WHAT TO PACK?

Most travelers pack too much clothing. Take only what you expect to wear. Although public laundry service is available in most places where students will be staying, it is advised to bring dark colors that will not readily show the dirt. Your clothing should be hand washable and require little care. Learn the typical climate of the locations you plan to visit. You can acquire other inexpensive items in your host country that will have the advantage of fitting with current trends in fashion and make you less identifiable as a foreigner. The following list is a helpful guide and should be adjusted according to the seasonal weather you will experience during your stay abroad.

Clothing

• walking shoes
• flip-flops or shower shoes
• socks
• underwear
• shorts
• skirts/trousers
• shirts
• sweater/sweatshirt
• poncho/rain jacket
• light jacket
• bathing suit
• hat
• a nice outfit
• T-shirts (cotton)

Medicine and Toiletries

• Prescription medicine: clearly marked with patient name, physician name, drug name, dosage, and written physician prescription explaining the condition and use (NOTE: this may be required in order to bring these medications through customs and into the country.)
• Over-the-counter unopened medication (i.e., any medications you take on a regular basis or those that are especially effective for you): Although your host country may have the same drug, it is probably called something different and may be difficult to identify at your time of need or not available at all.
• First Aid Kit: include bandages, first aid tape, antiseptic wipes, burn cream, extra-strength aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication, anithistamines, and first aid guide
• Comb and/or brush
• Sunscreen, moisturizers, cosmetics, bug repellant
• Water purification tablets and malaria prophylaxis (if applicable)
• Deodorant/antiperspirant
• Razor
• Tampons/sanitary pads
• Contraceptives/birth control/prophylactics
• Eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and cleaning solution
• Hand sanitizer

Miscellaneous

• Battery operated alarm clock
• Camera and film
• Walkman or portable CD player and CDs
• Flashlight
• Address book
• Travel journal
• Pocket calculator
• Books, guides, and maps
• Day pack
• Laundry soap and line, clothes pins
• Sewing kit (this must be packed in your checked luggage)
• Stuff bags, plastic storage bags
• Hostel sleepsack/sleeping bag
• Change purse/fanny pack
• Umbrella
• Luggage lock and tag
• Batteries
• Adapter and voltage converter
• Extra set of passport photos of yourself
• Photos from home to share with friends abroad

Documents, etc. (to carry on your person)

• Passport
• Tickets and railpasses (leave a copy with your family)
• ISIC card (if purchased)
• Hostel membership card (if purchased)
• Cash, travelers checks, credit cards
• HTH medical insurance ID card