In this post, I am sharing s 7 items that I always carry in my bag when I travel in India. After a few trips to India, I figured out what my essentials, and try to not leave the house without these items.
7 essential items to carry in your bag in Indi
1. Toilet paper
Before my first trip to India, I had no idea that most people in India use water instead of toilet paper. I saw toilet paper only in places that foreigners visit, if you go a little off-the-beaten-path, you probably won’t find it. So if you don’t know how to use toilet water jets and don’t want to learn how to use it, you should carry toilet paper with you.
2. Hand sanitizer
In India, many people use hands to eat food and it can be a little bit weird at first but when you get used to it, food really tastes better when you eat it with your hands. I also find it a little bit more hygienic because if you use your own hands, you know how clean or dirty they are, but with cutlery, you never know. I doubt that all places use filtered water to clean the utensils. That’s why I prefer to use hand sanitizer and eat with my hands if possible.
3. Wet wipes & tissues
I like to carry some tissues and wet wipes in my purse when I travel because you never know when you might need them. Sometimes there is no soap in WC, or you can youse them to clean your hands after eating.
4. Sunscreen
If you are like me and you get sunburned quickly, it’s a good idea to carry a small size sunscreen in your
purse and re-apply it every few hours.
5. Water bottle
India is typically very hot and dry. I always feel thirsty, that’s why I like to carry a small water bottle in my purse. In India I don’t use a reusable bottle, I just buy bottled water. Filtered water should be fine to drink, but if you have a sensitive stomach, I wouldn’t risk it.
Basic food safety tips for India: How to not get sick in India
6. Scarf
A scarf is a very useful accessory in India, especially for women. You can use it in many different ways. For example, if you go to the temple and you need to cover your head. When it’s sunny, it also protects your head and if you smell something bad, you can just cover your nose with a scarf. In winter, I like to carry a thin woolen scarf in my bag, because the weather can be pretty warm during the day but then it suddenly gets really cold in the evening. A cardigan is a little bit bulky, you can’t always fit it in your bag but you can easily put a warm thin scarf in your bag and use it when you feel cold.
7. Sunglasses
For me, sunglasses have 2 functions in India: they protect eyes from the sun, but also help to avoid eye contact with strangers. Sometimes people in India stare a lot if you look different. I’m pretty used to it already, but if you get annoyed, sunglasses are a good idea.
These were some items that I like to carry in my bag in India. If you have been to India, share your travel essentials in the comments!
