With only two days at home before the 24 hour journey to Central America, I was faced with the task of packing between revising for 3 written exams and 3 practical exams.
I thought it was normal to practically jump from the exam hall to the baggage hall, until we met 3 Leeds medical students who have had THREE WEEKS to pack!
If you're struggling or just need some tips, I've made a list of some essentials to pack for your medical elective:
DOCUMENTS
- Passport
- Visa
- Flight details - try and reserve your seats in advance!
- Vaccination certificates
- Driver's license
- Hostel/hotel reservations and contact information Travel insurance documents Photocopies of documents/ID/tickets Emergency contact information Elective documents to get signed off
- Luggage label
CLOTHES
- Trainers
- Sandals
- Flip flops
- Comfy bras
- Cotton underwear
- Socks
- Anorak
- Loose fitting clothes - Hareem pants
- Shorts
- Pjs for hostels
- Tops - vest tops if it's humid
- Swimwear
- Cap
- Hoodie for cold airports and busses with aircon Day bag Bum bag Small handbag
- Sunglasses
TOILETRIES
- Toiletry bag
- Make-up
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Hair brush
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Face wipes
- Baby wipes
- Shaving gel/foam
- Razor
- Mini mirror
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent- DEET
- Sun cream
EXTRAS
- Travel adaptors
- Mobile phone and charger
- Camera/GoPro and charger
- SD cards
- Bluetooth speaker
- Battery pack
- iPod
- Head torch
- Torch
- Adult colouring book and pencils
- Journal
- Reading/puzzle books
- Games
- Protein bars
- Padlocks
- Pen
- Aqua pack to keep phone waterproof
- Travel wash
MONEY
- Money for the airport - I left my hoodie in the car so this was handy!
- Foreign currency
- Debit card
- Pre-paid currency card
- Wallet
- Money belt (that can be concealed beneath clothes)
FIRST AID KIT
- Painkillers - paracetamol and ibuprofen Prescription medication Immodium Dioralyte Senna Travel sickness mess Antihistamines Anti-malarials Contraceptive pill Cold/flu medicine Gallons of hand sanitiser Antiseptic cream Plasters Water purifier (e.g. Iodine)