General Packing List:

·     1 Small carry-on as main luggage (40 pounds or under)

·     1 Day bag / backpack that is a personal bag

·     1 Fanny pack for your camera, phone and anything small you need to keep with you during clinic. You will need to have your hands free.

·     1 money belt (either around your waist or neck) to be kept under your clothing with room for your passport.

·     U.S. Passport – in a plastic baggie!!! We had a few that got drenched during a rainy boat ride.

·     Bring your original passport and make 2 copies in the event that your passport is misplaced. Keep one for yourself and leave one behind with a family member.  If you haven’t already you need to also give a copy to your team leader.

·     Please be sure that your passport is valid for AT LEAST six months after your travel return date. We don’t want anyone left behind!

·     Personal photo ID

·     Spending money, around $200 (no bills larger than $20 and all need to be without any tears, creases or writing)

·     Credit card

·     Medical Insurance card (We provide additional travel insurance for everyone)

·     Medical / Diagnostic equipment – BP cuff, stethoscope, penlight, headlamp (we will be in some poorly lit areas!)

·     Vinyl gloves to be used by you personally at the clinical sites.

Everyday Wear:

·     Again… PACK LIGHT!

·     Pack your clothes in plastic bags or space saver bags (not the kind you have to use a vacuum cleaner for)

·     Comfortable light weight travel clothes for bus and boat rides

·     Cotton t-shirts or scrub tops (No tank tops at clinic sites, only at the hotel) At least 4 sets for clinic and a couple extra, there is no guarantee of laundry facilities.

·     Scrubs pants or other lightweight pants (No shorts or skirts at clinic sites, only at the hotel)

·     Socks, underwear, sleepwear

Must Haves Packing Checklist:

·     Don’t forget one long sleeve shirt, hoodie or sweatshirt

·     1 pair of closed toe shoes for clinic day (boots or tennis shoes). It’s for your health and safety!

·     Rain Jacket / Poncho…. We’re probably going to get wet!!

·     Flip-flops for showers or other house shoes to wear at the hotel

·     Sunglasses, Bandannas, Headband, Visor or Hat

Toiletries:

·     Shampoo / Conditioner / Body wash / Soap / Face Wash

·     Razor

·     Toothbrush / Toothpaste

·     Brush / Comb

·     Deodorant

·     SUNBLOCK

·     Chap-stick
·     Travel tissue packs

·     Contact solution

·     Feminine hygiene items

·     Bug spray / Mosquito Repellent with > 33% DEET, preferably higher if you can tolerate

·     Please don’t forget – ALL toiletries must be < 3oz for travel in carryon’s!  And NO AEROSOLS!

Personal Health:

·     Personal prescription medications

·     As needed medications (anti-diarrheals, aspirin, Tylenol/Advil, allergy meds, band-aids, eye drops)

·     Malaria prophylaxis

·     Cipro for personal use

Optional Packing List:

·     Bible / Devotional/ Journal

·     Camera/Phone/iPad

·     Headlamp / Small flashlight

·     Nalgene / Water bottle

·     Snacks (well sealed, waterproof, bug proof… protein bars, granola bars, trail mix, tuna kits, electrolyte pills, Gatorade / Powerade /electrolyte powders, etc.) Don’t bring bottles, we can buy Water and Gatorade there!!

·     We stop at grocery stores to stock up on food and snacks such as crackers, chips and other things you may want for lunch. No need to bring any of that.

·     A few hard candies or cough drops, the air can be very smoky.

Extra Tidbits of Knowledge:

·     Please leave any expensive jewelry, clothing, etc. at home. Try to bring nothing that looks expensive or of great value to you.

·     Only wear a plain wedding ring, a simple cross or inexpensive chain.

·     Bring plastic bags or Ziploc bags for dirty clothing and to keep things dry inside your carry-on.

·     These will be long clinical days so don’t forget about your own health and wellbeing… Drink plenty of water! Take Tylenol / Ibuprofen for muscle aches… But most of all… CLOSED TOED SHOES AT CLINIC, MOSQUITO REPELLENT AND SUNBLOCK!

·     Try to spray your clothes with Permethrin repellent a few days before you start packing to allow them to dry completely.

·     Don’t forget to be sure that you are up to date on your immunizations. Meet with your doctor or a travel clinic to discuss Malaria prophylaxis and a possible prescription for Cipro for traveler’s diarrhea.