Preparing for Travel

Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned professional, we recommend reviewing some international travel tips and tricks before travel to ensure a smooth experience.

First-Time Travelers

Welcome to the world of international travel! We are so excited for you to embark on your first travel experience. While it might feel overwhelming navigating packing, checking in, airports, and flight connections, there are countless resources to support you on your journey. Carefully read each section of our website, google tips and tricks online, ask friends for advice, and lean on airline staff if you have questions. Flight attendants can answer any questions you might have about flying and comfort you if you feel stressed. Our Travel Day Guide and Travel Support Contacts will break down where you can seek support should anything go wrong along the way. 

Prepare For Potential Travel Disruptions

Travel disruptions like delays and cancellations have become more frequent in recent years with increased travel and short staffing at airports. Travel disruptions are completely normal and there are resources and sources of guidance to support you along the way. Staying relaxed, working with the airline, and bringing plenty to do will help if a disruption occurs. We recommend having an (audio) book or two, downloading your favorite TV-show or a movie you’ve been wanting to watch, having work on-hand (including work you can do offline), and other fun hobbies that help you feel relaxed and joyful.

Bring Medications and Prescriptions in Your Carry-On Bag 

  • Bring your medications in their original containers with you in your carry-on baggage or in your backpack.
  • Bring a copy of the glasses/contacts prescription in your carry-on and bring spare glasses/contacts/prescriptions with you in case your original pair are lost.
  • Make sure you pack your medications and medicine in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bag. Having it in your carry-on ensures that if you happen to need it while traveling, you’ll have it on-hand rather than locked in the hold of the plane. 

Packing Tips

Different ways of packing work for different people. View our suggestions below and explore online to find what works best for you and your needs. Most importantly, focus on necessity.

  • Pack smart.
     There are various ways to maximize space and keep luggage organized while packing. Some suggestions include:
    • Packing in cubes or compression bags
    • Laying clothes flat
    • Rolling clothes
    • Stuffing smaller items into larger items (such as socks into shoes)
  • Make a packing list. Start by making a list of your packing needs. Focus on must-have’s and items you would most like to bring.
  • Think in layers. The weather changes from place to place depends on the time of year at which your program takes place. Pack in a way that allows you to layer up for warmth, or de-layer to cool off. For example, a cotton long sleeve shirt, a sweater over top, a jacket and scarf for a fall program gives you plenty of ways to adjust your temperature as you go through the day.
  • Focus on essentials. Don’t bring what you won’t need. Pack the most essential first (like toiletries, medications, sturdy shoes) and work your way out. Pack the least essential items last and think carefully about whether you will truly need them on your trip.
  • Wear heavier clothes. Consider wearing heavier items, like jackets and boots, while traveling to save weight in your suitcase.
  • Label your bags: Clearly label your bags with your name, phone number, and email address. Consider adding a secondary form of identification inside your bag in case the outer label is lost. We recommend purchasing a sturdy luggage label, but if you need one at the airport, most airline desks offer paper labels you can quickly fill out and attach to your bag.
  • Put valuables in your carry-on. Don’t put any highly valuable items in checked bags (e.g., expensive jewelry, important documents, medications, irreplaceable items, etc.).
  • Know your airline’s policy. Baggage policies can vary significantly between airlines. Always check your airline’s specific baggage rules before your trip to avoid surprises.

Take Care of You

Whether that’s preparing some healthy snacks from home or meals to have on hand, bringing a toothbrush, face wash or extra shirt in your carry-on bag to freshen up after your flight, having an eye mask or ear plugs for sleeping, or scheduling a few video calls with family and friends along the way, plan ways to keep yourself feeling good during your long and potentially tiring journey. Drinking water is key as airplanes are very dry. If you ever feel queasy or need some comfort while traveling, bring your favorite tea bags along and ask the flight attendant for hot water. 

Consider Hydration and Movement Needs

Staying hydrated is important, especially while traveling. The first few days of your program will be busy, and there won’t be much time to rest between travel and program start. It’s critical you keep your body and mind hydrated while traveling to feel your best and set yourself up for a strong program start. Consider bringing a small empty water bottle with you and filling it up at a drinking fountain after security. This ensures you won’t ever be thirsty. Think about ways to move your body during your travels, which may include extended hours of sitting. Schedule in periods of time during your flight to get up and walk around or stretch your legs. The CDC recommends getting up once every two hours while in-transit.