International Travel Handbook

PACKING TIPS

Put luggage tags with your name and the address of your destination on the outside of your luggage, and put the same information inside your luggage, in case your tags are lost. Locks will be useful when you travel by rail and stay in hostels. If you lock your luggage for airline travel, be sure to only use baggage locks recognized by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Pack a copy of your passport and other important travel documents in your luggage, and carry the originals with you. Check weight and size restrictions of your airline before leaving home to avoid paying excess baggage fees.

Useful link: www.tsa.gov

Small gifts such as calendars, pens, and Harvard items for hosts, homestay families, children, and friends will be appreciated. Take a small flashlight to carry at night. You will probably need less than you think and be able to buy anything you really need. You may spend less time listening to music and reading books than you expect, so bring only the essentials. Leave enough room in your luggage for the gifts and mementos you will want to bring home.

Carry-on Luggage
Carry your passport, money, your local address, medications in their original containers, basic toiletries and favorite things that you can’t bear to lose in your carry-on bag. Do not carry matches, pocket-knives, scissors, razors or sharp objects on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Some countries now also prohibit these items in checked luggage.

Appropriate Clothing
Appropriate dress differs by country, region and climate and for men and women. The clothes you wear abroad can identify you as a foreigner. Baseball caps and name brand T-shirts mark you as American (even if you aren’t!). In many places, dress is more conservative and formal. Shorts on men and/or women may be frowned upon, and it may be inappropriate for women to show bare upper arms, shoulders and legs, or to wear pants. Learn what is appropriate and respectful dress in your host country, and pack accordingly. If possible, talk to international students on campus from your country of destination to gain insight on appropriate attire. If you will be working abroad, wear appropriate attire for the workplace. Bring one set of formal clothing for special events. Bring comfortable shoes.

Computers Abroad
Laptop computers can be useful while abroad, depending on your destination and your purpose. Check with returned students and your contacts in country for advice specific to your location. When deciding whether or not to bring your laptop, you should consider the following:

For what purposes will you bring your laptop? Do you expect to write papers while abroad? Will your laptop serve as your primary entertainment source (DVDs, music, and storing photos)? Keep in mind that the amount of time you have for such pursuits may be different while abroad, and that wireless internet service is not likely to be accessible. Will university or employer computer facilities be available to you? Is your laptop at high risk of being stolen? Might it compromise your safety?

If you decide to take your laptop, be sure that you have the appropriate converters. Bring the manual, warranty, and service information for your laptop with you and know how to get service abroad. You can find useful information about adaptors here. Next Section: Health and Wellness Abroad

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