OK OK, so it’s a week premature, but for me part of the enjoyment of a trip is in the preparation, the anticipation and the packing! The rucksack is down from the top of the wardrobe and the things to take are piling up on the spare bed…. so I thought I’d share my preparation and packing list:
Documents
itinerary
insurance Policy
tickets
passport
(+ photocopies to passport identity page, Indian visa page and tickets)
India visa: multi entry tourist visa – in advance [done – thanks Hazel!]
Bhutan visa: 2 passport size photos and $20 cash (visa issued at the border)
Health etc
International Certificate of Vaccination
Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A [tick]
Personal first aid kit:
plasters
bandage
cotton gauzes
surgical tape
antiseptic cream
Ibruprofen
antihistamine cream
Immodium / rehydration sachets
mosquito repellent
vitamin B tablets
Money
cash: mixture of pounds sterling and US dollars
traveller’s cheques
debit card
Exchange rates: www.oanda.com
At today’s (tourist, cash) rate 100 Nu (Bhutan Ngultrum) = £1.24
1 Bhutan Ngultrum = 1 Indian Rupee
FXCheatSheet for Travelers
Bags
rucksack
daypack
money belt
plastic carrier bags
travel kitty wallet
Books
guidebook
novel – flight out
novel – flight back
novel – spare (x2?)
Clothes etc
3 pairs of trousers
2 light cotton shirts
2 T-shirts
1 long sleeved T-shirt
1 long sleeved cotton top
1 light woollen jumper
1 hooded cardigan
underwear (16 days)
socks
pyjamas
swimming costume
sun hat
sunglasses
sunscreen & lipsalve & aftersun/moisturiser
1 warm jacket
waterproof jacket
umbrella
1 pair of trekking boots
1 pair flip flops
silk sheet sleeping bag
towel
toothbrush & toothpaste
shampoo & conditioner & intensive conditioner
shower gel
nailbrush
flannel
hair brush and comb
hair bands and hair clip
antiseptic handwash
small packs of tissues and wet wipes
handkerchief
loo roll
washing up gloves
washing powder
universal sink plug
Swiss Army knife
sewing kit
torch
watch with alarm
ear plugs
whisky/gin
sweets
other treats
photos of home
notebook and pen(s)
moo cards
camera, cables, battery recharger unit
plug adapter
spare battery
additional memory