When I first told my sister that I was going on the World Race, her first response was, “You’re going to live out of a backpack for a year?!”
I am a diva, so her surprise was warranted. The expectation on the World Race is 11 months of sleeping in tents, dri-fit t-shirts, and unwashed hair in headbands.
Today my teammate, Ashley, and I went to the mall in search of dresses, tank tops, and all the cute things we are still wishing we had packed. Ashley is a fellow diva. We bond over a Starbucks obsession, sharing her curling iron, and the compulsive need to find the best deals at the market. On our way back to our apartment in the tuk tuk, we talked about our closets at home, our meager bank accounts, and how we wish we would’ve known.
We wish we would’ve known that you don’t need a maxi skirt. We wish we would’ve known that an eyelash curler isn’t ridiculous. We wish we would’ve known that 11 months is too long to abandon your style.
So to all those divas out there who are braving the idea of packing cubes and 50-lb weight limits, Ash and I have some tips that’ll hopefully give some insight into your detailed packing list.
#1: Let’s start with the eyelash curler… You want your make up! Granted, you probably won’t wear it every day, but on off days it’ll be a marvelous thing when you lather on that mascara. We suggest that whatever make up you use at home, bring that. Yes, that even means things like bronzer, primer, and maybe even some highlighter. It may not be everyone’s style, but you do you boo.
#2: Straightener. These babies are a hot commodity on our squad! Here’s the DL on the hair situation… American hair dryers have too high of a voltage to work in foreign outlets. (Trust me, I tried.) SO if you’re looking for some straighter hair, your best bet is to let your hair air dry and straighten it. Curling irons are also acceptable. Ashley has one and I use it to straighten my hair.
#3: JEANS. I have a personal aversion to maxi skirts. Unfortunately, in a lot of cultures you can’t show your knees. So you have a few options: maxi skirts, leggings with a dress/long tee, or jeans. I brought two pairs of jeans and am SO glad I did. On the other hand, Ash brought 2 maxi shirts and no jeans, dropped a skirt, and bought multiple pairs of jeans. If you love maxi skirts, go for that. I don’t, but just pack what you would want to wear at home. Which brings us to….
#4: Cute clothes! I packed two dri-fit shirts and I hardly ever wear them. What I do wear are the cute flowy shirts that I brought. This month we’re working with a church and university students in Phnom Penh, and I don’t want to look like I just got back from hiking the AT. Again, pack what you like. [[Also, here is our unofficial suggestion: While culture may dictate a certain dress code, lots of countries excuse mid-thigh shorts or tank tops because you’re obviously a foreigner. You may not be able to wear them to ministry, but it’ll be worth it. Promise.]]
#5: Bling. Your same ole clothes get boring. Jewelry is a great way to spice things up—including earrings, rings, necklaces, nose rings, etc. One of my old teammates didn’t bring any earrings on the Race and really regretted it. Jewelry is great because it takes up hardly any space and can make a big difference when you’re wearing the same black scoop neck that you’ve worn 85938475 times.
#6: *insert high heel emoji here* Ok, maybe don’t bring heels, BUT you want something other than your Chacos and those rubber flip-flops. I love my Rainbows at home, so I brought those and am so glad I did. Ash brought six pairs of shoes (lol) and has dropped and picked up several pairs. Bring some cute flip-flops. Oh, and you’re probably wondering what the divas think about the infamous Crocs sandals—Ashley loves hers. I don’t have any and am happy about it. To each her own.
#7: Cross-body bag. I brought a leather satchel and it has been SO convenient. Ash didn’t bring a purse and couldn’t find one till month 5. You can find some amazing deals on purses at straw markets around the world, but the “when” is never guaranteed. I just bought a Longchamp bag for $6 in Cambodia. We suggest bringing a small purse from home for day-to-day use, and maybe a tote for travel days/carrying your Bible and journal.
#8: Calling all gold card members… Ash and I are all about those lattes and mochas. And some days on the Race you just have an emotional need for a vanilla latte. We recommend stocking up on those Starbucks Via packets of your drink of choice. [[Side note: Starbucks around the world do not accept gold cards.]]
#9: The unmentionables. A year is a long time to wear Wal-Mart underwear. Don’t do it. Exficcio are ok, but only ok. Bring what you like! Lace dries fast, but all underwear dries eventually so truly your underwear choice should be based primarily on what you like best, not anti-fungal properties or how fast they dry. As far as bras go, bring at least two regular and two sports bras.
#10: A loofah!! There are no words to describe how gross it feels to have a layer of red, African dirt plus pollution clogging your pores. One of my most common phrases month 2 was, “When I get home I’m getting a full body scrub.” Seriously, it’s ridiculous, so prepare. This also includes face scrubs and a pumice stone.
#11: This last one sounds like a given, buuuut, bring money. Plan financially for your diva-ness. You’re living near a Starbucks? Forget moderation. Month 6 and all the same shirts? You’re going to be dying for a shopping spree. Lived in the bush for a month and showered twice? You’re gonna want to splurge on that spa day. Some people on my squad fundraised personal money, which is a great and completely valid idea. Just because you’re living in a third world country does not mean you aren’t going to go out to eat, go to the movies, etc. Treat yo’self!
Hope these pointers help out future diva World Racers out there. We promise you can handle the tenting, sweating, bucket showers, and cockroaches… but it doesn’t hurt to look good doing it.
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This blog was co-written with Ashley Spriggs! Check out her blogs at thespriggs.theworldrace.org. Here’s a pic of us!
