Packing Suggestions
THINK LIGHT! You will have to put whatever you bring onto the tops of buses and you will have to carry your bag for long distances. Here's a list of all that you will need to stay warm, dry, cool and comfortable. When packing, think layers and do your best to stay away from cotton (save T-shirts) because cotton takes a long time to dry. We recommend that you only bring what's listed here. The lighter you pack, the happier you--and the rest of the group--will be. There will be opportunities to do “self-service” laundry where we’ll be staying.
PLEASE NOTE: We strive to be model visitors, and therefore ask that students bring clothing that is lightweight and durable, but that also covers the body well, and looks respectable. Tie-dyed T-shirts, cut-off jeans, tight fitting leggings and tank tops are inappropriate, as they show disrespect for local cultures.
BACK PACK/SUITCASE: Your main container to store your things. Something light weight and durable is best.
DAY PACK: A book-bag or fanny-pack to use for daily excursions (to carry camera, water bottle, jacket, notebook, etc).
STUFF SACKS: Light-weight and compact, using stuff sacks to separate clothes, food, toiletries, and everything else will bring order to your pack, and make your life simpler.
VALID PASSPORT: Good for at least 6 months from the beginning of your program.
MONEY BELT: A very important item to wear daily, under your clothes, safely hiding your passport, money, etc.
RAIN COAT/OUTER SHELL: A water-proof wind breaker, ideally light-weight and breathable.
JACKET / SWEATER: As light weight as possible, to wear on the plane or in rare air-conditioned settings or in the High Atlas.
T-SHIRTS: 2, in decent shape.
NICE SHIRT: 3, for meetings and special occasions.
BATHING SUIT: 1, for the “hammam” experience (you’ll wear these under appropriate outerwear).
PANTS: 2, ideally light-weight. Jeans are heavy and take a long time to dry!
SOCKS & UNDERWEAR: 4 pairs each.
SLEEPWEAR: Ideally a T-shirt/shorts can double for this. Minimize extra weight!
SKIRT / SUNDRESS: There may also be opportunities to buy inexpensive skirts in Morocco.
SNEAKERS/TRAIL SHOES: Durable and comfortable, for daily wear.
SANDLES/ TEVAS: Good for every day use in hot weather.
WATER BOTTLE: Please bring at least one, one-quart, plastic. “Nalgene” or Nalgene-type plastic bottles can be found at local outdoor gear shops.
CHAPSTICK & SUNSCREEN
VISOR / SUN HAT
SUNGLASSES - With UV protection.
NATURAL TEARS / VISINE EYE DROPS – With sandy, dusty conditions and a dry climate, this is handy to have.
CAMERA & FILM: Extra film is available in Morocco, although it is more expensive. Do bring an extra camera battery! If you use a digital camera you might want to bring an extra memory card.
DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDER: If you have one, bring it to capture your impromptu thoughts, interview your homestay host, etc., and capture some of the unique sounds emblematic of Morocco
ALARM CLOCK: Travel-size, to catch early buses and trains.
TOWEL: Small and light (and ideally fast-drying). *Just in case—good to have when we travel between circuits—and in the event the towel-snatching camel appears at our lodgings
TOILETRIES: Just the basics! (Brush, toothbrush & paste, shampoo, etc.) No hair driers, irons, etc.
MEDICATIONS/VITAMINS: Bring any prescription medicine you take in its original container to avoid problems at customs.
GLASSES/CONTACTS: Bring a back up pair as well.
NOTEBOOK / JOURNAL
PEN / PENCIL
TRAVEL BOOK: Ideally about the places we will visit (we can swap around to minimize weight).
SPENDING MONEY: We recommend about $10-15 per day though you may not spend this much unless you plan on buying a lot of gifts (or expensive ones). American Express traveler's cheques are safest, in a mix of $20 and $50 denominations, but not every bank in Morocco cashes traveler’s cheques. ATMs are fairly widespread and just as efficient, in my opinion.
OPTIONAL:
SHORTS - 1 pair, at least mid-thigh length (shorts won't be appropriate much of the time; in fact, you may never wear them, but they can be good to sleep in).
BANDANA - These can serve multiple purposes while traveling
UMBRELLA - A lightweight, travel umbrella can serve you as well in rain or shine.
INSECT REPELLENT
EAR PLUGS - Help you sleep on long flights and bus rides—and if your roommate has a tendency to snore—or talk in her sleep!
PLAYING CARDS
PURELL - Anti-bacterial hand gel (a small bottle), or anti-bacterial hand-wipes.
PLEASE NOTE: Lugging a heavy pack around for the entire time we are in Morocco can be extremely tiresome. We can find almost anything you'll need in the countries we visit, and you'll also want to pick up new items. Seriously challenge yourself to pack light, and lighter still, you definitely will not regret it! If you have any questions about whether it is or isn't appropriate to bring certain items, please don't hesitate to ask.
One final thing that is essential equipment: A HEALTHY BODY!! Your experience will be so much more enjoyable if you come with a body that is fully prepared for the journey. If you are not already getting regular exercise, we recommend starting an aerobic workout program—or at least taking long walks--exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.