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What to Take

If you decide to combine the Lullaby tour and the Bulldog tour, you'll be gone for over a week so pack accordingly. Laundry will be available at every location you stay at but it will likely take much longer to wash your clothes than you're used to. Hotel laundry services take a minimum of one day and often more to complete a normal size load of laundry. Make sure you factor this into your packing plans.

 

Luggage

•  We suggest bringing only one piece of luggage weighing 25kgs or less (55lbs or less). While you are allowed 2 suitcases on international flights, on domestic India flights you will be charged for excess weight above 25kgs. Also, there is limited space on the trains and large or multiple suitcases can become quite problematic and even stressful when getting on and off the trains. Just remember - you pack it, you lug it!
• Carry toiletries, medication and one change of clothes with you on the plane in case something happens to your luggage. 
• Nice luggage and handbags are a target for thieves. Please do not bring fancy luggage or purses.
• Before departure, itemize your bag contents and their worth, and label the bags with your name, address and telephone number.
• Inside each bag, pack a copy of your itinerary and passport.  At check in, make sure that each bag is correctly tagged with the destination airport’s three-letter code. 

Helpul Packing Tips

Most importantly, dress modestly. Ladies do not wear shorts while in India; however, Capri pants are ok. Loose fitting, casual, cotton clothes are best. It is important that you cover as much as your body as possible. No fancy dress is required. One pair of waterproof sandals is adequate and you will be doing a bit of walking (and occasionaly running!) so ensure they are sturdy.

 

Men should wear comfortable jeans or long, long shorts. T-shirts are fine.  Women must avoid tight or sheer tops and those with plunging necklines, and stick to long skirts or lightweight slacks regardless of the weather. Draw string linen pants and long skirts are very comfortable. You may decide to buy a salwar kameez, the popular, very comfortable Indian outfit of a long tunic over loose pants gathered at the ankle. India is not a dressy society so you won’t need anything dressy. Avoid synthetic fabrics that don’t breathe. 

 

Clothing and Accessories

• A pair of comfortable sandals that are easy to remove are a must. Indians leave their shoes at the front door, and while tennis shoes are comfortable, they will be cumbersome to take on and off.

• A money pouch or belt is especially useful for Indian travel. 

• Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses in your carry-on luggage, and if you have a health problem, pack enough medication to last the entire trip or have your doctor write you a prescription using the drug’s generic name. Brand names vary from country to country.

• A laundry bag.

Toiletries

• Hygienic supplies including moist towelettes, antibacterial lotions, hand sanitizing liquid. 

• Shampoo, soap and a towel.

• Two to three rolls of toilet tissue.

• Mosquito repellent that contains deet. Mosquitoes are pests during all seasons in India.

• Lotion

Electronic Devices
Heated electric appliances, such as curling irons  and hair dryers, are really not necessary. However, if you insist on bringing them, remember to take an international converter and adapter so that you can plug them into the electrical outlets in the hotel. The converters are available at Best Buy and Circuit City. Even with a converter, you may have difficulty, especially with curling irons and hair dryers. It is suggested that you either use appliances that run on butane or batteries whenever possible. You may also purchase small appliances such as hair dryers and shavers in India. (They will not work once you return home, so you may choose to purchase the items there and leave them behind as a gift to a “new friend” or for the next service team.)

 

Here are some more tips about electronic devices:

•  Bring extra batteries for any battery-operated equipment or appliances you take. Remember any special sized batteries for a camera, watch, hearing aid, etc. They do have standard AA, and AAA batteries available in India.
• Make sure any cameras you bring have enough film or enough memory to fill your picture taking needs.
• A converter is not necessary for cameras, cellphones, digital and camcorders, ipods, and computers. These have a built in converter. Check the back of the power supply for the words "INPUT: AC 100-240V". This designates that it will convert power within this range and will work in India and the rest of the world.
• Now that the power is convereted, you need an adapter to make your plug go into an Indian wall. These are $5 and can be purchased in airports, Radio Shack, and even cheaper in India.

Money

You will be able to withdraw cash throughout the trip. Please only bring a Visa or a Mastercard credit card/debit card on the trip. Other type of credit cards often aren't accepted.

 

Miscellaneous Items

• Gum for the airplane and to share with the children
• A journal 
• A collapsible umbrella (for the heat and rain) 
• Candy or small gifts for the children. Jolly Ranchers are a favorite and easy to distribute, but remember not to give these to children under 3 or 4. 
• Music (an MP3, portable cd or tape player). This is a great time to enjoy all kinds of music. 
• First aid kit containing Band-Aids, disinfectant, aspirin or acetaminophen, antacids, diarrhea medication, alka seltzer, anti bacterial/fungal ointments, cold medicines, and any prescription or non-prescription drugs you frequently take. Remember not to put any prescription medication into your checked luggage. 
• If you tend to have allergies to air-borne irritants, take allergy medications with you. 

Documents

Make sure you travel with your U.S. passport and Indian visa. Make copies of both of these documents before you leave and pack a copy in each bag you bring.

 

What next?

• Fill out our travel application

• Choose a tour

• Book your flight through our special travel program and The Miracle Foundation will receive a portion of the commission

• Get your passport and Indian visa in order

• Review the travel checklist

If you have any questions, please contact our Travel Coordinator Barbara Joubert at (512) 329-8635 or by e-mail at Barbara@MiracleFoundation.org.

 

Meet the Faces of Success

Our work has transformed many children's lives. Click below to read a few of our success stories.

 

Sumitra's Story

 

Sheebani's Story

Ambassadors

Click the name to read their journals

 

Baxter Gentry's Journal

 

Cheryl Corona's Journal

 

Bill Ramsdell's Journal

 

Mary-Lou Street's Journal