What to Pack: Your Essential Packing List

Our top tip? Pack light! Every traveler will be responsible for carrying their own luggage throughout the entire trip—and some hotels don’t have elevators. Travelers should only need one small carry-on suitcase and their EF backpack, as checked baggage fees are not included in your tour price.

School trip packing list: student wearing EF backpack

Start with the basics

Here are some items your child should plan to pack on every EF tour, no matter the destination.

In their personal item (like their EF backpack!)

  • Passport (Required on all international EF tours. Plan to keep one copy at home and bring two copies on tour.)

  • Visas (if applicable)

  • Airline boarding pass

  • Till debit card

  • ATM/credit card

  • $50 converted to the currency of the first country they’re visiting

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Hairbrush

  • Contact lenses and/or glasses

  • Change of clothes

  • Phone charger and/or portable charger

  • Medications (in addition to a copy of any prescription)

  • Any valuables

  • Entertainment for the plane

In their carry-on suitcase

  • Shirts (short- and long-sleeved)

  • Pants/shorts/jeans

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Socks and underwear

  • Pajamas

  • Bathing suit (if applicable)

  • Raincoat and/or umbrella

  • Lightweight jacket or fleece

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Deodorant

  • Health insurance card

  • 1 clear quart-size bag for liquids (All liquids must be 3.4oz or less)

    • Shampoo/conditioner

    • Soap

    • Sunscreen

    • Hand sanitizer

Dig into more destination-specific details

We’ve curated 20+ detailed destination guides that provide more info about what to expect regarding currency, weather, visas, food, packing, safety, and more.

school trip packing list has students prepared for machu picchu