Let's start with something you should keep in mind while you are packing:
If you can’t afford
to lose it, don’t bring it! We are always on the move and when we're rushed... Well, even the best of us have forgotten something at one time or another. It's unfortunate, but things have also been stolen and no matter how carefully our World Youth Day hosts and this team tries, things happen. So, I will state it one more time...
If you can’t afford
to lose it, don’t bring it!
Let's start with the most important items (Passport, Medication, Food, etc.) PASSPORT- DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT Passport - The real thing to ALWAYS carry with you. Passport Copy - A clear, readable copy showing your picture. This is to keep in your luggage, separate from the original, in case yours is lost of stolen (the copy cannot be used in place of a lost passport but is helpful when trying to get it replaced at an overseas embassy). Passport wallet [do not keep passport or money in “tummy packs/waist pouches” - they are susceptible to being stolen quite easily. If you bring one, put non-essentials in it.]
MEDICATION Prescription Medication: It is recommended that you take prescription medication in the bottle with YOUR prescription information on it. If you don't want to bring more medication than you need, the pharmacy that you purchased the medication from will probably give you an empty bottle with a prescription label - all you need to do is ask. Document all medication you are bringing with you (Prescription and non-Prescription). I have read that visitor to Australia will be asked to document ALL medication they have in their possession. If you write it down when you pack in and place it in your carry-on, it will make the claim process much easier. Do Not Bring Prescription Medication that was not prescribed to you with your name on the bottle. If found, you will lose it and there could be other consequences as well.
Insurance Card Make at least one copy of your current insurance card. Just in case.
fOOD iTEMS Document all food items you are bringing with you (No Kidding). Australia want to know about EVERYTHING that enters or leave their country. If you are planning to bring ANY food items with you (Beef Jerky, some commercially packaged seeds, all fresh and frozen fruit, etc.), they must be declared. To avoid any delays at Customs, write everything down when you're packing - Just like your medication. It better to have too much listed than having them find something in your baggage that was not declared.
Here are some websites that provide about Australian Customs - Do's, Don'ts, & FYI's: Australian Customs - Main Page Australian Customs - Arriving Travelers Australian Customs - Tips for Travelers Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) - Main Page Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service (AQIS) - What can't I take into Australia?
All the items listed above need to be at the very top of your packing list worksheet. Listing your medications and food can be done on the plane but writing it out before hand will save you some time and a little grief (if you have a lot to declare). Having your insurance card would be beneficial if you needed medical attention during our visit but if you forget it - there's always email or fax services that can be utilized if needed. This next item must be ever present on your mind as you pack and when you in the car heading for the airport. It is the only item that can keep you at home while the rest of the group is on the plane and there is no refund if you forget it and are not able to attend. I hope I have attention. If you haven't figured it out the one item I'm speaking of is YOUR PASSPORT - THE ORIGINAL - THE MOST CURRENT - NOT A PHOTO COPY. If you do not have it with you at the airport when we board the plane. You will NOT be able to attend World Youth Day. We do not have a backup plan and there is not another flight you can catch to meet us. So, if your passport is the ONLY thing you remember to bring with you to the airport, YOU'RE IN - although you may get tired of wearing the same outfit for the next two weeks.
Here's a list of items you may or may not want to pack. Two main things to keep in mind: First, we've had to do A LOT of walking with our luggage, for past World Youth Day events. So if you keep this in mind it may help you with the second thing to keep in mind which is... If you bring it, you carry it. Your fellow pilgrims will have their own luggage to carry and may not be able to help you with yours.
CLOTHING ITEMS - Pack sparingly and sensibly! A couple pairs of jeans, a pair of shorts, and three/four t-shirts should stand you in good stead (Rinse and wash!)
Good pair of walking shoes/sandals [If you purchase new ones, buy them early so that you can break them in!] A second pair of shoes/sandals Hat (for protection from the sun) Rain Poncho Shorts, cut-offs, short sleeves, sleeveless shirts/blouses are not usually allowed in Churches.
Underclothing: Bring fewer sets and wash out as needed. Shower shoes
Toiletries Feminine Products Baby Wipes Personal Care Items – Toothbrush/paste, floss, shampoo, soap, deodorant, comb, brush, Q-tips etc Towel/washrag (consider a quick-drying towel from Bed, Bath & Beyond or a camping store) Small container of clothes detergent and a few clothespins & maybe a few “Shout” wipes for spots. (Toilet Tissue/Toilet Seat Covers) First Aid Band-Aids [for blisters, etc]
Benadryl (allergy
prescription if you have one: allergens in Contact lens solution/cleaner/container Second set of glasses/contact lenses if you’re concerned about loss or breakage Cough drops/throat lozenges Dramamine or equivalent medication if you are subject to motion sickness on the plane. Instant Hand Sanitizer Prescription Medicine: If you bring a prescription, international law requires that you transport it in its original container, clearly labeled. (Sleep Aid. if sleeping on planes or in an area with lots of people is difficult for you, consult your doctor first before purchasing over-the-counter sleep medication.) Topical antiseptic [e.g., Neosporin or its equivalent) Tylenol/Ibuprofen/Aspirin (Those 18 or under should not take aspirin) Sunscreen / Chapstick
MISCELLANEOUS Travelers Power Converter Kit - So you can plug in your electronics Backpack/Day Pack Camera/Film (better alternative, disposable cameras. Consider at least one panoramic camera) (Camera/Video - If you plan to bring video memories home) Small Flashlight [extra batteries - usually a lot more expensive over there]
WYD Prayer Journal Pencil/pen (Pocket size or small New Testament) (Rosary) Radio w/earphones to listen to English/Spanish translations of WYD activities on Radio [extra batteries] Sleeping Bag Thermal blanket [$2.00± - for placement under sleeping bag for warmth and dryness] (purchase at Wal-Mart/ Target / camping store) {maybe two of them} Sunglasses (Pillow – for sleeping) (Doughnut pillow – for travel) (Earplugs; gum – both will help you in flight) (Shoe Sanitizer [or something like Fabreeze – small bottle]) Personal water bottle OTHER “THINGS” TO CONSIDER Address Labels for family & friends at home Address Labels with your name, address, phone, and email to give to new friends There will be a power conversion issue. Get a hairdo that does not require a hairdryer for upkeep! Pack liquids in Ziploc bags.
Small gifts to exchange with new friends [indicative of Nice thank you gift for hosts in our host Diocese (Two-way Radios: Adult leaders may want to consider bringing a couple in order to communicate with group. If you bring some, bring extra batteries.) [Although, we have found that everyone else has them, too, and everyone is on the same frequency/ies—so they are not always useful!]
Phone Cards
For calls back home [make
sure you can make international calls with your card] (Unless you have
international capabilities with your cell phones, you should not bring
them. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Copy of Passport – one in your suitcase, one on your person in place other than where you will carry your passport Money – carry little money with you. Plan on exchanging about $50.00 into German currency before you leave home – at a bank or at the airport. Best exchange rates are with your credit card. You can find a currency converter at http://www.xe.net/ucc/
No Expensive Jewelry or Equipment: Remember:
If you can’t afford
to lose it, don’t bring it!
Articles inside parentheses ( ) are merely suggestions. The others you should consider seriously. Think simply and be a minimalist as you pack; e.g., bring 6 Band-Aids, not 26, etc.! If you run out of something, your fellow pilgrims can be counted on to share! Consider sharing some of the generic items with a friend—you carry some things, s/he carries others. With new luggage restrictions and inspection possibilities, remember: No sharp items in your carryon; e.g., scissors, nail file, needle, razor, pocket/pen knife, etc. ONE small suitcase, backpack, sleeping bag!
REMEMBER, we are pilgrims not tourists! |
