Huatulco Beach

Mexico has over nine-thousand kilometres of beaches along its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. It offers just about anything a tourist could desire, from sunbathing to swimming, seafood to shopping and spectacular views.

While most Mexico holidays are usually all inclusive holidays, there’s nothing stopping you venturing out of the resort and heading to one of the magnificent beaches for the day.

The Pacific coast stretches from Baja California at the border with the United States to Chiapas and the border with Guatemala. You can surf in the cool Pacific waves or dive from the cliff tops of Acapulco. The Caribbean coast has warm, clear water that gently flows over white sands.

Just a short distance inland by bus from the beaches takes you into steamy rainforests. A visit to the old Spanish colonial cities or the archaeological sites of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations is recommended.

Cabo San Lucas is at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula on the Pacific coast, where visitors can play golf as well as sunbathe. Playa Cemeterio and Playa Santa Maria are the best beaches for swimming, while Playa Costa Azul and Playa Canta Mar are ideal for surfing.

Acapulco, together with La Caleta and La Caletilla beaches, is the pearl of the Pacific. The sea is clear and calm here and ideal for swimming or diving from the cliffs. La Roqueta and La Quebrada islands are miniature paradises accessible from the main beach by a small boat. They offer spectacular views and bungee-jumping for the brave. Back on the mainland, you can watch the beautiful sunsets just outside Pie de la Cuesta.

Puerto Vallarta Beach

Puerto Vallarta on the central Pacific coast of Jalisco state has over 40 beaches along 54 kilometres of coastline. The Sierra Madre Mountains form an inland backdrop to the coast. The beaches at Puerta Vallarta are surrounded by restaurants and the activities available include paragliding, bungee-jumping, kayaking and swimming with dolphins. There are coral reefs and crystal blue waters just offshore.

If you love surfing, go to Zicaleta beach in Puerto Escondido on the Oaxaca state coast. It nestles under low-hanging palm-tree branches. The blue-green waters of the Pacific Ocean are superb for all aquatic sports.

The beaches of Huatulco on the southern part of Mexico’s Pacific coast have numerous isolated bays separated by a rugged terrain. This is still a pristine resort with no high-rise buildings. It offers snorkelling in the ocean and horse riding and jungle tours inland.

The Riviera Maya is a 160-kilometre-long stretch of beaches, lagoons, nature reserves and ancient Mayan cities. It lies just south of the resort city of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Visitors can swim off the beaches of Tulum and view the architectural magic of the Mayan temples on the shore. There are 60 different Mayan buildings within three walls just by the beach. They stand on 12-metre-high cliffs along the coast.

Akumal beach

Continue north from Tulum along the coast, past Soliman Bay to Akumal. This means ‘place of turtles’ in the Mayan language as it is where turtles have laid their eggs for thousands of years. Corel reefs protect the beach from heavy waves, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. Subterranean rivers plough a course through an inland warren of caves.

Cozumel Island lies 10 kilometres offshore between Akumal and Playa del Carmen to the north. In Mayan, this is the ‘island of swallows’ and it is popular with experienced divers.

From there, you could take a boat to the isolated beach of Isla Pasion, just off the north coast of Cozumel Island and bask on the white sands overlooking the blue Caribbean.

Back on the Yucatan mainland, go to Playa del Carmen and enjoy the same beaches that the Mayans basked on over 1,500 years ago. This is the heart of the Mayan Riviera and it offers both sophistication and value for money. You can swim in the calm sea or go deep-sea fishing.

The popular holiday resort city of Cancun lies just north of Playa del Carmen. This is where Mexico’s Yucatan tourism began in the 1970s and its beaches remain the most famous in the country. The white sands of Cancun’s beaches are made up of limestone micro-fossils and remain cool underfoot even on the hottest day.

Finally, take a ferry from Cancun just 10 kilometres northeast to Islas Mujeres, or ‘islands of women’. The beaches on the west coast are superb for swimming but be careful of the undertow here.

Hamburg travel

Das Tor zur Welt or The ‘Gateway to the World’ is another name for the German City of Hamburg. Which has become a major hotspot for parties, shopping and culture in the North of Germany

With the North sea to its west, and the Baltic coast to its east Hamburg boasts the second busiest port in Europe and the city is home around four million residents. With its historic culture combined with the modern shopping districts and its reputation as one of Germany’s partying hotspots, Hamburg has evolved into one of the biggest cities in Europe.

Culture

Hamburg takes great pride in its mercantile background which has ensured the cities wealth and success for hundreds of years and this is reflected in the culture of the city. Even today the port remains as the heart of city and the mercantile background can be seen in the cities architecture and culture, with the town hall being the only palace within the city, emphasising the city’s tradition of being known as an open yet modest and discreet city.

Shopping

Over recent years Hamburg has become known as the finest shopping metropolis of Northern Germany. With its many varied shopping streets and malls it offers  something for everybody. Its many designer shops and chic boutiques offer a classy and unique option to shoppers while its many traditional high street stores, market places and more unusual shops ensure that nobody is left empty handed

Partying

In Recent Years Hamburg has evolved into one of Germany’s major partying cities, with its lively and vibrant streets offering a wide variety of parties and night life. For anyone looking to explore Hamburg’s nightlife the first port of call is usually St. Pauli’s,  Reeperbahn. The area offers some of the hottest party locations around and renowned clubs such as Angie’s Nightclub and The China Lounge being part of the reason that Hamburg has become one of the most popular stag weekend destinations over the last few years, while Hamburg’s 31 theatres, 6 music halls and 4,000 restaurants ensure that tamer party goers still remain happy.

Flights to Las Vegas

Reason 1: There are powerful reasons to visit Las Vegas, whatever age group or country of origin you are from. Las Vegas has everything anybody could want in experiencing the US at its most inventive, artistic, crazy best. And it’s easy to get there, flights to Las Vegas are plentiful and frequent.

Some sixty airlines fly into Las Vegas from around the world including Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii, Jordan and most of Europe. UK flights are available at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow. McCarran International Airport is just five very accessible miles from the city.

Reason 2: The 24/7 culture of a city that never sleeps. Famously, hotel rooms don’t have clocks, as ‘they don’t want you to leave’, but beyond that marketing, it’s a showcase of entertainment, business, conventions and the fact that it’s a city built in the desert just adds even more to the long list of remarkable features.

You can eat, drink, gamble, be entertained, enjoy spectacle, be awed or get married right round the clock. Many places lay claim to that tourist cliche, ‘something for everyone’, but Las Vegas really is.

Reason 3: Las Vegas embodies The American Dream. This is the concept that arose from the US Declaration of Independence which stated ‘all men are created equal’ and have certain rights including ‘Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness’.

Las Vegas offers that to all her visitors. American writer James Truslow Adams declared in 1931 that in the American Dream ‘life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone’. While there are many cities, mountains, beaches, historic sites and peoples to see in the USA, Las Vegas encapsulates them all.

Reason 4: The casinos and shows, amusement parks and hotels. These are what visitors would expect in a city, but the hotels are bigger, more grandiose, mini-towns in themselves. Casinos on the ground floor, shopping malls within and amusement rides on the roofs.

Bodies … The Exhibition sees 13 polymer-preserved human bodies and hundreds of organs making the study of human anatomy into an art form. There is a Titanic Artifacts Exhibition in town, not to mention four Cirque du Soleil shows running in different venues, magician David Copperfield, the Blue Man Group, Haunted Vegas tours, the ghost of Elvis and Menopause the Musical.

Reason 5: It’s like being in a movie. Visitors to famous places often feel as if they’re in a film, but Las Vegas has hosted a staggering array of top movies, from The Las Vegas Story (1952) to 2012 (2009).

Others include Ocean’s Eleven (1960 and 2001) and Oceans’ Thirteen (2007), Viva Las Vegas (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Rain Man (1988), Bugsy (1991), Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992), Indecent Proposal (1993), Casino (1995), Showgirls (1995), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) and The Grand (2008).

Hop on one of those flights to Las Vegas and live it. As the 2008 movie said: ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’.

Barcelona by Bike

Only a few years ago the city of Barcelona introduced Bicing, a transporting system whereby bikes can be rented all around the city. After just these several years, these red and white bicycles have turned into a success. It enables you to travel around Barcelona whenever you want for a modest price. A sporty activity with which you can explore the city and enjoy the pleasant weather.

The network currently consists of 6000 bicycles that can be lent and returned at over 400 stations. The distance between the several stations is on average 350 meters and the stations are thoughtfully located near bus stops and metro stations.When someone wants to make use of this system, users must sign up for a yearly membership of 37 Euros. When you receive the card it is ready for use. The first 30 minutes is free, but the next 30 minutes blocks (up to 2 hours) will cost 0.5 Euro per each block. When using the bicycles for over 2 hours a fine of 3 Euro per hour will be given to the user.

It is now only possible for inhabitants of Catalonia to make use of the transporting system but the community would like to make a change in that. They would like to make it possible to rent the bicycles for a shorter time as well, but because of strong protests from the city´s bike rental firms this proposal was rejected. Several companies are offering advertisement on the bicycles and the community is now also considering placing advertisements on the rear of the bicycle.

This popular transporting system is very sportive as well as climate friendly. It makes it possible to see the city without producing any emissions. This project was a large investment but it was definitely worth it. However, there also occurred vandalism to the system. In addition, robbery of the Bicing bicycles appeared. Luckily the amount of these actions is going down. The system requires low maintenance in comparison to the other transporting systems such as the metro and busses because of the little jobs and cleaning needed. Moreover, with the system the user is less dependent on for example departure times.

Bicing is gaining popularity because of the easy use and low dependability. Although the recession in Spain the system holds its users and by introducing also short term usage for visitors and advertisement the system can grow even further. This is a growing organization and will be a part of Barcelona for decades.

If you are interested in visiting Barcelona, and like cycling then Bicing is perfect for you. Also, if you are looking for great vacation apartments in Barcelona then check out Apartime.com, providers of aparthotels in Barcelona.

This article was written by Sanne, a travel writer who is interested in travelling around the world.

The Navy Pier

It just doesn’t get better than a holiday in Chicago if you’re looking for a massive variety of things to do. It’s almost like putting a beautifully connected puzzle together as you work your way through the city, taking advantage of all the fantastic things to do. One of the most important parts of this magnificent puzzle are the cheap hotels in Chicago that make it easy to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

It would be impossible to list all the great activities Chicago presents visitors but listed below are some of the favorites sure to get you started off in the right direction.

The Ledge, SkyDeck Chicago
If you don’t have a fear of heights, you’ll want to check out the out the breathtaking views from the The Ledge at the SkyDeck Chicago, 1,350 feet up in the sky! The Ledge provides a one of a kind view of Chicago’s cityscape from glass boxes sticking out from the 103rd floor.

The Navy Pier
Over 8 million visitors come to the Navy Pier every year to take in the magnificent skyline views from atop the Ferris Wheel, watch a Shakespearian play or a 3D IMAX movie, or take the kids to the Chicago Children’s Museum. There is lots of fun to be had at the Navy Pier.

Millennium Park
Nestled on 24.5 acres of lush green landscaping in the heart of Chicago’s downtown area, Millennium Park is a stunning paradise along the city’s lakefront. Along with its popular ice skating rink you’ll find a beautiful selection of world class public art and gorgeous architecture, along with theater and cabaret performances indoors. Millennium Park provides lots of room to explore and play.

Shopping Magnificent Mile
A shopping spree in Chicago needs to include the city’s famous “Magnificent Mile”. You’ll find all the finest department stores here like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s as well as hundreds of one of a kind boutiques and specialty shops. To boost your energy while shopping you can take a break at one of the many fun cafes and restaurants.

Nightlife and More in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood
Formerly the location of Chicago’s old school factories and manufacturing plants, River North’s combination of historical buildings and high rises contributes to the neighborhood’s unconventional ambience. The area is brimming with art galleries, celebrity owned restaurants and exciting dance clubs. You’ll find trendy boutiques and bistros situated in century old warehouses and the world’s largest jazz and blues record store. This fantastic “North” neighborhood also has a fun selection of cheap hotel rooms, some in a stylish boutique style that makes the neighborhood a fun place to stay.

Chicago Style Pizza and Hot Dogs
A visit to Chicago won’t be complete without digging into one or both of the famous Chicago treats like their famous deep dish style pizzas or a good old fashioned Chicago style hot dog – Yum! Don’t worry; you’ll still find a wonderful variety of other food choices here like seafood, steaks and even French cuisine, but even so, a trip to Chicago isn’t complete with trying their famous pizza and hot dogs!

Whatever you are passionate about, you’ll find it in Chicago. Whether it’s ballet, jazz or classical music, modern or historical architecture; its here along with plenty of discount hotels to choose from that will make it easy to experience them all.

Taba Egypt

Taba resorts are one of the best kept secrets in Egypt. Located on the Red Sea near the Israeli border, Taba is far removed from the bustle of Cairo and the heavy tourism along the Nile. When you want to relax in grand Egyptian style, there’s no place like Taba to kick back and get your feet wet.

The Red Sea is destination number one for crystal clean water and year round warm weather. Red Sea tourism grows every year with fabulous resorts and abundant water sports. Living the good life starts with plenty of sunshine and gently swaying palm trees along the sugar sand shores.

Diving In Taba
The Red Sea is the region’s premier diving location with five-star diving schools offering expert instruction. Start from zero and obtain the basic PADI certification or add-on a professional diving certificate for search and rescue operations. Red Sea waters are among the cleanest in the world, thus allowing the natural light to lead the way through some of the most colorful reefs and a host of friendly fishes.

Day Trips From Taba:

Eilat and Petra
Taba is located at the border crossing into Eilat, Israel. Explore the southern coast of Israel and connect with a bus tour to reach the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. Petra may also be accessed by a catamaran ride from Taba to Aqaba, Jordan with a bus connection to the ancient city. Petra was made famous in the Indiana Jones movies and you will instantly recognize the massive Treasury Building as a film classic icon. This full-day excursion is priced as a moderate and remains a favorite one-day getaway for the Taba visitor.

Nuweiba
Nuweiba is situated south of Taba and is believed by some to be the crossing point for Moses and his flock when they walked through the Red Sea on Exodus from Egypt. In addition to the historical significance, Nuweiba is a coastal jewel and an area rich with dolphins and colorful marine life.

St. Catherine’s Monastery
Taba is an excellent place to stay and play when planning a journey into the Sinai desert heading for the famous St. Catherine’s Monastery. Built in the 6th Century, St. Catherine’s Monastery remains a working church today and holds the second largest library of ancient Christian manuscripts in the world. Take the walking tour of the church and meet and greet the monks, or make the midnight trek up Mount Moses to reach the summit at sunrise.

Taba Nightlife
Taba’s natural beauty radiates by day, however the casinos and night clubs take center stage after dark. Taba gaming does not accept Egyptian Pounds and requires all bets to be placed in American currency. Obtaining the proper currency is a snap as the Taba casinos have plentiful currency exchange stations and self-service ATM machines. Dress codes are generally relaxed and casual and women may be admitted unaccompanied by a male. However, Egyptian citizens are not allowed inside the casinos at any time.

Taba resorts are a cut above the competition with five-star luxuries and some of the best sea view rooms in the region. Windsurfing, snorkeling, and fishing are among the favorite beach activities or hike and bike along the majestic red rock mountains facing the sea. Early reservations for Taba are recommended to take advantage of seasonal sales and to secure a magnificent sea view room.

Patricia Robinson loves her job at Tasty Bingo. She is a massive reality TV fan, foodie, and considers herself the planet’s biggest sports fan. Patricia and her husband love to travel and their goal is to see as much of the world as they can in their lifetime!

travel credit card

Traveling has a unique set of hassles associated with it. Foremost among these concerns is money. While cash is accepted just about anywhere, it runs the risk of easy theft, poor exchange rates or hard to find exchanges. A credit card is the smallest, most convenient option for payments overseas, but if you’re not careful you can be hit with a number of fees. Here’s a few tips to managing a credit card for overseas usage.

Travel for Less with These Tips

1. Make sure it’s a widely accepted card – Visa and MasterCard are the two most likely to be accepted anywhere around the world. Those two brands are the most widespread. American Express works in many places as well, but not quite as many as the big two. Any other brand might not be accepted in the locale you’re traveling to. If you’re not using a Visa or MasterCard, you should look into getting one for travel.
2. If possible, pay in the local currency – Paying in your home currency can incur a Dynamic Currency Conversion charge, which often times is a larger amount than the money you lose by a standard currency conversion. This doesn’t apply everywhere, however.
3. Check the fine print – If you have multiple credit cards, look into the fine print or call your credit card company for each of them. Find out which of them has the lowest fees for international usage. Sometimes these rates will change depending on the country you’re traveling to. For instance, Capital One has no transaction fee between the United States and the United Kingdom. However, that doesn’t apply if you’re traveling to Asia or South America. Do your research and find which card of yours has the lowest rates.
4. Avoid cash advances – They’re riddled with fees and you’re likely to end up having to pay quite a bit more than you get out of the deal. It’s wise to always be prepared with some cash immediately upon entering a country, even though cash has a number of risks on its own. Cash is still a better investment than a cash advance.
5. Get a local credit card – If you travel internationally on a regular or frequent basis, consider getting a local credit card in the country you travel to. If you only use it for these travel trips, you can reap the benefits of local rates without having to deal with exchange rates, conversion charges, international surcharges or any other sneaky addition to your bill. Just make sure you remember to pay it off, or the next time you travel you may be in for a rude surprise.
6. Get a local debit card. – If you’re traveling for an extended period of time, such as a six month study abroad or an extended business trip, it might be wise to set up a local bank account. If you do that, you can use their bank card to pay for your purchases instead of using a credit card. This saves you a lot of money in various credit card fees, interest and surcharges. It’s not always an ideal means for saving money however, as setting up a bank account internationally can be a hassle all on its own.
7. Dedicated travel cards – See if your credit card company offers a travel-specific credit card. Often times these credit cards are geared specifically for people traveling abroad, and offer many benefits that a standard credit card doesn’t. While they’re more useful for frequent travellers than they are for rare or extended stays abroad, they do offer various interesting rewards. Often times these rewards can include cheaper hotels or flights, free items or cash back rewards.

With these simple steps and a little time spent in research, you can go a long way towards making your travel experience much more comfortable, safer and worry free. Unfortunately you won’t be able to find one specific solution that’s perfect for everyone, and you’ll never be able to eliminate carrying cash entirely as you travel, but you should be able to take most of the hassle out of overseas credit card usage.

Andy is an avid travel lover who helps consumers to compare the credit card market in Australia. As a frequent traveller, he has contributed to their guide to frequent flyer cards as well as numerous articles about earning and redeeming points. For his latest work, follow him on Twitter.

Allure of the Seas

Packing for any vacation can be stressful, but getting ready for a cruise presents even more challenges. Depending on your destination, your planned activities and the ship itself, you might need everything from sneakers to evening gowns. Further complicating matters is that unlike the travelers of days gone by, you won’t be able to bring a pile of trunks and cases onboard; you’ll probably be limited to one or two suitcases and a carry-on bag.
Whether you’re a minimalist packer – just a swimsuit and toothbrush for you – or an everything- but- the-kitchen-sink type, you can be prepared for your cruise without bringing a mountain of luggage. Just follow this guide.

Onboard Attire

For the most part, cruise ships tend to be casual environments, so shorts, T-shirts, sundresses and jeans are perfectly acceptable onboard. On some more formal ships, like the RMS Queen Mary 2, the attire might be slightly more upscale. Bring a change of clothes for each day of your cruise, plus an extra just in case. If you plan to take in some of the ship’s entertainment or hit the onboard clubs, you might want to pack a few dressier outfits for those nights out.
If you plan to take advantage of the onboard activities, bring a swimsuit or two, plus a cover up to wear between your stateroom and the pool, or when you grab a bite to eat. If you want to workout on board, bring your exercise clothes and footwear. Keep in mind that it can get cool out on the open water, especially on Alaskan or Northern European cruises, so pack a sweater or jacket. Consider bringing a rain jacket or poncho and a travel umbrella as well.
Depending on the ship, you might need more formal clothing for special dinners. Some cruise lines still host formal meals during the cruise, when guests are expected to wear cocktail or evening dresses, suits or even tuxedos. Before you leave for your cruise, check on the ship’s itinerary and dress code to avoid being unprepared. Most cruise lines offer tuxedo rentals, and if you get really desperate, you can buy a dress onboard for an astronomical price.

Onshore Attire

In most cases, whatever you wear onboard will be acceptable for shore excursions, especially in the laidback, casual Caribbean islands. In Europe, or if you plan to tour museums, churches or cathedrals, more conservative attire is appropriate, so pack sundresses or nice shirts to wear on those excursions. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Before leaving on your cruise, check the descriptions of your planned excursions for any special dress code suggestions. If you’re planning to jet ski, for example, you might want to pack a one-piece swimsuit.

Carry-On

Since it can take several hours for your bags to arrive in your stateroom, pack your carry-on bag with a few necessities so you can get right to your vacation when you get onboard. Include a change of clothes, a swimsuit, your travel documents and any medications you need, so even if it takes all day for your bags to arrive, you aren’t in a tough spot.

Extras

While most ships stock basic toiletries, try to pack everything you’ll need from home to avoid paying a premium. Sunscreen is important; the sun on the ocean and in the islands is more intense than most people are accustomed to. Bring an extra bottle just to be prepared! Sunglasses and a hat are also must-haves.
Since relaxation is probably part of your vacation agenda, bring items that will help you relax, such as a novel or e-reader or a music player. Don’t forget your camera, and if you’ll be exploring destinations on your own, travel guides might be useful. An extra bag for any souvenirs you purchase is a good idea, and some veteran cruisers recommend bringing binoculars – you never know when wildlife will surface next to the ship.

What Not to Bring

Most cruise lines are very strict about the items that cannot be brought onboard – and most bags are scanned or searched when you embark, so don’t think you can hide anything. Given the high prices of drinks onboard, it might be tempting to bring a bottle of your favorite liquor from home, but if the ship staff finds it, it will be confiscated and not returned. You won’t be able to enjoy a nice bottle of rum in the islands either – you can buy it, but it has to be stored by the ship until you get back to port.
Other prohibited items include weapons, self-defense items, skateboards, surfboards and flammable items. Use common sense, and follow the ship’s rules.
Whether you’re cruising for a weekend or a week, you can bring everything you need without overpacking. Just consider your planned activities and follow the ship’s guidelines, and it will be smooth sailing.

This guest post was provided by Shannon Pierce, who is a freelance writer and cruise coordinator.   She helps hundreds of people book last minute cruises, and believes that whether you are booking cruises from San Francisco or visiting New York, it is important to get out and experience the world.

Trip to India

With baggage fees soaring, chances are you don’t want to check a whole pile of luggage on your vacation to India. Besides the cost, if you’re visiting several cities or regions, lugging multiple bags and suitcases around can be a big hassle. With careful planning and some knowledge of your destination, you can pack everything you need and still have room left over for souvenirs.

Luggage

Unless your visit to India is limited to the city and you’ll only need to bring your bags from the taxi into the hotel, avoid using wheeled luggage to haul your gear. The sidewalks and streets of the smaller towns and villages are generally uneven, dusty and in poor condition, making it impractical to pull your bags along behind you. Opt instead for a large backpack that you can easily carry on all of your adventures. Toss in a padlock and chain to secure your belongings when necessary.

Clothing

Since many visitors choose to adopt a local style of dress during their time in India, it’s not uncommon for people to pack just a few outfits and then buy inexpensive clothing when they arrive. Local markets overflow with colorful tops, saris and shoes that not only allow you to look like a native, but also serve as souvenirs of your trip.

If you decide instead to pack enough Western-style clothing for your entire vacation, bear in mind that India is a conservative country, and modesty is important. Women should cover as much skin as possible, particularly their shoulders and legs, and avoid displaying their chest or cleavage. Tops with sleeves are a must, or use a pretty shawl to cover your shoulders if you wear a sleeveless top or sundress. Avoid wearing short skirts or shorts; instead, pack long skirts and dresses and Capri or cropped pants. If you’re traveling to a tropical beach resort near the Westernized city of Goa, choose a conservative swimsuit and carry a sarong or cover-up to wear away from the beach.

Men should also dress conservatively in India. Do not wear shorts, and instead of T-shirts, pack short-sleeved polo or dress shirts with collars. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential for both men and women.

In the urban areas of India, Western-style clothing is acceptable, as long as it’s conservative. If you plan to have a night out on the town in the city, pack a dressy outfit and shoes. Stylish tops and jeans or shorts are acceptable for the nightclubs in Indian cities.

Toiletries

You should be able to find most standard toiletries like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and feminine products in any drugstore, so consider saving space in your luggage and buying those items when you arrive. If you rely on certain styling products, bring those from home, since the selection is limited in India.

If you’re taking any medications, bring enough with you for the duration of the trip. While most American medications are available in Indian pharmacies, the brand names may be different and getting the correct medication could prove difficult.  Even the names of common over the counter medicines are different, so either bring your own allergy medications and painkillers from home, or ask the pharmacist for help.

Since soap and water might be hard to come by in some parts of India, bring a bottle of hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes. If you’re traveling to some of the more remote areas of India, a roll of toilet paper or two might be a welcome convenience, as will a flashlight. Bring bug spray from home, since American brands tend to be more powerful, but leave the useless mosquito net behind.

Necessities

Packing a variety of forms of money – U.S. dollars, Indian rupees and credit and ATM cards – is your best bet when visiting India. You can only get Indian rupees in India, so plan to bring some cash to exchange when you arrive. Many of the most popular tourist attractions actually accept U.S. dollars, so you can use those if necessary. Credit cards are widely accepted in the cities, and you can find ATMs almost anywhere. Divide your money between your bags, and keep some on you, so that you don’t lose everything in the event of a robbery.

Be sure to bring your passport and Indian tourist visa, records of your immunizations and any medical records you might need if something goes wrong. If you have a medical condition, knowing your medical history can help the doctor. Make photocopies of all your documents and your ATM and credit cards, and keep them separate from the originals.

If you’re bringing appliances, such as a hair dryer or other electronics that need to be charged, bring a voltage converter and plug adapter. A recent India guidebook and a language guide can also prove useful, and of course, don’t forget the camera and a travel journal to document your adventure.

Before you leave for your trip, do a little research and determine what you really need to bring and what you can leave behind. It is possible to be prepared and comfortable without overpacking – and your wallet and back will thank you for it.

This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is a freelance writer, avid traveler to India and online media consultant for Expedia.  She helps people find cheap hotels and tours throughout India and the rest of the world.

Image by mckaysavage