Congratulations! You decided to go on a short-term-mission trip. Your trip leader probably told you can’t take a lot of stuff, and you don’t want to take too much. But what do you pack for your trip?
A lot of that depends on where you are going and the purpose of the mission, but there are some Must Pack Items that will help your trip be a success.
Before we get into the list, let me make a couple of suggestions.
- Pack as light as possible. Resist the temptation to take things just in case you need them. My wife and I traveled all over Europe for three weeks with only a carry-on size piece of luggage and a medium size back pack each.
- Find out if you can have clothes laundered where you are going. If you can, you only need to pack clothes for about half the week saving invaluable room for other necessities.
Over the years of many short-term trips to places like Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Thailand, and China have helped me come up with a Must Pack list.
I split this into a carryon packing list, and a checked bag packing list.
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Carryon Packing List (make sure to check current TSA requirements)
Backpack. I prefer a backpack over a small suitcase to use as a carryon because of the multiple compartments and ease to organize items and access them quickly.
Here is a great option for a good price:
Change of clothes. If your luggage fails to arrive when you do, you will at least have two changes of clothes. One you are wearing and one in your carryon.
Passport. Pack a copy of the passport in your checked luggage.
Kindle. I enjoy reading when I travel, and when I began international travel, ebooks was a new thing. So I lugged around four or five books. Now I can carry my entire ebook library with me. I can use my smart phone Kindle app, but I prefer to avoid using my phone. Lots of Kindle options exist now, or you might prefer a Nook or other device.
Journal. I usually use Evernote app now for journaling and taking notes. But I still enjoy using a journal and pen when I am on a mission trip. I go simple when I do use a journal and use a composition notebook like these below. You might like to pick up something that looks a little nicer.
Ear buds or Headphones. Noise reducing or cancelling ear buds or headphones can be a life-saver on a plane if you are sitting close to a crying child or a talkative neighbor. I prefer ear buds because occasionally I will use them to sleep as well.
Prescription and over-the-counter medication. Only pack what you will need during the travel time in your carryon. Put the rest in your checked luggage.
Snacks. Pack only one or two snacks that won’t spoil or melt. If you have dietary restrictions, you might need to pack more.
Sunglasses. Find an expensive pair that you won’t mind losing or getting broken. I suggest polarized.
Phone. Check with your phone provider about getting a temporary international plan.
Charger. Don’t forget the phone charger, and a separate battery pack so you don’t have to always rely on finding a place to plug in.
Travel Pillow. If you are flying a long distance, a travel pillow is a life-saver. I know the neck pillow is popular, but I prefer one like this one below.
Checked Luggage Packing List
Clothes. Resist the temptation of over-packing. The type of clothes depends on location and type of mission. Ask if you can have clothes laundered a few days into your trip. Or you could hand wash some items in a sink and let them air dry for a day or two. If you do either of these things, you can pack less clothes. My wife and I traveled all over Europe for three weeks with only a carryon and medium backpack for each of us.
Underwear and sleepwear. I know these are clothing items, but easily overlooked. You don’t want to be underwear shopping in a village market or a crowded Chinese department store.
Light rain jacket or pancho. You will want to have both hands free instead of using one hand to hold umbrella. This one is inexpensive and high quality.
Two pairs of shoes. Wear one comfortable pair on the plane. Then alternate when in country. As with clothes, the type of trip dictates the kind of shoes.
Flip flops for the shower.
Ziploc baggies. Pro-tip—double bag all liquid items.
Travel or thin line Bible. Don’t rely on your Bible app for your personal study or when you have opportunities to share God’s Word. Keep in mind that a small, travel Bible will have it’s flaws, but I like a thin line with larger print at a good price like this one:
Water bottle. Staying hydrated is one of the most important ways you can take care of yourself on a trip, even if you are in a mild climate. Flying itself will dehydrate you. (Pro tip: keeping hydrated will help stave off jet lag) Keep a bottle of filtered water on you at all times. For this reason you want a good bottle that will withstand the trip. This Thermos Itak is a great choice for a simple water bottle. The Grayl Ultralight is perfect if you want or need a purifier water bottle, and you are willing to spend a little more.
Personal toiletries. Might want to include a toilet paper roll depending on where you are going. Find out if you will have access to a grocery or convenience store.
Bug spray and Sunscreen. If these items can be easily purchased in country, I would wait and buy them there rather than pack them.
Hat. Pack a hat that can be easily folded or rolled up so that it doesn’t take up much room.
Camera. These days many people have smart phones that have great cameras, so I don’t think packing a camera is necessary. But if you want to pack one, take a high quality compact camera.
A few weeks ago, I posted on my Facebook the question, “If you have been on a mission trip, what is one item that you must take with you?”
Some are included in the lists above, but I thought you would enjoy some of the replies:
- Several food suggestions—peanut butter, protein bars, crackers.
- Personal Hygiene products
- hand sanitizer
- tissue paper
- baby wipes
- deodorant
- travel toothbrush
- breath mints
- Immodium or Cipro.
- Portable, battery operated fan.
- Bible, journal, pen.
- Sleep sack.
- Passport!
- Servant attitude, flexibility, and a love for the people.
- Ear plugs.
- Bubbles for kids.
- Prayer partner.
Some responded with some humor of course, such as, “my love for queso” and “extra underwear”.
I am excited that you are going on a short-term-mission trip!
I hope this post helps you pack well. Some of the advice I got from my Facebook friends is much more important than the items in your carryon and luggage. These are a servant attitude, flexibility, and a love for the people.
If you have anything you think is important to add to this list, please add in the comment section!
A camping towel, and small washcloth. It’s small, lightweight, works well, quickly dries, and can be used for other things.
Great suggestions Joanne. Thank you.