Let me tell you the truth about Semester at Sea; it is about time someone clears the air anyway. I know you’ve heard it, the whole study abroad schpeil. You know, the one where people talk all about how much...Read More
Hello! Now, I know that I have not gone on the trip yet, but in the past when I write on packing lists, it seemed to be very popular, so I thought I'd share my packing list for Semester at Sea, for a semester-long (112 days) voyage. But first, a friendly reminder of my personal commandments of packing: Thou shalt not pack clothes you never wear. Thou shalt not pack more than you can carry. Thou shalt not pack high heels. Thou shalt not pack a fanny pack. Thou shalt not pack in a suitcase if a backpack will do. Then, without further to do... DIANA'S PACKING LIST FOR THE SPRING 2015 VOYAGE OF SEMESTER AT SEA: Clothes: As much as possible, things are synthetic fabrics to dry quickly, as everything needs to be drip-dried in the bathroom. Also - this is not a minimalist list. While I love backpacking, Semester at Sea is not a backpacking trip. I have a room on the boat, and don't have to carry all of this whilst I'm travelling in-port. There is no need to wear the same two shirts over and over like I would normally do on a backpacking trip. Yoga pants (2) - just for the ship Hiking/"travel" pants (2) - they fold into nothing, weigh nothing, and dry quickly Shorts (4) - just for the ship Long skirts (5) - lately I just like skirts more than pants Leggings (1) - also folds into nothing, yay for layers! T-Shirts (7) - necessity Tank Tops (7) - they're tiny, which makes packing them nice Underwear (12) - running out sucks Bras (6) - not sure what to say... Hiking socks (1) - quick dry, keep away nasty feet Other socks (2) - I usually wear flip-flops Flip-flops/ncops (3) - one dollar each from Swaziland Shoprite :) Dress sandals (1) - can't always wear ncops Active/hiking/gym shoes (1) - mountains in ncops? maybe not... Formal dress (1) - short dress, small to pack Suit (1) - there is a chance of a university interview along the way in-port Scarves (8) - to cover butts, shoulders, hair, and anything else that happens to be haraam Jersey (sweatshirt, my dear Americans) (1) - it gets cold, bros Long sleeved shirt (5) - layers, man Rain jacket (1) - Christmas present :) Bandanas (8) - most of the time I wrap my hair in either these or a scarf Swazi outfit (1) - I'm technically registered as an international student from Swaziland, so I figured I should :) Beanie (1) - my head gets cold Electronics: I usually go much more minimal here, but I do have to survive a semester of university, so this is what I'm bringing (plus chargers and outlet adapters) Netbook (my trusty computer, duct-taped together but still clicking along) Nice camera (somewhere between DSLR and point and shoot) Waterproof/shockproof camera iPod (my mom found one of the old models used for $50 - will be great for checking internet in ports, seeing as how there's no internet on the boat, and I don't want to bring my laptop into ports) Extra memory cards + flash drive Ear buds (I've had a pair for years that has been through hell and high water and the washing machine and still works - I think they came free from some promotion... who knows?) Phone: (the basic Nokia brick - for me, it's essentially an alarm clock) School supplies: I mean, it's a semester at sea, not four months of nothing at sea. Textbooks (9) - required, I had to buy eight and print out one from a PDF a professor sent Binder/filler paper/dividers (1) - I have one two-ring binder from Swaziland that I just filled with the paper I had left over from IB. It'll be plenty for four months of school. Full pencil case (1) - some pens, some pencils, a highlighter, a Sharpie. Nothing fancy. Empty expandable folder (1) - I'm assuming I'm going to get some papers at some point. Room stuff: The cabin is supposedly small, but I have a feeling after Waterford QB's, it'll be massive. Magnets (a massive amount): The walls are metal, and we're not allowed to use tape, so magnets are needed for decorating. I bought a roll for magnetic tape at Walmart for two dollars and spent some time making my own. Air freshener (2): Small room, no windows, bathroom in the room, going to have to drip-dry clothes in such a room... just trying to avoid a disaster Pictures for the walls (lots): because white walls are my worst enemy Travel necessities: Seriously, though. In my book, these are almost always necessities. Sleeping bag and liner: I have a small-ish one that's warm almost all the time. It makes risky hostels a lot less disgusting. I use a liner just to keep the bag clean, as the liner is much easier to wash. Also, camping. Passport: Duh. Credit card and debit card: As much as I budget travel, some money is going to be spent. Withdrawing from ATMs in foreign ports is so much easier than trying to find a currency conversion place. Travel towels: I know this is random, but seriously, don't bring a normal towel. I use a konga and a microfiber towel, and have a microfiber facecloth as well. Not only do these not take up space, but they dry amazingly fast, which is the important part. Bags: Because I'm not going around the world with this stuff loose. Backpack: My trusty thing. I stole it from my mom's closet in 2010 and it has been attached to my back ever since. Overnight bag: Medium sized, with a shoulder strap School pack: For classes on the ship Shoulder bag + tiny purse + string tie backpack: They take up very little space, and it's nicer to have the right bag for the day, whether it's hiking a mountain or going out at night. Other: Because no list would be complete without the miscellaneous. Glasses Toiletries (pack for yourself, you know what you need) Journal Host family gifts Jewelry Goggles Hair ties and clips Okay, that's it! Good luck, enjoy packing!
Packing list for Semester at Sea! Everything I wish I knew before I packed, tips I learned while packing, and what I learned along the way!
If you are struggling deciding what/what not to being on SAS, here is my top 10 list of What Not to Bring on SAS
Imagine the stress that comes with packing for a 4 month trip to 3 different continents with 3 completely different climates. That is what it feels like to pack for Semester at Sea. It's a lot to think about! I know because I have done it two Semester at Sea voyages! I am here to share my wisdom as a two time Semester at Sea alumna to help ensure you pack just right for your voyage of a lifetime!
Follow University of San Diego senior Josephine Tsai on her recent, four-month study abroad adventure at sea.
If you are planning your upcoming voyage around the world, here is What I Wish I Knew Before Semester At Sea!
Packing for a four month voyage around the world can be a challenge. To help, I created the Ultimate Semester at Sea Packing Guide!
Imagine the stress that comes with packing for a 4 month trip to 3 different continents with 3 completely different climates. That is what it feels like to pack for Semester at Sea. It's a lot to think about! I know because I have done it two Semester at Sea voyages! I am here to share my wisdom as a two time Semester at Sea alumna to help ensure you pack just right for your voyage of a lifetime!
Semester at Sea is arguably the most comprehensive study abroad program available to students today. The nonstop travel from country to country and constant exposure to new cultures is both daunting and exhilarating. Whether you're already a seasoned traveler or have never ventured outside of the United States, this program
Follow University of San Diego senior Josephine Tsai on her recent, four-month study abroad adventure at sea.
Let me tell you the truth about Semester at Sea; it is about time someone clears the air anyway. I know you’ve heard it, the whole study abroad schpeil. You know, the one where people talk all about how much...Read More
This video is SO IMPORTANT to watch if you are planning to go on Semester at Sea! I've included all my best packing advice for what to bring, that I learned ...
Imagine the stress that comes with packing for a 4 month trip to 3 different continents with 3 completely different climates. That is what it feels like to pack for Semester at Sea. It's a lot to think about! I know because I have done it two Semester at Sea voyages! I am here to share my wisdom as a two time Semester at Sea alumna to help ensure you pack just right for your voyage of a lifetime!
It takes a minute or two after you’ve realized you’ve forgotten something to rationalize that you really don’t need it, or how you can go about in obtaining it again. The only problem is, that when…
All of the things I wish I knew about Semester at Sea before I went. Nobody tells you this stuff, but I'm here to tell you now.
Whether you deal with anxiety, have trouble sleeping on planes, or want to be more comfortable on long flights, these long flight tips will be gamechangers.
One thing that I couldn’t get enough of before I set sail with Semester at Sea this past spring was scouring the multitude of packing lists I found on other people’s blogs. So this post is for all …
Prior to starting my Semester at Sea voyage, I was searching all over the Internet for any and every piece of information I could find about how to prepare for the voyage. Most of YouTube videos or blog posts that I found didn't have super useful tips about how to really prepare for the experience which inspired me to write this blog post! I completed my first Semester at Sea voyage as a student in Fall 2010 and recently sailed again as a staff member on the Spring 2019 voyage. I want to share what I've learned about Semester at Sea to empower future voyagers to come onto the ship as prepared as possible!
Dear future Semester at Sea students, Before I left for SAS, I found these great blogs here and here which helped me craft my packing list. I wanted to add my own thoughts so that you are as prepared as possible! Nicole's Packing List Clothing - Basic cotton shirts: 10 - Sleepwear/t-shirts: 4 you will buy a few, but better to have enough to start - Long-sleeved lightweight shirt - Sundresses: 2 I wish I'd brought more! Maybe 3-4 - Bottoms: 4 pair shorts, 1 pair capris, 1 fun skirt, 1 long skirt, and 3-4 pair jeans it will get cold in the countries at night! - Athletic: shorts, sports bras, bathing suits, yoga pants who was I kidding with the whole trying to look nice thing - I should have packed more sweatpants! 2-3 pair yoga pants - Warm wear: cardigan, sweater, sweatshirt I would have killed for a jean or leather jacket - it gets cold at night in-country, but you still want to look decent! Also, the ship is cold. Bring warm casual stuff and warm sleepwear. - Rain coat - Formal wear: nice dress didn't really use, but you really never know... - Scarf - Belts - Undergarments - Business appropriate outfit actually came in handy - 1 going out outfit (nice top & jeans) this was crazy. What was I thinking. You need 4-5 going out outfits that you can mix and match. 99.5% of SAS students go out at least once in each port. About a third go out every night in each port. You don't want to miss out on a country's night scene. Bring some options! Shoes - Regular sneakers - All-terrain shoes (ex casual hiking shoes) not necessary, but handy - Flip flops - Converse or casual shoes for walking - 1 pair all purpose flats - Consider a fun/basic pair of heels Toiletries - Body: Body wash, Deodorant, Lotion - Chapstick - Hair: Comb & Brush, Shampoo, Conditioner, hairbands - Nail care: polish, remover, file, clippers - Razors - Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss - Tissues (1 box + 4 on the go packs) I am prone to allergies, so you don't necessarily need this! - Tweezers - sunscreen - travel size items Electronics - Laptop & charger - phone & charger - camera? & charger I actually survived the whole trip on my iPhone's camera! - headphones (x2) - portable hard drive This is actually a must! (or a flash drive). People will put movies and TV shows on a shared drive and it's great to swap shows and store them for yourself. - Flash drive - European adapter School - One notebook (medium) - Writing: highlighters, pens, pencils - Scissors - Post-its - Journal Keeping a journal is a lot of work, but 100% rewarding - Folder Medicine - Prescription: Malaria, diarrhea - Allergies: Claritin, benadryl - Cold: dayquil, airborne, cough drops Airborne will save your life! - Misc: pepto bismal, tums, seasickness, advil Pepto will save your life! - First aid kit - Hand sanitizer - Mosquito repellant with DEET Misc - Snacks: snack bars, m&ms, gum can't go wrong with nutella, but you will also buy snacks in-country o Candy for kids: something w individ wrappers that wont melt - Beach towel - Blanket having my own blanket was really nice and a personal touch for the bed - Bags: drawstring, cross-body purse, small duffle, backpack - Anti-wrinkle spray; laundry detergent bar there's a handy clothes line for hand-washing clothes in the bathroom. - Magnets & photos - Ziplock bags - Important documents: copies of passport, extra passport photos, copy of credit card, copy of license, immunization records - Water bottle (2) and thermos or mug - US things to give out gifts from home are nice to give out to locals! - Umbrella - Sunglasses - Safety pins and bobby pins - Laundry bag - Foreign currency & USD US dollars helpful for paying people back on the ship - Yellow Fever card Also, consider packing a small collapsable duffle bag on the way over so that you can bring your extra souvenirs back at the end. That's it! I had the time of my life on Semester at Sea and hope you do too! All the best, Nicole
Packing for Semester at Sea can be tricky—what should you take? what can you safely leave at home?—so I rounded up all the items I found useful.
Curious how I booked my independent travel on Semester at Sea? Or how I really book any travel? You’ve come to the right spot. Before I begin, I just have to give credit where credit is due! To those who...Read More
When you visit Israel, no doubt you'll want to make a trip to the Dead Sea and experience the magic for yourself. But before you so swimming in the Dead Sea, here's what you should know.
Going for a long flight soon? Make sure to pack these carry on essentials for long haul flights to have an amazing time during your flight.
Prior to starting my Semester at Sea voyage, I was searching all over the Internet for any and every piece of information I could find about how to prepare for the voyage. Most of YouTube videos or blog posts that I found didn't have super useful tips about how to really prepare for the experience which inspired me to write this blog post! I completed my first Semester at Sea voyage as a student in Fall 2010 and recently sailed again as a staff member on the Spring 2019 voyage. I want to share what I've learned about Semester at Sea to empower future voyagers to come onto the ship as prepared as possible!
Seasoned traveller Jo Castro shares 21 tips to make long haul flights a little easier and more comfortable. Jetting off? Read these tips before you go ...
When I sailed with Semester at Sea during the Spring 2010 voyage, it was aboard the MV Explorer, a converted cruise ship from the Mediterranean Sea. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to circumnavigate the globe visiting ten countries throughout the semester, but there was so much more I got to experience as well.
To help cut down on your SAS packing list, here are 10 Semester at Sea Must Haves to bring with you on your SAS voyage around the world!
Your ultimate packing list for study abroad. Jetsetchristina studied abroad on semester at sea and here are her 5 things you need for study abroad, that will make your semester abroad so much better and easier! From a no foreign fees atm card, to the perfect suitcase for studying abroad and more
Girl Talk for the girls looking to connect with a like-minded, wellness community, for the girls wanting to find their own girl squad - through real, relatable connections, and for the girls who think being healthy is really fucking cool.
1,000 people, 3 months, and one incredible voyage around the world that you'll never forget.
