Here is a detailed packing list for your time in Southeast Asia this summer. 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. Weather in Southeast Asia Summer in Southeast Asia is known as the “rainy season” or the “green season”—days are generally hot and humid, with brief and refreshing showers that keep the land very lush and green. Temperatures sometimes cool off once the sun goes down, making for more pleasant evenings. Because of the heat, you’ll need to drink a lot more water than you’re used to drinking to stay hydrated! Your clothes should be able to get wet, dirty, and / or destroyed during service work and program activities.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Important Notes About Your Luggage - Airlines in Southeast Asia have weight restrictions for checked and carry-on luggage. Please limit your checked luggage to no more than 33lbs (15kg) and your carry-on luggage to 15lbs (7kg). For your one checked bag, a backpacking backpack or a duffel bag that is easy to carry are perfect. Make sure everything you pack in your carry-on bag complies with the carry-on regulations of the TSA.
Our Dress Code Expectations in Southeast Asia Southeast Asian cultures are very conservative. Despite the hot climate, people in these parts of the world show less skin than in many Western cultures, and you’ll rarely see low-cut shirts or short shorts in rural communities. As we seek to respect and preserve the culture of the communities we work with, we ask that our students dress conservatively while in country. If you’re not wearing proper attire, we’ll ask you to change your clothes or abstain from the service project of the day. To dress respectfully in Southeast Asia, please bring loose-fitting pants or shorts that cover just above the knees (think basketball length). Bring basic t-shirts that cover your shoulders, and please leave all tank tops, cut off shirts, low-cut, see-through, or crop tops at home. As mentioned in our packing lists, yoga pants and leggings are not appropriate because they are too form-fitting. The key is to show less skin and to stay cool by wearing loose-fitted clothing.
CARRY-ON
- A small backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.
- Passport
- 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.
- Clothing Items
- 8-10 pairs of underwear – quick-dry material is best
- 4-6 pairs of socks – lightweight cotton or quick dry athletic socks are best
- T-Shirts with sleeves (7-10)
- 5-7 tops (t-shirts and sports shirts) – they can be cotton, or quick-dry shirts like capilene or polypropylene
- 2-3 pairs of shorts/skirts, which must go to the knees or longer
- 2-3 pairs of lightweight pants, jeans (too hot to wear often) or capris
- 1-2 light, long sleeve t-shirts – breathable is best for the sun and certain areas of the region can get buggy or chilly (if you’re lucky!) at night
- 1 lightweight hoodie – most likely needed on flights, in movie theaters, or in airports. Most people will be fine without one
- 2 swimsuits – two piece suits are fine but need to be very modest
- 1 sarong / shawl / lightweight towel (not white!) – many accommodations will have towels for you to use, but it is handy to have something of your own for sitting poolside or visiting a waterfall
- A nice casual outfit – for special end of program dinners
- Pajamas (1)
- Sneakers
- Strappy sandals – like Tevas or Chacos
- 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
- Local language phrasebook
- Portable games (Bananagrams, cards, etc.)
- Pictures of friends and family
- Frisbee, football, etc.
- Digital camera – waterproof style shock resistant cameras are great for our programs; again, do not depend on your phone – we encourage our students to disconnect from their phones while on program