U.S. Self-Drive Packing List
Packing Advice
- This packing list is just a recommended guideline for your reference. Everything is optional for you to choose from.
- It’s best to leave all unnecessary valuables and jewelry at home.
- Print a copy of your reservation and place it inside your checked baggage for identification purposes while you are traveling.
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Clothing
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferrably moisture-wicking and non-cotton.
- Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Rain jacket and/ or rain poncho
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Footwear
Your daily activities may get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Light sandals are not good for daily tours and hikes, but they are nice for relaxing at your hotel.
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof
- Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Baggage
- Suitcase or duffel (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
- Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
- Waterproof plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (ziplocs and garbage bags work)
- Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, clear toiletry bag for airplane
- Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible). Remember to set the date and time on your cameras.
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
- Camera, lenses, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
- Video camera, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
- Tripod (travel size)
- GoPro, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Cell phone, power cord, battery backup, headphones
- Watch/Alarm clock
- Calculator (for currency conversion)
- Electricity converter/adapter
Toiletries
- Soap
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant
- Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Small towel and washcloth
- Toilet paper
- Facial tissue
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
- Insect repellent
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Feminine products
- Cosmetics
First Aid
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Prescription drugs
- Malaria pills (if necessary)
- Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
- Band-aids/plasters
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamins
- Antihistamines
- Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar)
- Ace bandage
- Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
Documents
- Passport (make sure it is valid 6 months after your trip)
- Visas for all countries as necessary
- Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
- Copy of AWR travel itinerary
- Medical insurance card
- Address book
- Business cards
- Document organizer
- Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers checks’ numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion’s luggage and email them to yourself (or store in Cloud). Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.
Other
- Sunglasses, straps
- Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife
- Notebook, lots of pens
- Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
- Matches or lighter
- Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2006 with no tears)
- Guide books, maps, language books
- Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season or even for sun shade
- Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
- Gifts for guides and local children
- Banner/flag/sentimental item to hold up in an important place, santa hats for your holiday photo
- Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
- Guide books, maps, language books
- Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season
- Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
- Gifts for guides and local children
- Water bottles and/or Camelbak
- Steripen, water filter, or purification tablets
- Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and stores
Packing for the flight
- Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
- Books, magazines, e-reader, cards, games
- Cell phone, headphones
- Toiletries (3 ounces/container, 1 quart clear bag)
- Snacks
- Water bottle (empty through security)
- U-shaped neck pillow
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Kleenex, wet wipes
- Melatonin or other sleep aid