Packing List

Embarking on a two-year overseas journey can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. From understanding destination requirements and gathering essential documents to packing appropriate clothing specific to a region's climate and cultural sensitivities. There is much to consider. As volunteers, there are plenty of recommendations on what and what not to pack. Unsurprisingly, these recommendations often conflict with one another. However, it is important to remember that needs will vary based on location, assignment, and personal preferences. That being said, here it is: All the items I have packed in my bags. Only time will tell what will be useful.

I started my packing journey at my local Dollar Tree and found quite a few items that I wanted and needed. There is no denying the high cost that has gone into this journey. So, try and save where you can. To try and diminish feeling overwhelmed begin your list with items you use every day and items that make you feel at home - the ones you know you cannot be without - and build from there. This is your journey and your journey alone. View other individuals' packing lists as a guide rather than sacrosanct.

LUGGAGE

25" Suitcase x2

Carry-on Bag

Personal Bag

Packing Cubes

Luggage Tags

CLOTHING

Dresses 

Skirts

Casual Dress Pants

Cargo Pants

Casual Dress Shirts

Long-sleeved Moisture Wicking Shirts

T-Shirts

Lounge Pants

Lounge Tops

Raincoat 

Tattoo Forearm Cover Sleeves 

Semi-Conservative Swimsuit 

Leggings

Compression Shorts

Underwear

Bras

Socks

Brimmed Hat w/ UV Protection

FOOTWEAR 

Sneakers

Dress Shoes

Hiking Boots

Everyday Sandals

Shower Sandals

EYEWEAR

Prescription Eyeglasses

Prescription Sunglasses

Eyeglass Chains

Eyeglass Cleaner w/ Cloth

Eyeglass Hardshell Holders

TOILETRIES 

Face Wash & Masks

Face Wash Cloth

Pore Strip

Toner

Day & Night Moisturizer 

Vitamin C Face Serum 

Face & Body Cream

Lotion

Sunscreen

Reusable Cotton Pads w/ Holding Pouch

Shave Gel & Electric Razor

Nail Care Kit 

Toothpaste & Toothbrush 

Toothbrush Protector 

Eco-Friendly Flossers 

Sanitary Napkins 

Quick Dry Towels 1 Large & 1 Small

Soap

Deodorant 

Hair Dryer

Hair Pins

Hair Ties

Hair Clips 

Hair Cutting Scissors

Hair Brush

Shampoo & Conditioner

Shower Caps

Travel Size Q.Tips

Travel Size Toothpaste

Travel Size Vaseline 

Electrical Callus Remover

Personal Temperature Thermometer

Mirror

Toiletry Bag

MEDICINE CABINET 

Anti-itch Cream

Topical Muscle Pain Relief 

Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Liquid

ThermaCare HeatWraps

Midol

Multivitamins

Ibuprofen

Blister Protection Plasters

Mosquito Repellent

ELECTRONICS

E-Reader

External Hard Drive 2TB

Power Banks

Unlocked Cellphone

Rechargeable AA Batteries

Universal Battery Charger

Camping Fan

Portable Handheld Fan

Non-prescription TENS Unit

Camera

Multiple Camera Memory Cards

Laptop

MP3 Player

Vibrating Alarm Clock

Multiple Earbuds/Headphones 

Extra Charging Cords

Travel Voltage Converters w/ Surge Protection

Solar Charger

WELLNESS

Yoga Mat 

Incense

Candles

Breathing Necklace for Meditation

Steps & Distance Pedometer

Compression Sleeves for Feet & Calf Muscle

Portable White Noise Machine

Vibrator

Eye Mask for Sleeping

Stress Balls

DECOR

Photos of Friends & Family

Wildflower Tapestry

Desk Pad Calendar

Wall Calendar

Fairy Lights

LEISURE

Stationery w/ Envelopes

Notebooks

Playing Cards

Colored Pencils

Markers

Pens

Pencils

Coloring Books

Pencil Sharpeners

Sudoku Puzzles

Word Search Puzzles

SUPPLIES AND OTHER GEAR

Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs & Ear Muffs

Sewing Kit

Headlamp

Flashlight

Duck Tape 

Carabiners

Waterproof Phone & Kindle Pouch

Citronella Ankle & Wrist Bracelets 

Double-Sided Mounting Tape 

Hand Sanitizer Dispenser w/ Refill Bag

Wood Clothing Pins

Reusable Dish Gloves 

Lighters

Lightweight Cooling Blanket

Twin Sized Sheets

Pillow

Reusable Canvas Tote Grocery Bag

Universal Sim SD Eject Pin

Passport Holder

Sweat Absorbing Handkerchiefs

Solar LED Camping Lantern

Camping Solar Shower

Water Bottle Cleaning Tablets

Insulated Water Bottle

Multipurpose Tool

Garden Gloves

Seeds for Planting

No one can deny the length of this list is vast but rest assured I was underneath the max 50lbs for both of my checked bags. And I brought between 1-7 of each item with underwear, socks, and sanitary napkins being the exception. Ultimately my 25" suitcases weighed 48.8 lbs and 42.2 lbs. It is important to note that some of these items went into my carry-on and one personal item bag, but if you play it smart, you can and will have the capacity for everything you want and need. Do not be ashamed to use the full 100 lbs. As I have said before, this is your journey and your journey alone. I will create another post further down the line to reflect on all I have brought and to provide further packing tips.