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Packing List

The packing lists can vary based on the country you will be visiting, so please consult the country’s traveler packet for the most accurate list.

Essential

You are limited to one checked suitcase, one carry-on and one personal item, such as a pocketbook or backpack. Remember, that we have to haul around anything we take over.

Pack a couple of changes of clothes, toiletries and essential medication in your carry-on, in case your checked bag is delayed (it can happen). You need to have enough clothes that you can survive in case your checked bag doesn’t arrive before the end of the trip (it has happened). Some hotels offer a laundry service however, it can take a few days for your clothing to air dry.

  • Bible
  • Pen and journal
  • Passport and copy of passport to keep in separate place, such as a scanned copy on a laptop you might bring
  • Immunization records
  • Anti-malarial medication prescribed by your doctor
  • General antibiotic prescribed by your doctor
  • Bring comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Sneakers and hiking boots work well. Two pairs of shoes are necessary in case one gets muddy.
  • Bring one nice outfit for church, skirts or slacks for women, button-down shirt, tie, and slacks for men
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Small flashlight (electric power does go off on occasion)
  • Light jacket and/or sweatshirt for cool evenings and mornings.
  • Toiletries with the consideration that some of the orphan’s homes and sites we will visit do not have running water (the hotel does). Recommendations include disposable wipes such as face wipes or baby wipes (at least 2 for every day), and toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, personal medications, etc.
  • Roll of toilet paper
  • Anti-bacterial hand-wash (small bottles)
  • Anti-diarrhea medication, such as Immodium
  • Snacks, such as granola bars, dried fruit, cookies, beef jerky, crackers, etc. Occasionally, we will be on the road or visiting an orphan group through lunchtime. Chocolate is not recommended because it will melt in the heat.
  • Bring money for tips and/or souvenirs.  Many people find that $150 to $200 is plenty of money for souvenirs, but it depends entirely on what level of shopper you are. All American bills to be changed in country must be dated 2006 or newer or the banks and money exchangers will not accept them.
  • If you are bringing them in your carry-on baggage liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers and packed in one-quart zip-top bags to be presented at customs.
  • Battery-powered alarm clock

Optional

  • A duffle bag in your checked suitcase may be useful for returning home with bulky gifts such as baskets.
  • Clothing that dries quickly, and try to avoid bringing white clothing as the environment and roads are very dusty. The orphans and Zoe staff members tend to dress up for our visit, but please make sure your shoes and clothing are comfortable.
  • Laptop/wireless device. The hotels usually have some limited access to wireless and some have hardwired computers available for guests to use.
  • Binoculars
  • Ear plugs (the hotel may be noisy, and although unusual, you could have a roommate)
  • Sleep aid, if needed. (Some find Tylenol PM helpful.)
  • Small umbrella or rain jacket
  • Plug adapter, and possibly a power converter (check to see if your appliance has a power switch from 110 volts to 240 volts, if so a simple adapter is fine; these can be found at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Radio Shack, etc.)
  • Backpack or shoulder bag, to serve as a “day bag,” carrying snacks, passport, money, toilet paper, Chap stick, camera, etc.
  • Chapstick
  • Extra batteries for anything that uses batteries
  • Flip-flops
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Camera/camcorder