Packing Suggestions

  • Research your destination to determine culturally accepted attire and climate.
  • Choose sturdy luggage on wheels, or a durable backpack. Label it properly with your name, email, address and mobile number, and add a color tag, ribbon, etc., so you can easily determine that is your luggage.
  • Your international flight will typically allow one piece of luggage, maximum 50 lbs, for check-in, and one carry-on item.
  • Consider bringing a small box of laundry detergent to wash some items by hand- on longer trips and when carrying heavier bags is not ideal.
  • Don’t forget: rain jacket/poncho, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, long sleeve cotton shirt, extra socks
  • You should always pack: hand-sanitizer, small flashlight, small battery operated alarm clock, closed toe comfortable shoes/sneakers, small backpack to carry  on day trips, money wallet(s).
  • Bring an extra pair of contact lenses and solution, and glasses
  • Review federal guidelines on which items and sizes can be packed in your carry-on verse your checked luggage. faa.gov
  • Always carry one extra pair of clothing, daily prescriptions in original bottles, and toiletries in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost.
  • Double-check your destination for any restrictions on prescribed medications. You may be required to obtain a doctor’s note to accompany your prescription.
  • Don’t pack your passport and important travel documents in your checked luggage. Make sure important information is readily available in case you are asked to provide documentation at passport and border patrol.
  • When packing toiletries, make sure you only pack the essentials in a small plastic bag. Squeeze out the extra air out of bottles and tubes to avoid leaks during air travel.
  • Don’t pack your suitcase so there is no extra space to bring items back to your home after the program is complete. You may acquire some souvenirs or gifts and don’t want to exceed your luggage allowance.
  • Put together a small personal first aid kit in a sealed plastic bag: band aids, over the counter cold or allergy medicine, anti-motility medication, oral rehydration packets, pain relievers, hydrocortisone cream, Pepto-Bismol, motion sickness, feminine products, individually packed alcohol wipes, small roll of toilet paper and facial tissues
  • Don’t bring your most expensive jewelry, purses, wallets, shoes, etc., on short trips. You can go without these times rather than risk having them lost or stolen since your accommodations might not provide a room safe.