Packing Tips

December 2, 2024

As you’re getting ready for your HXP trip this summer, your gut instinct may be to overpack. However, we encourage you to ditch the bulky “extras” and embrace the “LESS IS MORE” lifestyle! Trust us, you won’t want to be hauling around huge, over packed bags while you’re traveling!

We suggest sticking to the trip-specific packing list provided on the website – it will tell you everything you need. For your packing list, click here.

Check out some of our packing favorites on our Amazon storefront.

Luggage

You will be allowed to bring one checked item, one carry on item, and one personal item, so pack wisely! Be sure to double check the baggage requirements in the Transportation Information section of your Builder Portal (including baggage allotment, weight, and size) so you don’t have to worry about getting charged extra at the airport.

PRO TIP: Really think about what to put in your carry-on and personal item that won’t be checked in as luggage. Be sure to keep your passport, prescription medications*, a change of clothes, and anything else you couldn’t survive the first few days without in your carry-on or personal item. Luggage gets lost sometimes, so think through that scenario before you go! *Be sure to bring your correct medications—especially if you require insulin, an EpiPen or other health-related materials. Know yourself, what you need, and make sure you’ve got it with you!

Pack Strategically

Since you won’t have unlimited space, make the most of what you’ve got. We suggest packing cubes or rolling your clothes to save space and keep everything nice and organized. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing that not only takes up less room, but also is super comfortable and great for multiple activities. If you’re planning on souvenir shopping on your trip, make sure to leave extra space in your suitcase to bring those items home. *For international trips, you will be able to do laundry once halfway through your trip.

No Trace Trips

Part of HXP’s sustainability policy is running “Leave No Trace” trips. We want to encourage self-sufficiency in the communities we work in and avoid dependency on our programs. A habit of donations results in community expectations for future HXP groups to do the same. No trace trips mean that we don’t give out gifts, donations, or food and we don’t leave items such as clothes, shoes, hard hats, or shampoo bottles. Everything you bring on your trip needs to go home with you.

First Aid Kit

Since the First Aid Kit provided by HXP is for emergencies only, you are expected to bring enough of the following items to support yourself for the entire duration of your trip, along with any other personal supplies you may need.

Band-Aids
Feminine Hygiene Products
DayQuil & NyQuil
Cough Drops
Motion sickness
Ibuprofen
Electrolyte packets

Snacks

While we will make sure you’re well-fed, snacks are a MUST-HAVE (am I right?) . Leave the messy chocolate bars behind and bring snacks that travel well, like protein bars, gummy candy, trail mix, dried fruit, or beef jerky. Nerd clusters are a must!

If you have food allergies, restrictions, or are an extremely picky eater, make sure you bring extra snacks! We’ll collect allergy information on your Builder health form, then let your trip leaders and our in-country food providers know about your restrictions. Sometimes food options are limited or unlabeled, so it’s your job to monitor what you eat during your trip. Most of the time, local food providers are able to accommodate those with food allergies or restrictions. Make sure you check the trip description before signing up to see what trips are the most allergy friendly. You can also check out our trip food guide, click here.

Double-Check the Weather

This will take two seconds and save you a massive headache. Is it gonna rain? Bring a rain jacket! Hot? Shorts and short sleeves. Chilly at night? Might want to pack something warm. . . and don’t forget to check the humidity! You’ll be glad you packed accordingly.

Make sure to closely follow the trip-specific packing list we give you (located in your Builder Portal and linked here). Our Program Designers work hard to make sure those packing lists are as accurate as possible. Another great place to check for pointers is your location’s Instagram page (@hxp.locationname)! Scroll through the feed and look at what other Builders are wearing for ideas.

Leave Valuables at Home

We cannot emphasize this enough. Leave anything you would be sad to lose (expensive watches, AirPods, jewelry, favorite t-shirt) AT HOME. Avoid the risk so you don’t have to worry about them being damaged, lost, or stolen—it’s better to be safe than sorry!

At the meet-up airport, you will store your phone in a secure phone pouch. It will stay in your suitcase throughout the trip. For more information about the Digital Detox, click here.

Pro Tips

Pack your carry-on and personal item with anything you will need during the first few days of the trip (passport, prescription medications, change of clothes, etc.)
Bring your correct medications in your carry-on or personal item (especially if you require insulin, or EpiPen, or other health-related materials)
Pack essential first-aid items (bandaids, motion sickness meds, Ibuprofen) in your personal item so it’s with you on the plane
Weigh your bags before going to the airport to make sure you’re under the weight restrictions
Take all snacks out of their original boxes and put them in ziplock bags to save space.
For more travel tips, check out this blog post!

For more travel tips, check out click here.