Everyone has baggage. But whether you’re on a first date or flying across the globe, it’s worthwhile to consider what’s fitting for your situation and what you should leave at home. Preparing for a gap year can feel particularly daunting because you’ll be gone for an extended period of time.
Because of this, it’s best to accept early on that you simply can’t pack everything. You may need to part with your curling iron, your acoustic guitar and your hardcover collection of Tolkien’s complete works. Ask yourself what you can’t live without and couldn’t find easily during your travels.
You also can’t prepare for everything. So even though it’s responsible to travel with some first-aid supplies, don’t bring the whole pharmacy. Rather, do some research on the areas you intend to travel to and pack accordingly. Latin America is big, and you probably won’t need a parka and a mosquito net in the same place.
That being said, the specific region you travel to, and the nature of your trip will significantly impact what you need to bring. Teaching English in San José obviously requires a different wardrobe than volunteering at a construction site in the Andes. So, feel free to skim and skoff at my suggestions and take what you need. Your time abroad will be unique to you—same with your suitcase.
What’s essential?
No matter who you are, you have to save room for the essentials. First off, figure out how remote your destination(s) is/are. This will help you decide what you really need to bring and what you can just buy on your journey—probably at a cheaper price too. Definitely ditch things you can find anywhere.
Don’t waste room on a full-size set of shampoo and conditioner or the comforter folded at the foot of your bed. If you pack something bulky, it had better be hard to find where you’re going. Save that space for a comfortable, durable, and versatile wardrobe. First order of business: sturdy shoes.
Above all else, pack clothes that you feel comfortable in and that you could wear in a variety of situations. You probably already know if you’re more likely to intern at a small business or trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu but think flexible. Leave your stilettos at home and pack layers!
Microclimates across the Americas range from sweltering and humid to arid and cold. In many regions, you can also expect tropical thunderstorms to roll in almost every day. Breathable materials are a godsend, especially because I would advise dressing modestly. Most Latin American cultures align with strong Catholic values.
Shoes and clothes will likely take up the most room. Smaller must-haves include some cash money, an international debit or credit card, and important documents. Remember to notify your bank before leaving so they don’t freeze any of your funds! Of course, you’ll also need your original passport, and don’t forget to make copies. Other documents you’ll want copies of might include proof of vaccinations, identification cards, insurance information and any visa paperwork.
What might come in handy?
Checked off the essentials and still have wiggle room? What else you need will depend on your personal plans and routine. If you normally take vitamins or supplements that might be hard to find, consider packing enough for at least the first few months. Traveling with probiotics and activated charcoal is also advisable while your stomach is getting used to its new life abroad.
If you take prescription medications, on the other hand, you shouldn’t go without. Talk with your doctor ahead of time to see if you can get multiple refills in advance. Also, do a bit of precautionary research to see if the same medications are available at Latin American pharmacies under different names.
In this day and age, you’ll also probably be traveling with electronics—how many depends on your preferences and whether or not you’ll be working abroad. If you plan to get a SIM card for your phone, make sure it’s unlocked before you go. Having data during your travels is very helpful for navigating, translating, and keeping in touch with friends, new and old.
Also keep in mind that not only does the voltage vary from one country to the next, but you’ll also encounter a lot of “dirty electricity.” If your phone or computer is unprotected during a power surge, it might not turn on again. Pack adaptors and a small surge protectors. Even consider doubling up on chargers if you use Apple products, which can be way more expensive in Latin America and hard to find you’re not living in a big city.
Now that you’re coming to the end of your checklist, ask yourself what else is important to you. What are your hobbies? What would help you if you were feeling homesick? I like to stuff my bag with a few utilitarian items like a microfiber towel, a foldable bag, and a flashlight. However, it’s also okay to allow yourself a couple of cheat items.
Try to keep the sentimental stuff small, but don’t hesitate to bring pictures or cards to put up on your walls. In addition, I always leave room for my travel yoga mat and some good reading material. Your splurge might be a little different. Your favorite red dress? A portable hammock? Snacks from home?
The bottom line: be reasonable with yourself but not too harsh. Be prepared for a few bumps in the road but not a zombie apocalypse. Everything in life, your gap year included, is a matter of balance. Yes, you’ll be gone for a while, but you’ll also form new memories and accumulate new things along the way. Pack smart and enjoy the journey!