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Travel Essentials
A Hindi-Urdu phrasebook - if you don't know the language, I always believe it's good to make an effort where you can.
Flip flops - for bathrooms & buckets.
Chain & Padlock - to chain your backpack to stuff. India and Pakistan are extremely safe, but the thing you have to watch out for is theft.
Women: bring your own pads/tampons - I would recommend teeny o.b.'s for space saving.
Women: There is a website from which you can order a travelmate for women that allows you to pee like a guy and makes staying clean and dry a hell of a lot easier. I've ordered it, practiced and it works. It's a fucking miracle.
Chlorine Tabs - for water purifications.
Tilley underwear and travel socks - these are granny undies at their best, but they are amazing.
Quick drying teeny towel.
Sheet sleeper - a regular sheet sown together to form a thin sleeping bag. Good for dicey hotels and bed bug protection.
A one-size-fits-all sink stopper for laundering clothes.
Pictures from home - I've heard that people incessantly ask you about where you're from, etc. If you have pictures, that makes things a lot easier.
Mosquito net.
Guide Books
The critics say that there is no real competition. Either Lonely Planet or Rough Guide is the way to go. The Lonely Planet guide is the size of a small German shepherd, but is apparently worth it. Some people cut the book in half or cut out sections that are irrelevant to keep it small. I've decided not to buy it and try and find someone in Delhi who is leaving and wants to pass it on. Apparently there are many copies floating around...
Useful Websites For Trip Planning
http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com
Most useful site of them all. Have read it for the past few months and even with the trolls (who I've grown fond of somehow!) you'll get good info.
http://www.indianrail.gov.in
Indian Railways - has schedule and fares.
http://www.mapsofindia.com
Maps of the Country and its Provinces.
http://www.tourism.gov.pk
Pakistan Tourism Website
More Preparations
Learning About India and Pakistan
Safety and Health Concerns
Scams, Taxis, Practical Tips and Money
Getting a visa and Consulate contact info
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Asia Insiders page.
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