Going on holiday is fun and the last thing you need is agony over packing a suitcase. If you are travelling to India on holiday then you really don’t need to take a lot of things. Remember, India is a country where you can buy cheap goods. Things like clothes, toothbrushes, shaving kits and other toiletries etc can be bought at next to nothing prices so you can always buy them when you are there.
So you must plan your holiday and need to think of the things you need to carry in your suitcase. In addition, if you pack your suitcase with items that are not permitted, you’re bound to get in trouble at the airport.
So here are some tips on how to pack a suitcase;
Fold, roll and bundle your clothes: this is perhaps the best tip of them all. If you fold, roll and bundle your clothes, you can maximise your space and get more items in your suitcase. Although “to roll or to fold” is a disputed topic, it’s up to you to decide. But I think rolling works best for skirts, sleeveless T-shirts and pants. In contrast, folding shirts is best to prevent creases. However, folded clothing takes up too much space. You can pack your clothes in such a way that you can have enough space for other things. If you’re travelling in India, don’t come with a heavy bag. There are lots of things you can buy in India at cheap rates. The golden rule is not to let any space go unused and to wrap your clothes in bundles.
Check the weight: This is the hardest part (mostly for women). For majority of airlines, the luggage allowance is about 20 to 25 Kilograms. The last thing you want is to pay for extra luggage.
Take your bare necessities: if you are coming to India, don’t bring your whole wardrobe with you unless you’re taking part in a fashion show. You can always buy them in India (if you really wanted them). The best thing is to cut down and keep it simple. The bulky items should rather stay at home?
Layout everything before you pack: before you put everything in the suitcase, lay it out on the floor. Take this opportunity to downsize. Put the bulky items first and the lightest last. Toiletries should go on top.
Place your footwear on top: when in India, all you need is a pair of shoes. You can always buy a cheap and cheerful flip flops that you can abandon when leaving. If you really want to bring another pair then bring a good sturdy leather sandal for the hot summers to prevent your feet sweating excessively. Ideally, never take more than two pairs of shoes. To protect your clothes in the suitcase, you can place the shoes in a plastic bag.
Smaller items: utilise the pouches on the lid and sides of the suitcase for smaller items, this way you’ll be able to find them quicker when unpacking. You can always place the smaller items in your socks that can in turn be stuffed in the shoes.
Don’t pack oily edibles: there are rules preventing oily items the suitcases. In India, before check in, you’ll need to have your suitcases scanned. Save the embarrassment of opening and throwing away such items.
Buy the right suitcase: have you ever seen how suitcases are tossed about at airports? Have you ever seen suitcases completely open on the conveyor belts with all the contents coming out? Get a sturdy suitcase. Samsonite’s hard shell suitcases are the best I have seen. I still use my 20 year old Samsonite suitcase for travelling.
Don’t gift wrap: you never know if you have to open your suitcases at the customs. Gift wrapping can wait till you get home.
Write your contact: always make sure your write your name and contact details on the suitcase. It’s a good idea to remember what you have packed, make a list of things in the suitcase if you have to.
Lock your suitcase: always lock your suitcase with proper locks and use luggage straps.
Fragile items: should be placed in the centre surrounded by clothes or linen.
Packing medication: never pack your medication in your suitcase: what if you need them in an emergency. Always carry them in your hand luggage and not in your suitcase.
Your valuable items: protect your valuables such as you camera, camcorders, travellers cheques, money etc in your purse or hand luggage. Guard yourself from lost luggage woes.
Change of clothing: keep a change of clothing in your hand luggage just in case your suitcase gets lost and have to wait before it’s found.
Finally, think and pack your suitcase sensibly. Ask yourself, do you really need the things you are stuffing in the suitcase. You’re not going to need jumpers during summers in India or high heeled shoes if you are trekking in the Himalayas. My best travel advice to India would be to travel light.
Come with an empty suitcase and go back fully packed.
Watch this video on how girls pack a suitcase
