Packing List for Trip to Benin

Plan to bring enough clothes to wear for the number of days you will be on the trip.  Wash out items minimally by hand:  depending on the trip, your sleeping arrangements might change daily, might not have great bathing situations, might not have much water, and once the clothing is wet it will take a couple of days to dry due to humidity.  Plan on coming home with laundry that will be musty & sweaty!  Remember everyone else will be in the same situation and you won’t be in a 5-star hotel, but all your needs will be met!

Clothing:

• 3-4 pairs of pants (guys) or skirts (gals)
• Shirt/blouse per day of trip (plus 3 extras if not washing out anything)
• Underwear needed per day of trip
• Socks, even if wearing sandals (protects feet and keeps them cleaner)
• 2 pairs of shoes:  comfortable, toe protecting, durable in rain plus shower flipflops (any shoes worn on the Farm must be disinfected by airport personnel upon return to US!)
• Light Sleepwear X 2
• 1 after-hours “lounge-y” outfit (not necessary)
• Rain jacket/windbreaker/umbrella (only if you will use it/have it at the right time?)
• Absolutely minimal jewelry (just emphasizes that we are “wealthy westerners”)

Stuff: 

• BIBLE & journal/passport/ticket/printout of trip insurance policy/reading material or project for plane ride
• Sunscreen/bug spray/hat/daypack/fanny pack
• Camera/batteries/charger
• Thank you card stationery/notes for your presentations/pens/pencils
• Whatever you are responsible for, for the team:  first aide kit/computer/video camera/etc.
• Cell phone—last calls leaving US and first calls when returning! (Don’t plan on it working in Benin!)
• Flat sheet (mostly for under you, but sometimes over)/pillow w case (airplane neck pillow works great!)
• Campers toilet paper/flashlight/watch or clock

Personal Items: 

• Absolutely minimal—due to weight and space in baggage
• Bar soap/washcloth/towel (camping, chammy-type works great!)
• Toothpaste/brush/floss
• Glasses/contacts needs
• Prescription meds/vitamins (count out what you need—don’t take the whole bottle!)
• Malaria meds!!!
• Shampoo/conditioner/brush/comb
• Shaver/batteries vs charger/power converters?
• Makeup is not needed!  Please minimize!