Helpful Packing Hints
- Bring a compact, lightweight 35mm camera. Take a decent one, but one that is
easily replaced.
- Bring plenty of film, batteries, and sunscreen
with you. These items are often
very expensive in country and it is always better to have enough to share
rather than having to buy more.
- Pack envelopes in ziploc plastic bags; humidity
can make them stick together.
- A Swiss army knife with a screwdriver, bottle
opener, and tweezers is handy.
- Two sheets can be sown together to make a
sleeping bag in warmer climates.
- In colder climates, lightweight pants with
leggings or long underwear underneath dry much more quickly than jeans
after washing.
- Raincoats, jackets, or ponchos should be
lightweight and fit into a backpack.
- Remember to pack environmentally-safe
toiletries. Avoid leaving a bunch
of trash behind in your town!!
- The cost of clothing can be reduced if you shop
at Goodwill or The Salvation Army.
Do not bring torn or stained clothing with you.
- Distribute your things evenly between your two
duffel bags in case one is lost. Don't put all your underwear or shirts in
one bag!
- Do not bring anything with you that you would
hate to lose. This means no
valuable jewelry, expensive clothing or electronic equipment, or items of
sentimental value. Aside from being
impractical, these items also can show a lack of cultural sensitivity.
- IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE
PACKING TOO MUCH ... YOU ARE!! It's
a great idea to "test drive" your luggage by walking it around
the block once or twice. Keep in
mind that volunteers often have to carry their bags to their communities.