How to Pack for the Third World

So you're about to set off on a wonderful adventure in the world less traveled. Whether it's the depths of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the rivers of the Amazonian Rainforest, or the more remote islands of Indonesia, what you need to pack for travel in these areas differs greatly from what your friends who are touring Europe need to pack.

Size of the Bag: If you will be doing a bit of overland travel once you reach your destination, and have to bring your bags along the entire route, it is highly advisable to pack only a carry-on size bag. A backpack with wheels is ideal because you can roll it on city roads and in airports, but carry it as a backpack if you are walking on dirt roads in remote places. Find something rugged that will stand up to getting wet, dirty, and thrown around.

Clothes: You may want to fill your suitcase with every cute outfit you own, but chances are you will only wear a couple. Because of the immense poverty in the developing world, wearing very new clothes and a different outfit daily will peg you as a "Rich American" more than is necessary. First you should put all the clothes you think you need into your suitcase. Then, take half of the clothes out. Whatever you pack, make sure its modesty complies with the culture of the area you are visiting. You will need more modest clothes in Egypt than you will in Brazil, for example. Jeans often make travelers look more American, which is a negative trait these days, so pack other types of pants and shorts. Sports shorts are breathable in hot, humid climates, and are also easy to pack.

Shoes: Pack three pairs of shoes. Bring sneakers for hiking and walking around a lot. If you will be doing volunteer work, plan to get the shoes very dirty, and plan on them not coming home with you. Pack good, comfortable walking shoes or sandals for a second pair. Do not forget to bring flip-flops for showers. Wearing flip-flops often has come with warnings from the locals about the bugs that will bite my feet, but I wear them anyway. Take heed if you don't want fire ants biting you, and wear closed-toed shoes the majority of the time you are traveling.

Toiletries: If you are only taking a carry-on bag, be sure to pack your shampoo and other liquids in a quart-sized Ziploc bag. Make sure the containers are leak-proof, even though they are in a plastic bag. It is not pleasant to have shampoo leak all over. Don't bring much make-up. If you are going to a hot climate, you will sweat off all make-up other than eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. Bringing make-up to the third world also conveys a sense of American excess, and it is advisable not to wear it when you are traveling in impoverished areas. Bring tissues or toilet paper because many countries do not use toilet paper, so it will not be in the bathrooms. Don't forget obvious things, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, and deodorant. Bring at least 2 razors because, should you leave it in the shower, they tend to grow legs and walk off easily. The razors in the developing world that are available, while cheap, are not very good. Bring bug spray! I used almost a whole bottle in a month in the Amazon! You will need it!

Bedding: A sleeping bag and pillow are sufficient, though you may want to bring a sheet too. Bring a sleeping bag that rolls up nice and small, or one that is just fleece. Find out if you will be sleeping in hammocks, too. Practice sleeping in hammocks for a few nights before you leave, as it requires a completely different position than sleeping on a bed. Some people find it more comfortable, some people find it less comfortable. Buy a hammock once you are in the destination country.

Miscellaneous: Bring the usual paperbacks for the plane, and magazines for the airports. These can double as interesting gifts for host families. Bring some pre-packaged food items from home for yourself and to share. People you meet will be curious and will enjoy trying your odd foods, like cranberry sauce and dried fruits.

Camera: Bring a camera that works. A friend of mine was on her third trip to Mexico when her camera broke. She cherishes the photos from the first two, but only has some photos her brother took from her third trip. Take extra film, the quality of film in other countries is not very good. If you don't use it all, you can leave it with fellow travelers who are staying longer than you or local people who have cameras. I have taken a record of 12 rolls of film, plus a few hundred digital photos in one week. Other people take, at most, half a roll of film per week. Take as much film as you think you will use. No matter how many photos you take your friends and family will be interested in seeing your photos. Digital cameras are a favorite of the kids in out-of-the-way places because they get to see their own faces immediately! Bringing a digital camera and extra memory cards allows for a maximization of space.

Valuables: If it cost you a lot of money of is irreplaceable don't bring it. The pretty heirloom necklace grandma just gave you should be left home. Though the mp3 player can keep you occupied on long flights, it also makes you a target for theft. My mp3 player was stolen in Brazil in a supposedly secure apartment-don't let that happen to you and leave it home.

First-Aid Kit: Vitamins, pain reliever/fever reducer, motion sickness medicine, nasal decongestant, anti-diarrhea medication, anti-biotic cream, a lot of band-aids, small scissors, tweezers and an alarm clock are usually all necessary. Sudafed helps prevent having your ears clog or pop on a plane ride. Anti-biotic ointment and band-aids will probably be used. Whether I tripped on barbed wire or fell while playing tag, I have always used all the band-aids I've brought. There may be no first aid kit where you go, so bring your own. The first time I was in Mexico, I got a painful splinter. It was in my skin for awhile until I found someone who had tweezers. If I'd brought my own, I wouldn't have had to wait so long. Along the Amazon, I did not run into any clocks whatsoever, and was grateful for a clock on a cell phone I had. Also bring any prescription medications and glasses you need.

Money: Bring more money than you think you will need, just in case the nearest ATM is 70 miles on a dirt road away. Travelers checks are not accepted in many places outside major cities, so don't even bother with them. Pack your money in various locations throughout your bag to minimize theft.

Final Tips: Pack light, and pack as though you will come home with nothing but photos and souvenirs in your bag. Third World countries have an amazing way of destroying clothes, and those that aren't destroyed are useful to the families you meet along the way. I end up leaving batches of clothes all over the world because the people in those places do not have the same luxury as I do of running to the mall when I want to get a new shirt.