Trip Information

Weather:

Travel Weather in Beijing, second week in April, 44ºF-82ºF, mixed sun and showers Weather in Kunming, third week in April, ranged from 40ºF-77ºF, mixed sun and showers Dali and Lijiang are a bit cooler, Xishuangbanna is warmer 63ºF-90ºF.

Luggage:

• Suitcase on wheels, maximum weight packed is 20 Kilos. (62 inches, for height, width, depth)

• Daypack (pack a change of underwear & 1 days' clothes in case of luggage disappearing. (prescription meds should be included)

• Small collapsible second bag (optional), to hold extra items purchased in china. Clothes: Pack light weight, easy to hand 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.)

Packing Suggestions:

• Student photo ID (required)

• 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 room floors 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)

Other items:
• Watch (this is important!! you will not have your cell phone to look at)

• Alarm Clock

• Waterproof jacket/slicker

• Sweater, jacket, or lightweight fleece

• Toiletries

• Journal, pens, pencils and glue stick

• 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 powder for hand washing clothes. (in small, spill proof container - we will be washing our clothes in hotel sinks)

• Sunglasses, sun screen, hat

• iPod or Walkman and batteries

• Paperback books (to read on plane, or at night, and to leave with Chinese friends when finished)

• 120/240 adapter (if you think you need one)

• Small inflatable neck pillow for flights

• Simple first aid supplies, chapstick, insect repellant, insect repellant clothing (bandanna, shirt)

• Any medication you take regularly (in its original container),

• Medication for diarrhea (in original container)

• Security pouch for money (worn under clothes)

• Sm. calculator for currency exchange and bargaining

• Camera and film, or digital camera and charger, download cable or extra memory cards.

• Personal food: granola bars, oatmeal packets, nuts, jerky, peanut butter (although we will eat three large meals a day)

• Gifts - approx. 25-50 sm. gifts, postcards, stamps, quarters, etc., 1 or 2 nicer gifts for the families.

• Photo book of home and family to share with Chinese friends

• Address list of friends and family for sending postcards (e-mail addresses, for internet opportunity)

• Name and address cards (either "business" type or postcard w/ label to hand out to Chinese friends)

Miscellaneous Travel Tips and Info

Students should bring a portion of their spending money in cash (US) in order to facilitate exchange of Money at the beginning of our travel. A debit card for the balance of your spending money is strongly recommended. We will have access to an ATM in most places.