Backpack or book bag – Be sure to bring some sort of backpack with you for everyday use. Since you will be doing so much walking you will need something of relatively good size to carry things over longer distances than you may be used to. For example, if you are likely to do your food shopping down the road from the hostel, you will probably want to carry your groceries back in your backpack rather than lugging them back in shopping bags (most foreign groceries charge money for their bags).
Walkman or Ipod – If you have one of these you are advised to bring it with you. It makes long journeys more bearable, and it means you can bring some music from home and enjoy some of the sounds you are familiar with. Don’t bring too many discs, though, or you may risk either losing them or having them stolen. Also, you may want to bring some extra batteries, since batteries tend to cost more in many countries overseas.
Toiletries – Be prepared to use different products from those you normally use. Even if you find the same name brands of shampoo or toothpaste you may discover that the product itself is different from the one you’re used to. If you use something that you feel you can’t live without, better take plenty of it along. Otherwise enjoy the adventure of trying new things. (Women: there are many countries where it is difficult or impossible to purchase tampons with applicators, as this is seen as wasteful or damaging to older toilet systems. If this poses a problem for you, bring a supply of your favorite brand with you but be sensitive to local plumbing deficiencies. You can get used to tampons without applicators by trying OB tampons in this country.)
Medications and prescriptions – If you are taking a prescribed medication you will need to see your doctor here before you leave and get enough to last your entire stay abroad. Don’t assume that you can get the same medication abroad with an American prescription. You will need to see a local doctor before you can get a prescription written and filled overseas.
Camera – By all means, take your camera with you, but guard it carefully. If it is an expensive model it will be a target for thieves. If it is extremely expensive you may want to have it insured before you go, or even leave it home. You can buy film overseas for slightly more than you pay for it here, while developing costs will be about the same, but it is probably far easier to take a digital camera. It may be a good idea to develop your film before you return, just to prevent the possibility of damaged film from ruining all your memories (or buy a protective film carrier), or download all your digital photos onto a CD or laptop. Most airport x-ray machines won’t damage film under 1000 ASA, but at least in the States you can ask that your camera and film be handed through the baggage inspection area. You may not be able to do this in some airports.
Other stuff – Be sure to bring along a small alarm clock for those early train departures (and classes, of course). You may also want to bring some photos from home of your family and friends to share with interested natives, or just to decorate your room. And it’s a good idea to bring one or two small gifts from your home town or state in case you are invited to anyone’s home or in case you meet someone you really like. Gifts from your part of America and from your home school will mean a lot to those you meet.
- Passports and other documents should be carried with you securely yet readily accessible at immigration and other border checks.
- Put your address inside as well as on the luggage tag in case the suitcase breaks.
- Distribute the weight evenly; breakables and light-to-medium-weight clothing in the hard-sided suitcase(s); heavy sweaters, shoes, etc., in the packs or duffels.
- Double check all container caps. Better yet, put shampoo, toothpaste, etc., in sealed plastic bags. Airplane pressure can open bottles. Aerosol cans should not be carried on board. They can explode if checked in a decompressed luggage compartment.
- Sharp objects such as knives, scissors or letter openers are likely to cause luggage to be delayed or thoroughly inspected, even though they are now allowed again on most airlines. Airline regulations change regularly since September 11th, so call your airline to make sure about specific items.
- Luggage straps that may be belted around the outside of a suitcase will help save zippers or latches and may help you avoid having to salvage your belongings if your suitcase breaks.