Packing for a week trip can sometimes be stressful. Imagine packing for a month. It’s really not that different from packing for a weeks trip. Here are some things I’ve learned from traveling for months at a time:
–Only pack for a week. If there isn’t a laundry mat to do your laundry, there’s always a bucket to be found somewhere!
–Don’t pack huge bottles of liquids (soap/shampoo/conditioner). Everywhere you go, there will be places to restock on these things. It just takes up more space! Even in the tiny villages of India they sell Dove and Pantene products.
-Pack clothing that can mix and match and make up multiple different outfits.
-I decided against packing jeans, only because they are hard to hand wash and hot/uncomfortable anyways.
–Don’t bring bags and bags of medicine you MIGHT need. Everywhere you go there will be pharmacies, and sometimes a lot cheaper in country than bringing them from the US.
–I like the challenge of packing less and living minimalistic while I’m gone, so I only pack the essentials and wing it in country if I need anything else.
First, I start with my day pack/carry on bag.
–ThermaRest travel pillow (small)
–Movie hard drive. For down time or team times
–PASSPORT!
–Wipes for those on the go or too many bucket showers lately moments
–ThermaAir Camper sleeping pad (XL) 5 stars!
–Water bottle
–Wallet (insurance card, USD, ID, debit card)
–Hand sanitizer
–Tissue
–Bible/Journal
–Long sleeve shirt for airplane
–Computer/charger
–Phone charger/converter
–Sunglasses/Chapstick
–Monopoly Deal
All fits nicely in my 35 liter daypack:
Next, I pack my 65 liter Osprey pack:
–Toiletries bag (baggy with qtips/bandaids/medicine, Tide packets for hand washing, toothbrush/toothpaste, razor, febreze, bug spray, headbands, vitamins, lotion/shampoo/conditioner/soap, sunscreen, deodorant, bobbypins/safty pins/hair ties)
–Black packing cube: 8 tops, 7 bottoms (all able to mix and match)
–Running shoes/Crocs (doubles as shower shoes)
–Sleeping bag
–Sleeping bag liner/sheet
–Laundry bag/towel
–Hairbrush/leave in conditioner
–Rain jacket/fleece
–Purse for off days or going to ministry
–Speaker
–Red packing cube: underwear/socks/pillow case
