Important Items and Your Carry-on
Keep your important documents and belongings in your carry-on, including the following:
- Passport (with visa, if applicable)
- Credit/Debit Cards
- Plane tickets or copy of your itinerary (or have these downloaded and accessible without wifi)
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- Medications,Ìýprescriptions, and medical equipmentÌý(review theÌýHealth & Wellness pageÌýfor more information)
Keep track of these items the entire time you are abroad. Keep them in a safe space and carefully consider whether you need to keep them on you when you're exploring your host city.
Tips to protect your belongings:
- Have photos of your important documents in case you lose them.
- Save your program, host country, and personalÌýemergency contact information in your phone.
- Organize your funds into two separate packets, each with a credit card and currency. When in your host country, one of these packets should be left at your housing.
- Do not pack more than you can carry, and never let your bags out of your sight. Purchase and use a lock for your luggage. Keep your purse in your lap in public, always have a hand or foot in a loop or strap of your luggage when you set it down. If you need to sleep on public transportation, use your pack as a pillow.
- Be aware of pickpocketsÌýandÌýdo not carry your money or passport in an easily accessible place. Pickpockets often mingle widely in tourist crowds, including but not limited to airports, train stations, travel agencies, and museums, so be extra vigilant in touristy areas.
- A concealed money belt or neck pouch is a good idea in some areas, but showing that you have one can make you a target.
- Don’t bring anything you can’t afford to lose. This includes items of sentimental value such as family jewelry or heirlooms.
Clothing
Research what clothing is culturally appropriate, what types of activities (in and out of the classroom) you'll be participating in, and what the weather is like in your host country. It is always good to pack an interchangeable wardrobe of easy washables in dark colors and neutrals. Dark colors tend not to show dirt as easily!
- Prepare to layer. Even if you will be in a location with a hot climate, pack a few warm items. Think about how cold summer nights can be in Colorado! Also consider your living situation; many countries may have fewer insulated buildings than you're used to and therefore you may be colder (or warmer) than expected.
- Roll instead of folding your clothing to save space and prevent wrinkles in your suitcase.
- Pack early to ensure that you can carry everything you plan on bringing.
- Dryers are far less common outside of the US. Be prepared to air-dry your clothes.Ìý
Toiletries
Toiletries take up a lot of space and weight in your luggage.ÌýYou will be able to purchase most essential toiletries in your host country; however, the brand or type of products may differ from what you're used to. If you have a brand you love, consider packing it. This might include contact lenses solution, skincare/makeup, or over-the-counter medication.Ìý
If applicable, you may also want to bring menstrual hygiene items, such as tampons or sanitary pads. In some places, these can often be harder to find, may be more expensive, or may be different from what you are used to in the U.S. Tampons with an applicator are more difficult to find abroad, even in many European countries.ÌýÌý
Consider the upkeep of your hair abroad. This will vary based on your type of hair, where you will be, and how long you will be abroad. For those of you with natural hair, this articleÌýhas tips and considerations you may find useful.
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Packing List
There are also a number of useful online packing lists:
- Rick Steves’ Europe offers aÌý.
- provides country-specific clothing suggestions for women.
- Refer to theÌýÌýfor a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for your specific location(s) (insect repellant, diarrhea medication, etc.)
