Packing Suggestions: #1

Well here we go!

Pack Light!

You'll carry your own luggage through airports and hotels and load it onto the motorcoach or take it on the ferry. Luggage restrictions are in place for weight allowances and number of bags. make sure you don't exceed them! We will spend some time discussing this at meetings after we find out the airlines we fly on and double check requirements.

Your luggage needs to conform to the standards outlined below, which are drawn from current regulations as put forth by the Transportation Administrations at http://www.tsa.gov/.

Do a trial run! Pack your luggage and carry it down the block and back. If it is difficult, repack and try again.

International Student Ambassadors

Students are allowed one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Checked luggage cannot measure more than 54 inches (height + depth + width) weigh more than 44 pounds when packed. (We will discuss weight as well when we find out our airlines.) (I also believe that we can have two bags on the return trip, at no cost for international flights but we will confirm that as well.)

Carry-on cannot exceed 39 inches (height + depth + width), and should not weigh more than 11 pounds when packed. Be sure to leave some space for souvenir purchases.

Your carry-on bag should be small enough to fit under a bus seat. A medium-sized backpack is a good choice and easy to carry for day trips. (We will bring an illustration of a small day pack that might work for people.)

Voltage Adapters

In the United States, small household appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, or alarm clocks operate on 110-volt electric current. Most foreign countries operate on 220 volts of electricity and use different plugs. In some cases, you can find "international" models of appliances to take along, or you can buy an electrical current converter for the ones you have. Most major department stores carry these in their luggage or travel sections. Know how to operate your adaptor before you leave. (It might not be a bad idea to have a couple of extra fuses in case one gets blown that go with the adaptor. Fuses are difficult to find on the road. I will demonstrate this at our meeting.) Remember: When buying adapters, you tend to get what you pay for!)

A helpful website might be: www.franzus.com/voltage_guide.htm for more information.