Suggested Packing List
BACK PACK/SUITCASE - Your main container to store your things. Something light weight and durable is best.
DAY PACK - A book-bag or fanny-pack to use for daily excursions (to carry camera, water bottle, jacket, notebook, etc).
STUFF SACKS - Light-weight and compact, using stuff sacks to separate clothes, food, toiletries, and everything else will bring order to your pack, and make your life simpler.
MONEY BELT - A very important item to wear daily, under your clothes, safely hiding your passport, money, etc.
RAIN COAT - A water-proof wind breaker, ideally light-weight and breathable. (Monsoon season in Asia is wet but tropically hot.)
JACKET / SWEATER - As light weight as possible, to wear on the plane or in rare air-conditioned settings.
T-SHIRTS - 2, in decent shape.
NICE SHIRT - 3, for meetings and special occasions.
PANTS - 2, ideally light-weight. Jeans are heavy and take a long time to dry!
SOCKS & UNDERWEAR - 5 pairs each.
SLEEPWEAR - Ideally a T-shirt/shorts can double for this. Minimize extra weight!
SKIRT / SUNDRESS - Good idea for women, though you may want to buy an inexpensive skirt in Asia.
SNEAKERS/SHOES - Durable and comfortable, for daily wear.
SANDLES / TEVAS - Good for every day use in hot weather
WATER BOTTLE - Please bring at least one, one-quart, plastic. Nalgene bottles can be found at local outdoor gear shops.
CHAPSTICK & SUNSCREEN
VISOR / SUN HAT
SUNGLASSES
CAMERA & FILM - Extra film is available in Asia to minimize your initial load though you should bring an extra camera battery!
HEAD LAMP - Flashlights are okay, but headlamps are more convenient.
ALARM CLOCK - Travel-size, to catch early buses and trains.
TOWEL - Small and light (and ideally fast-drying).
TOILETRIES - Just the basics! (Brush, toothbrush & paste, shampoo, minimal cosmetics, rubberbands, etc.) No hair driers, irons, etc.
MEDICATIONS/VITAMINS - Only medications you take regularly.
GLASSES - If you wear them or contact lenses.
NOTEBOOK / JOURNAL
PEN / PENCIL
BOOK - Ideally about the places we will visit (we can swap around to minimize weight).
PASSPORT - Good for at least 6 months from the beginning of your program.
SPENDING MONEY - We recommend about $10-15 per day though you may not spend this much unless you plan on buying a lot of gifts. American Express traveler's cheques are safest, in a mix of $20 and $50 denominations.
OPTIONAL:
SHORTS - 1 pair, at least mid-thigh length (shorts will not be appropriate much of the time; in fact, you may never wear them, but they can be good to sleep in).
BANDANA - These can serve multiple purposes while traveling
UMBRELLA - A lightweight, travel umbrella can serve you as well in rain or shine.
INSECT REPELLENT
PLAYING CARDS
PURELL - Anti-bacterial hand gel (a small bottle), or anti-bacterial hand-wipes.
PLEASE NOTE: Lugging a pack around for the entire time we are in Asia can be extremely tiresome. We can find almost anything you'll need in the countries we visit, and you'll also want to pick up new items. Seriously challenge yourself to pack light, and lighter still---you definitely will not regret it! If you have any questions about whether it is or isn't appropriate to bring certain items, please don't hesitate to be in touch.