Year abroad packing list for volunteers and interns

Before every trip, it is a challenge to pack your suitcase in such a way that you don't forget anything, but at the same time don't carry too much around with you. If you go abroad as a volunteer or intern, the decision is twice as difficult. The golden rule applies here: "as much as necessary, as little as possible". But what is a must in your luggage? The ultimate packing list for your stay abroad will show you!

To download the RGV packing list

1. Wear or pull?

The first question you should ask yourself is: backpack or suitcase? We recommend that you grab a backpack, because you have your hands free with a backpack and you can also master bad or unpaved roads with your left hand. On the other hand, if you don't want to put the burden on your shoulders, then a trolley case is fine too. In any case, find out how many kilos of luggage your airline allows.

2. day trips

For day trips and smaller excursions, an additional, small backpack or handbag with a zip is very practical! We recommend the backpack again.

Extra tip: Take your small backpack with you on the plane as hand luggage - this way you save space in your suitcase or backpack and you have all your valuables with you.

3. The right clothes for every climate

When choosing clothes, it is important that you find out about the climate conditions in your host country. Because even in Africa, Latin America and Asia it is not always warm like summer! In Sweden or Iceland it can sometimes go down to -30° C in winter. Your clothing must either be light and airy or be able to withstand wind and weather.

Always make sure that summer clothing, especially, is not too short to show that you respect the local culture. For example, if you are working on a project with animals, choose clothes that can get dirty. It is always important to wear a hat as sun protection (also in winter!), sturdy shoes and your bathing suit.

Extra tip: So-called sports towels are not only space-saving and super light, they also dry much faster than terry cloth.

4. Essential, which must not be missing in any case

A water bottle should not be missing from your luggage. Drinking a lot is important, especially when it's warm! But be careful: if you pack the water bottle in your hand luggage, it must be empty before the security check!

An LED headlamp is also very practical. Even if you get involved in a big city, there can always be power outages. And on weekend trips, for example when going to the toilet at night, your headlamp can be indispensable.

Also, find out what kind of sockets are common in your destination country and don't forget to pack an appropriate adapter. It is always good to take a small padlock with you so that you can lock your valuables in the safe in the hostel, for example.

5. The right protection

To protect yourself from insects, you should definitely pack a mosquito repellent. We recommend NoBite. Sunscreen and after-sun cream help against the sometimes very strong sun. Multivitamins and a first aid kit are also recommended. If you need personal medicines, pack them in your first-aid kit, of course!

6. For relaxed nights

Start your volunteer work or your internship abroad well rested! In order to have restful nights, sleeping masks and oropax are useful items in your luggage! A sleeping bag inlet is also practical. This is a type of flimsy sleeping bag, such as silk, that can provide comfort during weekend stays in accommodation (especially cheaper ones) by avoiding direct contact with the mattress and blanket.

7. For good entertainment and nice memories

In addition to work, of course, you also have free time. And that can be sweetened, for example, with an e-book reader with your favorite books, a laptop or tablet for Skype calls, or a travel diary. For long bus journeys, you can also load your favorite music or audio books onto your cell phone.

We also always recommend taking a travel guide (current edition, for example from Lonely Planet) with you. This way you can find out more about your destination country and great tips for excursions. For unforgettable pictures of your adventures, a camera should not be missing or you can use your smartphone for it. In any case, you should not forget your charging cable and, if necessary, a power bank.

8. For host family and project

If you would like to make your host family happy with a gift, you must also make room for it in your luggage. Make sure it's not too big and heavy. Don't forget to think about your project in good time. Would you like to work with children? Then it may be helpful, for example, to pack an English book to prepare for the lesson or crayons for the Children Center... Here more ideas!

9. Order in the paperwork

When everything is packed, you should re-read your RGV Travel ABC and make sure nothing has been forgotten. Especially no important documents. The best thing to do is to scan them and save them in a cloud, on a USB stick or send them to yourself as an e-mail attachment, so nothing can get lost. Copies are also a good idea.

10. What is essential?

• Passport
• Flight/ train/ bus ticket
• vaccination certificate

With our travel hacks you can save yourself additional time and nerves. With the right approach, you don't have to give up online purchases completely, and you can still do it shop sustainably.

Possibly also an international driver's license and an international student ID card (for admission discounts). You then pack everything directly in your hand luggage and off you go!