If you’re new to travel or prone to forgetfulness, these packing tips will help you arrive on your educational adventure prepared. A few quick tips to get you started:
- Look up the weather to know what to bring
- Make a packing list
- Research your airline weight limit and baggage fee policy. If you can, weigh your luggage at home.
Checked Luggage
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save room
- Layers are key! Pack dual-purpose garments that you can mix & match.
- Bring one nicer outfit; you never know where the trip will take you!
- Be conservative with how many shoes you’ll pack. They’re heavy and you’ll likely only wear a couple of pairs.
- Research the clothing customs before you go. Are you going to places of worship where you can’t show your shoulders? Pack a scarf! It takes up very little room and is versatile. Use as a scarf, a blanket on the plane, or to cover your head if you plan on visiting religious sites.
- Inside your checked luggage, include a phone number for your first hotel or your group travel organization in case your luggage gets lost. (Pack it on top!)
- Purchase a luggage lock in case your room does not have a safe
- Leave the expensive jewelry at home
- Consider any specialty items you may need: a walking stick, hiking books, seasickness medication, special camera lenses, binoculars, etc.
- Leave a little room in your suitcase to bring back souvenirs
- If you’re going somewhere where mosquitoes or bugs may be common, bring dryer sheets to repel them away. Attach them to your bed or put them in your belt loops.
- Pad your breakables
Carry-on Luggage
- Pack all necessary items and an extra set of clothes in your carry on in case your checked luggage gets lost
- Keep your carry-on liquids somewhere easily accessible so you can pull them out as you go through airport security
- If you’re an avid reader, consider buying an e-reader, and upload a few new books
- Pack hand sanitizer in your carry-on bag (and use it)
- Pack an (empty) water bottle in your carry-on to fill at the airport once you go through security
- If traveling internationally, pack the necessary outlet adapters
- Make sure you have your passport or a visa if necessary
- Bring snacks! (But leave the liquids behind)
- Bring your health insurance card and multiple credit cards – you never know which type they will accept.
- For long flights, consider purchasing a neck pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, ear plugs and/or a sleeping mask
- Bring an extra pair of glasses or dentures
