Packing Guide

It cannot be said enough…. PACK LIGHT!!! 

• If you cannot carry your suitcase up a flight of stairs, you are bringing too much and we may ask you to unpack and send things home from the airport (yes this can be done, and yes I may ask you to demonstrate that you can carry your bag up a flight of stairs).
• Resist the temptation to think, “I might need this.” Remember to ask yourself, “Can I survive without this? 

Here is a list of suggested items to pack.

Baggage:

• You are allowed ONE, reasonably sized, suitcase. This restriction is set by the bus company we work with in Italy, not the airline.
• You may have ONE carry-on (such as a back-pack, small duffle, or tote bag). Again, this is because of the buses we use in Italy. Those of you who want to carry a purse, make sure the purse can fit into your carry on. 

Paperwork essentials:

• Passport and any travel documents that we might give you (please carry these with you)
• Elon international insurance card
• Contact information (family, Isabella Cannon Centre, faculty phone numbers)
• A copy of your passport in your suitcase
• Luggage tags (these are in the WorldStrides envelopes

Things to keep in mind as you pack clothes:

• Research what the weather will be like abroad before packing; average daytime temperatures at our destination cities will range from 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that it is cold.
• Realize that we will be on foot much of the time, so you will be exposed to the weather (rain, cold, etc.) more than you would in the States.
• Pack layers rather than bulky sweaters and thick coats.
• Remember that jeans are bulky, not that warm, and don’t dry quickly. So, you might think of alternatives.
• You may not be able to wash clothes with the frequency and ease that you do at home.
• Pack extra socks and undergarments. You may need to wash clothes in your sink at the hotel.
• If we have access to washing machines, it is good to remember that machines abroad tend to be a bit rougher on clothing than machines in the States. You might consider leaving any delicate clothing at home.
• Don’: t bring expensive jewelry, accessories, etc. If a particular item is irreplaceable to you, please leave it at home.
• Make sure your shoes are comfortable, as we do a considerable amount of walking.
• Don’t bring a pair of shoes you have not worn assuming they will be comfortable. Also, bring more than one pair of shoes, since they might get wet, but don’t bring so many that you have to worry about packing them. Two pair should be sufficient.
• Rolling suitcases are fine, but remember we will be carrying our bags up stairs and across cobble stone streets so the wheels won’t always be helpful. Make sure you can also comfortably carry the bag you choose.

Practical travel/ course gear:

• Rome guide (required)
• Language dictionary/ phrase book (required)
• Adaptors (if you are bringing electrical devices, which we discourage unless absolutely necessary)
• Notebook and pens for doing course work (if you want to bring a personal journal that is fine, but you will also need paper for the course—a simple spiral notebook is fine
• Bring a watch and alarm clock
• An umbrella and/ or rain coat
• A hat (it gets cold)
• Extra glasses or contact lenses
• A small amount of sink-friendly laundry detergent (you will not have access to laundry facilities)