By Anya Markovitz, Year 10
The India trip has been a long standing yearly project at Ecolint, to teach year 10 students service learning and humanitarian values. Lots of planning, fundraising, and weekly meetings over the course of the year all pack into an amazing two weeks in India. There are, however, a few obstacles to overcome leading up to the trip, namely: packing.
Many students panic when they see the packing list. The vagueness around the medicine requirements, yet the detail about water bottle size can be worrying, but not to fear: here are 7 packing and travel tips to get you ready for India!
1. Plastic bags
Plastic bags can be vital no matter where you’re travelling. Bringing a box can make a huge difference while you’re in India, either for garbage, travel sickness, or laundry bags – the list can go on and on!
2. Toilet paper
A lot of people freak out when they hear you have to pack your own toilet paper, but it doesn’t mean the bathrooms are insufficient. The toilet paper is mainly used for the bathroom breaks you take along the bus rides since there usually isn’t any provided where you’ll stop. One roll should be sufficient! Another useful tool to keep in your bag is a disposable toothbrush which you can use on the flights or the night train when you’d like to brush your teeth.
3. Utensils
In India, you’ll be eating with your hands, as is the cultural norm there. If you feel uncomfortable doing so, you can bring your own utensils – a fork and a spoon to eat lunch with while you’re working in Kodaikanal. Cutlery will be provided at breakfast and dinner, but not at lunch in the crèches.
4. Rehydration salts & various medication
Rehydration salts can be a lifesaver while you’re in India. You’ll be working in the sun all week and you can easily fall sick if you’re not drinking enough water, so to prevent this it’s a good idea to pack rehydration salts to mix into your water bottle. Additionally, if you get travel sick, it’s essential to pack some medication to help get through the travel bits. Nausea and vomiting are not fun to deal with while on a long bus ride!
5. Donations
Although you may have a huge bag you can’t even zip, remember: you have to leave space for donations! Everyone will have to pack at least 2 small bags of donations (clothes, toys, books). However, when you leave Kodaikanal, the donations will have been given away, so your bag will be much lighter on the way back.
6. Download movies and music
The travel time is long, from the flights to the train to the bus – but music and movies can help pass the time more quickly. Downloading a few episodes of your favorite TV show and a good playlist will help you through the experience that is the night train.
7. Undergarments
Unless you plan on washing your underwear yourself, bring enough for two weeks! Although there is a man who will come collect laundry, he does not wash underwear and bras. He will take socks, but it’s a good idea to pack extra socks anyway because you will have to take your shoes off during temple visits and they will get very dirty.
