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Chapter 4: First-Time Traveler Packing Tips
Packing is part of the pre-trip fun, but it also takes some careful planning. Just keep in mind that even the worst-case scenario isn’t so bad should you forget something because you can always get what you need when you arrive. In this chapter, we’ll share packing advice for first-time travelers, from what to pack for a trip abroad to tips for packing light.
Jump to Key Section
- What to Consider When Packing for Your First Trip Abroad
- Travel Essentials Packing Checklist
- What Should You Bring in a Carry-On?
- How to Travel Light
- Things to Leave at Home
- What Should You Not Forget While Traveling
- More Packing Advice for First-Time Travelers
- When Should You Start Packing for a Trip?
- What Are the Rules for Packing for a Flight?
- Packing Tips from Travel Experts
- Free Packing Checklist Download!
What to Consider When Packing for Your First Trip Abroad
Packing for a trip abroad can be challenging because you want to include items that make you comfortable while also respecting the local culture. Plus, there are many other factors to consider about the host country and the activities planned. To help you get started, consider the following:
- Culture: You’ll want to consider the culture of the community you’ll be traveling to and how you can dress respectfully to make the most out of your experience. For example, Southeast Asia is very conservative in terms of dress code. Dressing respectfully is important to Southeast Asian culture, and students should plan to wear clothing that covers their chest, shoulders, and most of their legs. You can research your host country and see what other students or locals wear for fashion inspiration.
- Environment: You may want to pack long pants to keep your legs protected from scratches and insect bites. That way you’ll enjoy the time you spend trekking through breathtaking places, lending a hand in the community or running around with new friends much more.
- Climate: Account for the time of year you’ll be traveling and what you can expect of the weather.
- Activities: Consider the types of activities planned for the trip. Do you expect to participate in lots of action-packed adventures, or will it be a more laid-back experience? Will there be any volunteer or service work, and if so, will this require physical exertion? Each of our specific travel programs includes a packing list for that country which takes into account the different types of planned activities.
- Duration: Consider how long you’ll be gone and if you’ll have access to laundry facilities.
At Rustic Pathways, we want all of our students to feel comfortable, safe, and happy during their travels. Program Leaders are available to help students adjust and find ways to dress comfortably while respecting the local culture. We also provide specific packing information for each of our travel programs to ensure students are prepared for their trip. Students may even get the chance to shop at a local market and buy the perfect clothes for the culture and climate.
Travel Essentials Packing Checklist
All our programs have suggested packing lists to make packing easier. For example, here’s the checked luggage list for the Hawaii Aloha Service program:
1. Clothes
We recommend one 40-50 liter duffel bag or backpack for clothing. Duffel bags with wheels work well.
- Socks (6-10) – Merino wool socks are recommended.
- Underwear (15)
- Sweatpants or leggings (1 pair)
- Hiking pants (1 pair) – preferably water resistant
- Shorts (3-4 pairs, 1 pair should be long shorts)
- Skirt or dress (1-2)
- Shirts (8-10)
- Tank tops (1-2)
- Mid-Layer tops (1)
- Mid-weight jacket (1) – light fleece jacket is best
- Waterproof/rain jacket
- Rash guard (long sleeved)
- Bathing suit
- Bandana (optional)
2. Shoes
You won’t need more than two pairs of shoes, not including flip flops.
- Sneakers – sturdy pair that is good for hiking and service work – will get dirty
- Sandals that strap to feet – Chacos or Tevas
- Flip flops for beach (optional)
3. Toiletries
If you pack toiletries in your carry-on, they must be 3.4 ounces or less and placed in a quart-sized Ziploc bag.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash (biodegradable)
- Face wash (biodegradable)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razor/shaving
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen (oxybenzone-free), SPF 30+
- Lip sun protection, SPF 30+
- Bug spray
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contacts and solution (if applicable)
- Wet Wipes
4. Miscellaneous
Here are a few other things you should bring.
- Sunglasses
- Hat with brim/visor
- Gloves – pair of work gloves good for gardening/outdoor work
- Quick dry towel or Sarong for beach
- Lightweight bath towel (packing 2 sarongs or quick dry towels is great)
- Travel towel
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
5. Optional
- Portable games like Uno
What Should You Bring in a Carry-On?
In general, your carry-on should hold essential items like your passport and wallet and any items that could make your flight more comfortable. You’ll also want to include a change of clothes in case your checked luggage gets lost. Here’s an example of a carry-on packing list from the Hawaii Aloha Service program:
- ID or Passport (if applicable)
- Photocopy of ID/passport
- Wallet/money
- Visa documentation (if applicable)
- Reusable Water bottle – 1+ Liter Bottle Required
- Book and/or journal
- Pen
- Phone
- Camera
- Chargers (power adapters if applicable)
- Change of clothes
- Sturdy tennis shoes (wear them on the plane to save space in your suitcase)
- Medication
- Glasses / contacts and contact solution
- Consent to Travel form
- Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
- Arrival instructions
- Snacks for plane
You can also check out our Rustic Gear and Rustic Gear Kits to make packing even easier and to help support the Rustic Pathways Foundation.
How to Travel Light
Traveling light reduces stress and makes the journey more comfortable. A first-time traveler might overpack in fear they’ll run out of something or forget an essential item, but find that many items weren’t needed after all.
To help prevent overpacking and weighing yourself down, here are some tips on how to consolidate items and pack lightly for a long trip:
- Pack solid or powdered toiletries: Bring solid shampoo or dry deodorant instead of loading up on travel size bottles of liquid. You can save space and avoid exploding toiletries by packing solid or powdered versions instead.
- Roll your clothing: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them into tight squares helps maximize space.
- Only bring two pairs of shoes: Many travelers pack three or more pairs of shoes, only to find they never use the third or fourth pair. Instead, only bring two pairs of shoes that you know fit comfortably.
- Use packing cubes: Packing cubes can help you save space and keep things organized. You might use one for tops, one for bottoms, and another cube for underwear and socks.
- Only take what you need: Think carefully about what you pack, and avoid packing items “just in case.” If you find you need something when you arrive at your destination, you can always buy it when you get there.
- Use all the space: Use every inch of space in your suitcase and anywhere else within your items you can find space. For example, you can fill your shoes with pairs of socks, which will save you some room for other items.
- Make a packing list: Making a packing list helps ensure you don’t forget something important, and it also helps prevent bringing items you don’t need.
Things to Leave at Home
Some items you’ll want to leave safely at home. These include:
- Highly valuable items like expensive jewelry
- Anything that has a high sentimental value
- Items that are irreplaceable
- Wallet items such as your Social Security card, library card, photos, and any cards or documents you won’t need during your trip
What Should You Not Forget While Traveling
You’ll need to make sure you have the essentials like your passport and wallet. By this point in the guide, you probably know to check and double-check your carry-on for these items. So, let’s look at items Rustic Alumni wish they had packed for their first trip abroad:
- A rain jacket and an umbrella, especially if you’re traveling during rain season
- Jeans and t-shirts instead of shorts and tank tops
- A quick-dry towel
- A sweatshirt for chilly nights
- Closed-toe shoes
- Plastic bags
- Plastic boots or Crocs that can handle wet and muddy conditions
- Electrolyte powder to help you stay hydrated on hot sunny days
- Cropped pants or long shorts to keep cool while dressing respectfully
- A box of granola bars
Finally, one alumna recommends bringing less than you think. You’ll likely have the opportunity to buy clothes in your host country that are culturally appropriate and will help you feel comfortable in the climate.
More Packing Advice for First-Time Travelers
Here are some more packing tips from Rustic Pathways travel experts:
- Bring a dry bag: A dry bag protects items from water. Keep Ziploc bags handy for your phone so you can take pictures at the beach while keeping your phone safe.
- Bring a small pouch on your flight: Keep a small pouch filled with essentials you’ll want to use on your flight separate from your carry-on. This keeps items from falling to the bottom of your carry-on bag. You might pack headphones, an eye mask, face wipes, and any other items you’ll need to use while you’re on the plane and want to keep within easy reach.
- Remove batteries from electronics: Before you pack electronics away, remove their batteries. This ensures they’re off and won’t be drained when you land.
- Bring extra plastic shopping bags: Extra bags really come in handy to store dirty clothes, bathing suits, wet shoes, or anything you don’t want to pack with clean items in your luggage. Ziploc bags work great for any liquid toiletries.
- Mix and match: Plan to pack things you can easily pair with other clothes to mix and match outfits.
When Should You Start Packing for a Trip?
To play it safe, it’s best to start packing a few days or even a week before you depart. You especially want to avoid packing the night before or the day of departure. First, make a complete packing list so you can see everything you need. You might discover that you need to buy a few items before takeoff.
What Are the Rules for Packing for a Flight?
The rules depend on the airline, so you’ll want to check with the airline you’re flying with. However, there are some general rules travelers must follow according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
- All liquids, gels, and aerosols packed in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less per container.
- Travelers must fit all liquids inside one quart-size clear, plastic zip-top bag.
- Passengers can only bring one bag of liquids.
Larger containers of liquid will need to go in your checked luggage. The TSA provides a full list of items you can and cannot bring on the plane. You’ll also want to check the guidelines of your host country and what you can bring, especially in terms of agricultural products like fruit and vegetables or meat and cheese. It’s okay to bring a few snacks to enjoy on the plane ride, but any drinks will need to be purchased in the terminal and will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.
Packing Tips from Travel Experts
We asked our globetrotter Rustic Pathways staff what their number one packing is. Here are each of their expert traveling tips on packing for a successful trip abroad!
1. Bring solid or powdered toiletries
“Those little bottles of toiletries always explode in my carry on bags and are never enough product for the long trips I take. I bring solid or powder versions of everything—solid shampoo (that can double as soap or laundry soap in a pinch!), dry deodorant powder, and dry shampoo. They also make dry toothpaste tablets! Check out Lush for some great options.”
2. Roll your clothing
“One of my favorite travel packing tips to save space is to either roll your clothes or fold them as few times as possible. Rolled clothes maximizes space in your checked bag since folding creates bulky shapes. It’s science.”
Students preparing to check-in for their flights to Rustic Programs around the world.
3. You only need two pairs of shoes
“You never need the third pair of shoes. Ever. Doesn’t matter what the trip is or how long you’ll be away for. I’ve found that everyone stares at that third pair of walking shoes wondering whether they’ll need them, and then pack them just in case. Shoes are insanely bulky and truly, you will never use that third pair. Don’t waste your valuable space on that third pair.”
4. Find the right backpack
“Lightweight luggage is essential. When purchasing a backpack, make sure to get it fitted for your body and choose one that is both front and top load to keep from having to dig to the very bottom from the top! I also keep my shoes in a sleeping bag stuff sack so they can be packed next to my clothes and not get them dirty (and a mesh bag for laundry).”
Using a well-fitted backpack can save you a lot of trouble during your trip.
5. Use packing cubes
“I use three packing cubes for my clean clothes to keep my suitcase organized—one for tops, one for bottoms, and one for socks and underwear. When I open my bag, nothing ever gets unorganized, and it takes me seconds to repack. I can stay organized and have easy access to everything with minimal effort while I pack lighter. A MUST.”
6. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on
“Always pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. You never know when your bag will get lost in transit. Plus make sure your toiletry bag and water bottle are in your carry on luggage.”
7. Have a deck of cards handy
“Cards have been bringing the world together since forever, or at least since playing cards were invented and before cell phones ruined everything. Make sure you have one in your carry on bag.”
8. Use a drybag
“I always travel with a drybag for my electronics on a business trip—I know where they are and that they’re protected from water. Also doesn’t hurt to have a Ziplock bag for your cellphone. That way you can take pictures with it at the beach or on the water and make sure it’s protected.”
9. Plane pouches are your best friend
“I have a small pouch with headphones, socks, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask, travel size deodorant, face wipes, tiger balm, essential oils, and lip balm that I always put on the top of my carry on. On a long flight, when I’m tired and it’s dark, these are the things I most often want (need), but are the smallest and tend to get lost at the bottom of my carry on. As soon as I got on the plane, I put my plane pouch in the seat pocket and can rest easy!”
10. Don’t forget a sewing kit
“These can really come in handy when you’re traveling light and one of your clothing items rips or gets damaged (which happens on our programs). Also a small pair of scissors and some extra string always helps when you need to be a creative problem solver.”
11. Remember to remove batteries from electronics
“Take the batteries out of electronics when you pack them or make sure they’re in the locked off position. I’ve opened my bag after a long journey to find a headlamp or camera on and the batteries almost dead way too many times.”
12. Use a glasses case for storing cables
“Use your glasses/sunglasses case as a device to hold all of your chargers, cords, and batteries. If you don’t wear glasses, then put them all in a clear bag which can serve multiple purposes.”
13. Don’t forget the Crocs
“A cheap pair of Crocs is perfect for service, especially on those wet, muddy, days in the village. They are breathable, toe-covered, and are easy to clean and dry so they don’t smell bad the next day! I prefer them to flip flops.”
14. Pack extra plastic shopping bags
“I always pack extra plastic bags for bathing suits, shoes, dirty laundry, and anything else I don’t want to ruin the rest of the things in my luggage. Ziplocks are great too for any liquids (shampoo, bug spray, etc…) that you might be traveling with.”
15. Bring a sleep sack
“I just feel more comfortable sleeping in my own sheets.”
16. Opt for a capsule wardrobe and wear your bulkiest items
“Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This approach both saves space and ensures you have different clothes for different occasions. Then, double down and save space in your luggage by wearing your bulkiest items, such as a jacket or boots, while traveling.”
17. Use clear bags for airport security
“Keep liquids and other items that need to be screened separately in clear bags for easy access and to speed up the airport security process.”
18. Bring a water bottle and carry a neck pillow
“Bring an empty water bottle to fill up after passing through security. This keeps you hydrated and saves money on buying drinks at the airport. A neck pillow can make long flights more comfortable and can be easily packed or attached to your carry-on luggage.”
19. Double check your packing list and avoid excess baggage fees
“Go through your packing list and your bag a week ahead of your trip to ensure you have everything you need. Stay within airline weight limits by only bringing what you need. Consider using a luggage scale to weigh your bags before heading to the airport.”