Missions Trip Packing List

By Lisa Karon Richardson

I just got back from a two-week missions trip to Madagascar. (It was awesome!) My sister and brother-in-law joined us and this was their first time overseas. She was pretty worried about what to pack so I put together a list of things to bring. I tried to be thorough, but practical at the same time. There are very few places in the world these days where you can’t find the bare necessities, so no need for overkill. Be prepared, but not paranoid!

Madagascar Packing List

Clothes:

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes

Sandals

Church shoes

Socks, 4 pairs

Underwear

Jacket

4 church outfits

4 casual outfits-I recommend mix and match pieces, that will make your limited selection feel bigger. Also, maxi dresses are fantastic for traveling. Comfortable enough to sleep in on the plane, but they can be dressed up if necessary.

Swimming suit

Large scarf-useful as a shawl if you get cold, or it can be rolled up and used as a pillow

Pajamas

Hygiene:

Your usual regimen of toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, soap (in a container would be good), brush/comb etc.

Wisps-these are little disposable toothbrushes with the toothpaste that you don’t need water for. Not quite the same as the real thing, but great for use on a plane or if you don’t have bottled water to use to brush your teeth.

Microfiber towel-not all hotels overseas provide towels, and the microfiber variety are absorbent, lightweight, and dry quickly.

Baby wipes

Pads/tampons

Toilet paper, just trust me on this if you’re going to Africa you’ll want a dependable supply

Tech:

Chargers (phone, camera, tablet, etc.)

Cords

Adapters and converter-overseas outlets have different shapes so to use any of your gadgetry, you’ll need the appropriate adapter. By the same token the power in the outlets is generally 220 volt, rather than 110 which we have in the states, so if you don’t want to risk blowing your stuff, then you’ll want to have the converter as well.

Camera

Batteries

Extra SD cards

Headphones-if you can afford them the noise cancelling kind are fantastic for air travel

First Aid:

Band-aids

Blister prevention stick

Alcohol wipes

Tylenol

Benadryl

Imodium

Sunscreen

Bug repellant

Antacids

Hand sanitizer

Aloe

Antihistamine cream or spray (anti-itch)

Prescription meds-If you’re going to either a developing or third-world nation, or anywhere that could be considered exotic, you’ll want to check with your doctor on meds as well. For instance, we had to take malaria meds. Our doctor also gave us each a prescription for cipro (an antibiotic) which we filled and took with us in case we came down with a stomach bug. If you have other prescription meds that you take regularly then you may want to just have a refill scrip with you as well. This could come in handy in a couple of circumstances. First if you lose or have stolen your meds, second, if it is a substance that is controlled in the country to which you are going, and you need proof that it s prescribed for you by a physician.

Food: You don’t need a lot, after all this is an opportunity to try new things. But it can be nice to know you have a failsafe waiting for you at the hotel. If you’re going to take snacks it can really be anything that is durable, but I suggest high protein. And seriously, don’t bother bringing any “leftovers” back with you when you leave. Use the space for souvenirs and give the food to someone who needs it.

Individual peanut butter cups

Dried fruit

Beef jerky

Nuts

Protein bars

Peanut butter crackers

Some hard candy

Documents:

Passport

Immunization Documents

Ticket information

Itinerary

Make sure you keep handy the name, address, and phone number of at least the first hotel you’ll be staying at. This is often required on customs forms when you’re entering a country.

Miscellaneous:

Safety pins

Travel pillow

Small flashlight

Sewing kit

Pocket knife

Travel journal-I know it seems impossible that you’ll forget any tiny detail of your amazing experiences, but you will if you don’t write them down

Eye mask-can help you sleep on a long flight

Individual Kleenex packs (yes for blowing your nose, but it can also be more discreet than hauling around a roll of TP when you’re out and about.)

This stuff saw me through our trip with just one checked bag and one carry on, with plenty of room for bringing back souvenirs. Don’t forget too that there is generally a 50 lb weight limit on your luggage so be mindful of the things you’re taking in that regard. I.e. don’t worry about taking bottled water with you. You’ll be able to buy it there.

I know we have other world travelers here, what tips and tricks do you have for packing? What about for traveling in general.

Influenced by books like The Secret Garden and The Little Princess, Lisa Karon Richardson’s early stories were heavy on boarding schools and creepy houses. Now, even though she’s (mostly) grown-up she still loves a healthy dash of adventure in any story she creates, even her real-life story. She’s been a missionary to the Seychelles and Gabon and now that she and her husband are back in America, they are tackling a new adventure, starting a daughter-work church in a new city while trying to raise a family. Curtain Call, the third in the Charm and Deceit, series co-authored with Jennifer AlLee, released in March, 2014.