What to bring to Jamaica

JAMAICA 2009

WHAT TO BRING

Consider the fact that Mother Teresa and her sisters “traveled only with such personal luggage as could be contained in a bucket or a cardboard box”.

CLOTHING

Dress should be casual and conservative.

Packing Tips: Bring a mixture of clothing that will allow you enough variety, but won't weigh your bags down too much. Don’t over pack. Expect to wear pants and shorts more than once.

· Casual shoes – I wear my shoes and pack the flip flops so as to save space in my bag.

· Work shoes – You don’t necessarily have to have work shoes other than your casual shoes but I have seen many people completely destroy their shoes on a work site. Keep that in mind when choosing what you will work in.

· Sandals or flip-flops

· Water shoes (these are really nice for the beach and the falls. If your sandals have straps and are waterproof, that works too.)

· Socks

· Underwear (that’s fun to wear!)

· Swimsuit (modest one piece for ladies)

· Comfortable Pants/Shorts - No short shorts. (Hint: I typically wear pants on travel days and pack shorts so as to save space in my bag. Cargos are my preferred choice b/c I always have a safe place for my passport.)

· Comfortable T-Shirts – T-shirts and modest tanks are ok. No short or skimpy shirts, No spaghetti strap or strapless tops. Any writing/advertisment on shirts should be appropriate. (Hint: It is best if your t-shirts are not 100% cotton as those kind tend to retain moisture and do not dry quickly, I actually prefer %100 polyester b/c it dries so quickly. Wash it at night and it will be dry by morning!)

· One Church outfit – Girls: dresses (with sleeves) or skirts with sleeved shirts. Guys: Kaki pants & a short sleeved dress shirt or polo shirt. (Hint: Jamaicans dress to the nines for church. If you are going to err here it should be on the nice side).

· Hat, Bandanna, Sunglasses

GENERAL ITEMS

· PASSPORT

· Toiletries: Soap, razor, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, paste, contact solution, Hair dryer etc. (Hint: Same sex team members may consider sharing shampoo in order to save space and weight in bags. Liquids should be packed in ziplock bags in order to prevent spills in your suitcase.) Contact wearers: Don't chance missing the view! Bring extra contacts – just in case. Also bring your glasses.

· Towel & washcloth

· Beach towel

· Sun screen & Aloe

· Bug repellant – the good stuff (30% Deet)

· Benadryl – for bug bites

· Medications & Vitamins / Allergy & prescription meds

· Small Hand Sanitizer or Wipes (sometimes it's good to have this when adequate hand washing facilities are not readily available.)

· Bible, Notebook, Journal

· Ear plugs (in case your roommates snore)

· Alarm clock

· Camera & batteries or charger, memory cards, etc.. (They have standard outlets and electric items work fine in Jamaica)

· Flashlight

· Stationary – you may want to leave a note for a child when you leave, etc.

· Refillable Water Bottle – You may also consider bringing some of those individual Gatorade/PowerAde Packs to flavor your water. Note: Purified water will be available for us during our stay.

· Small daypack

· Personal snacks (Sealed packaged snacks if desired. Granola bars, power bars, etc. Don’t take anything that will melt. Don’t eat in your room. Be prepared to share.)

· Spending money –for souvenirs.

I will carry a small first-aid kit with things like aspirin, band-aids, Imodium (just in case), and antiseptic cream to cover most situations.