General Packing Tips
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Be modest in your dress. Short shorts/skirts, low cut tops, sleeveless shirts or extremely form-fitting clothes may attract unwanted attention.
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Keep it simple, but thorough. The lighter the load, the happier you will be!
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Carry all essential items in your carry-on bag (change of clothing, prescription medications, toiletries, and anything that you cannot live without if your checked bag is delayed or lost!).
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Put money in more than one place (but not in your checked luggage!)
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Avoid bringing expensive (looking) watches and jewelry. Keep in mind that although your jewelry may not BE expensive, it may still LOOK expensive.
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Do not bring anything you could not live without if it gets lost or stolen.
Necesary Items
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Credentials and Cash
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Passport, drivers license, and health insurance card
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One extra copy of your passport, identification, and emergency contact information (carry separate from originals)
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Neck or stomach pouch to carry credentials, cash, credit cards, etc.
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Cash. Travelers checks can be used, but the easiest way to obtain cash is via an ATM.
Tools
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Comfortable work gloves (not winter gloves)
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Back support for lifting
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Water bottle marked with your name
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Safety glasses
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Ear protection (might be used at night as well if hotel is noisy)
Clothing
Make sure your clothing and underwear is made of natural fibers. Lightweight cotton is best in the heat of the day. The temperature may be cool in the mornings and evenings. During the day it will be very hot and likely quite humid. Long sleeve shirts and long pants will likely be recommended in mornings and evenings to protect from mosquitoes. (You can always cut them off.) Although it might seem hot to wear long pants and sleeves, they help conserve your moisture and protect you from the sun.
Loose fitting cotton clothing that can be considered "disposable" at the end of the trip is advised. Many people pick up used clothes, medical scrubs, etc. at a Goodwill or similar store.
We recommend:
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Pants to your knees, capris or long.
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T-shirts.
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Confortable socks.
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Work shoes (light weight leather or heavy tennis shoes)
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Sweat bands (elastic, cotton scarves or handkerchiefs, etc.)
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Sport shirts, casual tops, tee-shirts.
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Sandals and/or tennis shoes.
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Several sets of underwear.
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Flip-flops.
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Hat, preferably one that shades your neck and ears.
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If you burn easily, bring 2 extra long sleeve shirts for UV protection .
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Swimsuit.
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One or two nicer outfits if your group wants to go to church, out at night, etc., nothing formal, nice casual is fine.
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Closed toed shoes. We recommend work boots with steel toes, or hiking boots. Remember to break them in before your trip!
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Global Village T shirt.
Miscellaneus
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LOTS of sunscreen (don’t say we didn’t warn you about the sun!!)
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Sunglasses
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Insect repellent (VERY Important!!!!)
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Money for personal expenses
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Required medicines (plus a copy of your prescription)
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Water bottle (for use on construction site)
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English/Spanish Dictionary
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Camera (and extra film)
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Extra batteries
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Journal/Pen(s)
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Family photos to show new friends
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First Aid Kit (This is for the TEAM LEADER to bring)
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Personal Items (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc)
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Bublles, chalk, frisbee, etc. to play with the children on the worksite..
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