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. 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.

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.

• walking shoes
• flip-flops or shower shoes
• socks
• underwear
• shorts
• skirts/trousers
• shirts
• sweater/sweatshirt
• poncho/rain jacket
• light jacket
• bathing suit
• hat
• a nice outfit
• t-shirts (cotton)

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
• iPod or portable CD player and CDs
• 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 (this must be packed in your checked luggage)
• Stuff bags, plastic storage bags
• Hostel sleepsack/sleeping bag
• Change purse/fanny pack
• Umbrella
• Luggage lock and tag
• Batteries
• Water bottle
• Adapter and voltage converter
• Binoculars
• Laptop computer
• 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

LUGGAGE

• Check with an insurance or travel agent about insuring your luggage and other personal effects.
• Avoid oversize and overweight luggage.
• Mark your luggage tags ahead of time with a clear indication of your name, address and phone number of your destination. Also keep this information inside your bags
• Keep your luggage locked and close to you!
• If you intend to travel before or after your program, make arrangements for storage of your luggage. Do not assume that your luggage can be stored at your housing location during dates outside of the program. Daily storage charges in train stations and airports can be quite costly.

Airlines restrict the amount of luggage that passengers are allowed to carry. In general, passengers on international flights are allowed two bags, each weighing no more than 50 pounds. Requirements vary from carrier to carrier, and it is your responsibility to contact your airlines to determine these requirements. Please note that intra-country flights usually have lower limits. Therefore, if your program includes an in-country flight, you should pack less or be prepared to pay for extra luggage.

You will have to carry your own luggage. It is a good idea to pack your bags a few days before departure and try to carry them when you are tired. Eliminate items that are not essential. Don't take anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home all unnecessary credit cards, expensive jewelry, or irreplaceable family objects! Take a collapsible piece of luggage or leave room in your bags for items acquired abroad.

When packing your carry-on luggage we suggest you include:

• an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses and cleaning solution (less than three ounces)
• a map or directions to your destination
• any medications you use (keep medications in their original labeled container to make customs processing easier; if any medications contain narcotics, carry a letter with you from your physician attesting to your need to take them)
• basic toiletries (containers must be less than three ounces each and all must be placed in a quart-sized, clear plastic bag)
• a sweater or sweatshirt
• a change of clothes. Do not pack any gels, liquids, or sharp items such as jackknives, scissors, nail clippers, etc. in your carry-on luggage.

Electrical service varies throughout the world. Most outlets will not accept the two- or three-pronged plugs that are standard in the United States. Therefore, if you intend to take small appliances you will need a set of adapter plugs that will “adapt” U.S. plugs to the plug system of your host country. Additionally, you will need a voltage converter to “convert” the U.S. voltage of your electronic device to the local voltage. These items can be purchased at electronics stores such as Radio Shack or Best Buy.

Electric converters work for appliances up to 1600 watts, at least for a while, but good ones are expensive; don't be fooled by cheaper versions because they will burn up your appliance and perhaps cause a fire. Because of the voltage difference, U.S. appliances often short out, even with a converter. It may be to your advantage to buy electric appliances on-site. If you are bringing expensive electronic equipment such as a computer, obtain all necessary conversion information from a professional before departure.