PACKING 101: Tips on How to Pack for J1 Interns

Many countries are opening their international borders, so here are some tips on how to pack that J1 interns may find helpful.

If you’re a first-time or experienced traveler, you cannot deny that packing your luggage is dreadful.

There are many factors and items that you must not overlook or forget when you prepare your luggage– the weather, destination, or even the purpose of your visit! 

It may seem overwhelming, which is why we are here to help!

Here are some packing tips that you may want to consider.

What to pack?

Most US airlines allow one carry-on and two check-in bags. These bags are limited to specific measurements, so check and clarify with your airlines accordingly.

Usually, you are to pack:

• Carry-on bag: Passport and other flight documents, J1 documents (Training plan, DS2019, and supporting documents), pocket money, entertainment, and device chargers, water bottle, a change of clothes, travel-sized toiletries, snacks, medications, extra face mask, and spray alcohol.

Supporting documents such as birth certificate, transcript of record or worksheet, and diploma are not required to be brought anymore.

• Check-in bag/s: Clothes, regular-sized toiletries, solid food/
• snacks, entertainment, a pack of face masks, and other items necessary for your J1 Program.

And most of the time, it is advised that you should NOT pack:

• Carry-on bag: Liquids that exceed 100 ml, sharp objects, self-defense items, firearms, and explosives.
• Check-in bag/s: Electronics, sharp objects, firearms, explosives, valuables, flight documents, and perishable goods.

How to pack?

Now we know what to pack, the next question is how to pack these items.

When packing, the goal is to make it as organized and compact as possible. You can use:

• Packing cubes and pouches:

• • Pro: These handy organizers sort your clothes, toiletries, and other items in your check-in luggage, which ensures easy storage and access.
  • Con: It could sometimes take more luggage space and limits the number of clothes and items you can put in each pouch.

Organize your Luggage

• Vacuum bags:
• • Pro: As air is drawn out from your clothes and items, it neatly and securely compresses these, creating larger baggage space.
  • Con: If the TSA has to inspect your luggage, most likely these will have to be opened individually and vacuum-sealed again in the airport, which may cause delays.

• Balikbayan or moving boxes:
  • Pro: You can ship your items in advance so that you will have to bring fewer items on the day of your flight.
  • Con: You must have secured your housing so your box can be delivered to the correct address or destination and at the right time.

Keep in mind!

Before deciding what clothes and items to bring, you must know your destination and the purpose of your visit.

• Weather/season: If it is expected that the weather will be hot, humid, or sunny, bring bright and lightweight clothes. Contrarily, if the expected weather is cold, snowy, or rainy, bring dark and thick clothes.
• Purpose of visit: For J1 purposes, bring at least two corporate attires and your prescribed uniform. Remember that you can buy clothes in the US, so only bring the clothes you need.

General Tips

• To avoid over-packing or under-packing, create checklists beforehand so that you can monitor your items and ensure that it is enough for your stay.
• It is also suggested that you secure all items with liquids in resealable bags to avoid spillage and messes in your luggage.
• You can utilize luggage covers or luggage straps so that it will be easier for you to identify your bag when you claim it.
• Throughout your stay, always bring with you your passport wherever you go. Restaurants and other establishments may ask you for a valid ID, so having your passport could come in handy.

With these tips on how to pack, are you now ready for your J1 program?

Got Questions?

Visit our FAQ’s page or email us at info@experienceabroad.com.