How & What to Pack
Packing for your VISIONS trip isn’t elaborate, but it’s important to familiarize with the information early so you’re not left with last minute surprises. Duffels or rolling suitcases are recommended for the check-on bag and a daypack for your carry-on.
Cultural Appropriateness
VISIONS places high value on respect for the community members who welcome us into their lives. We are not tourists. We are temporary community members, and as such strive to honor the standards of our host community.
The community will want to welcome you as a friend. Inappropriate language, behavior or attire may inadvertently put a personal wedge in those relationships, many of which are with elders and people who work at social service organizations where conservative apparel is the norm. Please do your part and leave at home anything that isn’t part of #VISIONSdressCODE.
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Pack with Intention
Remember that comfort and versatility are more important than fashion, and clothes will get dirty. We understand that you may need to purchase some new or new-thrift items in order to adhere to the dress code, and we appreciate your understanding with this. You can check out our blog about gear for suggestions.
We do laundry once a week on programs longer than 9 days, and hand washing clothes can be done at any time. The packing list may be more than what you need, so err on the side of paring down instead of bulking up. (This is also a good time to remind you that VISIONS programs take place in a no frills backdrop, with showers every other day.) Label all clothing with indelible ink.
Travel Documents
If you are traveling internationally for your program and need an updated passport, don’t delay! You can do an online search for your country destination + travel requirements if you have any questions. Note that processing for youth passports can take longer than adults, so plan to get expedited processing if the trip is less than three months away.
Participants traveling internationally should also take a notarized Consent to Travel Form. While it’s rarely requested by the airlines, they are at liberty to ask for this when minors are traveling out of their home country without legal guardians.
Refer to the packing list below for additional details about travel documents. Participants who are not U.S. citizens must consult with the appropriate embassy or consulate regarding travel requirements.
#VISIONSdressCODE
Don’t Pack These Things…
- Short-shorts or short skirts. All shorts—for boys and girls—must be at least mid thigh. Students who arrive without appropriate shorts will need to wear pants or go shopping on-site when time allows.
- Crop tops (shirts need to cover midriff)
- Spaghetti straps
- Low cut shirts
- Clothing that reveals undergarments
- See-through clothing
- Spandex or yoga pants (leggings worn under shorts are permitted)
- Bikinis or Brazil-cut bathing suits (tankinis are fine)
- Low-riding pants that show boxers
- Also, please don’t bring a bunch of snacks from home. They aren’t allowed in sleeping areas because they attract pests, and our kitchen can’t accommodate these extras. There are plenty of options to purchase locally. Note: If you have allergies and need to bring specialty items, that will be okay.
Tech-Free Experience
Hooray! VISIONS is tech-free. Cell phones and other gadgets are collected on arrival after calling home at the airport. (Remember—if you’re traveling out of country, all family members can download WhatsApp pre-trip to avoid international calling fees.) Phones are returned on the final day at the airport, where we arrive with plenty of time for non-tech check-ins.
We make every effort to safely secure kids’ phones, but VISIONS is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please bring the bare minimum. Label all devices, including chargers.
Note that [non-phone] cameras are allowed. And don’t worry if you choose not to bring one, as leaders take photos that are shared at the end of the program.
Spending Money
Tuition covers all activities of the program, but participants should have access to extra money ($20-50 per week) for personal items such as souvenirs, snacks beyond what the program provides, and baggage or other travel-related fees.
- Cash: VISIONS leaders encourage participants to turn in cash at the beginning of the program and check money out as needed, but we don’t want to accept more than $150. For international locations, money can be changed at the arrival airport.
- ATM/Debit Card: An ATM card will withdraw local currency and is more secure than carrying excess cash. If needed, it can be in a parent’s name since ATM machines don’t require identification. Note: Don’t rely on prepaid debit cards, which often do not work well (even if they say they will).
- Credit Card: We recommend bringing a credit card for things like baggage fees and other expenses if your ATM card doesn’t have spending abilities.