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Logistics
What to pack
Below is a helpful guide for what to pack. The list should be adjusted according to the length and seasonal weather you will experience during your stay abroad.
Clothing
Most travelers pack too much clothing. Take only what you expect to wear. Bring sturdy, clothes that stand up to multiple washings and make sure to bring items that go with most of your other clothes so as to maximize your wardrobe. 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.
- walking shoes
- flip-flops or shower shoes
- socks
- underwear
- shorts
- skirt/trousers
- shirts
- sweater/sweatshirt
- rain jacket
- light jacket
- bathing suit
- hat
- a nice outfit
- t-shirts (cotton)
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.
Medicine and toiletries
If you chose to put any of the items below in your carry-on luggage, all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Items must also be placed in a single, quart-sized, clear zip-top plastic bag.
- 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, Benadryl™ or similar antihistamines to treat allergies, 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
You must declare expensive and/or foreign goods you will take with you before leaving the United States so that you are not charged duty on them when you return. If you are taking imported articles such as cameras, binoculars, watches, laptops, etc., register these foreign-made articles with Customs (before leaving the U.S.) to avoid extra duty charges upon re-entry.
- Battery operated alarm clock
- Camera and film
- Portable music player
- Flashlight
- Address book
- Travel journal
- Pocket calculator
- Books, guides, and maps
- Cards and/or games
- Day pack
- Laundry soap and line, clothes pins
- Sewing kit (scissors, if included, must be kept in your checked luggage)
- Stuff bags, plastic storage bags
- Hostel sleepsack/sleeping bag
- Change purse/fanny pack
- Umbrella
- TSA-approved luggage lock
- Luggage tags for each of your bags
- Batteries
- Water bottle (make sure it is empty before going through airport security)
- Adapter and voltage converter
- Binoculars (if applicable)
- Laptop computer (if applicable)
- Extra set of passport photos of yourself
- Photos from home to share with friends abroad
Documents, etc.
These documents should be carried with you (not in your luggage).
- 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
