Packing Tips

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