A perfect picnic packing list

How long has it been since you are stuck indoors? As winter is knocking the door here in India, I eagerly look forward to some safe yet fun outdoor activities. Since my childhood, winters meant time for a picnic. Given the pandemic situation, I’m sure a lot of us need a much-needed family picnic nearby. Hit the nearest picnic spot and have some quality time in the lap of nature.

If you are in Bangalore, I have the best list of one day trips for you which includes some amazing picnic spots nearby. But do refer to this short and sufficient checklist when you plan your next picnic.

1. Picnic Basket

Well, you can carry your food in anything you want – reusable cotton bags, tote bags, etc. But a food basket or cooler is the best way to carry multiple food items for an outdoor lunch. You can organize the food containers, utensils and napkins inside the covered basket and tuck it safely at the back of your car. 

2. Cooler

A cooler is a good idea to keep the food fresh for a long time. Keep your food in thermos containers for. I like this minimalist organizer bag specially designed for picnics.

3. Thermos containers

If you are carrying cooked food which needs to be eaten hot or warm, pack them in a thermos container. That will keep the food at a safe temperature above 140 F to prevent contamination. Similarly for water or cold-drinks you can use icepacks to keep them cool.

4. Sand-proof beach towel

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sinjana (@backpacknxplore)

Beach towels are great because it’s easy to brush off the dust from them. Given the post-pandemic situation I don’t think anyone would like to sit on a public area directly. Even if it’s a park or beach.  I love the multi-purpose Tesalate beach towel that I own. It’s sand free, ultra-absorbent, quick-dry, and large enough for four people to sit. Be it a picnic or just hitting the beach to relax, the beach towel is a must.

5. Light-weight plates and cutlery

Don’t forget to pack lightweight plates and cutlery in your picnic basket. We used to pack disposable thermocol plates earlier. But with more awareness about environment, we have started using light-weight Tupperware plates and reusable cutlery. We also have a large number of plastic cutleries which we get when we order in. It’s a good idea to wash and keep them aside for use while travelling.

6. Paper Napkins

This is something obvious, yet often forgotten. Paper napkins are a travel essential always. Especially it’s good to wipe the extra food off the containers after eating. That will prevent the foul smell from the utensils after some time.

7. Trashbag

Never forget to carry a trashbag when you go on a picnic. We always have some in our car as an essential part of our road trip packing list. I firmly believe that as travelers we should leave only footprints to the places we go to. There aren’t dustbins everywhere. So bring back the waste so that you can dispose it properly.

8. Entertainment

For entertainment, I carry a portable speaker and a pen drive. Yes, it’s that simple. This is for places where playing music is not prohibited. Otherwise the good old antakshari and card games will do. Don’t forget to carry an extra cork if you plan to play badminton. Those things are just meant to fall into unapproachable places.

9. Electric Barbeque grill

Who doesn’t like a barbeque in winter? Get a portable outdoor barbeque to add the extra bit of taste and fun to your picnic.I love this foldable briefcase grill which comes with 8 skewers and a packet of charcoal in India. It’s great value for money.

10. Camera – Ofcourse

Picnic is a place to make memories to cherish for life. So don’t forget your camera behind. Be it the people, the fun-moments or the resplendent fields, the beach or the sunset – you wouldnt want to miss capturing the beautiful moments. You can check out the best cameras for travel photography and best camera-phones in the blog.

That’s it! Just pick the right place and you are all set for the family picnic you were waiting for. What did I miss? What is your favorite picnic memory? Do share with me in the comment section. And don’t forget to pin the post.

Also read: The best places to visit in India in winter.