Our church goes on several mission trips a year. I have the privilege of leading some of these trips. The biggest question we face is “What do I pack?”. I wanted to address this with not only what we suggest you bring to Belize on a trip with us, but really what to bring on any mission trip.
For any trip, you only need to bring necessities. For us, we only pack in carry ons so that the checked bags can be used for supplies for the trip and for those that we are going to serve. So, we really don’t have a lot of room! Even if your team is allowing you to pack in a checked bag, leaving room to be able to take extra supplies is ALWAYS appreciated.
Side note before we get started:
*We go to Belize which is located in Central America. It is HOT so that is why the packing list is as such.
*We have access to washers and dryers so we do not bring as many outfits as there are days. If you do not have access to these things, then you will need to plan accordingly. If you do not have access to washers and dryers, I would suggest bringing 2 extra outfits. Also, just have 1 or 2 outfits that you can change into after a long day of being outside (for after you shower and while you are still meeting with your team)
Best way to pack everything:
Pack in ziplock bags (shirts in one, pants in another, etc). If you roll your clothes, they will fit in the bags easier. Then once they are in the bag, zip it closed and leave just a little bit opened so that air can get out. Then sit on the bag so that all the excess air leaves and your clothes are flattened. Then make sure it is sealed!
This will allow you to fit PLENTY of clothes in that carry on bag!
Tennis Shoes and Socks
Closed-toe shoes are a MUST. We spend a lot of time going into villages and walking places where it is sometimes just not safe to have our feet exposed. If you are doing any kind of medical clinic, it is best to wear closed-toe shoes (many countries require this).
And of course, don’t forget the socks!
Tevas / Chacos / Sturdy sandals
This seems like a stereotype that missionaries where these kind of shoes but they really are the most practical shoes that I bring. For going on excursions or just walking around camp or the river, etc. they are really practical. I personally have Tevas because I am too cheap to buy Chacos 🙂
Cheap Flip Flops
Shower shoes!! Do I need to say anything else??
Outfit for Church
Can we talk about culture for a minute here? Before packing for any mission trip, you need to know and understand the culture. For most countries, women need to wear clothing that is not revealing (no low cut shirts, nothing tight, shirts with sleeves, shorts or skirts close to the knees). For some countries, women should have not skin exposed. Just know where you are going ESPECIALLY if you are a woman.
It does NOT matter how anyone else is dressing when you are there, you are there for 1 reason and that is to spread Christ’s love. You cannot do that if you are a distraction. Please do not go on a tirade here about men and women. In most countries (including USA), the culture is extremely sexualized and mainly towards women. You just need to be aware of it and dress accordingly.
For men, you need to know what is acceptable in a place of worship. Where we go, it is a collared shirt and pants.
3 t-shirts
See above about the culture talk 🙂
Shirts should not be tight, low-cut, or without sleeves. Think back to when you were in school! That is the dress code!
3 shorts
Shorts should come right above the knee. Academy Sports has a great pair in their brand that works great for Belize. Great length and breathable!
PJs
I always say dress for bed ready for a fire drill! That means, if something happened in the middle of the night, would you be dressed acceptable for mixed company??
I always say dress for bed ready for a fire drill! That means, if something happened in the middle of the night, would you be dressed acceptable for mixed company??
Toiletries
Remember, you are packing in a carry on so your liquids cannot be more than 3oz each and must fit into a quart size bag. For these trips, I purchased one of THESE bags off Amazon so that I could fill it to the max and not worry about the bag breaking.
Water bottle
For us, we have large jugs of filtered water at the camp where we stay. It is so much easier (and cheaper) to just keep refilling your water bottle.
If you are traveling somewhere else, I would still suggest doing this. It is more likely cheaper to find a larger jug of filtered water than to try and keep buying individual bottled water.
Bible and Journal
This is the MOST important thing you should take with you! I needed this more than anything else. There was something so special about actually holding a Bible as I was having quiet time, leading a devotion, or praying over someone. I bought THIS Bible which fits great in my bag and doesn’t weigh that much.
I highly recommend taking a small journal as well. Mainly to just document your trip and write down what God is speaking to you.
Bug Spray and Sunscreen
Make sure you look up at the CDC website for your particular area of travel. In our area, they strongly encourage us to use a special kind of bug lotion. Since I have been using it, I have not been eaten by mosquitoes (and they LOVE me).
Also, dealing with a sunburn early in the week when you still have work to do is miserable so lather on that sunscreen every day. Also, don’t forget to reapply it!`
Essential Oils
This is a new one for me but was SO helpful on my last trip. I took oils to help with sleep, digestion, and overall wellness. I ended up sharing with most of my team!
Ok…let’s get personal for a minute
Guys and girls – Goldbond is your friend in these hot climates. Ladies, pantiliners are something I would strongly encourage you to bring. Here are a few more points when it comes to some personal items:
Underwear:
This is the only thing that I bring more of! Just in case something happens with the washers and dryers, I want to be SURE that I do not go without. I can wear gross clothes but I cannot go days wearing the same underwear.
Sportsbras:
Regular bras are just too complicated unless you plan on washing them daily as well.
Regular bras are just too complicated unless you plan on washing them daily as well.
A Few Other Things
You might want to consider these items as well:
- Headphones for the airplane (bluetooth doesn’t work with their TVs so make sure they plug in)
- Snacks
- Gum
- Book or magazine for the plane ride
- Phone charger and phone (your phone is great for pictures. If you don’t take your phone, I would recommend taking a camera)
- Blanket – I get SO COLD in the airplane and when I sleep
- Eye Mask – when sharing a room with people that go to bed later than you might want to, an eye mask is super helpful to be able to sleep whenever!
