Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:
Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on.
Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
CARRY-ON
- A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.
- Passport
- Photocopy of passport
- Wallet/money
- Visa documentation (if applicable)
- Book and/or journal
- Pen
- Phone
- Camera
- Chargers
- Change of clothes
- Water bottle
- Medication
- Camera
- Outlet power converter
- Additional community service forms
- Consent to Travel form
- Yola emergency contacts
CHECK LUGGAGE
A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal. A wheeled bag is only suitable if it can be carried like a duffel over rough terrain.
Clothes
- Socks (7)
- Underwear (7)
- Pants/capris (1-2)
- Jeans (1 pair)
- Knee-length shorts (1-2)
- T-shirts (5-7)
- Long sleeved shirt (1-2)
- Fleece/hoodie
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit
- Quick dry towel
- Rain jacket
- Sneakers
- Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
- Sun glasses
- Hats (2 – 1 for sun, 1 for warmth)
- Headlamp
TOILETRIES
Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags including Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen, Bug spray, Feminine hygiene products, Contacts Contact solution, Foam earplugs, Personal med kit, Deodorant, Hand Sanitizer, Wet wipes, Small packs of tissues, Razor / shaving cream.
OPTIONAL
- Portable games
- Travel pillow (for comfort)
- Base layers (for safari nights)
- Important Reminders
- *Community Service Appropriate Attire includes T-shirts and tank tops with no visible undergarments and shorts with a 3” or more inseam.
- Don’t forget the Big Five: Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Rain jacket, Closed-toe shoes.