I recently wrote, in the same article, I promised to prepare a small reminder for independent travelers, which should make packing and living in Goa a little easier. It's time to keep the promise.
I want to start with what is correct to say in Goa, since it is a state, not an island, surprisingly, not everyone knows this. Thus, I advise you to get rid of the grammatically incorrect “holiday in Goa” as soon as possible and boldly go to this curious area. The northern part of Goa is a very populated tourist area, with a lot of Russian-speaking tourists, winterers, long-stayers and businessmen. Local Indians (Goans) already understand Russian quite well in markets, shops, cafes and the beach, so you shouldn’t worry too much. When you need it, they will understand you.
I came across a lot of similar articles on the Internet, and they really turned out to be useful, unfortunately, many were written quite a long time ago and have partially lost their relevance. However, having trusted them, we rather “played it safe”, so they did no harm. On the other hand, I didn’t find a single complete manual; in the end I had to work with many sources, the information in which was also duplicated. Therefore, I will try to cover as much as possible the most important issues related to a trip to Goa, but at the same time I will write concisely and to the point.
A general article on all the necessary aspects of a holiday for a traveler going to India may also be useful:
Packing our bags for India in Goa 2016
I want to start with the fact that it is possible and advisable to prepare at home in order to less overshadow your long-awaited and so:
- Backpack. Or something similar that would be convenient to go shopping on a bike or take things to the beach. A practical and useful thing in Goa, and throughout Asia, if you prefer to travel on a two-wheeler without a trunk, and it’s more convenient to carry your belongings without having to carry them in your hands
- Copies of documents for a trip to Goa. Be sure to make several copies of your civil and Indian visa, driver’s license, travel insurance, if you decide to buy it, and electronic tickets. Carry one copy with you, including in, in case you lose your main luggage. You can take photographs of these documents on your smartphone, at least with a driver’s license the local police will do just fine, as long as you have an open category A (a motorcycle is drawn). By the way, we were advised to simply add a motorcycle to the image of our license in Photoshop, and tell the police in Goa that the original is at home and we are afraid of losing it.
- Travel insurance to India. Safety and health come first, so don’t skimp on insurance. A timely purchased insurance policy will allow you to receive compensation for a vacation that was spoiled due to no flight or loss of luggage, will help you get back the money spent on treatment and will be stored like a real talisman. Before applying for an Indian visa, we took out insurance in case of refusal, because by that time we had already purchased tickets. Therefore, I recommend not skimping on security.
- Photos. Most likely, you will still have photographs after, so you can take them with you, take them separately - there is not much point. Since we didn’t need them, but the circumstances are different, they are needed to purchase a tourist SIM card, as well as some copies of documents, but this is easily done, more on that later.
- First aid kit for the road. WITH Take with you, with a main focus on antibacterial and digestive products. If you are afraid of malaria, then a week before your trip and throughout the trip, as well as one or two weeks after, you can take one doxycycline tablet per day. This is a weak antibiotic that will not cause much harm to your health (if taken along with any probiotic), but it will help malaria bypass you. Although, when traveling to Goa during the high season, you are unlikely to face this disease. In any case, consult your doctor before taking antibiotics. By the way, a lot of medicines are produced in India, the prices of which will pleasantly surprise you, so, perhaps, it’s not worth recruiting a lot from dear Russia, but on the contrary, it makes sense to think about it.
- Cosmetics and protective equipment. In general, all this can be bought on the spot, but in order to immediately run to the sea upon arrival, it makes sense to take sunscreen with protection of at least 25, and a small cosmetic bag to touch up your makeup in the evening. Although very soon, having imbued with the spirit of Goa, the need for all this will disappear. Cosmetics, again, are much cheaper in India, and the quality is high, so don’t overstuff your suitcase.
- Insect repellents in Goa. There is no need to bring large quantities, since India has its own good products, which sometimes work better than proven domestic ones, but you can buy them for the first time. However, you will have to buy the remedy for termites and ants on the spot almost immediately upon arrival.
- Flashlight. The road from the beach, and in many places in Goa, at least in the northern part, is dark and unlit, so to save your feet, it is best to have a small LED flashlight and a supply of batteries or rechargeable batteries. In addition, by illuminating your path, you can calmly avoid all sorts of unpleasant animals that you don’t want to step on.
- Change for the road. Be sure to prepare some dollars in small bills, they will come in handy both on the plane if you want to buy lunch during the flight, and when changing at the airport upon arrival, at the extortionate rate, on the way to your vacation destination in Goa.
- Padlock (like a barn lock). The door locking system in India was a little surprising at first, but it is easy to explain, because... allows you to lock the house with your own lock, and the owners do not have to change the keys after each vacationer. As they say, the sheep are well-fed and the wolves are safe, or vice versa, here who feels like who.
- Products that are missed in Goa. Officially, the import of meat and dairy products, as well as cereals into India must be declared, but no one does this. But many tourists, especially winterers, bring delicacies: cheese, sausage, seeds, herring, caviar, buckwheat, chocolate, vermicelli - i.e. those products that cannot be found here in the usual quality and at reasonable prices during the day
- Things and suitcases. Usually people arrive with empty bags and take trunks home, including clothes. So take the essentials or your favorite ones, but still buy a lot of things. If you take a large empty suitcase, you will have something to carry your gifts back with. You can also buy it on the spot - I remember the story of one of my friends, how he bargained for two days in Goa for one spacious suitcase - well, this is also an element of exoticism.
- Women's clothing. India is a country of strict views; it is not customary to expose your legs and shoulders much, so out of respect for foreign culture, do not wear miniskirts, shorts and any tight underwear if you want to be treated well. Short clothing is unsafe for riding a bike in the heat and generally not practical. In Goa, of course, people are more accustomed to the sight of tourists, but if you are coming to experience the spirit of India, then you should not irritate its residents, they, of course, will remain silent, but at best they will write you down as a woman of easy virtue.
- Other little things. Shampoos, oils, soap, gel, powder, etc. there is a large amount of local production here, natural and cheap, so you only need a maximum supply for the first day or two
- Money in Goa. The Indian Rupee has a relatively stable exchange rate to the dollar, so if you are not confident in the sharp growth of the ruble or, on the contrary, there is a fear of its further fall, then it is better to immediately exchange dollars and go with a pre-calculated budget. By the way, the ruble traditionally grows in the spring, so we took a minimal supply of cash.
- Plastic cards. This is the best replacement for a mountain of cash, a relatively safe and profitable means of storing money. The main thing is to set limits correctly and have several cards from different banks and payment systems. The question is also relevant in Goa, it is always relevant: with a stable ruble exchange rate (when was this the case?), cash dollars are profitable, even with double conversion, but right now a card is more profitable for me. By the way, this and the previous point can cover all the others, because with money it is very easy to rest lightly. On the other hand, I know several examples where people in India got by with virtually no money, so who goes for what?
- Spare phone. If you come for the whole season, then it makes sense to use a cheap old mobile phone, since due to the humidity and sand, not every smartphone can survive six months in Goa. Besides, you shouldn’t show off expensive equipment unnecessarily in front of poor Indians
Instead of ending
Perhaps this is where we can finish the first part. I really hope that I haven’t forgotten something especially important and worthy of attention; at the very least, I’ll add it. In addition, there is a place in the comments, not only for questions, but also for forgotten answers. I will supplement this article with the best advice from the comments or prepare a separate one if I have enough material. When using this memo, you should not forget that in it I draw conclusions based on my own experience, including writing about what I myself forgot when getting ready and regretted upon arriving in Goa. I hope my mistakes will become a lesson to someone. In general, we’re packing our bags and taking a bold step to India, and I’ll tell you what to expect upon arrival. Good luck on your trips, perhaps India won’t scare you either, at least the prices are very reasonable, both for accommodation and travel, However, check it yourself.
Friends going to India for the first time often ask what things to take with them. The country is quite exotic, truly unpredictable. With our three years of experience, we claim to have some experience :))), which is why we set out to compile this important list, which will affect the comfort of travelers throughout the trip.
So, what to put in your backpack so that later it won’t be excruciatingly painful and you won’t experience discomfort while wandering across Indian soil.
Documentation
1. Foreign Passport + its photocopy + scanned copy by e-mail
2. Air tickets in several copies + confirmation letters from ashrams or hotels for accommodation + printouts of train tickets
3. Driver's license (licence) or a high-quality color copy, laminated to match the original
4. Money in cash dollars + bank cards with money on them (minimum 2). Access to the money on the card must be opened specifically for withdrawal or use in India.
5. Passport size photographs of yourself - 2-3 pcs.
6. Ksivnik is a small bag for documents and money that is worn around the neck or on the belt under clothes
7. Contact addresses in India with a visa application form (on the plane you need to fill out migration cards and indicate them there)
8. Two pens with a notepad
9. Guide or printouts from websites + map of India
Medicines and hygiene
1. Medicines:
A. Hydrogen peroxide, iodine (it’s good to pack the bottle, since iodine fumes spoil clothes, books, etc.), cotton wool, bandage, gauze, bactericidal patch, tea tree oil.
B. activated carbon, chloramphenicol, imodium or loperamide, enzymatic and digestive agents (festal or mezim, smecta)
B. antipyretic (aspirin), pain reliever (no-spa)
D. Individual medications
2. Wet wipes and/or bactericidal hand gel
3. Dry wipes (3-4 packs)
4. Soap + shampoo in a small tube
5. Towel
6. Toothbrush, toothpaste
7. Razor
8. Pads + tampons
9. Toilet paper
10.Skin moisturizer
11. High protection sunscreen + sunburn cream. Especially relevant for the South of India: Goa, Kerala and the Himalayas
12.Mosquito repellent
13. Comb + mirror
14. Washing powder
Farm
1. Small padlock (used to close doors in hotels and secure bags under benches on trains)
2. Bicycle lock
3. Flashlight
4. Candle
5. Boiler
6. Mug, spoon, knife, plate (if you have a light travel one, if not, then several plastic plates)
7.Lighter, matches
8. Needles, threads, scissors, nail file
9. Tourist seat
10. Rope
11.Clothes pegs
12.Wide tape
13. Two sheets that you don’t mind rubbing and throwing away at the end of the road
14. Sleeping bag (if the bag is a blanket and not a cocoon, then probably one for two)
15. A small, lightweight backpack for trips around the city
16.Tee
17.Inflatable pillow for sleeping on an airplane
Cloth
1. Two pairs of pants (one for yourself, one for reserve)
2. Long shorts or breeches (for Indian seaside resorts)
3. Cotton long-sleeved shirt + 2-3 T-shirts with closed shoulders + underwear
4. Warm jacket (fleece). If you go north, then a scarf + hat
5. Windbreaker from rain and wind or jacket (for the north)
6. Raincoat or umbrella
6. Cotton socks 2-3 pairs + warm wool socks 1 pair + tights (for the north)
7. Swimming trunks, swimsuit + goggles
8. Sunglasses
9. Panama hat/sun cap.
In India, clothes are inexpensive and can be purchased locally.
Shoes
1. Boots/sneakers and/or sports sandals (depending on the region and time of year)
2. Flip flops (cheapest)
Technology and leisure
1. Camera + charger + flash drives
2. Video camera + charger + flash drives
3. Mobile phone + charger for it
4. Card reader
5. Player + headphones
6. Laptop+charger+flash drives+bag+USB cable
7. English Dictionary/Phrasebook
8. For evening pastime: books/cards/chess/checkers/Tamagotchi/prez ervati, etc.
Food
1. 0.5 kg of various nuts, raisins, dried fruits.
2. Tea
3. Chocolate
When compiling the list, we also used the experience of other travelers from the site
Before you go to, you need to think through in detail the list of all the necessary things that you must have at hand if you go on a trip. All preparations can be roughly divided into three stages - we will tell you step by step what you should take with you in order to feel confident and comfortable in any situation.
Step 1: Pre-readiness
Of course, the very first thing that must be present in your travel suitcase is documents, among which will be:
- International passport. For an Indian visa, it must have two blank pages, and you must also ensure that the passport remains active 3 months after your return from the trip.
- Copies of your foreign passport (in case the main document gets lost).
- Package tour. documents.
- Indian visa.
Step 2: not much time left before departure
So, you're already mentally basking in the golden sands of Goa, but you can't forget about the things you'll definitely need on the road. So, don't forget to take:
- Medicines. One of the most important items that you must have with you. It is not always possible to buy medicines at any stall in Goa, so make sure in advance that you have on hand:
- brilliant green;
- plasters;
- bandages;
- proven insect repellents;
- peroxide;
- painkillers;
- anti-motion sickness medications;
- means to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- any antipyretic tablets;
- sunscreen spray or cream (in India there are a lot of mosquitoes and other insects that carry various infections).
- Take credit cards and money with you. If you plan to take more than 10 thousand dollars on vacation, they must be declared in advance.
- Insurance policy.
- International driver's license (it is worth remembering that traffic on the left is introduced in Goa). Many people prefer to take a personal driver for their own safety.
- Don't forget to bring hats for yourself and your children.
- Phone chargers, cameras, video cameras - and don’t forget the chargers for them.
- A small guide to Goa that will help you navigate the area.
- A phrasebook - English-Russian is quite suitable. Despite the fact that there are a large number of people living in India who speak Russian tolerably well, you must be fully prepared. To take lunch in a cafe or buy souvenirs, you need knowledge of the language, so if you have difficulties with English, it is better to prepare in advance so as not to buy a phrase book on the spot at an incredible price.
- Flashlight. Already at 6 pm in Goa the sun begins to set, and if you consider yourself to be a fan of night walks, this device is worth taking with you.
- Bed linen and towel (at least a clean sheet). No matter what experts say, India is one of the dirtiest countries in the world. Therefore, it is better to take personal belongings in order not to catch an infection.
Step 3: final readiness
Goa is one of the smallest states in India. Here you can have an unforgettable time for both newlyweds and married couples with children; even groups of young people will find entertainment to their liking. Economical shopping, fun parties, exciting walks - all this awaits you on vacation, but in order for the trip not to be overshadowed by unforeseen incidents, you should definitely take all of the above things with you.
At the airport, be sure to make sure that you have all your suitcases with you, your documents are in place, and their copies are in separate pockets. Think carefully about whether you forgot any important items; if there was an omission, it is better to buy the missing items while you are in your native land.
After this, you can finally relax and tune in to the positive - you are flying to one of the most wonderful, picturesque, unforgettable places on the whole Earth!
What is the most important thing when packing for a trip? Take what’s important and don’t take what’s unnecessary. Below is a list of what you need to take. Also take into account the specifics of your place of residence (luxury hotel or guesthouse), your lifestyle at the resort (relaxing with a glass of cocktail by the pool or traveling around the area on a bike) and the duration of the planned trip.
Photocopies of passport and tickets
Be careful when storing documents. Never lose a new or old passport with an Indian visa - losing documents will cause big problems. Make several copies and store in different places: if you lose the originals, there will be fewer problems. To be on the safe side, take photographs of your documents before leaving and post electronic copies on the Internet. Don't forget to print your e-tickets. To enter the airport you may be asked to show them.
Flashlight
It gets dark early in Goa, the electricity is often cut off, so buy an LED flashlight - it will be much easier to find your way to your accommodation in the dark. These flashlights are very practical and work for a long time without recharging. Some models are attached to the head - in the dark they are simply indispensable for searching.
Medicines
There are medicines in Indian pharmacies, but the names are different. Collect the basic first aid kit yourself: antiseptic, prebiotic, pain reliever. The standard set is activated carbon, headache tablets, patches, hydrogen peroxide, mezim. If you are planning to purchase special medications, find out their international names in advance or write down the Latin name of the active substance in the medicine - this will help the Indian pharmacist find a local equivalent for you.
Small backpack
A backpack for carrying things is much more convenient than a suitcase or bag. For traveling around the area or going shopping, a backpack is the best place to store the necessary little things: hygiene items, camera, map, shopping, water bottle, etc. Be careful: when checking your backpack into your luggage, do not put fragile or breakable items in it.
Tee
Do you carry a lot of electronics? Remember that there are often not enough sockets, so a tee will avoid the inconvenience of recharging. Usually Russian plugs are suitable for Indian sockets, and you can buy an adapter in Goa.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
It is better to bring your own sunglasses: it is not easy to find good ones in Goa. If you are going to ride scooters or motorcycles, be sure to take protective motorcycle glasses to prevent your eyes from being affected by dust.
Sunscreen is needed for the first time, so as not to waste the first hours of rest searching for the ill-fated cream in an unknown area. Once you get the hang of it, purchase a topical cream with ease.
Body wallet
A body wallet is much more reliable than a traditional wallet. Take it so as not to lose everything valuable. Grab a quick-drying microfiber towel. It won't take up much space and won't get moldy in the humid Indian climate. In some establishments, the bed linen is not of the best quality, sometimes there are no blankets, so you will need a light sleeping bag or blanket - you will be comfortable and protected from colds.
Clothes for a chilly evening
If you are a fan of evening bike riding from December to February, jeans and a windbreaker will be completely useful and will not let you freeze.
Little Helpers establish contacts with locals
Want to make friends with the locals? Pack some simple souvenirs for the trip. Magnets, coins, ballpoint pens, and any trinkets will do. To fill out any document or write down a request that cannot be explained in words, take a notepad and pen.
Photos
Print two color portrait photographs. They can come in handy when connecting to the Internet or buying a SIM card.
Cards
Don't forget about the map of the area. What is a traveler without a map? Buy a ready-made paper one, download an electronic one or print from a digital original. If you want to see more interesting places, enrich yourself with knowledge from the reports of other tourists: there are quite a lot of web resources with information for travelers. If you want to pass the waiting time, grab a book or player.
Hygiene items
Don't forget about comfort and hygiene, especially on a long trip. If you are used to using wet wipes, it is better to put a pack in your luggage - you won’t have to look for it in India. If you're going away for more than a week, bring scissors or a nail clipper. In Goa, the sun is hot - most people need a protective cream: you can bring Russian or buy Indian. It is not difficult to buy a toothbrush and toothpaste in India, but you can bring it from home.
Necessary things if you live in a bungalow
Own padlock. If you are planning to stay in a bungalow, guest house or affordable hotel, remember that theft is not uncommon in India. If you want to be guaranteed protection from thieves, use your own padlock for your room. Most doors have a place to install a lock - you just have to choose which one to use: key or combination. If you are not afraid of thieves, you won't need a lock.
Clothesline necessary if the guest establishment does not provide laundry services.
Don't type too much
Clothes in Indian stores are inexpensive and comfortable. For the first time, take shorts and a couple of T-shirts. You won't need evening wear. Comfortable, lightweight shoes - sandals or slippers, which can also be bought in local shops - are simply irreplaceable in the Indian climate.
Try not to take unnecessary things - the fewer there are, the more convenient it is. When it comes to Goa, all you need to wear is a couple of changes of clothes for the beach. Don't forget your camera. Most of the things that tourists usually carry in their luggage are easier to buy in Goa.
Money and documents are invariably the most important thing. Forgetting the rest when going to Goa is not so bad.
Goa can be called the pearl of the Indian coast; it is a world famous resort. It is located off the coast of the Indian Ocean, about 400 km from Bombay. Goa has become famous for its wide sandy beaches, clear ocean and clear skies. All this attracts tourists from all over the world. And so you decided to go on vacation to Goa, but what should you take with you to Goa? What things, how much money, what medicines? These are all important questions. This is a completely different country, with its own morals and principles, with its own policies and infrastructure. So, let's start, of course, with clothes.
Cloth
- In Goa you will need a small number of things, this could be a light jacket or blouse, loose pants, a pair of three-piece shorts, T-shirts and hats, as well as a swimsuit. For shoes, you can bring sandals or sandals, but only without heels, since there are no sidewalks there, and heels will simply get stuck in the sand or soil. Take sneakers too.
- In addition, you can buy a variety of hats, T-shirts and flip-flops on site. The cost of a pair of flip flops ranges from 60 to 100 rupees, and they will last for the season. We will look at the rupee to ruble exchange rate a little lower.
- If you are going to an expensive hotel, a gentleman's set is also worth grabbing.
- Please also note that in India, moral standards are quite high, and therefore you should not take too revealing swimsuits with you.
- It makes some sense to buy a couple of items from the local clothing industry here. Moreover, even the owner of the most modest income will remain satisfied.
How much money to take to Goa
The exchange rate of the rupee to the American dollar is about 50 rupees per 1 dollar, and to the Russian ruble - 60 rubles per hundred rupees. It is more profitable to exchange dollars or euros than rubles. The exchange rate at the airport is quite low, so it’s better to stop at the nearest bank along the road to make the exchange there. The Western Union system is developed everywhere, but in India you can only receive money, you cannot withdraw it. It is better to withdraw about 10 thousand rupees at a time, the commission will be about 1.5-2%. According to some reports, you can relax in Goa for 10 days, including meals and excursions, shopping for various trinkets and locally made jewelry, for $1,000 for two people. Of course, some people may have higher needs, so in this case, take money with a reserve.
What medications to take to Goa
India is one of the world leaders in the field of pharmaceuticals; in any pharmacy you can buy the medicines you need, although they are called differently than here, but the main thing is to explain to the pharmacist what exactly you need. You can only take essential medications with you, unless, of course, you are taking any medications prescribed by a doctor. You can only get by with no-shpa, festal or activated carbon, as well as some painkillers. Well, we have explained to you what to take to Goa from the most necessary things, money, clothes and medicines. I hope you enjoy your vacation!
