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Preparing to head overseas for your mid-year study or volunteer program is exciting and a little daunting. One of the biggest questions? What exactly should you pack? Overpacking can weigh you down, but underpacking can leave you scrambling for essentials in a new place.

That’s why we’ve created this practical guide to help you pack smart, travel light, and make the most of your time abroad. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, volunteering in remote communities, or soaking up new cultures, this list covers what you truly need – and what you can safely leave behind.

Essentials to Pack

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  Passport, visas and important documents AND create a digital backup folder: Keep these safe and in a folder, travel wallet or waterproof pouch. Upload digital copies of your passport, visa, insurance and academic documents onto the cloud (Google Drive/Dropbox). 

• Foam ear plugs: The secret to getting some sleep on the plane and blocking out noisy room mates.
• Clothing basics: Pack versatile, comfortable clothes you can mix and match. Think layers – a T-shirt and jeans combo plus a jumper or jacket for cooler nights. 
• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be exploring a lot, so bring shoes that have been worn in (to avoid blisters) and can handle long days. 
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and eco-friendly wherever you go.
• Travel adaptor: Check your destination’s plug type and bring the right adaptor to keep your devices charged. 
• Toiletries: Pack travel-sized basics – toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen, insect repellent – but don’t overdo it; most things can be bought locally if needed.
• Daypack: Perfect for daily excursions, city exploring, and carrying your essentials.
• Journal or notebook: Capture your experiences, ideas, and new words.
• Small mementos from home: A couple of photos, snacks or a small keepsake can go a long way in easing homesickness and is often a great icebreaker with room mates.
• Medication & health essentials: Bring any prescriptions (and make sure they’re labelled) plus a small first-aid kit – band-aids, pain relief, and any personal needs.

What to Leave Behind

• Too much or inappropriate clothing: Most people overpack but there’s no need to bring every outfit. Pack light, plan to do laundry (it’s easily accessible) and check local dress standards to ensure you’re being culturally sensitive.
• Too many shoes: Bulky footwear takes up too much space and weight.
• Expensive jewellery or valuables: Travel light and safe – leave high-value items at home.
• Bulky gadgets or appliances with different voltages: Hair dryers, curlers, or rice cookers from home often don’t work well overseas, even with adapters. Check voltage compatibility before you leave.   
• Over-the-top toiletries: Most items are available locally, so save room for souvenirs!

Our Top Travel Tips and Packing Hacks 

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  Check your airline’s baggage rules: Avoid surprise fees by knowing your limits beforehand.

• Use Packing Cubes or compression bags: Great for staying organized and saving space. 
• Pack a few plastic or zip lock bags: Great for dirty clothes, wet shoes or random bits and pieces.
• Leave room for souvenirs: You’ll get excited and buy things (who doesn’t need a traditional Peruvian hat or wooden clogs?). Pack with extra space or bring a foldable duffel for the return trip.
• Bring a travel-sized laundry kit: Small detergent packets or soap sheets mean you can wash clothes easily on the go. Plus! Laundry power in zip lock bags double as airfresher for your suitcase. 
• Turn your carry-on into a “First 48 Hours” kit: Pack a change of clothes, travel-size toiletries, prescription medications, chargers and any must-haves in case your checked bags get delayed (it’s a lifesaver).
• Don’t forget chargers and headphones: Game-changers for long flights and downtime.

Packing well sets the tone for your entire trip and helps you stay comfortable, prepared, and ready to dive into new adventures without hassle. Use this list as your guide to pack with purpose, so you can focus on what really matters – learning, exploring, and making unforgettable memories abroad.

For more great travel tips, behind-the-scenes, laughs, study and volunteer adventures, follow us on Instagram.