Nicaragua General Packing List
General Information Please remember that when packing for volunteer travel it is better to pack light than to pack heavy. Packing too many unnecessary things will be burdensome and potentially costly at airport check-in. During the journey, you must be able to carry all of your own gear, and if overweight, you will be responsible for paying additional luggage fees. Understand that if you forget to pack something, most of the items on the packing list are available for purchase in- country. Remember: Less is better…when in doubt, leave it out!
Weather In the interest of packing light, versatile items like rain-jackets, hooded fleeces, and long-sleeve wicking t-shirts are recommended. Consult the web for weather conditions for your specific travel destination to see what kind of weather you are likely to encounter during the season in which you will arrive.
Absolute Necessities Passport with visa! Make 2 photocopies of the signature page and tuck it into two separate places in your luggage Airline ticket: Printed copies. Some countries require proof of departure in lieu of a visa Credit card/cash: Spending money and access to emergency funds Emergency medical insurance card: iNext or other International health card: You will receive this when you get immunizations for the trip- make a copy before you travel and keep in a safe place Prescription medications: And copies of critical prescriptions First aid kit: Purchase a quality first aid kit and add additional items as needed. Consult your physician and visit the www.nols.edu website for complete kits and content suggestions Phone: with family and emergency contact information and mailing addresses for postcards
Travel Bags (check your airline for baggage size restrictions and fees) Suitcase/backpack: When considering what to pack in, please remember that throughout the journey you are likely to encounter rough terrain and to make frequent transitions into and out of vehicles and possibly trains. Pack all of your things in a durable and lock-able suitcase or backpack that is easy to carry yourself. Duffel bag: It is advisable to bring an empty duffel bag that can be rolled flat and left in the bottom of your suitcase or backpack. This will come in handy later for doing laundry (separating dirty clothes, etc.) and for transporting souvenirs and other purchases on your return flight back home. The duffel bag should be soft, foldable, and have zippers that can be secured with a lock.
[email protected] Page 1 of 5 970.482.3188
Day pack: Bring a small daypack or fanny pack for day outings. You will use this in airports and on daily excursions. A daypack that has zippers that can be secured with a lock is ideal. Stuff sacks: These will help you separate and organize things (to separate toiletries and clothing items, shoes, organize souvenirs, etc Ziploc bags: Ziplocs serve the same purpose as stuff sacks, but can help you keep items like notebooks, medicines, cameras, and other items dry. Money belt or pouch: Use a discreet money belt/pouch to safely carry your passport and money in while traveling. Purchase one that can be worn and concealed underneath your clothing (i.e. one that goes under your waistline), rather than wear one that hangs over your neck. A money pouch that dangles over your neck identifies you as a tourist and can easily be stolen.
Packing Tip: Use your day pack as a carry-on for the airplane. Put money and important travel documents in your money belt, and a change of clothing, valuables such as phones, cameras, and important toiletries/medicines in your day pack.
Gear Flashlight or head-lamp: Pack a flashlight or head-lamp, with working batteries and spare batteries, to use in the evenings. Power outages are always a possibility. Water bottle - large: You should aim to drink two liters of purified water per day to stay hydrated and healthy. The water in San Juan del Sur is drinkable and purified water is available at the hotel so bring a reusable water bottle to use so you don’t contribute to the growing problem of waste disposal and/or recycling plastic water bottles. Reusable water bottles can be taken through airport security as long as they are empty. Watch or travel alarm clock: Bring a watch with an alarm or a travel alarm clock to stay on schedule and catch early morning trains, flights, etc. Small locks: These can be used to secure your backpack, daypack, or duffel bag. Sleeping sack: A very light-weight liner that you can use on your mattress. Consider treating it with permethrin insecticide spray before you leave.
Clothing Consider bringing lightweight clothes that dry quickly for maximum comfort. The clothing culture in most countries is modest. To be respectful of local culture, you will be expected to dress according to local custom. Men should plan on wearing lightweight shorts or pants in town and shirts with sleeves (t-shirts are fine). The town is very casual so athletic clothing is fine. Bring some clothes that you can get dirty or even dispose of before you return home as you might be involved in some projects that can leave you very dirty! Women should plan to dress modestly. In order to be respectful of local norms and to avoid unwanted attention
[email protected] Page 2 of 5 970.482.3188
o Women should not wear: see-through or tight clothing, low-cut shirts or pants, sleeveless or spaghetti-strap shirts, short skirts or short shorts, and low-rise jeans. Instead, women should cover their upper arms and legs, and wear loose- fit clothing, longer skirts, and Capri or light-weight pants. Modesty is better to not attract unwanted attention.
Other notes: Over the course of the trip, participants will have access to laundry facilities and will be able to wash their clothing. The weather is likely to be humid and hot in certain areas, so please try to pack clothing that is light-weight and that dries quickly (wicking material is better than cotton). Bring clothes you are not worried about getting dirty.
2-3 t-shirts (one wicking t-shirt) 2-3 pairs of pants or shorts: Light weight pants (jeans do not dry quickly) 2-3 long-sleeve shirts: Light weight for layering 7 pairs of socks: Comfortable, quick-drying, and moisture wicking socks are ideal 8 pairs of comfortable underwear. 1 rain jacket: Light weight, with hood 1 swimsuit: Be conservative. Pair a two-piece with board shorts or a swim shirt. 1 pair walking shoes/sneakers: Sturdy walking shoes or light-weight trail shoes that are versatile enough to be worn every day (both in town and on hikes) 1 pair Chacos or flip flops: For bathing and use in certain water activities 1 set pajamas: Lighter weight 3 bras: (one sports bra) 1-skirt/dress: For everyday wear; should be knee length.
Toiletries Please pack only the key necessities. For example, do not bring hair dryers, curling irons, excessive make-up, or other nonessential items. Again, if you forget anything, you will be able to purchase most items. You will also want to pack basic first-aid products such as ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids, bandages, etc that aren’t included in your first aid kit.
Toothbrush and toothpaste Hairbrush or comb Biodegradables soap Biodegradable shampoo/conditioner Lip balm Sunscreen: Expensive down there as the locals don’t use it! Heavy-duty insect repellent: Ditto - expensive down there as the locals don’t use it! Best if it contains 25%-35% DEET. Towel or sarong: Small and lightweight for beach or blanket Hand sanitizer: Pack small bottle of anti-bacterial gel for cleaning hands without water
[email protected] Page 3 of 5 970.482.3188
Glasses/contacts and solution: Bring a copy of your prescription if possible Small pack tissues or toilet paper: put inside a Ziploc bag Multi-vitamins and probiotics (optional): Good for staying healthy! Feminine supplies: Supply of tampons/pads as they are not always readily available Aloe Vera or some sort of sunburn remedy: Invariably the kids will forget sunscreen at one point or another! Mosquito Net – to protect from the night biters! Miscellaneous Sunglasses: and a neck leash is useful too Sun hat: one that is packable. Bandana: Useful for many purposes Camera: And extra batteries/cards; don’t forget your battery charger and a waterproof case Notebook/journal/sketchbook Book: Lightweight/compact; to read while traveling; can trade books with other travelers Photos or postcards: Share pictures of your family and friends - good conversation starters! Duct tape: peel off about 4 meters worth and make a mini-roll--useful for all kinds of repairs. Whistle: for emergencies Energy Bars/Comfort Food: 5-10 for long travel days—don’t buy ones with any kind of coating, it will melt! (Store in double-bagged Ziploc). Powdered energy drinks: Powdered Gatorade or something similar (double-bagged in Ziplocs) is a nice change from plain water and helps you cope with tropical heat and cover the taste of purified water. Adapter/voltage converter: for charging music player, camera batteries, etc. If you buy an adapter, make sure it is intended for the region, and has your country listed on the package label. (220v in Chile: voltage converter AND adapter) Spending money: Major expenses will be covered by SAGE (accommodations, transportation, etc.), but you will need spending money to purchase items (i.e. snacks, all over SJDS but you might want to exchange a bit money at the airport. If bringing your ATM card, be sure to alert your bank to the places you will be traveling to ensure that it will work.
Optional Playing cards/travel games/crossword book iPod/Phone: Great for flights and bus rides, but there will be times when using electronic devices will not be appropriate and will hinder your immersion. Don’t be afraid to unplug! Carabiner: to clip water bottles onto packs, belts, etc. Travel umbrella or rain poncho Rainy season is September 1 though November 5th at 5
[email protected] Page 4 of 5 970.482.3188
pm. At least thats what the locals say!
This list is not comprehensive but designed to help you with the packing process. Please add the items you require to travel safely and comfortably…but remember... Less is better…when in doubt, leave it out!
[email protected] Page 5 of 5 970.482.3188