What to pack for your Holiday to Sri Lanka
In short, very little!… as most items you might need, such as insect repellent, standard medicines, diapers, all types of foods (such as biscuits, cereals, juices, milk products, cheeses and drinking water), etc, can be purchased locally. There are super markets (and other organized and unorganized retail stores) scattered all over the island. Even in the most remote areas of Sri Lanka you
will certainly find a retailer that stocks up on all the basic necessities.
Sun protect is vital and this may not be found everywhere (but all hotel shops and main supermarkets and pharmacies will stock up on it). As Sun block and other sun protection lotions are imported it will certainly be more expensive in Sri Lanka.
Bring along your favorite toiletries, as Western brands are expensive in Sri Lanka. Don’t forget to bring a travel wallet that you can wear under your clothing, although Sri Lankans manage quite well with ordinary wallets and purses. Pick-pocking and petite crimes are very rare but it’s always better to be safer than sorry and more importantly not to tempt anyone.
What to pack for babies when traveling in Sri Lanka.
Diapers, baby foods and other infant product are readily available in most supermarkets, but it is advisable to bring a stock of items that your child may be use to.
Most hotels and guest houses are always ready to oblige and make baby food on
request. They will make things like rice congee, vegetable purees, fruit purees, pasta, noodles, French toast, French fries etc. Sri Lanka is a very baby friendly country and most people are very caring a ready to assist kids and parents. These kind gestures are almost always never charges and are done free of charge.
Pushchairs and bulky buggies are not so useful due to the condition of many roads and pavements, so a strong hands-free carrier is a good idea.
Small tapper ware containers are handy for packing meals and spray atomizer of mineral water helps to cool children quickly and efficiently when touring during a midday excursions, particularly in the North Central dry zone region of Sri Lanka.
You can also look to purchasing a fabric mesh food cover that can double as a portable mini-mosquito net for small babies. This too is available in many baby stores and super markets in the main town areas. Inform your tour guide or ask your hotel staff for guidance on how to purchase one.
Happy packing!!