How do you pack for going abroad?

It’s actually a lot easier than it feels. There are many resources out there to work with, but we’ve compiled some of our most helpful tips to keep your packing efficient and effective for your time abroad!

Plan ahead!

Familiarize yourself with your airline’s baggage allowance and fees.

Lay everything out BEFORE you start to put it in your luggage, and for a 10 day program – just bring one checked bag!

Toiletries

Your program is only 10 days, so you should be able to make do with the travel-size stuff, this saves room in your suitcases.

Electrical appliances

Here’s the thing, if the current is different where you’re going than where you are coming from, it might be in your favor to get new appliances when you get there. Take a look at the voltage and electricity guides at Voltage Valet to get a better idea of what you will need while you’re abroad.

For information about plug shape and type in Brazil, check out this page at whatpluginfo.com. It is important to note that the plug shapes can vary throughout Brazil. Some outlets are similar to those found in the United States while others differ. The outlets compatible with those from the U.S. carry the same voltage while the outlets with the round plug and prong operate at a much higher voltage. You can easily fry your electronics if you do not convert the voltage appropriately, so please exercise caution when plugging in to outlets in Brazil.

Medication

THIS IS IMPORTANT! If you take any prescription medications, take it with you and take enough to last you for the duration of your program. Please carry any prescription medications in the prescription bottle with the original label and not mixed into one bag or container! Be sure to carry a supply of essential medications with you in your carry-on luggage on the plane as well as the written prescription. In the event that your checked luggage is delayed or lost, you will need to have a supply of essential medication on your person.

Over-the-counter drugs you can probably get when you arrive, but if there’s anything you can’t live without, take it with you!

Clothes

Ready for the biggest secret of all time? This is the big one, the tip that all students yearn for: You need A LOT LESS than you think! Whether you are traveling for one month or three, you don’t need more than ONE bag! It’s called a laundromat, folks! And, let’s be honest, if you’re only traveling up to 2 weeks, you can make do with a carry-on!

Think about it, do you really wear EVERY item in your closet ALL the time? It’s more likely that you wear only a small portion of your closet, and rotate items about every 2-3 weeks. You only need to pack for 2-3 weeks, even if you’re going to be abroad a whole year!

One great trip – roll your clothes, or have you ever seen space bags?? They are great for packing and can really minimize space needed in your checked bag!

Brazil has some variation in climate, however most places experience temperatures between the 70s and 90s throughout the year. Particular regions such as the Amazon or other parts of the interior can reach higher temperatures and extreme humidity, so do your research before packing. Brazil’s rainy season varies throughout the country, however south of the equator the rainiest times of the year are between December and April. Bring a rain jacket no matter what time of year you will be visiting Brazil.

Emergency contacts and passwords – that’s right, passwords…

In your checked luggage, carry-on luggage AND wallet put a list of emergency contact names, phone numbers and email addresses. Put more than one on this list and more than one phone number – include a work number, home number, friend number, etc.. Make sure it is written down not just on a laptop, cellphone, tablet, etc. Although it is good to have an emergency contact on your cellphone, remember what happens when the battery dies…
Include with the above a copy of your travel insurance contact phone numbers, policy and assistance details. Keep copies with your passport, hand luggage, checked luggage and with family back home.
ALSO, this is more important than ever now. Before traveling abroad everyone should be sure to provide a list of their laptop, tablet, cellphone, or any other “technology” passwords in case of a serious life emergency. Additionally be sure to provide the same for Facebook, twitter, email, credit cards, etc… so that these can be appropriately accessed by family should some life emergency occur. Keep such listings secure but at the same time remember the need for 24-7 access. You can and should change these after you return home safely if you are worried about sharing your access.

Sample Packing List:

Comfortable walking shoes, plan to be on your feet a lot each day!
Layers are great for long days when the weather can change drastically from morning to afternoon, think lightweight shirts, jackets, etc.
Sunscreen and sun hat
Rain Jacket they are less clunky than umbrellas and you can keep your hands free!
Small bag to pack for day usage, this may be a backpack you carry on the plane with you as your carry-on luggage
Shower shoes for shared showers at hostels, it’s always good to have a pair of rubber flip flops just in case!
Travel size toiletries you never know where your checked bag may choose to take a side trip and meet you in-country later, so be sure you have some basics to get you through 1-2 days in case your checked luggage is delayed
Note: Temperatures in May are typically in the low-70’s at night and high-70’s during the day, so expect some great weather. There is usually rain for about 25% of the month, so expect lots of sun!

Essential Items – don’t forget these!

Passport
Copy of your passport to carry with you at all times
University Identification Card
Pepto-Bismol/Imodium, Advil, or other over-the-counter drugs, you know your body and what you may need!
Prescription medications: Carry any prescription medications in the prescription bottle with the original label and not mixed into one bag or container!
Eyeglasses, contact lenses and prescriptions
Personal journal

If you bring any of these items with you, put them in your carry-on, NOT your checked bag:

Camera
Laptop/tablet, if you bring one – do not put these in your checked luggage!
iPod or other music device, charger, and headphones
We do not suggest bringing any valuable jewelry or items, but if you must, it is safer to carry them on rather than put them in your checked luggage.
Keep in mind the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry on: 3.4 ounce (100ml) containers in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 zip-top, plastic bag per passenger placed in screening bin.

Welcome to Brazil

Welcome to
Brazil