Packing Suggestions for China trip

Please note the following requirements re: luggage for our travel:
You may carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer.

• A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin.
• Carry-on bag dimensions should not be more than 9" x 14" x 22" (length + width + height) or 45 linear inches (the length, height and width added together).

Checked bag:
1 bag, maximum 50 pounds/23kg
Maximum linear dimensions: 62 “ (length + width + height)

These are suggestions only for what to pack:

Weather in Beijing, second week in April, ranged from 44ºF-82ºF, mixed sun and showers
Weather in Kunming, second week in April, ranged from 40ºF-77ºF, clouds & rain (the damp will make it feel colder)

Clothes: Pack light weight, easy to wash and quick to dry, clothes (Consider color coordinating the clothes you pack so everything goes with everything else. Plan on hand washing every 3 days or so.)

• 2-3 pairs of pants (and/or skirts) You should have 2 pairs of non-jean pants or skirts to wear to schools.
• 1-2 pairs of shorts,(or light weight pants, skirts, no mini skirts)
• 4-5 t-shirts or shirts (short or long sleeved ) Boys should have at least 2 collared shirts to wear to schools.
• 7 pairs socks
• 7 undies
• PJ's
• light pair of slippers or flip flops(hotel rooms may be not up to your standards of cleanliness)
• 2 pairs of comfortable, broken in, walking shoes (alternate days and/or if one pair gets wet)
• 1 outfit for “formal” occasions (skirt or dress or slacks and shirt with collar)
• Watch
• Alarm Clock
• waterproof jacket/slicker
• sweater, jacket, or lightweight fleece
• toiletries
• journal, pens, pencils and glue stick (you might want to buy a handmade journal and writing utensils there)

Other travel accessories: You might want to consider some of the following:

• antibacterial hand wipes or hand sanitizer, tissue packets and sm. travel toilet paper rolls (no toilet paper in some situations and no water for washing hands afterwards)
• clothes washing liquid or powdered detergent (in small, spill proof container)
• sunglasses, sun screen, hat
• iPod or Walkman and batteries
• sm. flashlight
• paperback books (to read on plane, or at night, and to leave with Chinese friends when finished)
• 120/240 adapter (and appliances like a sm. hairdryer, if you think you need one)
• small inflatable neck pillow for flights
• simple first aid supplies
• any medication you take regularly (in its original container)
• antibiotics (in original container)
• medication for diarrhea (in original container)
• daypack (pack a change of underwear & 1 days' clothes in case of luggage disappearing. Prescription meds should be included)
• camera and film, or digital camera and charger, download cable or extra memory cards. (a polaroid is a big hit if you're willing to give away the pix)
• personal food: granola bars, oatmeal packets, nuts, jerky, peanut butter (although we will eat three large meals a day)
• gifts - approx. 10-50 sm. gifts, postcards, stamps, quarters, etc., 1 or 2 nicer gifts for the family you will stay with, and one to pool for teachers and people who will be our guides.
• address list of friends and family for sending postcards (e-mail addresses, for internet opportunity)
• photo book of home and family to share with Chinese friends-postcards of VT a HUGE hit
• security pouch for money (worn under clothes)
• sm. calculator for currency exchange and bargaining
• name & address cards (either "business" type or postcard w/ label to hand out to Chinese friends)

Miscellaneous Travel Tips and Info

Students should bring $100 in cash (US) in order to facilitate exchange of money in Beijing (our hotel there will not deal with Travelers Checks but other hotels later on in the trip will). The rest of their funds should be in Travelers Checks for exchange at a later date.