What to bring?

LIGHT Backpack

 

“He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.”  Mark 6,8-9

When we say “travel light” for International World Youth Day, this is MORE THAN JUST a recommendation! This may be the hardest part for you in the preparation but it’s worth it! ☺ The nice black leather jacket for those cool little evenings won’t fit in your bag. This is the time to be strategic: take what you really need!

Remember that you will have to carry your bag and you don’t know what kind of road you will have to walk on.  Therefore, avoid suitcases as well.

 

…WELL EQUIPPED

 

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?”  Luke 14,28

As you already know, the International World Youth Day is a pilgrimage where everyone is invited to live a life of simplicity. Therefore, you should always carry a “survival kit” to be ready for any situation. What does “any situation” suggest? Well, let’s say from just walking in the rain (bag on your back) to waiting in the hot sun in a long line to get into the vigil site (still with the bag on your back ☺)…

Do you see what this means? Yes, WYD is a real pilgrimage. That’s why we’ve made sure to put together a list to help you best prepare for this massive event. You can take a look at our “perfect WYD pilgrim” packing list below.

 

The PACKING LIST of the “perfect WYD pilrgim” 

 

DOCUMENTATION

The essential papers (to be kept on you very carefully)

  • Passport (keep it in a ziploc bag to keep it dry!)
  • Money and debit/credit cards
  • Proof of insurance
  • Photo ID card
  • Copies of identity documents (important!)

CLOTHING

Clothing and Shoes
(* make sure you have enough clothes for 7-8 days without laundry):

When preparing for a pilgrimage trip in hot weather, it is recommended that you choose clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, yet appropriate for the spiritual nature of the trip.

  • T-Shirts
  • Hoodies or long-sleeved shirts
  • Pants, shorts or Bermuda shorts
  • Belt (if needed)
  • Underwear
  • Pairs of socks
  • Swimsuit
  • Raincoat
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Pajamas suitable for dorms or shared living spaces
  • GOOD PAIR of walking shoes (really GOOD)
  • A GOOD Pair of sandals (waterproof)

BODY CARE

  • Sunscreen cream
  • Lip balm
  • OFF! cream and anti-mosquito lotion for the body and “After-bite
  • Soap
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Mini First-Aid kit
  • (“Wet ones” or disinfectant wipes)
  • Tissue paper
  • Shampoo (and conditioner)
  • Hairbrush
  • Hair elastics
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental floss
  • Sanitary napkin and/or tampons
  • Gum
  • Tylenol
  • Antidiarrheal
  • Medication and prescription (if necessary)
  • Razor, shaving cream (if necessary)
  • Nail clippers
  • Deodorant
  • Glasses

GEAR & ELECTRONICS (Lightweight and Portable)

  • Backpack (38L – 60L)
  • Daypack (16 – 20L) with water bag.
  • Ground mattress (be prepared to sleep on the ground)
  • Sleeping bag (10°C – 15°C)
  • Pillow (inflatable)
  • Headlamp / flashlight
  • Water bottle
  • Tarpaulin (for the vigil, optional)
  • Cell phone
  • Portable battery (10 000 mAh)
  • USB charging cable
  • Wall charger
  • Wall plug adapter – European C-type plug (230V)
  • Portable FM radio for simultaneous translation (pocket size – your cell phone applications will not work)
  • Headphones
  • Camera (optional)

ACCESSORIES

  • Umbrella
  • Money belt
  • Passport cover
  • Watch
  • Earplugs
  • Washcloth
  • Clothesline and pins
  • Laundry soap (for hand washing)*Shampoo can be used instead.
  • Laundry bag (for dirty clothes) – Small
  • Padlock (TSA approved)
  • Safety pins
  • Zip Lock bags
  • Group flag
  • Items to exchange with other pilgrims
  • Journal and pen
  • Emergency food (e.g. protein or cereal bar)