An AUSUS Guide To Packing Right!
AUSUS participants are allowed two pieces of luggage: one larger bag that will be checked upon arrival at the airport, such as a duffel or suitcase, and one carry-on item that is easily portable, such as a backpack or sturdy purse. Keep in mind that your carry-on item will also serve as your main piece of baggage when not travelling by plane during the course of the summer, and it may be useful to find something big enough to potentially carry over-night supplies.
Temperatures and climates may vary drastically, so prepare for any kind of weather. Bring an adequate amount of long and short pants, suitable shirts, socks and undergarments, as well as important items such as a windbreaker, a sweater or sweatshirt or two, and a rainjacket. Make sure to bring comfortable clothes for travel and long periods of hiking/walking, as well as a bathing suit and a few “nicer” pieces of clothing for the occasions that require them. Nothing formal- just something other than sweatpants and a T-shirt will do!
As far as shoes go, you should have these in your inventory:
1 pair of comfortable and durable hiking boots, or some other kind of shoe in which you can walk long distances in any kind of weather- meaning that they can also preferably function as a rainboot.
1 pair of lighter, but still comfortable, walking shoes- such as sneakers or tennis shoes.
1 pair of sandals (or flats, for girls) that can be used for daywear in more urban environments.
1 pair of flip-flops (necessary in some hostels for shower rooms).
Socks! Comfortable socks can save a lot of blisters.
You’ll be able to do laundry fairly easily, whenever you’d like, so don’t worry about that. The hostels will either have a washer/dryer you can use for a fee, or they can show you where the nearest laundromat is. The laundromats either sell detergent, or you can easily get some at a nearby store.
In most cases, basic toiletries will be provided by hostels or available to purchase in them/near them. But there are still some essentials you should definitely bring. Word of warning, though- this category has a tendency to add more weight to your pack then you’d first think. Only bring what is absolutely necessary. Also, make sure to bring everything travel size!
Makeup (only bring what you can’t live without!)
Hair dryer (buy a compact one, or don’t bring one if you don’t have to)
Camera + charger (Lots of SD cards)
A phone that you can use as your camera
If you decide to use the camera on your phone, make sure the SD card on your phone can hold enough photos and videos. Also, bring an extra battery for your phone. You don’t want your phone to die right when you’re about to take a picture under the Eiffel Tower!
Chargers and correct adapters
A laptop, iPad or tablet is also permitted, but you won’t be allowed to bring it with you everywhere you go.
It’s important to note that sometimes a laptop or iPad can be convenient, but they are certainly not necessary, and considering the extra measures of care and security that you’ll have to take with one in tow, it might be more hassle than it’s worth. Hostels almost always have computers you can use, and most are free to use. Wi-fi is almost always available, sometimes for a price, at hostels (though the quality is not always the best).
A day pack (a smaller backpack or purse that’s big enough to fit a map, water bottle, camera, ipod/phone, brush, sometimes an extra jacket, etc.)
Ear plugs/eye mask (good for sleeping in hostels)
Plastic bags (for dirty clothes, and other random things)
Umbrella (not necessary as long as you have a rain jacket, but still a good thing to have if you have room to take it)
A rain jacket is a much better choice than an umbrella.
A good pair of walking shoes is your most important asset.
You’ll need warmer clothes than you expect in certain countries, even in the summer.
A plastic water bottle will save you from spending money on bottled water all the time.
Photocopying important documents such as your passport or other travel papers can save you a lot of trouble in the event that you happen to lose them.
Bringing iPods, phones, and other gadgets means you’ll have to constantly try to find a place to charge their batteries, but bringing a book or two along can be your best bet for long train rides and plane flights.
