International Trip Packing Checklist for Indian Travellers

The simplest way to pack for an international trip is to start with documents and money, then medicines, then clothes, and to pack for the weather and the number of days rather than for every "just in case". If you can carry your own bags comfortably up a flight of stairs, you have packed about right.

This checklist is written for Indian travellers flying out of Indian airports, so it covers the things that tend to catch people out on a first trip abroad.

Start with documents

Documents are the one category you cannot replace on the road, so pack them first and keep them together in your cabin bag, never in checked luggage.

• Passport, with enough validity and blank pages for your destination (check the entry rules for your trip)
• Visa or e-visa printout, if your destination needs one
• Flight tickets and hotel bookings, printed and saved on your phone
• Travel insurance policy and the insurer's emergency contact number
• Photocopies or photos of your passport, visa and insurance, stored separately from the originals
• A few passport-size photographs, in case a form asks for one
• Emergency contacts, including your family back home and the nearest Indian embassy or consulate

Rules about passport validity and visas change, so confirm them on the official source before you go. Our guide to visa basics for Indian travellers explains how to do that.

Money and cards

Carry a mix of payment options rather than relying on one. Many travellers take a forex card, one or two international-enabled debit or credit cards, and a small amount of local currency for the first few hours.

Before you leave, tell your bank you are travelling and confirm that your cards are enabled for international use. Keep one card separate from your wallet, so that a lost wallet does not leave you stranded. Check current limits on cash you can carry and current forex rules with your bank, since these change from time to time.

Clothes: pack for layers, not outfits

Check the weather for your dates, then pack a small set of clothes that mix and match, ideally plain, quick-drying pieces.

• Tops for roughly half the number of days, since you can rewear or wash
• Two bottoms and one comfortable pair of long trousers
• A light jacket or a fleece, even for warm destinations, because air-conditioning can be strong
• One warm layer and a windproof shell if you are heading to the mountains or a cold country
• Comfortable walking shoes that are already broken in, plus one light pair of sandals
• Swimwear if your trip includes a beach or a pool
• One smart-casual outfit for a nice dinner

Check the dress expectations of religious sites you plan to visit. Many ask for covered shoulders and knees, and a light scarf or shawl solves this easily.

Medicines and health items

Pack a small kit of your regular medicines in their original strips, along with the doctor's prescription. Some countries are strict about carrying medicines, so check the rules for your destination, especially for anything prescribed or controlled, and carry a doctor's letter if needed.

A basic kit usually includes:

• Your regular prescription medicines, plus a few extra days' supply
• Pain relief, fever medicine and something for an upset stomach
• Oral rehydration salts
• Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to them
• Plasters, antiseptic cream, and any allergy medicine you use
• Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent

Ask your doctor or a travel clinic about any vaccinations or health precautions recommended for your destination, and rely on official health guidance rather than hearsay.

Electronics and small essentials

Most trips need fewer gadgets than you think, but a few small items make a big difference.

1. A universal travel adapter, because plug types differ between countries
2. A power bank, kept in your cabin bag (airlines generally do not allow power banks in checked luggage, so check your airline's rules)
3. Phone charger and a short extension cable
4. Earphones for the flight
5. A small padlock or cable tie for your checked bag
6. A reusable water bottle, emptied before airport security

Download offline maps, your tickets and your hotel addresses before you leave, so you are not dependent on a mobile signal in the first hour.

Baggage rules and what to leave at home

Weigh your bags at home. Airlines set their own cabin and checked baggage limits, and these vary by airline, fare and route, so read your ticket rather than guessing. Liquids in your cabin bag are usually restricted to small containers, so decant what you need into travel-size bottles.

Leave behind items that are heavy, easily replaced or risky: excess jewellery, large amounts of cash, hair dryers, and anything you would be upset to lose. If you are unsure about food items, spices or medicines, check the airline's and the destination's customs guidance.

A final check the night before

Lay everything out and run through it once more: passport and tickets in your cabin bag, phone and power bank charged, cards enabled, insurance details saved. Keep a little space free, because souvenirs will fill it on the way back.

If you are deciding on your first destination, our explore the world page is a good place to start, and our group tours take care of much of the planning for you. For a bigger planning picture, read how to plan a trip budget too, and if you would like help choosing, our team is happy to talk it through.