In general, it is a good idea to pack lightly. In many cases you will have to carry your luggage by yourself. First you will want to check your airline's luggage allowance. How many bags are you allowed to bring? How much is each bag allowed to weigh? Is there a charge if my bag is overweight or if I have an extra bag? 

Also doing some research on the weather will help you decide what type of clothes and shoes you need. Some sites may require a dress code (shoulders covered/knees covered), so be sure to consider this as you evaluate what you’re bringing along.

How to Pack

  • If you’re bringing two bags, one of them should be small enough for weekend travel 
  • Packing cubes or compression bags can help make more space
  • Make sure everything you bring is multi-use
  • Remember you’ll likely buy clothes, toiletries, and souvenirs in your host country

Packing List

  • Clothes
    • 5-6 casual, mix and match outfits
    • 1-2 nicer outfits
    • Layers
  • 2 pairs of comfortable shoes you can walk all day in
  • Hat/sunglasses
  • Toiletries
  • Glasses or contacts with a back up
  • Electronics (you may not want or need to bring all of these)
    • laptop with charger
    • phone with charger
    • adapters
    • headphones or earpods
    • powerbank
  • Prescription medication - enough for your entire time away (pack in your carry on)
  • Over the counter medication
    • Allergy
    • Cold
    • Headache
    • Upset stomach
    • Car sickness
  • Bug spray and sunblock/aloe 
  • Documents
    • passport
    • visa if required before departure
    • acceptance letter 
    • plane ticket itinerary with record locator
    • housing information with address
    • driver's license
    • written copies of prescriptions from doctor
    • phone numbers for your bank and credit card company
  • Money
    • Some currency of destination
    • debit card
    • credit card
  • Other Suggestions
    • journal 
    • book
    • country guide (sights, culture, history, common words and phrases)
    • TSA approved luggage locks
    • compact umbrella 
    • reusable water bottle
    • thin quick drying towel
    • reusable shopping bag

Take a picture of copy of important documents and credit cards. It is best to keep it stored on a secure cloud setting so you can access the information in the event that your phone is lost or stolen. 

Items like prescription medicines, valuables, and an extra set of clothes are good to keep in your carry-on in case of lost luggage.