Program guide

The voyager

Session 2: February 14 - April 15, 2026

Itinerary overview

This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.

Tips to make the best of your experience

Feeling your best

You're going to be on the road for 10 weeks straight - that is a lot to go through in mind, body, and spirit! As you go through this time, make sure to spend some of your free time taking some space for yourself. This looks different for everyone, but some ideas for ways to rest are: take a nap, journal, meditate, take a walk/run around the city, call your family or friends back home, take yourself out on a "date" to a cafe or a meal on your own. Remember that your Tour Director, Student Life Coordinator, and Advisor are always resources if you're feeling down or need a little extra support.

Free days

Your free days are yours to do as you like! What you do with this time really makes your Pathfinder experience your very own. We encourage you to get out and explore the cities you're in. A lot of the places you will have free time are also well-connected by train or bus to other nearby cities or towns where you might want to take a day trip. Your EF Tour Director may also have suggestions or optional activities that you can choose to do.

Packing

We recommend bringing 1 checked bag and 1 personal item, like a backpack. Packing two weeks' worth of essentials is ideal, as laundry services will be available either at the hotel for a fee or at a local laundromat. You will be expected to carry your luggage throughout the program, and some accommodations may not have elevators, so pack light! With a variety of activities and climates ahead, packing according to the itinerary is essential. Certain sites, such as temples, require modest clothing (covering knees and shoulders, with the possibility of needing closed-toe shoes). In Thailand, most airlines have a luggage weight limit of 20 KGS / 44 LBS, which is lower than the typical 50 LB limit on many other airlines, so plan accordingly.

Budgeting

Budgeting for your program depends on your personal spending habits. Consider daily expenses like meals, transportation, and activities, along with personal purchases such as souvenirs. The numbers provided are only general ranges. Costs can vary based on destination, lifestyle, and preferences such as dining out frequently or opting for budget-friendly options. Researching typical prices in advance can help set realistic expectations and avoid surprises.

Preparing for departure

This section shares reminders and relevant links to resources like the Traveler Portal, pre-departure webinars, and entry requirements for the countries on your program. If you have any questions, check in with your advisor!

Packing tips

Be prepared for baggage accountability

You will be on the move constantly, which means you will be responsible for carrying the weight of your luggage–and remember, elevators are not common in many foreign countries. Make this easy on yourself and don’t pack more than you need.

Be aware of baggage allowance

Bag allowances for checked bags, carry-on, and personal items vary by airline and route. Visit your airline's website to understand their policy. It is important you stick to this limit, as your luggage will need to fit on the bus with the rest of your cohort’s luggage. Airlines will directly charge you excess weight or additional luggage.

Consider cost of oversized bags

Checked luggage sizes are generally no more than 29" in height and 45lb in weight; carry-on sizes vary by airline, so you will want to check once you know your flight information. Please know that if your bag exceeds the weight limit, you will be responsible for the extra cost per airline.

REMEMBER TO RE-PACK

We suggest packing your bag once and then re-packing it, taking out a few things the second time; the pack and re-pack method will let you do a trial run, so that you really, truly take only what you need. Trust us, there will be an opportunity to make purchases while you travel!

Remove items you do not need

You do not need to bring sheets or bath towels for second semester; these will be provided. Additionally, you can buy an inexpensive beach towel once you arrive in any beach destination.

Versatily is key

Pack basics, neutral colors, and layers so you can easily mix and match. Pack items that can be dressed up or dressed down so you can use them for multiple locations.

Snack light

Bring a few granola bars or snacks for your initial travels, but no need to pack more food. A large part of your experience while abroad is immersing yourself in the culture—this includes the food you eat. Who knows, you may find a new favorite food!

Travel light

We cannot stress enough the importance of packing light: it is vital that you bring no more than two bags–the standard is one checked bag and one personal item. Leave some extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

Bring a first aid kit

You don't need much, but it's really helpful to bring a few things like Band-Aids and antibiotic cream. Additionally, generic over-the-counter medicines to address common ailments are very helpful (e.g. upset stomach, motion sickness, headaches, cough drops, etc.).

Travel tags are your best friend

Don’t forget to put a luggage tag on your bags so you can easily identify them! We also advise taking a photo of your bags before you depart in the event they get lost or delayed.

This section is your go-to guide for insights and tips about the incredible destinations you'll explore during your program. Gaining an understanding of each place—its culture, customs, and everyday life—will help you engage more meaningfully and navigate new experiences with confidence. Embracing cultural norms and traditions fosters deeper connections with locals, enriches personal growth, and makes your journey even more rewarding. Think of this as just the beginning—let your curiosity lead the way as you dive into your own research and discoveries! 

EF Gap Year is a key part of EF’s expansive global network. With a presence in over 120 countries, 52,000 staff, 600 schools and offices, and over 400 community partners our team has your back and is always available to help you succeed on your journey.