It is important to make a mental checklist of important things to do before taking off. These are:

• Flights to India are usually booked to capacity so it's recommended to call the airline you are flying on at least 72 hrs prior to departure time and reconfirm your departure with them.
  
• Photocopy your passport, traveler's cheques, credit cards, itinerary and airline tickets. Carry one copy with you and leave one copy and your overseas contact details with a person in your home city. In case you lose any valuable documents, you'll have a record and know whom to call.
  
• Carry an international driving license. Even if you're not planning to drive, it serves as a form of identification.
  
• Put identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage. It is advisable to use details of your workplace, if possible.
  
• Since most Indian airports are rather crowded, plan ahead and pre-arrange transfers, hotel accommodation and other requirements with your travel representative so you'll have one less thing to worry about upon arrival.