Volunteering abroad is worthwhile if you are prepared. Part of being prepared involves carrying the essentials you need with you. This means that you should be wary of the temptation of packing a bunch of unnecessary things. Instead, it is prudent to have a well thought out packing list to avoid over packing.
Before you start packing, you need to think about where to pack. Your luggage is essentially what holds your life together while abroad, and the quality of your luggage can make or break your stay. As such, you need to buy a suitcase that will keep your packing list in check. Here are some essentials that should be on your packing list.
Documents
You need to ensure that you have the right documents before setting forth for a volunteering program. Having these documents in soft copy can be sufficient, but packing the hard copies might prove essential if technology acts up. Some essential travel documents you should pack include a passport, secondary ID, boarding pass, travel itinerary, debit/credit cards, and some cash.
Toiletries
You need to pack all the essential toiletries that you need to make yourself comfortable. As a tip, remember to keep these personal effects to a minimum. A toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, and deodorant can be sufficient to get you going. Ideally, you do not have to pack things that can be purchased in your country of destination.
Electronics
The gadgets and gizmos you pack while traveling abroad largely depend on where you are going and the nature of activities. Carry essential electronics and leave luxurious ones back at home. To carry your smartphone and charger, music player, and power adopter can be sufficient. The rule of thumb is to carry what you need.
Clothes
Clothes form a huge chunk on any packing list. It is easy to get carried away when packing for a trip abroad. The best way to go about packing clothes is to choose what suits your personality, and most importantly, what the weather in your destination demands. The rule of thumb is to give function a priority over fashion.
The essence of having a packing list is to make your life more comfortable broad. But if you happen to miss anything, unless it is the passport, you should be able to find it abroad.
