Possible Packing List for Overseas Mission Trips
This list is based upon experiences of InterVarsity LINK Team Members working in the former USSR. Some of the items listed will not be needed in other locations.
CLOTHING
• Stuff that can be worn a long time and doesn't show dirt. Some of you will have to wash your clothes by hand. So easy care, drip dry clothes that don't need much ironing are your best bet.
• One word: layers
• Stuff you don't mind giving away or trading.
• Sturdy, comfortable, waterproof walking shoes and boots. In many countries people walk a lot and streets get very muddy.
• Comfortable, lightweight clothes for train travel.
• "When in Rome . . ." Ask your team leader how students in your host country dress and then try to fit in.
• Take along one or 2 nice suits or dresses and shoes for special occasions and church.
• Sometimes you may need: sweater, sweatshirt, light jacket, raincoat, umbrella.
• Other times you may need: boots, heavy coat, mittens, a few pairs of thermal underwear and heavy socks.
MEDICINE
• Aspirin, Tylenol (as much as you might need for your stay, plus extra for your roommates!)
• Thermometer
• Band-Aids
• Cold-flu medicine
• Cough drops
• Vitamins
• Immodium AD or other diarrhea medicine
• Cipro or other wide-range antibiotic
• Any prescription meds you need
• A few hypodermic needles (need a prescription for these. Some hospitals require you to use your own or to share one of theirs. We prefer you keep some handy!)
• Antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide
• Lip balm/chapstick/vaseline
KITCHEN & FOOD
• Ziplock bags (30-40 each of assorted sizes)
• Plastic containers (a few Tupperware type)
• Knives, peeler, bottle/can opener, measuring spoons and cups
• Spices you normally use, bouillon cubes, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar
• One general type baking pan
• Instant drinks
• Any snacks you might crave the first week you're there
OFFICE
• Tape: duct, masking, scotch, plastic, packing, etc.
• Tacks, rubber bands, paper clips
• Glue: super, white and stick
• Stapler, scissors, ruler
• Magic markers
• A few favorite pens (which also make nice gifts!)
• Daytimer
TEAM
(ask your team leader what they need)
• Travel games
• Books
• Radio
• Bibles
• Worship music sheets (multiple copies)
• A few good movies
• Sermon tapes
• Music tapes (esp. praise/worship)
PERSONAL
• Personal things: soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, razor and shaving cream, toothpaste, hand lotion, feminine items, laundry detergent, makeup, cologne, etc.
• One small towel and washcloth. (You can buy these anywhere, but often need one in transit.)
• Iif you wear contacts, take enough cleaner, saline solution, etc. for the entirety of your stay. PLUS an extra pair and/or a pair of glasses.
• If you wear glasses, take an extra pair. (It won't be any fun if your one pair breaks and you can't get a replacement quickly!)
• Kleenex. Pocket-size are easy to pack. Or take it out of the box and put in a zip-lock bag. Might find it handy in public restrooms, too
• Clothes pins and clothesline
• Safety pins
• Camera, film (might want to carry those in a lead bag due to xray equipment at airports)
• Pictures of family and friends (Please reflect upon the culture you will be living in. Don't take photos that would be culturally offensive. e.g. you and your "honey" hugging or your girl friends in swim suits would not go over well in a Muslim context!)
• Postcards of your city and state
• Sports equipment or other games
• Musical instrument
• Walkman or tape-recorder and tapes (including blank ones)
• Address list, phone and fax list
• Passport and necessary visas (plus 2-3 photocopies spread around in different compartments in your luggage)
• Plane ticket
• Money (Check with your supervisor/team leader about how much money to bring.)
OTHER STUFF
• Language learning tools, including dictionaries
• Backpack/fanny pack
• Cook book (Betty Crocker, Joy of Cooking, More with Less - something basic)
• Posters or pictures to decorate your place and make you feel at home
• Christmas decorations
• Stain stick for laundry
• Feltz Naptha Brand Soap: This super-strong bleach-like bar soap is handy in countries where bleach is hard to find.
• Rodent killers: Yep, some of you will find these little fellows where you don't want them. Ask your team leader whether these belong on your packing list or not.
• Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are everywhere. Be prepared.
• For Americans: American Culture Trivia Books & Traditional Folklore. American culture in particular can seem hard to describe. And most of us know so little about our history. So it's good to have a handy reference to educate ourselves and to give true answers to the curious.
• Flat sink stopper (1-2)
• Alarm clock (battery travel)
• Travel sewing kit
• Compact water filters: One for traveling, one for household use (check with team leader to know if it's necessary or which ones work well in your city)
• Electric Outlet Transformer: U.S. appliances are designed for 120-volt electrical supply. Voltage varies country to country, but most other countries use 240-volt appliances. Small, inexpensive adapters for blow dryers, curling irons, shavers, etc. are available in hardware stores, travel stores and many department stores. For adapters suited to computers, printers, radios, etc., ask at your local computer store. (Do NOT try to use the cheap travel adapters - that will be the end of your expensive equipment!)
• Dual-voltage appliances: These are helpful since they don't require an adapter.
• Pocket Knife: Not those tiny things, but something about the size of a table knife. Not for self-defense, but useful for all kinds of domestic things while traveling. (Warning: not allowed to carry in hand luggage on planes! Pack it in your suitcase when flying.)
• Passport pouch (one that can't be snatched easily)
• Money pouch/belt (one that can't be detected)
• Small flashlight and batteries
• Shoe polish
Adapted from the InterVarsity LINK Handbook, 1999.
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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