Puerto Rico Packing

Pack lightly: Lay out only what you absolutely need, then take half the clothes and twice the money. The Travelite FAQ (www.travelite.org) is a good resource for tips on traveling light. The online Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info) will generate a customized list of suggested items based on your trip length, the expected climate, your planned activities, and other factors. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, also consult The Great Outdoors, .

Luggage: If you plan to cover most of your itinerary by foot, a sturdy frame backpack is unbeatable. (For the basics on buying a pack,) Toting a suitcase or trunk is fine if you plan to live in 1 or 2 cities and explore from there, but not a great idea if you plan to move around frequently. In addition to your main piece of luggage, a daypack (a small backpack or courier bag) is useful.
Clothing: No matter when you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket (Gore-Tex® is both waterproof and breathable), sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and thick socks. Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are must-haves for grubby guesthouse showers, and extra socks are always a good idea. If you plan to visit religious or cultural sites, remember that you will need modest and respectful dress. In Puerto Rico’s mild climate, jeans paired with a tank top (women) or light button-down shirt (men) are everyday dress. No matter how steamy the weather gets, Puerto Rican locals will not wear shorts—wearing them will mark you as a tourist. A long-sleeved T-shirt or a light jacket may come in handy for cooler nights in the mountains, though during the summer it’s almost never needed. Puerto Ricans dress up to go out—women wear tight pants (usually jeans) with shirts that redefine scandalous, and men wear slacks and button-down shirts. You may want to bring a nicer outfit for going out, along with a nice pair of shoes.
Converters and Adapters: In Puerto Rico, as in the rest of the US, electricity is 110 volts AC. 220/240V electrical appliances will likely self-destruct when plugged into 110V current. Visit a hardware store for an adapter (which changes the shape of the plug) and a converter (which changes the voltage; about $20). Don’t make the mistake of using only an adapter, unless appliance instructions explicitly state otherwise. For more on all things adaptable, check out http://kropla.com/electric.htm.
Toiletries: Condoms, deodorant, razors, tampons, and toothbrushes are often available, but it may be difficult to find your preferred brand; bring extras. Contact lenses are likely to be expensive and difficult to find, so bring enough extra pairs and solution for your entire trip. Also bring your glasses and a copy of your prescription in case you need emergency replacements.
First-Aid Kit: For a basic first-aid kit, pack bandages, a pain reliever, antibiotic cream, a thermometer, a multifunction pocketknife, tweezers, moleskin, decongestant, motion-sickness remedy, diarrhea or upset-stomach medication (Pepto Bismol® or Imodium®), an antihistamine, sunscreen, insect repellent, and burn ointment.
Film: Film and developing in Puerto Rico are slightly more expensive than elsewhere (about $5 to purchase a roll of 24 color exposures), so consider bringing along enough film for your entire trip and developing it at home. Airport security X-rays can fog film, so buy a lead-lined pouch at a camera store or ask security to hand-inspect it. Always pack film in your carry-on luggage, since higher-intensity X-rays are used on checked luggage. If you don’t want to bother with film, consider using a digital camera. Although it requires a steep initial investment, a digital camera means you never have to buy film again. Just be sure to bring along a large enough memory card and extra (or rechargeable) batteries. For more info on digital cameras, visit www.shortcourses.com/choosing/contents.htm.
Other Useful Items: For safety purposes, you should bring a money belt and a small padlock. Basic outdoors equipment (plastic water bottle, compass, waterproof matches, pocketknife, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat) may also prove useful. Quick repairs of torn garments can be done on the road with a needle and thread; also consider bringing electrical tape for patching tears. If you want to do laundry by hand, bring detergent, a small rubber ball to stop up the sink, and string for a makeshift clothes line. Other things you’re liable to forget include: an umbrella, sealable plastic bags (for damp clothes, soap, food, shampoo, and other spillables), an alarm clock, safety pins, rubber bands, a flashlight, earplugs, garbage bags, and a small calculator. A cell phone can be a lifesaver (literally) on the road; see Cellular Phones for information on acquiring one that will work in Puerto Rico.
Important Documents: Don’t forget your passport, traveler’s checks, ATM and/or credit cards, adequate ID, and photocopies of all of the aforementioned in case these documents are lost or stolen. Also check that you have any of the following that might apply to you: a driver’s license ; travel insurance forms; ISIC .