LEAPYEAR Latin America Packing Guide
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LEAPYEAR Latin America Packing Guide
The following lists detail equipment and clothing needed for LEAPYEAR. There are two lists: Items for use at the LEAPNOW campus, and items for the semester abroad. Remember that you’ll be carrying everything in a backpack. You can plan on bringing more to the LEAPNOW campus, and students will have access to a bin they can leave on campus while traveling abroad. When packing for an international trip, the packers’ motto is: “Pack light, pack less, and pack early.”
Gear Guidelines: When in doubt, PACK LIGHT - you will be carrying everything in your backpack, and you can purchase additional items (clothes, toiletries, etc.) while traveling. You will face hot, cold, dry, humid and rainy conditions. Plan accordingly. You do not need to buy brand new gear. Used or borrowed gear will work just as well. The following websites have a good selection of travel items: www.statravel.com, www.reioutlet.com, www.backcountry.com, and www.sierratradingpost.com. A note on water: Tap water in Latin America is not safe for consumption. In most places we travel, students will have to either drink bottled water or will have to purify their water with a filter or a SteriPEN (http://www.steripen.com/). Students will be given money to purchase bottled water while travelling. By purchasing a SteriPEN or water filter in advance you can minimize the number of water bottles you consume; but neither is necessary for travel.
Checklist for Latin America (Required items are bold )
GEAR
Internal Frame Backpack to carry all your Travel Alarm Clock gear- backpacking or travel packs are fine, but not the type with wheels Toiletries Bag
Sleeping Bag medium to light-weight Insect Repellant (DEET or natural)
Mosquito Net Pack Towel or Small Cotton Towel
Day Pack with enough space to hold a Personal Notebook / Journal (optional water bottle, your camera, and a book address book)
Money Belt for the waist or neck pouch Sunglasses
Water Bottle (we recommend Nalgene or Ear plugs (helpful to sleep in transit) Kleen Kanteen) 1 quart or larger Camera (batteries) Flashlight or Headlamp (and extra batteries) 1-2 Cotton Bandanas
USB Flash Drive – 1 GB (or more) for your Ziplock plastic bags of varying sizes for academic work while traveling carrying and protecting items
Wrist Watch – can also be your alarm Nylon Cord - Short length, lightweight (good for laundry line and other needs) Musical Instrument Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman
Good Book (1 or 2) Small Padlock for security (combination locks recommended) SteriPEN or Waterfilter CLOTHING
Quote from a past participant: “Your clothes are going to be ruined - just so you know. ”
Fashion and dress in Latin America is different than in the United States and is typically more formal. In Latin America you will be expected to respect the culture by dressing appropriately throughout your travels. Leave torn, tight or revealing clothing at home. Though these may be chic in the U.S., it will create a lousy impression in Latin America. Bring clothing that is simple, neat and well taken care of - nothing too fancy, delicate or revealing. A special note to women: As a woman from the United States you will draw less unwanted attention to yourself by dressing modestly and in local clothing. You will be grateful throughout the program that you packed loose, comfortable and practical ‘travel’ clothing.
Comfortable Pants (2 Pairs) (at least one made of quick-dry material) Long-Sleeved Shirts (1-2) that you don’t mind working in and can double as a ‘nice’ shirt Short Sleeve Shirts (2) - subdued designs and colors Hiking Shoes Good quality, waterproof. Ankle height is fine. BREAK THEM IN! Sandals with a heel strap (such as Chacos or Tevas) Rain Gear Good quality jacket or poncho with a hood (Rain pants are not recommended) Make sure that your gear is WATERPROOF! Medium Weight Layer (down, fleece, pile vest, microfiber shirt, or jacket) to be worn under your rain jacket - we may encounter weather in the 40's Long Underwear (1 Set) (bottoms essential - top optional) Underwear (4-5) (quick - dry or cotton) Socks (3-4 pair) good quality Swim Suit (Bikinis are ok - but should not be too revealing) 1-2 pair of shorts – Shorts that are tight and very short are not appropriate Dancing Clothes – Button-up shirt for men/ long skirt, dress, or nice pants and top for women For women: tank tops are okay - we suggest that you bring tank tops with thick straps For women: 1 skirt that falls below your knees
PERSONAL HYGIENE (You will be able to replenish basics during your travels)
Tooth brush, carrier, toothpaste, floss Hand Sanitizer (Highly Recommended) Antibacterial bar soap or Dr. Bronner’s Contacts/Glasses (Bring spares and a copy of your prescription) Shampoo/Conditioner Tampons, personal feminine hygiene Comb or brush products Shaving supplies Sunscreen - SPF 30 or higher Deodorant Nail clippers Contraceptives, condoms Multivitamins, personal supplements (if Sewing Kit you normally take these) PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT (Optional) Trip leaders will be carrying a fully-stocked first aid kit. These are recommended items you may want to bring for yourself (in a watertight plastic container).
Motion Sickness Treatment Imodium or other anti-diarrhea medicine Antihistamine Aspirin or Ibuprofen Antibiotic ointment – like Neosporin Scissors & tweezers Electrolyte powder for re-hydration Band-Aids and moleskin Wellness Formula Herbal Defense Complex by Bio Align, a booster for the immune system Grapefruit seed extract (GSE): as a naturopathic alternative for travel-related stomach problems Prescription Medication: Any medication you are currently taking - enough for 12 weeks, and written prescriptions Epinephrine Pen (Epi-pen): Epinephrine pens are used to treat potentially fatal anaphylactic shock due to insect bites, food or medication allergies. An Epi-pen must be prescribed. IMPORTANT: If you know of a potential allergy, LEAPNOW requires that you bring two Epi-pens (one for yourself and one for the leaders to carry on your behalf) Asthma Inhalers – at least 2. If you have a history of asthma, even long ago, bring them! HOMESTAY and VOLUNTEERING Gifts for Homestay Families – Small gifts from your home culture to show your appreciation for their hospitality. These don’t have to be expensive – families love home-made gifts or souvenirs. Activities for Kids – You will be working with many children along the trip, so bring something that you can share or teach them. Be prepared to be able to teach – dancing, finger-painting, juggling – everyone has something to share! Pictures of your home-town, family, and friends – Great way to connect with the culture. Checklist for the Retreats: (Required items are bold ) Note: There may be overlap between this list and the traveling gear/clothing list. You DO NOT need to double up on items that appear on both lists. Large inexpensive duffel bag – To protect and store your belongings at the LEAPNOW campus while traveling Rugged work clothing – Blue jeans make good work pants as well as pants made by Carhartt and Ben Davis. These clothes may get ‘worked’ – paint stained or worn out Comfortable Clothing - For movement and yoga – shorts, sweats, sports bras, etc Sweatshirt with hood or something similar for cold weather Rubber boots or Water-Proofed Work Shoes - You will definitely work in the rain in January & February at the LEAPNOW campus Bedding - 1 twin size fitted sheet – you will be sleeping on a twin sized mattress. Most students sleep in their sleeping bags, but bring what you need to make your stay comfortable Ceremonial Clothing – Something formal that makes you feel celebratory - can be anything that sets the tone for a special occasion for you. Feel free to get creative. Leather work gloves - good quality Laptop – for your academic work while on campus during second retreat, do not take it with you to Latin America! Water Shoes – there is a creek on the LEAPNOW campus Bath Towel/Sarong Yoga Mat Casual clothing and shoes for wearing around the campus during free time Musical instruments that are easy to store, such as guitar, flute, etc. Things to leave at home . Skirts or dresses cut too high (above the knee) . Any knife larger than a Swiss Army knife . T-shirts with garish or loud designs & otherwise "loud" clothing . Magazines/Video Games/Movies . Junk Food . Amps or Electrical Music Instruments *Some people get the idea that they’ll be camping during LEAPYEAR, which is not true. While at the LEAPNOW campus, you’ll need regular casual clothes, clothes to work in, and ceremonial clothing. While in Latin America, you’ll generally need the same kinds of clothing. You will be able to adjust your clothing and gear during the Winter break for the second half of the year, so don’t pack for the entire year this Fall! A note on electronics Come prepared for loss, theft or damage to your electronics! You will need an adaptor for your electronics in Latin America. Every country has a different standard plug shape, and therefore its own unique adapter. Also, voltage is important to keep in mind when plugging things in. Each country runs on either 220 volts or 110 volts like we have in the USA. Check the items you are bringing, as many electronics now have built-in converters in their wiring. If they are not built-in, you will need to buy a voltage converter. A fantastic tool for viewing plug and voltage types around the world is available at: http://users.telenet.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm#plugs. You may also buy less expensive adaptors in country. MP3/iPods: Make sure your information is backed up at home. Consider whether you use your MP3 player as an escape from what is going on around you or can you use it judiciously and stay engaged with the group and your experiences. You will be asked to put these away during the retreats. Digital Cameras: It is a good idea to purchase a large memory card, minimum 1 GB. If you plan on uploading pictures you will need to bring your USB cord. Internet speeds may be slow! AA & AAA batteries are available in Latin America and you will be able to charge your rechargeable batteries with the appropriate adapter. If your camera requires a special battery you may want to pack extras. Cell phones and Laptops: Cell phones are not used during retreat times or during group travel in Latin America. LEAPYEAR leaders carry an emergency cell phone for the group during the semester. If you bring your cell phones to the start of your LEAPYEAR, you will be asked to put them away during the retreats and not use them for calls, texting or as music players. Laptops may be used for academic work during the second retreat but you will not be using them during the first retreat.