The best advice is to pack lightly and leave plenty of room for souvenirs. Here are some items you might want to consider bringing.
Luggage
- Backpacker bags and/or duffel bags may be easier for travel, especially for jumping on local transportation. If you use a bag on wheels, it may be better to use a small suitcase, instead of a large one.
- Book bag for weekend trips and groceries.
Suggested items
- Adaptors, converters and chargers (we suggest a global converter so that you can use it no matter where you go, but adaptors can be purchased cheaply at Carrefour)
- Travel alarm clock
- Any medication you need
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Toiletries, especially tampons and deodorant
- Bug spray and hand sanitizer
- Photos of loved ones
- Comfort foods
You DO NOT need to bring
- Too much clothing—you will buy (or tailor!) a lot
- Sheets, since they will be provided. You may want to bring one towel for your first days.
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash— there are plenty of American brands at Carrefour and Watson’s.
If you plan on traveling
- Flip flops for the hostel showers.
- Towels for the hostels.
- Lock - Some students felt they needed a lock for their bag.
- Do not pack new clothes for every day of your trip!
- Do not bring valuables that you do not need!
