🧳 US Trip Packing Checklist

1. 👗 Apparels & Accessories

• Warmers / thermals (inner layers)
• Normal clothes (T-shirts, tops, bottoms)
• Jackets / heavy jacket
• Uggs / warm boots
• Shoes (casual, walking, formal)
• Socks (regular + woollen)
• Underwear / innerwear
• Sleepwear / pyjamas
• Belt
• Watch / Apple Watch
• Sunglasses
• Cap / beanie / scarf / gloves (weather-dependent)
• Perfumes / deodorant
• Laundry bag

2. 🪥 Toiletries & Personal Care

• Toothbrush
• Travel toothpaste
• Shampoo + conditioner
• Cetaphil / face wash
• Toner / moisturiser
• Sunscreen
• Minoxidil
• Razor / shaving kit
• Hair brush / comb
• Towel
• Jet spray / travel bidet
• Nail cutter
• Cotton earbuds
• Feminine hygiene products (if needed)

3. 💊 Food & Medication

• Sev, khakhra, papad
• Thepla
• Spices, jeeravan, achaar powder
• Maggi / instant noodles
• Subzi packets, dal packets
• Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, etc.)
• Water bottle (reusable, empty for airport)
• Tea bags / instant coffee
• Energy bars / protein bars

• Prescription medicines (including psychiatric)
• Doctor's prescription letter (especially for controlled meds)
• Basic OTC meds — paracetamol, antacids, antihistamine, cold/cough
• Band-aids / first aid basics
• Vitamin supplements
• Any topical creams / ointments

⚠️ Note: For the US, carry ALL prescription meds in original labelled bottles with a doctor's letter. Especially important for psychiatric medications.

4. 📄 Documents & Finances

• Passport (check validity — 6 months beyond travel)
• US Visa / ESTA printout
• Flight tickets (print + digital)
• Travel insurance documents
• Hotel / accommodation bookings
• University / employer / event invitation letter (if applicable)
• Driver's licence (international or Indian)
• PAN card / Aadhaar (backup ID)
• Emergency contacts list
• Photocopies of all documents (keep separate from originals)

• Wallet
• Cash in USD (small bills — $20s, $10s, $5s, $1s for tips)
• Debit/credit cards (inform your bank before travel)
• Forex card (Niyo / Wise / HDFC Regalia etc.)

5. 💻 Electronics & Gadgets

• Laptop
• Laptop charger
• Phone charger (USB-C)
• Universal power adapter / converter
• Multi-port USB-C hub / Mac power strip
• Power bank (carry-on only — not checked baggage)
• AirPods / earphones
• Apple Watch + charger
• Mic (podcast/content)
• Gimbal
• Lights (ring light / portable LED)
• Holders / mounts (phone, camera)
• SD cards + card reader
• Keyboard / mouse (if needed)
• Hard drive / USB drive for backups

6. 📦 Others / Miscellaneous

• Notebook + pens
• Glasses (chasma) + case + spare pair if possible
• Glasses cleaning cloth
• Resealable zip-lock bags (multiple sizes — very handy)
• Shopping bags / foldable tote
• Umbrella / compact raincoat
• Travel pillow / eye mask / earplugs (for long flights)
• Snacks for the flight
• Small backpack / day bag for daily outings
• Padlock for luggage

💡 Two Additional Categories I'd Suggest

• Google Maps offline download for your US cities
• Uber / Lyft installed
• Translation / currency converter app
• eSIM or US SIM card arranged (Airalo, T-Mobile, etc.)
• VPN installed

• Passport + visa
• Power bank
• Phone charger + adapter
• Medicines (day's supply)
• Change of clothes (1 set)
• Snacks
• Neck pillow, eye mask

• Power bank was listed twice — keep it in electronics, and remember it must go in carry-on, not checked luggage per TSA rules.
• "Ug" — I've listed as Uggs/warm boots under Apparels.
• Water — carry an empty reusable bottle; fill after security at the airport.
• Chasme — listed under Others as glasses.