All Program Packing List

This list is not the be-all and end-all of packing, but it’s a good place to start! You are only required to pack the required items listed on your program page and on the all programs packing list. For the rest of the items, you are welcome to use your discretion. There may be items missing from the suggested list that you’d like to bring, and there may be items on the suggested list that you don’t want to bring. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

REQUIRED LIST:

• Passport, signed, valid for at least 6 months from the end of your trip. 

• Any required prescription medications (any prescriptions you take or may take or sometimes take or have prescribed to you, including an EPI- pen or inhaler if one is prescribed to you), in original containers. THESE MUST BE LISTED ON YOUR MEDICAL FORM.

• Any over-the-counter medications or medical supplies you normally take or use or may need during your program (see below for suggested personal first aid kit) and any personal healthcare devices such as a knee brace or glasses which you sometimes require

• A personal first aid kit (see suggested items to include below)

• Refillable water bottle (Nalgene or similar hiking bottles)

• Personal supply of hand sanitizer and/or antibacterial hand wipes (We suggest a travel size bottle or single pack for the plane and a full-size bottle or multiple packs in your checked bag- enough for multiple times daily for your entire program)

• A pack of surgical masks

• A pack of 5-10 well-fitting n95 masks

• Laptop , iPad, or tablet– don’t forget your charger

• Cell phone and charger

• Notebook and at least 2 pens

• Please check the required list for your specific program as all programs will have their own special items! 

SUGGESTED LIST:

In your carry-on bag or backpack, we suggest:

• Passport – you cannot get on the plane without this!

• Wallet – cash, your ATM card, and a second ID, such as a license

• Money belt to keep your valuables safe while traveling

• Photocopy of the photo page of your passport and of your visa

• Printout of all your travel itineraries

• 1 spare tee shirt – you may want to change shirts during travel

• Clothes for 2-3 days in case your checked bag gets delayed

• Sunglasses (please don’t bring anything too expensive)

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Refillable water bottle – you can fill your bottle at the airport after going through security, and this is great to have throughout your trip

• Snacks, candy, and gum for the flight

• Book and/or deck of cards, optional

• Camera (if bringing one) – don’t forget charger/batteries/memory cards

• Music/Phone

• Laptop or tablet– don’t forget your charger

• Cell phone and charger (there is a plug and USB charger on the plane)

• Many students suggest a power bank for their phones

• Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)

• Sweatshirt or scarf/blanket

• Travel-size items for dry air on airplane (Chapstick, lotion, eye drops)

• Contacts, contact solution, and glasses if applicable

• Travel neck pillow

• Travel-size wet wipes and/or tissues

• Blue or black pen for filling out any arrival documents

In your checked bag, we suggest:

• You may want to consider a large camping/travel backpack instead of a  suitcase to be used as your checked bag for easily transporting over various terrain. However, if a large, rolling suitcase is what you have available, that will be okay. You should not have to buy any special luggage for this trip. It is your responsibility to check the weight restrictions on your baggage on the flight. 

• Photocopy of your passport and visa (in each of your bags)

• Spare batteries, if desired

• A watch – nothing too fancy, nothing that can’t get wet (something with a seconds hand for observations)

• Adequate supply of Mosquito repellant (we suggest 40% DEET or greater)

• Adequate supply of Reef-Safe Sunscreen (without oxybenzone, octinoxate, or nano-minerals) for programs near the ocean or sea. Regular sunscreen is okay for non-marine programs

• Hat or cap (for sun) 

• Ziploc or plastic bags for wet items

• Laundry bag or trash bag for dirty clothes

• Travel-sized laundry detergent if you plan to hand wash any items

• Underwear (cotton underwear is best for hot, sweaty weather)

• Socks (including tall, comfortable socks for hiking boots)

• Appropriate clothes for your program- please check the weather before. 

• Clothes for downtime and weekends: pants, shorts, tees and tanks, sweatshirt, etc.

• Pajamas 

• Baby wipes – helpful for staying clean

• Toiletries (soap or body wash, shampoo and conditioner, chapstick, toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, razors, hair brush and elastics)

• Flip-flops 

• Sanitary pads/tampons (if applicable to you): options in stores may be limited. Your period schedule can be unpredictable when traveling – please come prepared

• One or two boxes of your favorite granola bar, health bar, or other pre- packaged snack. Something that won’t melt. 

• Water flavor packets (If they will help you to drink more water)

• Personal first aid kit - some wanted items might include Band-aids, Neosporin, Pepto-Bismol, Dramamine, Imodium AD, Tylenol or Ibuprofen, anti-itch cream (hydrocortisone or After-bite), and Benadryl, Electrolyte packets

• Towel (Some students prefer a microfiber travel towel). 

• Any items you need to comfortably sleep in a shared room or dorm, perhaps including earplugs, a small portable fan (battery-operated), earphones, books, or an eye mask

• A headlamp can be quite helpful for night activities or a small flashlight or lantern (and batteries)

• Duct tape, in case of holes in gear

• An extra bag (zip-able tote or collapsible duffel) for bringing home souvenirs

Note: There are links to some items that can be purchased from Amazon. You do not need to purchase these items – these links are provided in order to give you an idea of a suitable item. We have selected an affordable, suitable option with Prime shipping available to assist you if you choose to purchase these items. The links included here are affiliate links - thanks for helping to support CELA!