Tips for Packing for Your US Trip

chillibreeze writer — Radhika Vunnam

Need an editable PowerPoint map of USA

On my first trip to US, I was very skeptical on how things would go and had many doubts on how and what to pack for life in a foreign country. I'm sure more than often many newbies going abroad must have mused over such questions. So I decided to write something useful for starters like me and if you are one, you can use the help.

First of all, the suitcases and bags you would have to carry, these will be 2/3 (depending on the VISA you have) big suitcases which can carry 23 kilograms or the amount allowed on your airways, and one bag big enough to fit at least 7 kilograms, you can always carry up to 10 kilograms as cabin luggage is not weighed mostly at check-in or at any other stop. Big Bazaar is a good option for purchasing these and you can get them at reasonable prices. I went for the brand "American Tourister" and it was pretty good. Buy a big hand bag if you don't have one, to carry all your tickets, passport and other such important things which have to be handy.

After purchasing the luggage, line-up the clothes you want to take. Always carry your chudidars, saris, nightwear, lingerie, and underwear because buying them in US might cost you your monthly salary. If you are going to work, then don't carry more than 2 to 3 chudidars and saris. Pack heavy jerkins, winter caps, gloves, socks, and shoes if you are travelling to cold places like Illinois or Wisconsin. Even so, pack some sweaters and jerkins since the temperature in US is lower than any place in India. If you are going to work there, then pack some formal pants and shirts along with some formal footwear. Carry some jeans and tops too. Bring some accessories along as you will mostly not find good variety in the US. You can get good bargains at Big Bazaar and Central. Don't worry about cosmetics as you can get lots of them in US, and for lower prices. Bring along some soaps, shampoos and hair oil as these are either rare in US or the brands you get may give you allergies since you are not used to them. Pack rice, dal and atta (wheat flour) bags enough to serve you for 2 to 3 months. If you are a student going to pursue higher education, then carry all your course study material, books, and additional stationery. If you are single, then this should be more than enough but if you are travelling with a family then pack some kitchenware like non-stick tavas, pressure cooker, cutlery, dinner set, tea set, and pans. Carry spices of your choice, and ghee as you will not mostly find them in US except in cosmo cities like Chicago or New York. Carry some bed sheets if possible. Don't bother to bring your electronic devices as they are cheap in US compared to India and you might want to carry some back when you are leaving. If you have a vision problem then always carry a pair of extra eyewear. Do not forget to pack some medicines for fever and headaches, and any other regular dose of medicines you use in India. Collect a doctor’s prescription of all the medicines you are carrying. While packing, ensure that you don't have pharmacy, food or plastic containers in your cabin and hand luggage. People visiting as tourists for a month or so, limit your luggage to the number of days you'll be staying and do not carry excess. If you are visiting relatives in US, take their advice on what to carry.

Hope this helps you to pack better for your travel. Have a nice trip.

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—About our writer:

Radhika says, "I'm a graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering who's passionate about writing, web-designing, digital art, and photography. I have more than 2 years experience as a technical writer and have worked for many reputed clients. My life revolves around my laptop and books, mostly fiction. If there's one thing that I ever want to do dearly in life, its writing."

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