Luggage

Keep your luggage as light and compact as possible - you will be responsible for carrying it! Normal airline regulations apply, typically limiting the suitcase to 50 pounds. Due to our boat ride to Livingston, we are limited to two pieces of luggage each. You should bring:

• One sturdy suitcase, typically with wheels to make it easy in the airports. Please bring one that is large enough to have some empty space at the beginning, because you will likely want to bring back some souvenirs. For convenience, we always mark our suitcases to make them easy to identify in the sea of similar luggage at the airport. A couple pieces of colorful duct tape work very well!
• One sturdy backpack that you can carry-on the flight and use to go to the worksite or on excursions. It is very important that the backpack is large enough to contain your camera, sunscreen, medicines and everything else that you will want to carry on a daily basis, and that it can be zipped closed so that nothing gets lost.

Expect to wash clothing every few days at a nearby laundry service. Usually they will offer same-day service, but we need to be prepared for a two-day turnaround if they lack adequate dryers.

Each piece of luggage should have identification tags secured to the outside and someplace on the inside. Below is a sample of the suggested tag format. Check back here nearer to departure for a complete version with all address information and phone numbers included.

Safe Traveling

A few simple precautions will help keep you and your possessions secure while traveling.

• Keep a hand on your backpack with ALL of your things zipped inside.
• Before entering the security checkpoint, put everything from your pockets into your backpack, and keep your passport and airline ticket in your hand. Don't let your things enter the machine until you can walk directly through the scanner to receive them as they emerge.
• Keep the receipts for your checked luggage that are pasted on the airline ticket jacket.
• Keep your passport, extra cash, and credit card(s) in a money belt or neck pouch worn under your clothing. (We know, ladies think this makes them look fat. But, it's still a very wise precaution!)
• Whenever possible, move about with a group.
• Wear your Habitat for Humanity Global Village tee-shirt for the flight into Guatemala to help our hosts identify us upon arrival.

Special note for women

The dress standards in Guatemala tend to be rather conservative, and it is prudent to choose knee-length or longer skirts and either pants or capris rather than shorts. Loose fitting clothes will be more comfortable in this warm climate. In Livingston we will find a much more relaxed resort-like style, and women may wear tasteful sleeveless tops as long as they are not too tight. Remember that on a construction site you will be bending, lifting, reaching and twisting, so please choose clothing that keeps you covered while doing such gymnastics.

Packing List

Below is an idea of what you will need to bring based on past experience. Check back here nearer to departure for a list tailored to the climate and needs of our assigned destination.  

Credentials and Cash

• Passport, drivers license, and health insurance card
• One extra copy of your passport, identification, and emergency contact information
• Neck or stomach pouch to carry credentials, cash, credit cards, etc.
• Cash. Travelers checks can be used, but the easiest way to obtain cash is via an ATM.

Tools

• Leather or rubber-palm work gloves
• Back support for lifting
• Water bottle marked with your name
• Safety glasses
• 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.)

• 3 sets of daily work clothes. 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. Each set should include:

• long pant or capris
• tee-shirt
• socks
• work shoes (light weight leather or heavy tennis shoes)
• sweat bands (elastic, cotton scarves or handkerchiefs, etc.)

• 4 days of travel/r&r clothes, one set of which should be appropriate for church service, such as:

• knee length shorts or skirts, capris, or lightweight pants
• sport shirts, casual tops, tee-shirts
• sandals and/or tennis shoes

• 5 sets of underwear
• 1 light weight long sleeve shirt for cool mornings and “buggy” evenings
• 1 light weight rain jacket or poncho
• Flip-flops for showers
• Hat, preferably one that covers your neck and ears
• If you burn easily, bring 2 extra long sleeve shirts for UV protection
• Swimsuit

Toiletries

• Travel size baby wipes or hand wipes or hand sanitizer
• Individual size kleenex or tissue package(s)
• Prescription medications
• Imodium AD and CIPRO
• First aid supplies as desired to complement the team first aid kit
• BENGAY or similar for sore muscles
• Insect repellent with approximately 20% to 25% Deet.
• Sunscreen
• Bath soap and shampoo in travel shower bag
• Nail clippers (Checked luggage, not carry-on)
• Dental floss, tooth brush and tooth paste
• Personal cosmetics & toiletries
• Face cloth and bath/swim towel (not a big beach towel)
• Soap if planning to wash delicates in room
• Items for contact lenses
• Travel alarm clock

Miscellaneous

• Personal snacks – in zip lock bags
• Sunglasses
• Camera, film and batteries. For digital cameras that use Compact Flash, bring a cable to connect to the computer for downloading images.
• Journal, pens and pencils
• Books
• Small flashlight and batteries
• Family photos to show new friends
• Extra zip lock bags - everything will get dusty, even inside suitcases
• Electric converter
• Morning devotion resources
• Spanish/English dictionary or phrase book