General Items

• Small backpack/over-the-shoulder bag to bring on the plane and on the bus each day. This bag should be big enough to hold water, snacks, phone, notepad and wallet.
• Adaptor for Asia (2 or 3 round prong plug – NOT same as US adaptor) if you are bringing electrical items or mobile phone charger. EU adapters typically also work.
• Hat / Sunglasses / Sun Cream
• Daily Toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.
• Clothes – enough clothes for 6 full days in Kolkata and 2 days of travelling. Underwear, socks, pyjamas, 6 HOPE tshirts, additional tshirts for evening wear, long loose pants or below-the-knee shorts for daytime, warm long pants for evenings, warm long sleeve top for evenings in the hotel.
• Footwear – runners/sandals flip flops for HOPE visits and evenings in the hotel.
• Notepad/Pen/Reading Material – we advise you to bring a notepad and pen to write down your thoughts each day.
• Food for hotel room or snacking such as pot noodles, granola bars, tea etc…

Medical/Toiletries

All medication should be in cargo unless you have a doctor’s note. If you are taking a malaria tablet, take 1 in Dublin airport, with the rest put in cargo. 

• Malaria Tablets (on Dr advice)
• Mosquito repellent: any product containing DEET e.g. Autan, Jungle Formula – all available in Boots, chemists or outdoor shops
• Any first aid medicines as recommended by your Dr (Painkillers, allergy/Insect bite cream, antihistamine tablets etc)
• Sticking Plasters
• Electrolyte Sachets (You drink this powder in water to replace body salts lost)
• Wet wipes (for freshening up)
• Antiseptic Hand Wash
• Small packs of tissues
• Any medication/ Inhalers you usually take. Make sure you bring a supply and a Doctor’s Note

On the final day, when packing to return home, HOPE will very happily collect any unwanted clothing, footwear, toiletries and leftover food from students who wish to leave items behind as donations to our child protection homes.