First, before you pack a single thing, remember that every trip is different. What and how many items you should take depends on where you’re going and for how long. So you'll have to do a bit of research and speak to your volunteer provider about what to expect.
But ultimately, less is more.
Many of us overpack because we want to make sure every situation is covered, but there's really no need to pack everything you own. In fact, you’d be surprised by how little you actually need.
Use the guide below as a starting point, but make sure to customize it for your specific needs.
[caption id="attachment_54063" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Photo: stillwellmike via Flickr[/caption]
Luggage
The main thing you want to think about when choosing your luggage is comfort. Your best bet is a backpack that you can walk around with easily, instead of a suitcase that may be difficult to maneuver over rugged roads in a rural area. Even if you are traveling for 12 weeks, you won’t need more than what you can comfortably fit into these items.
The essentials:
- 1 large backpack for the majority of your items
- 1 day pack for weekend trips or traveling to your work site
- Optional: 1 small bag/ purse
Clothing
There are two factors to consider when thinking about what clothing to pack: your destination and the time of year you are traveling. The last thing you want to do is show up to Thailand in the middle of their hot season (March - June) with a bunch of heavy T-shirts and jeans. Start by checking the local weather or doing a quick Google search to see what the next few weeks will be like.
The essentials:
- 1 light waterproof jacket for rainy/ chilly days
- 10 T-shirts
- 3 pairs of pants
- 10 pairs of underwear
- 7 pairs of socks
- 2 pairs of pajamas
- 1 scarf for covering up on the plane or for chilly nights
- 1 dressier outfit if you plan to go out
- 1 pair of flip flops
- 1 pair of sneakers/ comfortable walking shoes
- 1 pair of inexpensive sunglasses and hat
- Optional: 1 swimsuit, if you'll be near a beach
[caption id="attachment_54067" align="alignnone" width="800"]Tip: Consider what's culturally appropriate when choosing your clothes. It's always a good idea to pack modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Photo: Patty Ho via Flickr[/caption]
Toiletries
Pack a few travel-sized items in a transparent bag in your carry-on luggage, but don't go overboard. You can buy most personal care products after you arrive. People in other countries use these things too!
The essentials:
- Medical kit with any prescribed medications, pain reliever, allergy medicine, etc.
- Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush/ toothpaste
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush/ comb
- Razors
- Glasses/ Contact lens and solution (enough for your entire stay)
- Wet wipes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Lip balm
- Feminine products
- Washcloth
Electronic items
You might be tempted to pack all your favorite gear, but leave the expensive items at home. Most of the time you'll be working or exploring, so you won't need much in the way of screens.
The essentials:
- Smartphone (if you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a SIM card locally)
- Tablet or e-reader
- Adapters and chargers for everything (check here to see what kind you'll need)
- Optional: camera
[caption id="attachment_54071" align="alignnone" width="800"]Tip: Leave things like blowdryers and flat irons at home. American products in particular use a lot of voltage and can fry connectors and outlets, or worse, start a fire!
Photo: Kuhlman via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)[/caption]
Important Documents
Keep these items in one place in your carry-on luggage for easy access. Make a digital copy of any important documents like your passport and boarding pass and store them on your phone or tablet where you can access them without internet access. You can also photocopy all of the documents onto 1 double-sided A4 sheet of paper.
The essentials:
- Passport
- Visa, if applicable
- Boarding pass(es)
- Cash (Bring $100 US in twenty, ten and five notes. You can change to local currency once you arrive.)
- Credit and debit cards (Notify your bank and credit card companies in advance that you’ll be traveling so they don't suspend your account!)
- Travel insurance documents
- Contact information for people you will meet on arrival, etc.
Other/ Extras
- Reusable water bottle
- Laundry detergent
- Flashlight with batteries
- Wallet
- Compact quick-drying towels
That's it! Now that you're a pro at packing, you're one step closer to your volunteering adventure.
If you haven't planned your trip yet, download our program brochure for more information on volunteering abroad.