What kind of pack?

Try to fit everything in one bag if you can. This will leave your hands free to gesture in exasperation, wave for cabs, wave away dogs, rickshaws, and street mimes. You never want to be trapped by a street mime.

"Grown-up" luggage

Luggage with wheels, hard sides, garment bags, monograms, etc. can all be very nice, and will make you look more respectable. But real luggage is only a luxury if you can afford to live the lifestyle. You will pay the price in sore shoulders if you are not willing to pay for the taxis and rental cars that make this fashion tolerable.

The Backpack?

The backpack is with good reason the most common choice for young travelers and students. Having a load that is light enough and compact enough to carry a few blocks can be more than just an airport convenience. It can mean the difference between seeing Paris from the streets, or being forced to watch the activity from the airport or train station because it is too much work to tote your suitcase all over. What kind of backpack is another choice. The main decision has long been internal vs. external frame style packs.

An external frame pack is more comfortable for long and intensive backpacking. It allows the weight to rest more comfortably on your hips and gives ventilation to keep you cooler. It is also handy for clipping things on to the outside with carabines or other clips. An external frame pack will also allow you to expand your load more, by tying extra bags onto the frame. This is almost always necessary as the traveler accumulates mementos and gifts. There are several problems with this sort of pack, though, which make it the less popular choice. A large frame distributes weight more evenly and comfortably,but it also weighs more than an internal frame. Its metal bars will catch on train doors and luggage racks, making it more difficult to navigate. External frame packs are also usually larger, and some airlines may not allow them as carry on baggage. In fact, due to their irregular shape, they may not want to accept them as checked luggage either.

The internal frame style has become far more popular for several reasons. The internal frame pack, which means that the bag looks like a large school backpack, has rigid bars running vertically at the back of the bag, where it rests against your back. They are well padded, and shaped to ride comfortably, so this is not as painful as it sounds. Most backpack manufacturers now make several types of internal frame backpacks that you will be able to check through airports and stow on trains easily. It is hard to abandon the convenience of complicated bags. Exterior pockets, zip off fanny packs, water-bottle carriers can all make life a little bit convenient. But you will pay for every complication on your bag. Simpler designs are less likely to catch on hooks and doors when entering and exiting buses, trains, etc.

By having everything enclosed it is also easier to secure your pack, many of them now come with zippers which can be padlocked. There are also ways to engineer locks with a small length of chain or cable, which can also allow the traveler to secure his or her pack to a fixed object. Nothing is ever 100% secure, though, and anything short of chain mail can be quickly razored. Locking systems on soft bags serve to keep honest people honest. A securely closed pack requires that the thief be willing to commit to crime, and have come prepared, and there is little to be done to dissuade such a thief except constant surveillance and a handgun (and you probably don't want to bring a handgun). Many packs are now made with the traveler rather than the backpacker in mind. Some have few or no small external pockets, which makes them easier to secure. Many have side handles for airport and bus maneuvering, and some even have wheels (this is not your hippie uncle's ackpack).

The Daypack

A small backpack or large fanny pack is ideal once you have arrived at your destination. A daypack should be comfortable enough to wear all day and large enough to hold a guide book, a camera, and perhaps a snack. Having these items stowed out of sight will allow you to look a little less like a tourist, and thus to avoid both the possible hassles and the social stigma attached to being a tourist. Most hotels and hostels will have some sort of facilities to store your valuables, even in developing countries. Communication networks are well developed among travelers. Hotel owners know this and will do their best to protect their reputation in even the most isolated places. A positive or negative review in a popular travel guide can make a huge difference for a small business dependent on tourism. Governments know the importance of protecting the reputation of the tourist industry. Most countries take traveler's complaints very seriously.

What to bring

The most important thing to remember is to PACK LIGHT. This cannot be stressed enough! One way to encourage yourself to pack light is to pack your bags and then carry them around the block once or twice. Go grocery shopping in your backpack, sleep in it, wear it to class or out on dates. Ask yourself not whether you could carry it if necessary, but if you are likely to enjoy scenery and culture while doing it. Then go through your bags again and take out all those suddenly unimportant items. Be reasonable about the clothing you expect to need. The chance that you'll need to dress up much may be unlikely. The best general rule is to bring the nicest durable outfit that you can afford to destroy. Almost anything can be purchased in almost any part of the world, so you don't have to carry a full supply of everything you think you might need. Clothing should be lightweight, drip-dry and wrinkle-proof (knits, permanent press, cotton), dark colors (hide more dirt), mix-and-match items (for more variety). Make sure that you've looked into the social norms of the place where you are headed. Sometimes being properly attired is more than merely "going native." Dressing inappropriately is inconsiderate. Will shorts and t-shirts be out of place? Should bare arms be avoided? Find out before you go! Put heavy, durable objects at the bottom of the bag. Large flat items against your back will be most comfortable and space efficient. Pack daily necessities near openings. Use small drawstring bags to keep things organized.

Packing List

This is a general checklist of things to consider if you are going to be traveling in relatively warm climates. If you plan to work or study you will want to bring along additional materials appropriate to your activity. Always pack with a checklist!

Necessities:

• Passport
• Visa
• Airplane tickets
• Money
• Student ID
• Credit card
• ATM card
• Traveler's checks

• Medical Check-up
• Possible immunization
• Immunization card

• International IDs: IDs for students, teachers and persons under 26 offer discount airfare, emergency medical insurance, and other discounts.

• Guides:Books/Maps that help you find accommodations, background information on the country and people, sites to visit, places to eat, etc.

• Hostel membership cards:Membership card to Hosteling International gives member rates to hostels worldwide and allows you to make reservations at most hostels in Europe.

• Money: ATM cards, credit cards, travelers' checks, and cash are the main modes of carrying money abroad. Contact your respective organizations for international facilities and inter-bank rates. Some travelers also like to put a little extra money on a credit card before going, then, if you're gone a little while, you can minimize the interest that accrues.

• Travel Pouch/Money Belt: Pouches used to carry and conceal passports, traveler's checks, railpasses, etc. are available at ISTC.

• Extra Photographs For use when obtaining visas, bus passes, ID cards, etc. while abroad. Photos are available in black and white and color at ISTC.

• Phone cards A pre-paid phone card can be an expense you can take care of before you go, and limit the amount at risk of being stolen. Make sure you will be able to use it outside the US.

• Auto Rental: When traveling with others, car rental can be a cost effective alternative to rail travel and good way of getting off the beaten path. You can also buy combination passes that will allow you both rail travel and car rental. An International Driver's License may be required and can only be obtained in your home country. Contact us for further information. For restrictions applying to car rental, visit ISTC.

• Sleep Sack: A sleep sack is two sheets sewed together to make a sort of lightweight sleeping bag you can use in a hostel bed. Many Youth Hostels in Europe require you have one of your own, or rent one from them. Even if your hostel or hotel does not require it, you may find that you prefer to bring your own sheets.

• 2 pairs of pants (light cotton blends dry fast, jeans slower)

• tops/shirts (two shirts, three t-shirts)

• 1 blouse/nice shirt

• 1 raincoat or poncho (something light-weight)

• 1 sun hat, preferably one that will cover your ears.

• 1 sweater, light wool or fleece

• 5 pairs of socks and underwear, bras

• 1 pair of sandals/tennis shoes

• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes

• 1 swimsuit

• 1 pair of pajama-like shorts (long enough to be decent, light enough to sleep in comfortably)

• 1 belt

• 1 bandanna (napkin/scarf/handkerchief/distress signal)

• water bottle that doesn't leak

• small piece of light nylon rope for clothesline/shoelace

• camera, film, other photography equipment

• batteries (solar battery charger for longer trips)

• address book

• travel guides, phrase books, map

• wristwatch

• passport pouch / money belt

• cloth napkin (keep your lap clean and you can use it to wrap up your food, and talk about style)

• sleeping bag or sleep sack

• cold water detergent

• compass - can be handy even in the most urban areas

• some reading material

• journal

• sturdy ballpoint pens

• shoulder bag or day pack for short trips

• matches

• earplugs

• Ziplock bags for maps, books, journals, and anything else you want to keep dry or separated from your dirty laundry

• small alarm clock

• voltage converter AND plug adapter if you are bringing any appliances

• knife, fork and spoon that fit together

• gift items to give away - anything with your hometown or other large American city printed on it (key rings, etc.)

• consider bringing some sort of small gifts or toys for children. Balloon animals are a good way to break the ice with children, and children are a good way to break the ice with adults.

• frisbee, ball, some small toy

• photos of your home and family

• spot remover

• a universal drain plug (flat rubber circle) will help you wash your laundry in public sinks.

• toothbrush

• toothpaste

• dental floss

• shampoo

• deodorant

• soap in plastic container

• comb/brush

• towel/washcloth

• nail clippers

• tweezers

• shaving materials

• feminine hygiene products

• band-aids

• aspirin

• anti-diarrhea pills

• birth control pills if necessary

• condoms

• other medicines - in original containers, with copy of prescription

• insect repellent

• sunscreen - Sunblocks adhere to the skin to create a barrier, insect repellents work by evaporation, so sunblock goes on first.

• pocket knife (with corkscrew, oh yes, with corkscrew)

• small flashlight (extra batteries)

• sewing kit, safety pins

• sunglasses

• change purse

• Any electrical devices operating on 110V. You won't be able to use them in Ukraine.

• Coka-Cola. The are three things available everywhere on Earth: Bible, CocaCola, Death.

• Water. Water in Ukraine is still drinkable.

• While you think what shouldn't you pack for your trip to Ukraine, consider this: Ukraine is in the middle of Europe: actually, the geographical center is here, (the poll is about 300 km from Kiev) So, please do not think as many of american students do: that Ukraine is in Africa (by the way: they also wander where is Africa..) You will be able to buy everything that you forgot or failed to figure you would need it here. American Peanut Butter? - Easy!

• Food. Food is much more healthy here than in US (since it does not contain preservatives, fresh and tasty)

Random things to do before you go

Learn about your destination! Things to consider are visas, the cost/currency relative to the dollar, climate, when best to go, what to see, what the political climate is like and what language they speak (it helps to learn a few key phrases).

Plan your group. Decide whether you prefer to travel alone, with several friends or with one friend. All have their advantages and disadvantages, so consider your options carefully!

Budget your time and money. Be aware that you will spend the first part of your trip figuring out how to save money, thus you will spend earlier rather than later. Plan to bring backup traveler's checks or a credit card, just in case. As for time,decide on a rough outline of your trip, but allow yourself some freedom. Expect to spend at least three days in each stop and be realistic about how much time you spend sleeping on trains! Don't forget to plan a few days for jet lag as well. The internal frame style has, however, become far more popular for several reasons.

Pay the rent and other necessary bills

Leave some extra money and key with someone you trust to cover for anything that may occur while you are gone.It is also a good idea to leave photocopies of your passport, student ID, Driver's License and credit cards so that if they are lost or stolen, the process is less complex.

• Visit the dentist and doctor
  

• Cut your hair!
  

• Fill out your tax returns
  

• Forward newspapers and magazines
  

• Clean your apartment, wash the dishes, clean the refrigerator, empty the trash and wash your clothes!
  

• Unplug the electrical stuff
  

• Confirm your airline tickets and make a snack for the flight
  

• Check your pack and all your equipment one last time and...