Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:
Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
CARRY-ON
- A small backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.
-
Passport
- Chinese Visa
- 2 Photocopies of passport
- Wallet/money
- Book and/or journal and Pen
- Phone
- Chargers
- Camera
- Ear plugs
- Change of clothes
- Reusable water bottle (Nalgene sized)
- Medication
- Snacks
- Additional community service forms
- Outlet power converter
- Consent to Travel form
- Yola emergency contacts
CHECKED LUGGAGE
- A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.
- Packing light and expecting to re wear clothing will help you a lot on this program.
Clothing Items
-
Underwear (12-14)
- Socks (10)
- T-Shirts with sleeves (7-10)
-
Long-sleeved shirt (2)
- Long Shorts (3-4)
- Jeans / light pants (2)
- One sweatshirt
- Pajamas (1)
- Sneakers
- Sunglasses
- Hat
TOILETRIES
Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags including Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen, Bug spray, Feminine hygiene products, Contacts Contact solution, Foam earplugs, Personal med kit, Deodorant, Hand Sanitizer, Wet wipes, Small packs of tissues, Razor / shaving cream.
Miscellaneous
- Flashlight/Headlamp w/ Extra Batteries
Watch or Clock with an Alarm
Bag for dirty clothes
- Optional Items
- Chinese phrasebook
- Portable games (Bananagrams, cards, etc.)
- Pictures of friends and family
- Frisbee, football, etc.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Domestic airlines in China have a checked bag weight limit of 20 kilos (about 44 lbs). If your bags weigh more than this, the airline may charge you an excess baggage fee for every kilo over the allowed limit. In past years, we have had students incur SIGNIFICANT charges for excess