Packing can be one of the most simple, but also terrifying tasks of the entire journey. The most simple answer is to just pack the necessities — not the kitchen sink. Bring enough to make you happy, but not enough to make the other people on your trip upset. There is a fine line and we can help you out!
Step One: The first step is to consider where you are going. Is your trip to Hawaii or Alaska? England or Thailand? Where you go is a HUGE factor in what you should bring along and it is often times overlooked. You do not want to be stuck in a place where it is snowing and you are wearing shorts.
Step Two: Research your teen trip location. Does it rain often? What are the average temperatures like? Generally, this information is provided by reputable and well organized teen trip programs like Bold Earth Teen Adventures. These types of questions are so important in your planning process. Again, the goal is to be prepared for the worst while expecting the best.
Step Three: Next thing to do is make a list of clothes that would be most appropriate for where you are traveling. Some examples of what could be included are: shirts (both long and short sleeve), pants, shorts, bathing suit, underwear, socks, jacket (various types; rain coat, warm coat, fleece coat), hat (various types), gloves (depending on where you will be going), and other things of this nature. Some things to leave off include fancy outfits and stuff that you will just not wear. It would be ridiculous to take the effort packing your “little black dress” on a three week long camping trip! Again, the goal is to pack what you need and leave behind what you won’t need.
Step Four: Now that we have made a list of the clothes that we might take along — start adding up how much to bring of everything. A common mistake by most teen travelers is bringing a different outfit for EACH day of the trip, sometimes more than one for each day! Wow — you will need to bring three suitcases for all of that!! A trick that we have picked up along the way is to bring only what you need for about a week. Even on a three week trip this is just fine. At Bold Earth, campers have the opportunity to wash their clothes once per week! Also, wearing the same pair of pants for two days is something that is absolutely allowed, especially for those going on a teen trip. We like to bring about 2 pairs of shorts, 1-2 pairs of pants, only one bathing suit, 5-6 pairs of socks, 5-6 pairs of underwear.
Step 5: It is at this point where we need to slow ourselves down and stop for a moment. I know when I pack I always rush the beast either because I am afraid or because I should have done all this yesterday. Well too bad because it takes a bit of time to pack right and pack well. Let’s think again about where we are going. The next question to ask is – what am I doing on my teen trip? On a lot of trips with teenagers you will be participating in a wide range of activities that could start from basic sightseeing and go all the way to backpacking in the wilderness. The types of clothes that you are about to pack are essential to your success. Would you pack a pair of jeans for a 20 day long white water rafting trip? We hope not! Versatility is key. Bring things that will be great and comfortable riding in a van as well as stick to their guns during times of inclement weather.
Things to Consider: We recommend bringing pairs of synthetic type clothing, not cotton. Cotton likes to soak up water incredibly fast while retaining it for a very long time. Synthetics like polyester will do a much better job at keeping you comfortable, warm, and dry. Other types of clothing to think about would be rain jackets and pants, snow jackets and pants, and other types of element fighting articles. Again, we cannot say it enough – look at where you are going and what it will be like. This will be SO important and crucial to your happiness on your teen trip.
Now, we know you want to bring more than just clothes and your wants will not go unheard. Keep in mind yet again where it is that you will be traveling to, for how long, and what you will be doing. If you are camping — do you need a hairdryer? Try to come up with another list of items that you use in your daily life that would be useful on your trip. Include your toothbrush, sunglasses, dental floss, and other things that will travel well, light, and not be a burden. Leave any and all electronics at home. This is a distraction and you will not be able to use many of these things. Books are a must.
When it comes to gear type things to pack, the best way to go about this is following the guidelines set by the teen travel company that you are going with. All quality organizations have lists detailing what to bring including clothes specific to your trip, gear, shoes, toiletries, and random assorted items. Follow these lists while packing and you can and will not go wrong. If a company does not provide you with a list – DO NOT TRAVEL with them. This is a sign. They are not preparing you so how can they be prepared themselves.
We hope we have covered the basics in packing for your teen trip. Some words of advice: don’t let it be stressful – let it be fun! This is going to be an amazing time for you that can change your life forever. Be prepared for everything but don’t pack too much. And remember, pack a smile and a willing attitude!
The author of this article is Damien S. Wilhelmi. If you enjoyed this piece you can follow me on Twitter @JakabokBotch. If you are looking for a great Teen Trip or guided tour, be sure to check out BoldEarth.com.