Spain Personal Packing Checklist

         This is helpful in case there is a delay before we can exchange money upon arrival.
        
Money-changing facilities at airports and hotels almost always have poor rates and/or high fees

 

             Precautionary measure in case luggage is lost.   Keep packing list in your carry-on.

 

            For use in airports during U.S. arrivals and departures.  Remember don't carry large amounts of cash!  Do not bring  
            Travelers Checks.  There is often a fee for cashing them, the exchange rate is not good, and many small shops and street                
            markets do not accept Travelers Checks.

     
            

            As a general guideline, ACIS recommends participants bring with them approximately $30 per day.   Allocate for
            lunches, beverages, and public transportation, in addition to shopping. You should record your card numbers and
            keep them in a separate, safe place in case of loss.  ATM users will need to know their PIN password in number form
            because international machines often do not have letters on keys.

 

            On Sept. 26, 2006 the TSA lifted the ban on liquids with a catch. Each liquid must be in a container that holds no               
      more than three ounces, and all of a passenger's containers must fit into a single quart-sized, transparent zip-top (not      
      fold-over) bag.  So DON'T bring bottled water, etc.

 

            A money belt or security wallet is invaluable for keeping your money, passport, and airline tickets secure.  It can be
            worn discreetly inside clothes.  Never pack valuables (money, camera, passport, credit card, etc.) in luggage!

 

            Because of the numerous randezvous times that will be set throughout the day, it is essential to wear a wrist watch at            
            ALL times.

 

            Each day students are asked to write a one page entry in their travel journal reflecting on the sites visited, memorable            
            experiences of the day, unusual customs, places they want to return to someday, the restaurants in which they ate,                    
            and interesting people they met.  This journal must beturned into the faculty sponsor the first week of classes after                    
            mini-term.

 

            You will be given an ACIS luggage tag for easy identification. Mark your luggage in at least two places.  A small        
            luggage lock is useful for the hotel room while out site seeing.


            These make identification much easier in crowed baggage claims, etc.

            Bring important contact numbers along. Telephone calls abroad are generally very costly, particularly if made from a                
            hotel.  In addition to time differences, it sometimes makes it difficult to contact home.  Any calls to home should be                    
            dialed collect, or made with a calling card. Generally, US mobile cell phone plans do not work in Europe.  If you are                
            likely to phone the US frequently, then purchasing the ACIS phone card is a good idea because it consistently works                
            and has dialing instructions particular to Spain. 

            All parents, guardians, students, and appropriate school and ACIS personnel have a copy of our telephone-calling        

            tree.    It is used for emergencies and to communicate change of plans. We will activate our telephone chain upon                    
            arrival to say we've arrived safely.  Students may also elect to call home directly when they arrive.

             "Passengers departing from or transferring through the UK, may only take ONE piece of hand baggage
                max dimensions 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in).

                Passenger MAY NOT take an additional briefcase or laptop."

            You should pack as lightly as possible, including only essential items for the tour.    You may check up to 2 bags.
            All participants are responsible for loading their own luggage on and off busses and trains, through airports and into    
            hotels (which often don't have elevators).  Every bag should have a personal identification tag attached to it, and the
            name of the traveler should be clearly written inside.   No more than 40 total pounds for all 3 bags.

            Electrical current in most European countries is 220V, as opposed to 110V in the U.S.  Students may wish to share
            appliances.  Charge cordless appliances before departing. Plugs for 220 volt  have two round pins. Hair dryers are
            supplied by the hotel.

            Great for storing wet face cloths, snacks, wet wipes, antibacterial hand gel/cleaner

            Some European hotels may not offer face cloths.


            Avoid caffeine but drink plenty of water and juice to ward off dehydration. Get plenty of sleep on the overnight flight to            
            help conquer jet lag faster once we arrive.

            Regardless of season, these are essential.

            Especially for cool mornings and evenings.


            Our tour will include extensive walking at a fast pace. If bringing sneakers, also bring a pair of  regular shoes in case
            we go where sneakers are not permissible.

 

            Pack all toiletries, a change of clothes, prescriptions/vitamins, camera, and essentials in your carry-on bag. Be sure to            
            include all document photocopies in your carry-on.   Each liquid must be in a container that holds no more than three                
            ounces, and all of a passenger's containers must fit into a single quart-sized, transparent zip-top (not fold-over) bag.

 

            Participants who require prescription medicine should bring copies along.  Students should give the sponsor a copy               

            for safekeeping and leave a copy at home. Travelers who wear contact lenses or glasses should bring a backup pair            
            and a copy of their prescription.  Customs officials may want to verify that a medicine container's contents match its                
            label. Therefore, every medication (whether it is a prescription, over-the counter, or even vitamins) should be carried in            
            its original container, not consolidated.



            Film is MUCH more expensive abroad than at home. Be sure to have a adaptor for you digital camera.

 



            If you are bringing jeans, please bring along a pair of slacks as well.


            Jewelry, etc.