Packing for a mission trip 101

As you prepare to go on a mission trip one task that can seem daunting, especially if one is new to mission trips, is packing for the trip.

Packing for a mission trip is different than packing for a normal vacation. The goal of the trip is to help others and the conditions one finds themselves in are often less than ideal. Packing the right things can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a miserable one.

Mission trips can be very rewarding and as you pack you should think through what you will be doing on the trip, what the weather is expected to be like and whether there are any local customs that one should be aware of (in some areas the locals are offended or find it unacceptable for people to wear sleeveless shirts or have their knees exposed).

Climate

It is wise to research the climate and rainfall of your destination. A good resource is http://www.worldweatheronline.com. Researching expected conditions can give you an idea of the type of clothing to pack. Is it going to be sunny? Or are you going to find yourself in snow or rain?

Things to Pack

How will you get to the mission site? This will often dictate what you ought to pack your stuff in. For example, will you be have to carry your clothes a long distance? If so, a backpack could be a better option than a suitcase. The group I go on medical mission trips with brings a lot of equipment. As the airlines let each passenger travel with two pieces of checked luggage, one bag is for personal items and one bag is “reserved” for team items. The team uses a hockey style duffle bag for the team equipment and has a “packing party” to load up the team gear and supplies. This “one personal bag limit” is a factor as to what and how much a person can bring.

Clothing

In 1989, I went on my first medical mission trip. This was also my first trip to the tropics, so a big question on my mind was what to bring. It was going to be hot, so I knew I would have to take some clothing for warm weather. It also had the potential to get cold in the evenings so I would need some warm clothes and a good sleeping bag. Fortunately, I had the advise of my dad and sisters who had gone on previous trips that I could rely upon. I asked my dad if I needed to put clothes in my carry-on (mostly because I think I ran out of room in my suitcase) and he said I didn’t need to since we would have our suitcases that night. As I didn’t have space in my suitcase, I ended up putting one change of clothes in my carry-on. This later proved to be fortuitous as we missed our connecting flight in Texas and we ended up having to spend the night in a hotel (without our suitcases). It was sure nice having a change of clothes available. Another team member had his luggage delayed and did not receive it until day 10 of a 14 day trip. My take away from these experiences? Take a change of clothes in your carry-on.

Suggested clothing list for a 12 day trip (varies upon length of trip and if there a known laundry facilities):

• 5 t shirts
• 2 polo shirts
• 1 dress shirt
• 1 pair shorts
• 1 pair athletic shorts
• 2 pair jeans
• 1 pair of khakis
• 1 pair convertible pants
• underwear
• socks
• sleepwear
• swimsuit (my mission trips also have an R&R portion at a hotel with a pool)
• rain jacket
• fleece jacket or hoodie
• stocking cap (mornings can be cool and if it is really cold at night this keeps me toasty warm!)
• baseball cap
• scrubs (2 or 3 pairs – my trips are a medical mission… lightweight and comfortable!)
• work gloves (team does community development and we install stoves and water purifiers)

Footwear

Having the right shoes can make the trip much more enjoyable…

I have tried a number of different combinations over the years and I have pretty much settled on a combination of 3 pairs of shoes. Hiking boots, shower shoes and tennis shoes.

Hiking boots. These are by far the bulkiest of the lot so I wear these when I travel. It is a bit of a pain at the airports if you have to take off your shoes but it saves precious space in the suitcase. These offer awesome ankle support if I go out on day trips or have to hike around town on cobblestone streets. I have a good waterproof pair. Make sure you break them in by wearing them around a bit before going on your trip. Do this unless you want blisters!

Shower Shoes. I used to go with flip flops or sandals. Easy on / easy off… then I decided that I really like shower shoes. My “go-to” for going the quick jaunt to the shower in the morning or evening. I like the closed toes and the quick drying nature of the shoe. This style by Keen are rugged enough that you could use them if your tennis shoes unexpectedly die or if you decide to go on that optional white water rafting trip!

Tennis shoes. Nothing special here. A good comfortable shoe that I can wear during the day. Sometimes, if I am feeling motivated, I will use these to work out in or play pick-up games of football (soccer) in the evenings. Just make sure they are in good shape and comfortable.

Toiletries

Don’t forget these personal items!

• soap
• deodorant
• personal toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, tooth paste). Think travel size!
• extra toothbrush
• wash cloth / towel
• hand sanitizer
• water bottle
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• insect repellent (especially if you are going to be in a humid environment)
• moistened wipes
• flashlight (I have a small, LED one that is on a neck lanyard)
• toilet paper (with cardboard tube removed; in ziplock bag to keep dry)
• prescribed medications (be sure to travel with prescription or in original prescription bottle. Customs can get funny otherwise!)
• Traveler Medications… Dramamine, Imodium, Peptobismo, Ibuprofin, etc… (*note* chewing 1 chewable peptobismo tablet every morning helps to line your gut so pesky microbes that cause travelers diarrhea have a harder time sticking!) I also try to eat yogurt for much the same reason… the good bacteria will aid in digestion among other things!

Documents

• Passport (check expiration date. Some countries require that your passport be valid for 6 months after your planned departure!)
• Journal
• Pen / Paper
• Book
• small Bible/ devotional
• Spending money for gifts and mementos.

Entertainment/Electronics

• Camera
• Phone / Charger
• Music player
• Headphones
• Books/magazines
• external battery / extra batteries
• voltage adapter (may be necessary, check with group leader)

Smart phones or devices can serve as multiple devices but some teams don’t allow their use. Check with your group leader… I am able to use my smart phone as a camera, alarm clock, music player and e-book reader. Additional I have a few applications that help with language translation and some don’t need to have a current connection if the languages are downloaded ahead of time!

Optional Items

• playing cards / travel games
• language dictionary (useful even if you speak the language)
• earplugs (might be a necessity depending on sleeping arrangements)
• travel pillow
• watch
• snacks (food is usually provided but I still like to have some granola bars and fast energy on hand)

What NOT to Bring

• expensive jewelry (marks you as being affluent and more attractive to pickpockets and thieves.)
• fancy clothing (same as above.)
• too many electronics (unplug as much as you can and get to know your fellow team members!)
• too many books (books can be heavy… consider taking only one or two.)
• Prohibited items (Most teams have rules about alcohol consumption while on the trips and clothing standards be sure to read those and follow them.)
• TSA prohibited items. Review those on their website. (I like to travel with a multi-tool… I have used it to make repairs in the field, just remember some items have to be placed in your checked luggage.)
• A “my way or the highway” attitude. Flexibility is key on mission trips. Things happen, items get forgotten or broken and you and your team will need to be creative and adjust to things as they happen. It is best to leave negativity and high expectations at home.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. My go to list of items to take, or not take, on a mission trip. I don’t claim that it is all inclusive but it has served me fairly well over the course of 11+ trips. One of the things I learned while in the boy scouts was to have a list and pack from it. Afterwards, review the list. Was there something you didn’t have that you needed? Was there something you had but didn’t need? Tweak your list and then use it next time you pack. You will quickly find that you can streamline what you pack and can avoid over- or under- packing. Use this same method when packing for your mission trip and it will serve you well. Even if you think you are only going to go on one trip… well, you might just get bit by the Mission Trip Bug. Happy Traveling!