Taking your first ever vacation can be quite an exciting yet an overwhelming experience. Whether you’re taking that travel journey for work, vacation with your friends, family, partner or a solo trip, being well-prepared makes your journey smoother and stress-free. This article explores the 10 essential items you must carry with you during the first domestic travel you
Packing your luggage for a domestic trip is as crucial as your actual journey itself. There are essential items that no traveller must miss out and keep them on a handy checklist to avoid any last moment hiccups. Whether you are a frequent traveller or not, a proper checklist for packing your baggage is the ultimate savior. Let us see the list of non-negotiable crucial items you must carry during a domestic trip in India, especially as a guide for first-time travellers.
For domestic travel within India, essential items include necessary documents (ID, tickets, and insurance), comfortable clothing suitable for the climate, personal care items, and health and safety aids and much more. Check out the list below and use this before you jet off on your holiday and thank us later!
10 Essential Things to Carry During Domestic Travel
1) Documents:
The top position in the list of essential items is bagged by the paperwork and documentation that contains the detailed information of your travel. Besides this, a copy of your itinerary and local maps can help you stay on track in a new place.
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, driving license, PAN card, or voter ID are essential for domestic travel. Any of the identity proofs which mention the full name of the travellers is required at all points of the trip.
- Tickets: Have your flight or train tickets, boarding pass copies, and hotel booking confirmations readily available, either as hard copies or on your phone.
- Insurance Documents: You must carry travel insurance and health insurance details too, if applicable. Also, make sure to keep the soft copy of your vaccination certificate ready.
2) Clothing:
- Weather-Appropriate: Pack clothes based on your destination’s climate. Consider lightweight, breathable fabrics for warmer regions and warmer layers for colder areas.
- Comfortable Footwear: Pack shoes suitable for walking and activities, as well as slippers for downtime.
- Undergarments: Don’t forget sufficient underwear and socks.
3) Personal Care:
Maintaining a pouch which contains the paramount basic necessities, personal care items and toiletries is non-negotiable. Many places with exotic stays, remote areas, extreme weather areas might not have provisions for purchasing these items. Even the zostels, cottages or rooms may not have provision for it. One must not forget to carry,
- Toiletries:
Include travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other essentials.
- Skincare:
Sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm are recommended, especially for sunny destinations.
- Miscellaneous:
Shoe bags, laundry bags, small pouches come in handy at all times.
4) Medications:
As much as the thrill of taking that much-awaited holiday fills you, staying careful and taking precautions is a non-negotiable in order to ensure a seamless and trouble-free holiday. One must carry all the personal medications, an emergency first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers. In addition, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, and any specific personal care items you need also must be added. Some basic standard medications – for allergy, aches and nausea, indigestion should be packed without fail.
5) Electronics:
A major element and travel component involves the electronic items that
- Phone and Charger:
A fully charged phone and charger are crucial for communication and navigation. Carrying a multi-pin charger will be helpful under all circumstances.
- Power Bank:
A portable charger is helpful for long journeys or when access to electricity is limited. Power bank provides durability and back-up when required.
- Emergency Light/Torch:
A major travel item that is important to keep is an emergency light / torch, which during treks/ hiking trips/ hilly or desert locations ensures comfort.
6) Money
Probably one of the most important elements is keeping sufficient stack of money. Without this, no experience or activity can be enjoyed. No dining or shopping can be undertaken. Carry sufficient cash for smaller purchases and your debit/credit cards for other transactions. In case of pre-paid trip expenditure, having cash is ideal since many remote destinations in India do not a provision for card transactions.
7) Water & Snack Items
Not all the places in India have ample supply of water or food that matches your taste preferences. In such cases, carrying your own water and food items, light snacks, healthy delights is bound to be quite useful, especially if you have dietary restrictions or anticipate limited food options in the area of stay.
8) Entertainment Essentials
On a flight trip or train trip, you may get easily bored after some time, if the travel time is of high duration. So, taking along some books, games, and magazines to stay engaged and entertained during your journey is a beneficial idea. Kindle or other e-book apps are a great alternative to help you avoid heavy luggage because of physical books. Download movies, or podcasts for entertainment during travel. This is a key element and must not be missed at all – especially if you are planning travel with children.
9) A Backpack/Daypack Bag
A small backpack can be useful for carrying essentials while sightseeing or exploring. This serves multiple-purposes and allows you to pack and carry emergency items which may be required at all times. Also, it can be used to store stuff when plastic bags are not allowed or unavailable at local shops or market areas.
10) Miscellaneous Items
Apart from the above-mentioned essentials, any other item that may be required as per the location / destination you are travelling to can be included. If you have the habit of noting down something that comes to your mind, take a small diary and pen. Similarly, based on the requirements of such trips, pack other essential items.
Camera, precious jewellery, laptop and other similar items must be kept safely to ensure no theft. It is recommended to keep them in your carry-on baggage to keep them under your close observation throughout the journey. With some thoughtful planning and the right essentials in your bag, your domestic travel can be enjoyable and worry-free. This list is especially suitable for first-time flyers and ensures you don’t miss anything important.
After all, first travel is an experience for lifetime!
FAQs on Domestic Travel
1)What are essential items that must be taken in a carry-on bag during a domestic trip?
Valid Photo ID card, cash, cards, regular medications (if any), phone charger, water bottle, and essential toiletries must be carried in the carry-on bag during domestic travel.
2) Is travel insurance needed during a domestic trip?
Yes, travel insurance may be a good option to cover the unexpected loss of baggage or any injury during the journey.
3) Is passport required for domestic flights in India?
No, passport is not required for travel within India. Indian citizens traveling on domestic flights only need to present a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhar/Voter ID or DL).
