Packing list

The bottom line for any trip abroad: Pack light! Keep in mind you'll be toting your own luggage around at the airports and to and from your hotel room in each city. So bring what you need and nothing you don't. To sort it all out, see our packing tips below.

Clothing

Keep in mind that some religious sites require that shirts cover the shoulders and arms, and do not allow shorts, short skirts or flip-flops.

• Comfortable walking shoes and one pair of nicer shoes
• Shirts (short- and long-sleeved)
• Socks
• Underwear
• Shorts/pants/jeans
• Pajamas
• Bathing suit (if applicable)
• Dressier outfit (reserved for a special night out)
• Raincoat and/or umbrella

Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Soap
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush/comb
• Sunscreen
• Spare set of contact lenses/glasses (if applicable) 

 Money

• ATM card (call the bank prior to departure to alert them of the trip; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts)
• EF Visa Travel card or personal credit card
• At least $50 converted to foreign currency of the first country that you’re visiting
• Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing

Electronics

• An alarm clock (many hotel rooms won't have one)
• An adaptor/converter (available at travel stores)
• Camera with ample batteries (batteries can be expensive abroad)

Documents

• Passport—it is required on all EF Educational Tours. Remember to bring a couple photocopies of it (in case it is lost) and leave one copy at home
• Visas (if applicable)
• A copy of the tour itinerary
• A list of important phone numbers and addresses to send postcards home
• Copy of any prescriptions (Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container.)

Carry-on bag
The EF backpack is a perfect carry-on bag. Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the trip. These should be packed in the carry-on in case the checked luggage is delayed.

• Passport
• Money
• Airline ticket
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (remember, toothpaste needs to go in a one-quart Ziploc bag, and can't be bigger than 3 oz)
• Hairbrush
• Contact lens case/glasses (to sleep comfortably on the plane)
• A change of clothes (in case luggage is delayed)
• Medication
• Any valuables 

To create your own personalized packing list, check out: http://www.dontforgetyourtoothbrush.com/.