Pack Light. You'll Be Glad You Did!

World Youth Day is a pilgrimage, and that means plenty of walking, long days, public transportation, crowds, and an overnight Vigil. Everything you bring is something you'll need to carry and keep track of along the way.

Our best advice: pack less than you think you need. Place the things you think you absolutely need on your bed, then pack half of what you see.​ JMJ Youth staff members travel with one carry-on, and we are quite certain you can get by with the same! Those who pack lighter are happier pilgrims. Those who bring heavy packs may become a penance for the entire group. 

​Limit yourself to one carry-on and one personal item whenever possible. If you need to check a bag, keep it moderately sized. Remember that you may need to move your luggage through airports, public transportation, lodging, and crowded areas during the pilgrimage.

​Always check your airline's specific baggage allowance before departure.

The Essentials

• Carry-on (backpack or suitcase)
• Passport + digital copy
• Prescription medications
• Money belt worn under clothing
• Spending money in local currency
• Rosary and scapular
• Electrical adapter (same as European adapters)
• Compact sleeping bag or sleep sack
• Refillable water bottle
• A joyful spirit. It's critical for the group!

​If you check a bag: Keep your medications, glasses or contacts, essential documents, and at least one change of clothing in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost. If you lock your luggage, use a TSA-approved lock.

Clothing

Pack comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying clothing that can handle long days of walking. Non-cotton fabrics are best for the heat and for hand-washing..

• 4–5 shirts that cover the shoulders for entering churches
• 2 bottoms: pants, skirts, or long shorts
• A wrap skirt or other covering for entering churches if needed
• Comfortable, well broken-in walking shoes or active sandals
• Sweatshirt or light layer
• Socks and underwear
• Pajamas

Pack with churches in mind. Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering churches, and despite the heat, modesty guidelines apply throughout the pilgrimage. 

A note on laundry: You don't need enough clothing for every day of the pilgrimage. Lightweight, quick-drying fabrics make it easy to hand wash one or two items each day and wear them again. 

Toiletries

Travel sizes are best whenever possible.

• Body soap
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Hairbrush or comb
• Contacts and solution
• Shaving supplies​
  

​Don't worry about packing for every possible scenario. Basic toiletries and forgotten necessities can usually be purchased at a local pharmacy or convenience store

Optional Extras

These aren't essential, but many pilgrims will be glad to have them.
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• Hat and sunglasses
• Small umbrella for sun and rain
• Earplugs and eye mask
• Basic over-the-counter medications
• Bandages and blister-care supplies
• Journal and pen
• Protein bars or other emergency snacks
• Trash or laundry bag for dirty clothes
• Small amount of laundry soap
• Small portable power bank

For groups: Consider having one or two people carry shared items such as a basic first-aid kit and bug spray rather than having every pilgrim pack their own. 
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Priests and religious: Remember any additional items you may need, such as an alb, stole, or Mass kit.

What NOT to Bring

Leave behind:

• Expensive jewelry or valuables
• Anything you would be very disappointed to lose
• Heavy, unnecessary items
• Hair dryers, straighteners, and other electronic hair tools
• Illegal or prohibited items

​The basic rule: if you don't really need it, don't bring it.

Helpful Travel Tips

A few additional things to know before traveling internationally for World Youth Day.

MONEY & PAYMENTS

Bring some spending money in local currency. JMJ Youth recommends ordering cash from your bank about two weeks before departure.

Credit and debit cards are also useful abroad. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and mobile wallets are increasingly common.

​Before departure, check your bank's foreign transaction and ATM fees and let them know you will be traveling internationally.

If you need additional cash while abroad, a debit card with a four-digit PIN can be used at ATMs. To minimize fees, fewer, larger withdrawals may be preferable to frequent small withdrawals.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS

South Korea uses European-style plugs ​and 220V electricity. Bring an appropriate travel adapter for your phone and other electronics.

​Traveling to Japan as part of your pilgrimage? Japan uses US-style two-prong outlets, usually without the ground prong. 

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

Bring prescription medication in its original bottle.

​JMJ Youth also recommends getting an extra prescription from your doctor in case your medication is lost while traveling. ​

KEEP IT SAFE

JMJ Youth recommends using a money belt worn under your clothing, rather than a money necklace. Keep your passport, money, emergency numbers, credit card, and other important documents in it.
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If you carry a purse, use one with a zipper closure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.

Be especially careful with purses, fanny packs, and wallets/phones carried in back pockets.

PHONES & COMMUNICATION

Most cell phones will work internationally, but check your carrier's international roaming and data options before departure.

For calls and messages home, apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger can be used over Wi-Fi. Your phone will also be useful throughout the pilgrimage for GPS, alarms, and other everyday needs.

A small portable power bank is especially helpful during long World Youth Day days.

Prepare for Walking

World Youth Day means long days outdoors and a lot of walking. Many of the same principles that apply to hiking and backpacking apply here:

• Wear comfortable, well broken-in shoes
• Choose a backpack that is comfortable to carry for long periods
• Pack lightweight, sweat-wicking or quick-drying clothing
• Carry a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout the day
  
  

Start preparing before you leave. In the weeks leading up to World Youth Day, make walking part of your routine and gradually work up to longer distances. The better prepared you are for long days on your feet, the easier it will be to focus on the pilgrimage itself once you're there.