salwaar and a sari when I get there for the other 2)
1 fleece
1 windbreaker (waterproof)
1 bathing suit
1 pair athletic shorts (for sleeping/Goa)
1 beach coverup (also doubles as sleepwear)

1 pair teva sandals
1 pair sneakers
(I figure I will buy fancy shoes when I get there)

8 pair underwear/socks (We are planning on getting laundry done, of course)

Too much? To little?

Thanks!

cyberhippie · Dec 5th, 2005, 01:51

Sounds about right!!!

chaiyya chaiyya · Dec 5th, 2005, 04:48

Lapana,
Incredibly, I'm about to find myself in the same situation as you. I'm flying to Delhi this Tuesday and will be in the country for a little over a month and attending a wedding in Mumbai. Basically, I'm a wreck trying not to overpack. This is what I've got so far:
Malaria meds, antibiotics, bandaids, sunscreen, small flashlight, Nalgene bottle
an awesome book, my LonelyPlanet bible to India, CD walkman/CD's
my traveler's wallet
sandals, high heels for the wedding (my feet are size 10 USW, it might be hard for me to find shoes that fit in India....maybe?)
bathing suit
1 long skirt
1 pair jeans, 1 pair tan slacks (for safari in Ranthambore)
sleeping wear
1 Tshirt, 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 tank top, 1 nice clubbing shirt
TOWEL!!!!
a fleece sweatshirt
2 pair socks, 2 bras, six pairs of underwear
limited toiletries
disposable cameras and a journal
a gift for my hosts...

i think that's it for me. have a great trip!
claire

PeakXV · Dec 5th, 2005, 05:43

..... but you're both forgetting your toothbrush

.... In that case you better keep the Goan Dentist's email/number handy

.... Neem tree twigs are a good toothbrush substitute there and you can source many varieties of ayurvedic toothpastes too

traceyam · Dec 5th, 2005, 05:50

That seems like a lot of shirts and pants if you're going to get SK made there. You might want to consider sweats for sleeping in; one, because it's going to be chilly, and two, to make sure you're covered up appropriately should there be an emergency. Make sure the dresses come down to your ankles. As for buying shoes there, you'd better have small and narrow feet, you won't find anything else that fits! It's better to buy shoes at home and break them in first - always. Even if you find shoes in India it's no fun to be hobbling around a wedding in shoes that hurt, or to deal with "hot spots" and blisters when wandering around tourists sights afterwards. Remember you can always give away anything to make room in your suitcase for souvenirs before you head home.

chaiyya chaiyya · Dec 5th, 2005, 10:26

i almost forgot my toothbrush! thanks for reminding me...
can sarcasm be expressed in a smiley face? haha, ciao.

Nick-H · Dec 5th, 2005, 10:53

Why the worry?

If you don't exceed your baggage allowance then that's fine. Take as much as you like, but allow for the stuff you'll buy there.

Use lightest possible cases, that way you can put more inside them. Clothes can be put in zip-up laundry bag, which has almost no overhead, making several more kilos you can carry. Take as much as you can in carry-on. It's amazing how much I can get into the allowed "small camera bag" eg chargers for cd-players, phone, that sort of thing; small but heavy.

My motto is not to travel light but to take as much as I possibly can!!!!

lapana · Dec 5th, 2005, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by traceyam

Make sure the dresses come down to your ankles.

Crap! My friends who are getting married said nothing about this. They said that you could buy a sari or just wear what you would normally wear to a wedding in the states. Both of my dresses are short. (Not minis or anything, but knee length and just below the knee.) Hmm.... does that mean I should take those two dresses out of my backpack??

traceyam · Dec 5th, 2005, 20:55

Or swap them out for something with a longer skirt. If the wedding's in big city, like Mumbai, you might be able to get away with shorter skirts, but do you really want to? Remember, you can wear whatever you like in India - you'll be treated accordingly. If you do get a sari, have an Indian woman show you how to drape it properly and spend some time getting used to wearing it indoors before venturing out in public. Indian women make it look so easy but wearing a sari requires a very different carriage and movement than most Western women are accustomed to, and if you don't get some practice in you tend to look like you're wearing a doofy costume.

aebp25 · Dec 7th, 2005, 05:32

We are going for almost exactly the same amount of time. I am taking the same basic items, but since we are going to the mountains I am also bringing a coat, fleece vest and more long sleve shirts. I am also bringing "crocs" shoes to walk in, small heeled sandals and trekking shoes.

Cameras and electronics are taking up a lot of the space, but my hubby will have to deal with that! I am just trying to control the girl items (make-up, lotions, etc.)

Have a wonderful trip....

amarama · Dec 7th, 2005, 05:39

I though of steping off the plane with next to nothing. I m glad I read this thread, now Ill at least bring a good pair of well traveled shoes. Thanks tracyyam

Lakshmi Bhabi · Dec 7th, 2005, 07:17

I agree with Tracym that you should take less and get clothes made there. For the wedding, I highly recommend Salwar Kameez. As Tracyam mentioned, Sarees take some getting use to and you may need help draping it. Salwar are comfortable, beautiful and appropriate. The wedding ceremonies will likely last longer than you expect...you may not get a chance to change, so be comfortable. You may have to sit on the floor, etc. Have you tried getting a SK in DC before you go? There must be a large Indian community there...before I went to India I got a few cheap SK's and Sarees so I would know how to waer them. It helped a lot!

lapana · Dec 8th, 2005, 22:48

Ok, so took out one of my short dresses (just above the knee) and replaced it with a long skirt and nice shirt.

I will def buy a salwar when I am there for the wedding, but I am also interested in trying a sari. Maybe I should rethink that given the difficulty in wearing one.

I decided to not take fancy shoes and just buy there. My girlfriend that is getting married there has about the same size feet as I do (6.5 US) and I've occasionally borrowed shoes from her that she bought in India. So, hopefully I should be able to find something.

I am off to the airport in an hour!

ruins_explorer · Dec 9th, 2005, 01:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakshmi Bhabi

I agree with Tracym that you should take less and get clothes made there. For the wedding, I highly recommend Salwar Kameez. As Tracyam mentioned, Sarees take some getting use to and you may need help draping it. Salwar are comfortable, beautiful and appropriate. The wedding ceremonies will likely last longer than you expect...you may not get a chance to change, so be comfortable. You may have to sit on the floor, etc. Have you tried getting a SK in DC before you go? There must be a large Indian community there...before I went to India I got a few cheap SK's and Sarees so I would know how to waer them. It helped a lot!

Another wedding option might be the ghagara choli - I see that a lot in movies with Indian weddings - it's the skirt with the longer choli. Maybe it's just a Bollywood thing.

Anyway, I was going to ask - when you bought your cheap SK's in advance, did you have any worry that they would look "right"? I bought one on eBay and while it's beautiful, I'm concerned that it's either too dressy for everyday or maybe that it's just dorky. to be honest, all of the indian clothing is a little bright for me - I usually wear all black - so to branch out and try colors AND patterns at once, in one garment, is kinda scary.

traceyam · Dec 9th, 2005, 04:56

If I discouraged you from wearing a sari, I didn't mean to! They are one of the most beautiful women's garments on the planet. Wearing one is rather transformational and quite a delicious experience. They're not impossible, just different. If you feel so inclined please do give one a try, I was just urging you to get some instruction from an Indian woman and practice bit with it before stepping outside in one.

I've never worn a ghagara choli but I've seen women wear them to weddings, that would be a neat choice, too!

Dec 5th, 2005, 01:32	#1
lapana Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 9	Overpackers anonymous I tend to overpack... a lot. So, please tell me if I am brining too many clothes! I am going to be in India from Dec 9 to Jan 3 - Bombay, Aurangabad, Varanasi, Delhi, Palolem. (wedding in Delhi mostly, with reception number 2 in Bombay) 4 pair pants - one of them has legs that zip off to become shorts 3 t-shirts - one is reversible, so I guess that is sort of 4 3 long sleeve shirts - one of them is nice for going out (and wedding events like the Mehndi) 2 dresses (There are 4 formal wedding events, but I figure I can buy a salwaar and a sari when I get there for the other 2) 1 fleece 1 windbreaker (waterproof) 1 bathing suit 1 pair athletic shorts (for sleeping/Goa) 1 beach coverup (also doubles as sleepwear) 1 pair teva sandals 1 pair sneakers (I figure I will buy fancy shoes when I get there) 8 pair underwear/socks (We are planning on getting laundry done, of course) Too much? To little? Thanks!

Dec 5th, 2005, 05:43	#4
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 4,510	?? ..... but you're both forgetting your toothbrush .... In that case you better keep the Goan Dentist's email/number handy .... Neem tree twigs are a good toothbrush substitute there and you can source many varieties of ayurvedic toothpastes too __________________ What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Dec 5th, 2005, 05:50	#5
traceyam Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 426	That seems like a lot of shirts and pants if you're going to get SK made there. You might want to consider sweats for sleeping in; one, because it's going to be chilly, and two, to make sure you're covered up appropriately should there be an emergency. Make sure the dresses come down to your ankles. As for buying shoes there, you'd better have small and narrow feet, you won't find anything else that fits! It's better to buy shoes at home and break them in first - always. Even if you find shoes in India it's no fun to be hobbling around a wedding in shoes that hurt, or to deal with "hot spots" and blisters when wandering around tourists sights afterwards. Remember you can always give away anything to make room in your suitcase for souvenirs before you head home. __________________ "Don't you sometimes wish the arctic was strawberry flavoured?" -- Thermoman

Dec 5th, 2005, 10:53	#7
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,368	Why the worry? If you don't exceed your baggage allowance then that's fine. Take as much as you like, but allow for the stuff you'll buy there. Use lightest possible cases, that way you can put more inside them. Clothes can be put in zip-up laundry bag, which has almost no overhead, making several more kilos you can carry. Take as much as you can in carry-on. It's amazing how much I can get into the allowed "small camera bag" eg chargers for cd-players, phone, that sort of thing; small but heavy. My motto is not to travel light but to take as much as I possibly can!!!! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Dec 7th, 2005, 05:32	#10
aebp25 Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 16	Doing about the same... We are going for almost exactly the same amount of time. I am taking the same basic items, but since we are going to the mountains I am also bringing a coat, fleece vest and more long sleve shirts. I am also bringing "crocs" shoes to walk in, small heeled sandals and trekking shoes. Cameras and electronics are taking up a lot of the space, but my hubby will have to deal with that! I am just trying to control the girl items (make-up, lotions, etc.) Have a wonderful trip....

Dec 5th, 2005, 01:51	#2
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,009	Sounds about right!!!

Dec 5th, 2005, 04:48	#3
chaiyya chaiyya in time and out of season Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: washington dc, USA Posts: 11	Lapana, Incredibly, I'm about to find myself in the same situation as you. I'm flying to Delhi this Tuesday and will be in the country for a little over a month and attending a wedding in Mumbai. Basically, I'm a wreck trying not to overpack. This is what I've got so far: Malaria meds, antibiotics, bandaids, sunscreen, small flashlight, Nalgene bottle an awesome book, my LonelyPlanet bible to India, CD walkman/CD's my traveler's wallet sandals, high heels for the wedding (my feet are size 10 USW, it might be hard for me to find shoes that fit in India....maybe?) bathing suit 1 long skirt 1 pair jeans, 1 pair tan slacks (for safari in Ranthambore) sleeping wear 1 Tshirt, 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 tank top, 1 nice clubbing shirt TOWEL!!!! a fleece sweatshirt 2 pair socks, 2 bras, six pairs of underwear limited toiletries disposable cameras and a journal a gift for my hosts... i think that's it for me. have a great trip! claire

Dec 5th, 2005, 10:26	#6
chaiyya chaiyya in time and out of season Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: washington dc, USA Posts: 11	i almost forgot my toothbrush! thanks for reminding me... can sarcasm be expressed in a smiley face? haha, ciao.

Dec 5th, 2005, 20:55	#9
traceyam Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 426	Or swap them out for something with a longer skirt. If the wedding's in big city, like Mumbai, you might be able to get away with shorter skirts, but do you really want to? Remember, you can wear whatever you like in India - you'll be treated accordingly. If you do get a sari, have an Indian woman show you how to drape it properly and spend some time getting used to wearing it indoors before venturing out in public. Indian women make it look so easy but wearing a sari requires a very different carriage and movement than most Western women are accustomed to, and if you don't get some practice in you tend to look like you're wearing a doofy costume.

Dec 7th, 2005, 05:39	#11
amarama Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: very near the Mexican border Posts: 164	hmmm I though of steping off the plane with next to nothing. I m glad I read this thread, now Ill at least bring a good pair of well traveled shoes. Thanks tracyyam

Dec 7th, 2005, 07:17	#12
Lakshmi Bhabi Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 212	I agree with Tracym that you should take less and get clothes made there. For the wedding, I highly recommend Salwar Kameez. As Tracyam mentioned, Sarees take some getting use to and you may need help draping it. Salwar are comfortable, beautiful and appropriate. The wedding ceremonies will likely last longer than you expect...you may not get a chance to change, so be comfortable. You may have to sit on the floor, etc. Have you tried getting a SK in DC before you go? There must be a large Indian community there...before I went to India I got a few cheap SK's and Sarees so I would know how to waer them. It helped a lot!

Dec 8th, 2005, 22:48	#13
lapana Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 9	Ok, so took out one of my short dresses (just above the knee) and replaced it with a long skirt and nice shirt. I will def buy a salwar when I am there for the wedding, but I am also interested in trying a sari. Maybe I should rethink that given the difficulty in wearing one. I decided to not take fancy shoes and just buy there. My girlfriend that is getting married there has about the same size feet as I do (6.5 US) and I've occasionally borrowed shoes from her that she bought in India. So, hopefully I should be able to find something. I am off to the airport in an hour!

Dec 9th, 2005, 04:56	#15
traceyam Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 426	If I discouraged you from wearing a sari, I didn't mean to! They are one of the most beautiful women's garments on the planet. Wearing one is rather transformational and quite a delicious experience. They're not impossible, just different. If you feel so inclined please do give one a try, I was just urging you to get some instruction from an Indian woman and practice bit with it before stepping outside in one. I've never worn a ghagara choli but I've seen women wear them to weddings, that would be a neat choice, too!

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