Volunteer Trip Packing Checklist

Essential Documents

• Passport (with 6+ months validity and 2+ blank pages)
• Visa or visa approval letter
• Program confirmation and emergency contact details
• Travel insurance documents (printed and digital)
• Flight itinerary and accommodation details
• Vaccination certificate (Yellow Card / digital)
• Photocopies of all documents (stored separately from originals)
• Passport-sized photos (4 extras for visa extensions)
• Debit/credit cards and small amount of local currency
• International driving permit (if applicable)

Clothing

• 5-7 lightweight t-shirts or tops (quick-dry material is ideal)
• 2-3 pairs of lightweight trousers or long skirts
• 2 pairs of shorts (check local dress codes first)
• 1 modest outfit for temple/church visits (covering knees and shoulders)
• 7+ pairs of underwear and socks
• 1 warm fleece or light jacket (essential for evenings and higher altitudes)
• 1 waterproof rain jacket
• Swimwear (1-2 pieces)
• Sleepwear
• 1 smart casual outfit for special occasions
• Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap for sun protection
• Bandana or buff (versatile for dust, sun, and warmth)

Footwear

• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots (broken in before departure)
• Comfortable sandals or flip-flops for around accommodation
• Water shoes (for marine programs or wet environments)
• Extra insoles if needed for long days on your feet

Health & Medical

• Prescription medications (bring extra supply with doctor's letter)
• Basic first aid kit: bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters
• Anti-diarrheal medication (e.g., Imodium)
• Rehydration sachets (oral rehydration salts)
• Pain relievers (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Antihistamine tablets (for allergic reactions)
• Insect repellent with DEET (30-50%)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe if near the ocean)
• After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel
• Malaria prophylaxis (if prescribed by your doctor)
• Water purification tablets (as a backup)
• Hand sanitizer (travel-sized bottles)
• Mosquito net (check if your program provides one)

Tech & Gear

• Smartphone with offline maps downloaded
• Universal power adapter
• Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh)
• Headlamp or small flashlight (essential for power outages)
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag
• Kindle or e-reader (lighter than books)
• Camera (optional, but check photography policies)
• Earbuds or headphones for travel days
• Padlock for your bag or hostel locker

Program-Specific Extras

What NOT to Pack

• - Expensive jewelry or watches (leave valuables at home)
• - Excessive electronics (you will be busy volunteering, not streaming)
• - More than 2 weeks of clothing (you can wash clothes locally)
• - Large quantities of sweets or gifts for children (can create dependency)
• - Anything you would be devastated to lose or have damaged