Packing Recommendations and Checklist
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:
On the plane, you are limited to one carry-on bag and one briefcase/purse
(sometimes called a personal item) in the cabin. This
does not mean a backpack and a carry-on bag.
If you have both, they may make you ditch the pack or put it in your other
bag. You can also ask other students to carry things for you, but that's a
bad way to start the trip. Don't put yourself in that position.
Bring only
one bag
to check. The airlines now generally limit checked bags to
no more than 50 lbs,
but
we want you
keep it below 40 lbs. This is because
you (and others) will have to move or carry it AND your other stuff
sometimes, and you will want to buy things while you're there. You will also
be charged
for additional or overweight bags.
You'll be a lot better off with a much smaller bag. Try to limit its
dimensions to those of an approved carry on bag: 22"L x 14"W x 9"H or 45
total linear inches.
DO NOT LOCK YOUR BAG! The TSA will cut off
your lock or do what they have to to get in should they so desire. If you feel
you must lock your bag, you will need to purchase a special lock that can be
electronically opened by the TSA. See a travel equipment professional for
details.
Shorts, jams, baggies, halter
tops or otherwise midriff-exposing and spaghetti-string tops, trashy t-shirts or
pants, flip-flops, ball-caps, and other informal garments are inappropriate for
most situations in France. Remember, you are representing your country, NGCSU,
and your school. One pair of shorts for around the house or extremely hot
weather is okay.
Credit/Debit Cards: Prepaid cards or debit cards
are the best, because it's your money and despite an ATM fee of anywhere between
$2 and $12 (depending on the bank), you aren't subjected to interest from the
time you make the withdrawal as in the case of credit cards. Credit cards
usually carry a high interest rate which, if you use them to get cash, starts to
accrue the minute you do so. There are often other fees involved as well, and
most credit card companies have added a 3% or higher "exchange" fee just to
cover the "cost" of currency conversion.
Leave your cell phone at home. Long experience has shown us that having one with you is counterproductive, leading to distraction, homesickness, and irreparable damage to your immersion experience. Leave your laptop and your video camera at home too. You'd get sick of babysitting them, and power conversion is a pain.
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Suggested packing list NGCSU Joint-Enrollment Program * label items * think “light” weight and “small” size * use ziploc bags * bring only sufficient quantity |
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MONEY BELT / PASSPORT HOLDER (carry on plane) |
returned |
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$30-$50 in Euros (optional: a little US$ for airport) |
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your passport copy 1 of passport |
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credit/debit cards (bring only what you plan to use) *call credit card companies to let them know you will be overseas. |
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copy 1 of insurance card |
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copy 1 of emergency phone #s (including health insurance, lost credit/debit card) |
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hotel itinerary |
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Sky Miles card (have handy at airport check-ins OR call Delta ahead of time) |
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BACKPACK / DAYPACK / CARRY-ON LUGGAGE |
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bare essentials on plane (in case you get separated from luggage): toothbrush, toothpaste, 1 pair underwear, 1 pair socks, PJs, prescriptions/OTC, cosmetics, chap stick, deodorant, eye mask, etc. (Remember: 3-1-1 rule for liquids) |
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travel journal with address list in front |
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pens/pencils in a ziploc bag |
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poncho or travel umbrella |
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camera and film/extra batteries/memory cards |
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sunglasses or hat for shade |
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for plane only, optional: books, magazines, gum, hard candy (Don’t lug these around once we’re in France!) |
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CHECKED LUGGAGE |
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copy 2 of passport |
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copy 2 of emergency #s |
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copy 2 of insurance card |
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list of credit/debit card account numbers |
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Toiletries- |
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Extra eyeglasses/contacts (if you wear them), lens solution |
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hair: small brush or comb, shampoo, conditioner, hair ties |
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dental: small toothpaste, tooth brush, floss (carry essentials on plane) |
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female stuff (cosmetics, hygiene, etc.) * essentials on plane |
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male stuff (shaving, hygiene, etc.) * essentials on plane |
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plastic bag for laundry |
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if applicable, electric razor, curling iron, etc. plus converter/adapter * host family/hotel have hair dryers |
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Clothing- |
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4-5 pair comfortable , casual pants or skirts |
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1 pair shorts |
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4-5 shirts for everyday wear : 1 long sleeved, 4 short sleeved |
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1 knit / fleece sweater for layering |
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1 slightly dressier outfit |
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1 jacket for warmth (wear on plane) |
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1 swimsuit |
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underwear for one week (carry 1 on plane) |
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socks for one week (carry 1 on plane) |
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2-3 pair pajamas (carry 1 on plane) |
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wear comfortable shoes on plane, pack another pair of comfortable (slightly dressy) shoes |
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slippers/sandals for around the house |
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*wear watch on plane and adjust to local time |
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school supplies/French dictionary |
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LEAVE AT HOME |
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copy 3 of passport |
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account #s of credit/debit cards you are taking |
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all other credit cards |
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original of insurance card |
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expensive jewelry |
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rollerblades, gameboys |
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cell phones |
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walkmen/i-pods--OK for plane/hotel only |
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