Packing List
Plane ticket and passport
Sensible clothing and shoes for outdoor activities. Bring good walking shoes including both closed-toe and open-toe options for various terrain.
Bring various thin layers and one outer layer like a poncho or wrap.
A shade hat is advised.
Bathing Suit
Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, make-up, personal care products
Bandaids, Pepto Bismol, Imodium AD, antibiotic ointment, sleep aids, pain reliever, safety pins, ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper
Pen and journal for notes
Camera/phone
Charging cords and adapter. Consider investing in a universal adapter like this one to make things easy: https://a.co/d/5BgxejE and a multi-cord so that you don’t have to carry numerous cords: https://a.co/d/dOSAIUU
Cash for tips, entry fees, spending, etc. See more below.
Health & Medications
It is recommended for comfort that you bring the following:
-over-the-counter stomach and antidiarrheal medicine such as Pepto Bismol tablets or Imodium AD
-Airborne, Emergen-C, Wellness Formula, or other vitamin supplements to keep you strong and healthy
-a few band-aids and alcohol pads
-pain reliever of choice
-sleep aid and earplugs if you need extra help getting rest in new places
-Dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness
-your own prescription medications
Food & Water
Tap water is generally safe in most places we are going this year. If you are sensitive to changes in water quality, you might decide to invest in a water bottle with a high-level universal filter, such as this Grayl.
Everywhere we go, there will be food options for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores. If you are gluten-free or have any significant allergies, please let us know so that we can take them into consideration. We will do our best to ensure everyone’s needs are met at each destination.
Phone, Finances & Security
Find out if your phone carrier has a built-in International plan, or if you can purchase one. It is good to have the freedom to access your phone, data, and texts while traveling. We will have WiFi in our lodgings.
As you're packing, think twice about taking valuables with you. If they're not essential, they're probably better off left at home.
Take a photo of your passport and travel documents and e-mail them to yourself. Make sure you know your email password. That way, if your documents are lost, or if you lose your phone, you can still easily access copies from your e-mail account.
Take your bank or credit card's international telephone number with you. Write that phone number down somewhere secure so you'll have it even if you lose your credit card or phone.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home, but don't share details of your travel plans with other people you meet while traveling.
Carry your money and passport close to your body. Keep your bag in front of you and zipped. Carry only the cash you need for the moment in your pocket or purse. Exercise particular caution when in crowds, markets or on public transportation. Pickpockets can be very crafty and sometimes work in pairs - one person will try to distract you while another takes your wallet.
Credit or debit cards are the most convenient way to access your money while traveling, but losing your card (or having it swallowed by a cash machine) can be a great inconvenience, so have a backup plan: take at least $100 cash to exchange just in case.
Choose ATMs at banks while they are open, or in malls or stores if possible. Avoid using ATMs by yourself at night or in deserted places. When you withdraw money from an ATM, put it away immediately.
Please stay with the group when we are in crowded areas, and keep my phone number with you (510) 355-7912 so you can reach me if needed.