Experience Fulbright

One of my big concerns right now is luggage. Just how much stuff do we really need to bring with us for a 5 month stay? Normally I’m a pretty light traveler but given the length of time and the fact that the climate will change from winter to summer while we are there, I’ll need more clothing than just a normal vacation. There’s also the Fulbright conference in southern India to consider as I’m sure it will be very hot there. Finally, I’m hoping to arrange a trip to Nepal as well, which will be yet other climate and terrain to consider when packing.

So, here’s the packing list I’ve put together based on several online sources, the Fulbright guide, and my own experience with travel.

Clothing

• Jacket: 3-in-1 winter coat with rain shell, inner liner that zips out
• Light weight long-sleeved shirts for layering
• Sweaters
• T-shirts and tank tops for layering and/or hot weather
• Pants
  • Dress pants for work
  • Lightweight hiking pants
  • yoga pants (for doing yoga of course!)
  • Jeans
• Socks – dress socks, everyday socks, and wool socks for hiking
• Tights for wearing under skirts/dresses
• Shoes
  • brown and black dress shoes for work,
  • walking shoes and hiking boots,
  • sneakers,
  • Hiking sandals
  • flip flops for the hotel pools and beach in India.
• Pajamas/sleepwear
• Underwear – I love the travel underwear from Patagonia
• Dresses and skirts for work
• Simple jewelry – I never travel with any of my expensive jewelry
• Safari/Sun Hat
• Scarves- dressy and a winter scarf
• Swimsuit and cover-up
• Umbrella

Toiletry Basics 

• Electric toothbrush and favorite toothpaste
• Hair brush, hair ties
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Face lotion with SPF
• Avocado Oil (great for dry skin)
• Make-up
• Face wash and/or makeup remover wipes
• Night time Moisturizer/Lotion
• Lip balm with SPF
• Glasses and prescription sunglasses
• Prescription medication with the label/script so not to be questioned by TSA.
• Feminine hygiene products
• Rope to make clothesline
• Shaving kit
• Travel sewing kit
• Scissors, nail clippers, and tweezers

Carry-On Bag

• Change of clothes
• Toothbrush and small toothpaste
• Laptop
• Passport & other documents
• Copies of travel itinerary and contacts in Uzbekistan
• Cell Phone, charging cord, & flash charger
• Snacks & empty water bottle
• Travel Pillow
• Facial tissues and wet wipes
• Universal power adapter
• Russian Phrase book and flashcards for studying

So, is that all going to fit in one large suitcase, my carry-on bag and a purse? I’m skeptical but I’m going to give it a shot.