How Much to Bring

General rule: the less you bring, the less you carry. You are expected to be able to carry all of your own bags for at least one mile.

Weight Limit

The specific rule is that your one piece of checked luggage cannot weight over 50 lbs. The baggage fee for additional weight can be pretty steep. You are allowed one carry-on bag and a personal item. Generally this would be your backpack.

Packing Tips

• Place all valuables, medications, and documents in your carry-on.

• Use durable luggage

• Use a durable luggage tag with your permanent contact info on it in case your luggage is lost.

• Leave enough room for the gifts that you will be bringing home.

• Pack to conserve space. Roll clothing and use small items to fill empty space.

• Carry a change of clothing in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed.

• If you bring any prescription medications, be sure to bring them in the original container, as unmarked medication can arouse suspicion.

• The last night of briefing, before we leave for Austria, be sure to have one change of clothing, basic toiletries and needed medications in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is delayed.

Make sure you have everything you need before you arrive at briefing because you will not have any spare time once it starts. You should also bring some basic documents in the event of a problematic situation (e.g. your passport gets stolen). These would include:

• Copy of your passport (this could also be a picture of it on your phone)

Other Important Preparations

• CELL PHONE: You will need to be able to use your cellphone in Austria. Please check with your cell phone provider to see what options you have for international texting and data. If your cell phone provider does not have an international option, looking to eSIM cards, or you can pick up a SIM card when we arrive. You will also need to put a travel notice on with your cell provider. Sometimes this can be done online other time you need to call the provider. Alert them to the dates of your travel 5/23-7/2 and please alert them to the following countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia

• CREDIT CARDS/DEBIT CARDS: You will be receiving weekly per diem from the support you raised, approximately 90Euro. This is to cover your weekly ministry and living expenses. However, for personal expenses, souvenirs, free day activities, you will want to be able to either get cash out of an ATM or use a credit card. Like with your cell phone, you will need to put a travel notice on your card to be able to use it internationally. You will also want to check and see if your cards charge international service fees.

Suggested Items

• Not Suggested, REQUIREDPassport and passport pouch/holder

• Bible, journal, pens, etc.

• Address list of friends and supporters

• Power/electric converter with plug adapters (220 volts to 110 volts, though many outlets are different). An example is https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074QLCKW6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• Backpack, fanny pack or cross body bag for campus

• Rain jacket (it may rain at times)

• Sunglasses and sunscreen*

• Water Bottle

• Playing cards and other small games

• Bathing suit - One piece or tankini for ladies, no speedos for you guys.

• Towel for swimming (In the Danube or pools w the kids)

• A couple nicer outfits for church or other special occasions

• Please be sure to have comfortable, lightweight pants to wear when working in the refugee camp. Everyone must dress conservatively (high crew-necks on shirts) and wear pants (no leggings)!

  • lightweight/fast drying clothes are best as they may get wet in the creek

• Crocs, water shoes, or something similar for playing with kids in the creek at the refuge camp.

• Good shoes/sneakers (we will do a lot of walking and some hiking)

• Exercise clothes if you like to run or workout

• Glasses, protective case, contacts, solution

• Personal hygiene: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, athlete’s foot spray, razor and blades, feminine products, other personal items*

• Medicine - be sure to have ample supply of any prescription meds you need

• Dramamine and/or ear plugs if you get motion sickness or are a light sleeper

• Plastic bags to store all the above stuff that leaks

*Keep in mind, we are going to a developed country and most things you would need are readily available there.