Use a site like Weather. com to figure out the projected weather forecast for the days of your trip. Look at both the highs and the lows. Temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, so check to see both how warm and cold it will get and pack for both sets of conditions.
Plan to pack one extra outfit, in case you spill or have a problem with one of your other outfits. Plan to pack at least two extra pairs of underwear and socks. They’re small enough that they won’t take up a lot of room, but you’ll miss them if you don’t have them.
Lay all of your outfits on the floor, organized by day of the week. This way, you can see what you’re missing or forgetting. If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, pack sneakers or other walking shoes. If you’re staying at a campground with a lake or a hotel with a pool, pack a one-piece bathing suit.
If you’re going to a competition or festival, make sure you pack any school related items you might need. If you’re camping out in a tent, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping pad. A pillow is also recommended. If you’re staying at a hotel, you do not need to pack shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. These will be supplied for you. Pack some extra feminine hygiene products – you never know when you’re going to need them.
Talk to your friends who are traveling with you so you don’t double up on the same items. If you’re all sharing a tent or room, no more than one person would need to bring a hairdryer. If you accidentally overlook something, you can always purchase it when you arrive at your destination.
If you’re going backpacking or hiking, make sure to bring a backpack with you. If you’re traveling on a plane, check to see if your group will be checking bags. If not, your bag will need to be small enough to fit in an overhead bin. Try to choose a bag that is brightly colored, so you can easily identify it. Label your bag with your name and a phone number in case you and your bag get separated.
Make sure to pack some empty plastic bags. You can use these to hold your laundry and wet bathing suits. Save a small amount of space in your bag for any souvenirs you might want to bring home.
This bag should contain things like your wallet, any forms of ID, your electronics and chargers. You should also pack one of your outfits in this bag, in case your other bag doesn’t reach your destination at the same time you do. Include a book, hand cream, lip balm, hair ties, gum and any tickets you might need in this bag as well.
Granola bars, fruit snacks and pieces of fruit travel well and are easy to eat on the go. If you’re traveling on a plane, bring an empty water bottle. You’ll be able to fill it up as soon as you get through security.
If you’re not staying in a hotel, pack your own towel. If you’re staying somewhere with group showers, pack flip-flops too.
If you’re traveling internationally, pack your passport. Pack your student ID, just in case. It may get you a discount on something!
