Packing Suggestions
Most students who have traveled abroad report that they packed too much, especially clothes. What you take depends largely on where you are going and how long you will be there. Remember that you will often be able to buy what you need abroad.
Don't pack your bags to their limit! It is very likely that you will buy items while abroad that you will want to carry home. Comfort and practicality are key for both clothing and shoes, but remember that people in other countries often dress more formally than people in the U.S. The local style is likely to differ from what you see on campus or in your hometown.
To save space, leave toiletries such as soap and shampoo behind (unless you are traveling to a truly remote location). Also leave behind expensive jewelry, luxury items, etc., which would mark you
as a target for a thief.
Descriptions of appropriate casual and business dress for men and women in many countries can be found at www.executiveplanet.com.
Clothing:
- The basics: socks, underwear, shorts (if appropriate), skirts/pants, shirts, pajamas, sweater/sweatshirt
- Waterproof walking shoes
- Flip-fl ops/shower shoes
- Rain jacket
- Light jacket or winter coat, gloves, scarf, hat
- Bathing suit
- Sun hat (and sunglasses)
- One or two nice outfi ts
Toiletries and Medical Kit:
- The basics: toothbrush and toothpaste, comb and/or brush, deodorant, razor(s), razor blades, moisturizer
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- Prescription medicines (carry copy of prescriptions and letter from physician)
- Non-prescription drugs (laxative, antacid, pain reliever, anti-diarrhea—
- Immodium or Lotomil, motion sickness pills, decongestant, antihistamine, anti-fungal cream, cough suppressant, yeast infection medication)
- Insect repellent (25-30% DEET) and, depending on destination, mosquito bednet; calamine lotion or topical antihistamine
- Band-Aids, gauze, tape, antibiotic cream
- Oral thermometer
- Contraceptives and condoms
- Tampons/sanitary napkins (enough for your whole stay)
- Extra eyeglasses and contact lenses with cleaning solution
- Tweezers, fingernail clippers, nail fi les, etc. and/or Swiss Army knife
- Pre-moistened towelettes
- Water disinfectant (iodine or chlorine solution)
- Gatorade/electrolyte replacing powder
Documents:
- • Passport and visa(s) and photocopies
- International SOS card
- Airline tickets and rail passes
- Medical insurance card and coverage plan
- Driver’s license
- Emergency contact information
- Travelers’ checks, credit cards, ATM cards, calling card, etc. and copies for reporting lost/stolen cards and/or travelers’ checks
- Acceptance letter from program or host organization and approval letter from Princeton (if applicable)
- Extra passport sized photographs (useful for ID cards, rail cards)
Gift Suggestions:
- • Clothing and items with Princeton logo
- • Baseball caps
- • Non-perishable traditional American foods: maple syrup, salt-water taffy,
- locally made jam, peanut butter, candy that involves peanut butter
Miscellaneous:
- Money belt or neck wallet
- Linens (if not provided by site), towel/washcloth, hostel sleep sack (a folded-over sheet that is hemmed up the side)
- Umbrella
- Watch (cheap, reliable)
- Camera and fi lm/batteries/extra disks
- Flash drive/memory stick
- Flashlight
- Books, guides, maps, train schedules, and handbooks
- Day pack/small compressible knapsack
- Stuff bags/plastic storage bags. Plastic bags work well for organizingsmaller items in your luggage.
- Laundry bag
- Battery-operated alarm clock
- Batteries
- Adapter and voltage converter/appropriate plugs. For information about electrical outlets, plugs, and sockets found throughout the world, see www.electricaloutlet.org.
- Small locks for backpacks or locking luggage to overhead train racks
- American cookbook, favorite recipes, and measuring cup
- Pictures of your life at Princeton or at home to share
Print the Packing List.