TOUR PACKING LIST - RECOMMENDED 

 
Make sure that everything - instrument and luggage - is marked with your name and 
address. 
 
GSYO will provide musicians with an ID lanyard, including a passport copy for the trip. It’s always 
advisable to leave a copy of your passport at home and snap a photo to keep in your phone.  
 
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE (one piece only)  
Size:​ less than 36 inches (total linear dimension, e.g. width + height + depth)  
Weight​: less than 13 lbs  
Backpack is the most ideal (see special note for student carrying on their instrument)  
● Students who carry-on their instrument MAY NOT bring any other carry-on, except 
the equivalent of a small purse/bag. Whatever you bring must fit under the seat in 
front of you. You should put an empty backpack in your suitcase to use on the trip. 
Use your instrument case to store some of the small size items below. 
● These items should be in your carry-on: ATM card, passport (make sure it is 
SIGNED), cash, camera, phone (if you’re bringing it), medications, glasses and 
watch.  
● No sharp objects: scissors, razors, knives, etc. / no liquids over 3 oz, and those must 
be in a clear baggie.  
 
Suggestion: There are special “Money Belts” or “travel pouches” available that are worn 
around the neck or waist, and under the clothing. These are ideal to keep ATM cards, 
cash, and ID secure.  
 
CHECKED LUGGAGE (one piece only)  
Size:​ Must not exceed 62 linear inches including the handle, pockets and wheels  
Weight​: 50 lbs or less  
Pack as LIGHT as possible as you may be carrying the suitcase several flights of 
steps. Do not lock the suitcase unless you use TSA approved locks. Use the luggage 
straps to secure​.  
 
Tip for clothing: We expect warm temperatures and cool temperatures. Plan to have 
layers available. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt you can tie around your waist or keep in a 
backpack. It may rain, be prepared.    

 
 
ITEMS REQUIRED FOR PERFORMANCE: 
● Music stand (string players can share) - just in case. 
● Music - all music should be organized in a black binder. 
● Concert dress and black shoes. Bring your best! Y ​ ou are representing yourself, your 
orchestra, and your country. 
○ For boys, 4+ pair black socks, an extra bow tie, and extra white shirts are 
recommended.  
○ Girls, concert dresses must be full-length skirt, dress or dressy pants. N​ o revealing 
clothes, please. 
● Zippered nylon or sturdy plastic hanging garment bag (labeled with name) for concert 
dress with hanger(s)  
 
CASUAL CLOTHES: 
● GSYO Tour T-shirt!! (MUST) - y ​ ou will wear this to the airport and on group photo days 
● Long pants, jeans (1-2) 
● Shorts (1-2), skirts/casual dress for girls (1-2)  
○ Girls need to have something that covers you appropriately for visits to 
churches/holy places. No bare midriffs or tank tops. Bring something light to cover 
your shoulders. 
● T-shirts (3-4) 
● Sweaters (1) 
● Underwear and socks 
● Comfortable walking or tennis shoes; sandals - if comfortable 
● Light jacket 
● Rain gear - remember a rain poncho is thin, light weight, and folds up small! 
 
Pack the clothes by rolling reduces the wrinkles​.  
 
MISCELLANEOUS: 
● Extra pair of glasses, contact lenses and all solutions, as well as prescriptions if you rely on 
glasses. 
● Toilet articles: toothbrush, paste, comb, brush, razor, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, tissues, 
chapstick, shower cap, sanitary items, other as needed 
● Phone charger (if you’re bringing your phone) 
● Outlet adapter (and converter) if necessary 
● Mini sewing kit, safety pins, tape 
● Over-the-counter medications, see list of suggestions 
● Refillable water bottle (the water in Stockholm, Helsinki, and Moscow is safe from 
the tap) 

 
 
DO NOT TAKE:​ Hair dryer (hotels have them), aerosol cans (if possible), glass bottles, valuable 
jewelry, expensive items, uncomfortable shoes, house keys, car keys.  
 
SUGGESTIONS  
● You may be able to share items with friends to increase luggage space (i.e. shampoo, 
music stand, etc) and reduce weight. Again, you should pack as light as possible as you 
may carry the suitcase over several flights of steps. 
● When packing, wrap fragile items in a shirt or towel and place them in the middle of your 
suitcase/bag.  
● Put socks inside of shoes to keep shoe shape and save space. 
● Put likely to leak items in sealed, zip lock bags. 
● Remember, all electrical items must run on 220, or pack the necessary adapters.  
 
 
OVER THE COUNTER “COMFORT” MEDICATIONS 
● Throat lozenges - sore throat and dry cough 
● Nasal decongestants - decongestion of the nose and airways 
● Antacids - indigestion/cramps 
● Cold medications 
● Anti-diarrhea medicine 
● Antihistamines - allergic reactions 
● Antibiotic ointments - scrapes and cuts 
 
Many families often establish a preference for different types of over-the-counter medications. 
Families generally have a philosophy about the frequency of use, if any. 
 
If you feel your child has a tendency to need any of the above types of medications you might 
want to include a small amount in their carry-on bag. Keeping medications in their original 
containers, clearly labeled is always recommended. Consult your personal physician if you have 
any concerns. Your local pharmacist can assist you in questions about particular brand names. 
 
A first aid kit will accompany the group during all travel. And we will gladly be available for 
assistance to all the musicians. 
 
If there are any specific medical issues about your child you wish the staff to know, you should 
have already made GSYO aware. Please do so immediately if you have not. 
 
The best thing you can do is make sure musicians are well rested, well hydrated, and positive 
about their upcoming adventure. We fully expect the musicians to have a wonderful time!