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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Orissa, India

Essential Preparations

Actions to take at different stages before your trip.

Chronological Planning Timeline

A step-by-step guide to your pre-trip actions.

1

Months Before Your Trip

Passport Validity

Confirm your passport has at least six months validity beyond your intended departure.

Indian e-Visa

Begin your Indian e-Visa application process. Allow ample processing time.

Travel Doctor

Consult a travel doctor for vaccination advice and prescription medications.

2

Month Before Your Trip

Flights & Trains

Book international flights and major domestic flights or train journeys.

Accommodation

Finalize all hotel or guesthouse bookings for your entire stay.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance: World Nomads

3

Week Before Your Trip

Confirm Bookings

Double-check all flight, hotel, and tour reservations for accuracy.

Packing

Pack essential clothing, toiletries, and Travel gear.

Bank Notification

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Steps to take for peace of mind at home.

Pre-Departure Tasks

  • Inform family or trusted friends of your itinerary and contact details.
  • Arrange for pet care if needed.
  • Suspend mail/deliveries or arrange for a neighbor to collect them.
  • Secure your home (lock windows, doors, set alarms).

Documentation Reminders

A list of essential documents for your journey.

Document Checklist

  • Passport, Visa, Flight Tickets, Hotel Confirmations.
  • Travel Insurance Policy, Credit/Debit Cards, Emergency Cash.
  • Vaccination Records, Emergency Contacts, Embassy Details.
  • Local SIM card details, Digital Backups of all important documents.

Document Backups

Make photocopies and digital backups of all important documents. Store digital copies on cloud storage and email them to yourself. Keep physical copies separate from the originals.

Identification

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • Driver's License
  • Travel Insurance

Travel Itinerary

  • Flight Tickets
  • Hotel Confirmations
  • Train/Bus Tickets
  • Tour Bookings

Emergency Contacts

  • Family Contacts
  • Embassy/Consulate
  • Medical Providers
  • Travel Insurance Helpline

Important Financial Tip

Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card issues. Consider a travel currency card for convenience.

Arrival Checklist

Your first actions upon arriving in Puri.

Smooth Arrival Steps

  • 1
    Clear Immigration and Customs:

    Have passport, visa, and arrival card ready at Bhubaneswar airport (BBI).

  • 2
    Currency Exchange/Withdrawal:

    Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport or withdraw cash from an ATM upon arrival for immediate expenses.

  • 3
    Local SIM Card:

    If not already arranged, purchase a local SIM card at the airport or an authorized store in Puri for connectivity.

Settling In

  • Arrange Transfer:

    Take your pre-booked taxi, app-based ride, or negotiate an auto-rickshaw fare for your journey from Bhubaneswar airport to your accommodation in Puri.

  • Check In:

    Settle into your hotel or guesthouse. Rest and hydrate before exploring.

  • Orientation:

    Once settled, take a short walk around your immediate neighborhood to familiarize yourself with nearby shops, restaurants, and landmarks.

Local Services

Ride Hailing

Ola/Uber availability might vary. Check app for drivers.

Local Transport

Public buses and shared autos are widely available for city travel.

Tourist Information

Hotels and designated centers offer tourist information.

Connectivity Note

Purchasing a local SIM card delivers reliable internet access and local calls for navigating your trip.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for a smooth departure from Puri.

Final Packing & Logistics

  • Confirm Departure: Double-check flight or train times at least 24 hours prior.
  • Pack Carefully: Organize luggage, adhere to baggage limits for purchases. Eagle Creek
  • Souvenir Shipping: For large or fragile souvenirs, confirm shipping arrangements.
  • VAT Refund: India does not have a general VAT refund scheme for tourists.

Departure Day Timing

  • Airport Transfer: Allow 1.5-2 hours from Puri to Bhubaneswar airport, plus buffer for traffic.
  • Airport Arrival: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
  • Station Arrival: For train or bus departures, arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • Return Documents: Confirm all necessary documents for your return journey or onward travel.

Emergency Procedures

Knowing these steps can be life-saving.

Emergency Numbers

  • Police:100
  • Fire:101
  • Ambulance:102
  • National Tourist Helpline (toll-free):1363

Banking and Money

  • Decide on your strategy for accessing money.
  • Order some Indian Rupees in advance (a small amount for immediate use).
  • Plan to use ATMs upon arrival.
  • Consider a travel currency card for convenience.

Smooth Exit Reminder

Reconfirming all onward travel details and organizing your baggage the day before departure makes for a stress-free exit.

Remember to enjoy your final moments in Puri.