What to Bring

We recommend that you limit your luggage to one suitcase and one carry-on piece (in addition to a personal item such as a purse or handbag).

Due to aircraft specifications and safety requirements of the small plane on this itinerary, the following luggage and weight limits are strictly enforced:

• one suitcase, not to exceed 50 pounds

• one carry-on piece, not to exceed 10 pounds

Please note: Luggage restrictions for the flight from Palau to Yap are strict, and there is no option to pay for excess baggage. Bags will be carefully weighed before departure. Please be sure you pack considering the luggage weights above.

Regardless of your airline’s luggage weight limits, we ask you to keep your larger suitcase to no more than 42 pounds. Doing so will help our staff to transfer bags from one hotel to another and make it easier for you to handle your luggage on your own in the event you need to do so.

We recommend a casual, comfortable wardrobe that you can layer. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evening meals, and often travelers will bring an outfit that can be dressed up a bit for the welcome and farewell dinners (jacket and tie not required). Be sure to pack shoes that will be suitable for kayaking and time on the boat in addition to our land touring. Laundry service is available in our hotels for a fee. Note that this service may not be available on weekends. Hair dryers are provided at both of the hotels on our itinerary.

Because of the expeditionary nature of our travels, formal dress is not required anywhere on our journey.

Both Palau and Yap are very casual and there are few limits on what you should/should not wear. On the cultural visit to the bai, it is considered respectful to cover the knees and shoulders. Most importantly, have cool clothing and a hat.

Clothing and Outerwear

• comfortable, broken-in walking shoes

• sports sandals (such as Tevas/Chacos/Keens)

• wide-brimmed sun hat with tie

• sweater, sweatshirt or light jacket for evenings and on boat rides when wet

• lightweight rain jacket with hood

• long-sleeved shirts or blouses with sun protection

• short-sleeved shirts

• pants or travel skirt

• shorts

• pajamas

• long-sleeved swim shirts (rash guards) for sun protection

• swimsuits (2-3)

Documentation

• passport

• printed copy of your e-ticket for your flights

• extra passport photos (in case you lose your passport and need to apply for a new one)

• photocopies of any prescriptions for prescription medications you are bringing with you 

• printed list of medications you take, known allergies, and chronic medical conditions

Toiletries, Medications & First Aid

Consider decanting your products from home into reusable travel containers, in order to avoid additional single-use plastic.

• • reef-safe sunscreen and lip protection (see special notes about sunscreen in the Sun Protection section of Health & Medical. Palau is strict about sunscreen chemicals).

  • unscented insect repellent

  • insect bite and sunburn relief products

  • anti-bacterial gel or towelettes

  • tissues (small travel packs)

  • blister prevention & treatment products

  • Aspirin®/Tylenol®, etc.

  • cold remedies

  • anti-diarrheals (Imodium AD® and/or Pepto Bismol®)

  • prescription medications (in their original containers)

  • motion sickness preventives

Miscellaneous

• day pack or backpack large enough to hold a snack, water, sunscreen, walking stick(s), camera, rain gear and jacket, and whatever else you might need during the day. It can also serve as your carry-on.

• polarized sunglasses

• refillable water bottle

• collapsible umbrella

• reusable bags for storing toiletries, supplies, and keeping camera equipment dry

• money belt

• travel sewing kit

• TSA-approved luggage locks

• extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts

Special Equipment

• mask and snorkel (mask, snorkel, and fins are provided, but you may want to bring your own mask and snorkel for best fit and comfort)

• snorkel booties with rubber bottoms (optional) to protect from blisters when wearing fins and to be able to walk around onshore at lunch

• underwater camera

• dry bag to protect belongings on the boat (small rigid, plastic food storage containers can be handy for storing delicate items, such as glasses, while you’re in the water)

• SCUBA gear (BCD, regulator, dive computer, dive card; or rent onsite; see the Snorkel and Dive section)

• shortie wetsuit and/or neoprene cap if you tend to be cold in the water

• binoculars for birdwatching (optional)

Both Palau and Yap (Federated States of Micronesia) use “type A and B” plugs at 120v/60hz, which is the same as is used in North America, so there is no need for an adapter or converter.