What to take along if you're going abroad (esp. US)

What to take along if you're going abroad (esp. US)

This is a list written for a couple of relatives, so they may not all be appropriate for you.

• most important: passport, papers, id, ticket, documents. bring about $1000 in traveler's cheques. $50-$100 on hand. a change of clothes and a sweater in hand luggage. also very important: some sweets to share and eat!!!

• On the plane: take some preserved food item to munch (biscuits, etc), gum and cotton (for ear popping), reading material, socks, a change of clothes, a sweater, mints, toothbrush and toothpaste. if you can, bring a good head-pillow.

• personal items: books, god pictures, photos. if you want, bring vibhuthi, kumkumum etc. other things for religious functions. a watch. 2 bedsheets from bombay dyeing, and 2 pillow covers (rest of warm bedding can be bought here)

• clothes: long flannel shirts, at least one good thick sweater, good sneakers/walking shoes. don't bring shirts that no longer fit or lots of warm weather clothes. you may want to bring a good umbrella. bring underwear, good jeans that fit well. long sleeve shirts. also plenty of socks. you can buy a coat here. guys: bring at least one kurta (to wear to the temple!) and maybe one dhothi (if you'll wear it). women: salwar kameez, saris, petticoats, blouses, jewelry to match, a pair of chappals - bring a couple of really nice ones to wear to functions.

• medicine: bring a good supply of any homeopathy medicine or other medicine you might normally take at home and which you won't get here (ayurveda or other pills that would be less expensive there). also bring a container of tiger balm.

• cooking: if you can, bring a pressure cooker. good sambar and rasam powder is always great. some basic vessels if you need them and an idiki (pot-holder). pickle is good too if well wrapped and won't spill!

• do a dental and complete medical checkup before you come.

• any other things you think of - but don't bring extra stuff.

Keep in mind where you will be going. If you are arriving in New Jersey or the San Francisco Bay Area, you will need barely anything Indian since so much is available already. If you are landing in a rural town in the midwest, you might need more than is listed here. Find out what it's like to live where you are going (ask!) before you pack.