We are embarking on the journey of a lifetime soon. Perhaps that sounds hyperbolic, but I’d say one month in India is a pretty big deal. I have not returned to the country of my birth for 20 years. This will be the first trip to India for Mac Daddy, and the first time my half Indian, first generation American sons will see their heritage in technicolor. There’s loads to be said about this trip. I haven’t quite wrapped my head around this journey and am pondering how to tell our story.
For now, I’ll start small.
We are a traveling family. We don’t believe in lugging around big suitcases. We only own one large suitcase. I carry more on a road trip because I know I can pack haphazardly. Each of us has a small rolling bag that has seen us across the country and across the pond. We are relying on these same bags for our month in India. I have few talents, but packing like a boss is one of them. It helps that I am small and have small clothes and shoes. Mac Daddy’s shoes consume all the space in a rolling bag so his challenges are greater than mine. My friend Kim once told me about some traveling underwear that can be worn around the world. I mocked her then, but now I need to know what brand that was.
You see, I’m making lists. I have an old school notebook bedecked in washi tape to record all the thingamabobs and whatnots for this trip. There are lists and doodles galore. I feel a much richer sense of accomplishment to write in ink rather than type a list. The satisfaction of striking a task done is akin to slamming down the phone receiver. Ah, such satisfaction that this young generation will never feel. The first thing I am preparing is our carry on bag, the one that will perch beneath the seat in front. I’ve complied a list of items to include and am still sorting out which particular brands to buy.
Here’s what I have on my list so far. Hit me with your recommendations.
- Medicine (a list one its own!)
- Books (real books and Kindles)
- Chargers
- Back up batteries
- Copies of important documents
- Scarf/shawl
- Pen and notebook
- Camera
- SD cards
- Lotion and face cream
- Dopp kit
- Headphones
- Hairband
- Cardigan/sweatshirt
- iPad
- Snacks (also a list unto itself, but give me your suggestions)
- Travel pillow
- Lavender spray
- Wet wipes
- Lip balm
- Teddy bear (doubles as a pillow)
- Compression socks
Tell me traveler friends, what else do I need? Bonus points for brands you love.