Packing

Airline travel and airport regulations change constantly. For more information about what to expect when you go through the screening process at the airport and suggestions about how to pack and dress for airline travel please go to the Transportation Security Administration’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips.

Packing Tips

• Pack light!
• Leave room to bring home things you may purchase overseas.
• Do not pack anything in your carry-on baggage that might be considered a weapon! Put these items in your checked baggage or leave them at home, e.g., Swiss Army knife, pointed metal scissors, metal nail file.
• After you have packed everything, try carrying ALL your baggage for several minutes, up and down stairs. If you cannot do this, you have packed too much stuff. Try again!
  

Things to Take in Your Carry-on Bag

• Keep these things close to you in a money belt, neck wallet, etc., not in your checked baggage:
  • passport and a photocopy (keep other passport photocopies in your checked baggage)
  • tickets and/or flight confirmation
  • insurance card
  • emergency contact information card (available on Canvas)
  • driver’s license (with photocopy)
  • cash, credit cards, debit/ATM cards, calling cards, etc.
  • ISIC (if applicable)

• Pack a change of clothing and essential toiletries in your carry-on in case your checked baggage is lost or delayed (socks, underwear, shirt, pants, toothbrush, etc.). Keep in mind the restrictions on liquid; see http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-liquids-rule for more information

• Take the following items with you overseas in your carry-on bag (see the “Prescription Medicines” section below).
  • prescription medicines and OTC medications in their original containers
  • doctor’s prescription for all prescribed medicines
  • extra contact lenses &/or contact lens prescription
  • extra pair of glasses
  • sunglasses
  • phone & charger
  • gum, mints, anti-nausea medication

Documents

• Take photocopies or originals (as appropriate) of the following materials with you overseas and keep them in a safe place:
  • airline ticket or confirmation information and itinerary
  • the R-MC Study/Travel Student Handbook
  • passport (several copies)
  • visa (if applicable)
  • debit/ATM and credit cards (front and back, useful if you have to report lost or stolen cards)
  • contact information for your course instructors, your lodgings, RMC’s Campus Safety, the Office of International Education, the U.S. Embassy, and your family
  • group travel insurance card
  • R-MC student ID, if your professor recommends it (often students receive discounted admission to museums, etc.)

Prescription Medicines

• If you take prescription medicines, take enough medicine with you to last for your period of study abroad.
• Also ask your physician to provide a copy of each prescription to carry with you.
• Always store medicines in their original containers. If you transfer prescription medicines from their original containers, you may encounter problems when you enter foreign countries or when you return to the U.S.
• Consider taking a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions, in case you need to replace those while abroad.
  

Camera/Phone

• Study abroad is often a once in a lifetime experience; take photographs or video while you are overseas since your family and friends will want to see them.
• Submit your best photos to our Study Abroad Photo Contest when you return!
  

Clothing
Your study/travel course instructor will provide information about the kinds of clothing, shoes, and outerwear to take with you overseas. Wear comfortable clothing for your flight, and sturdy shoes that are easy to remove. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures in airports and on flights.

Electronics

• Electric systems differ throughout the world; you will probably need adapters and possibly converters to use American electronic devices overseas.
• Keep extra batteries with you in your carry-on or in your checked luggage. Do not bring lithium batteries – they can cause explosions in flight. Visit https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ash/ash_programs/hazmat/passenger_info/media/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf for more information.
• Make sure to keep your devices charged!!! You may be asked to turn on your devices as you go through airport security
• It may be simpler to purchase small electrical appliances, such as hair driers or curling irons, if you need them, after you arrive at your destination, since they will have the correct plugs and operate on the local electrical system.
  

Checked Baggage

• Clearly identify all your baggage, both checked and carry-on.
• Remember that checked baggage may be delayed or lost in transit.
• Pack light! You will have to carry all your baggage to and from the airport and while you are in country!
• Contents of checked baggage can be misplaced, lost, or stolen.
• Your baggage is subject to inspection by TSA and/or by airport security of foreign countries.
• Do not put your camera, computer, iPad, cell phone, etc. in your checked baggage, as it more likely to be damaged.
• In general, do not take anything with you that you are unwilling to have lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, whether in your checked or carry-on baggage.
  

If you have concerns about bringing a particular item and/or whether you can carry it on or must check it, visit the TSA website:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all