Packing list
There are only so many things a person can stuff into a suitcase—and even fewer things that will be needed on tour. Keep in mind that EF travelers are responsible for carrying their own luggage, so packing light is a plus. Here’s a list to make sure that no essentials are forgotten.
Clothing
Travelers should be conscientious of cultural differences and pack accordingly. Keep in mind that some religious sites require that shirts cover the shoulders and arms, and do not allow short skirts or flip-flops.
- Comfortable walking shoes and one pair of nicer shoes
- Shirts (short and long sleeved)
- Socks
- Underwear
- Shorts/pants/jeans
- Pajamas
- Bathing suit (if applicable)
- Dressier outfit (reserved for a special night out)
- Raincoat and/or umbrella
- Lightweight nylon jacket or warm-up top (rather than bulky sweatshirts)
Toiletries
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush/comb
- Sunscreen
- Any medications (in addition to a copy of prescriptions)
- Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable)
- Nylon cord and 8 to 12 clothespins (for drying clothes in the hotel room)
Money
ATM card (Call the bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts.)
- EF Visa Travel card or personal credit card
- At least $50 converted to foreign currency of the first country that you’re visiting.
- Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing
Electronics
An alarm clock (Many hotel rooms won't have one.)
- An adapter/converter (available at travel stores)
- Camera with ample batteries (Batteries can be expensive abroad.)
Documents
Passport—it is required on all EF Educational Tours. Remember to bring a couple photocopies of it (in case it is lost) and leave one copy at home
- Visas (if applicable)
- A copy of the tour itinerary
- A list of important phone numbers and addresses to send postcards home
- Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.)
Carry-on bag
The EF backpack is a perfect carry-on bag. Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in the carry-on in case the checked luggage is delayed.
- Passport
- Money
- Airline ticket
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (Remember, toothpaste needs to go in a one-quart ziploc bag, and can't be bigger than 3 oz.)
- Hairbrush
- Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane)
- A change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)
- Medication
- Any valuables