Namibia Missions Trip

If you haven't started thinking about packing yet, then you probably should. Your first order of business should be to check out the packing list which was posted earlier, but just a list doesn't answer all your questions. In general, the best packing tip I could give you is this - if you have to think about it, leave it at home. But with under a week to go here's a list of other packing tips which I hope you'll find helpful as you consider what to throw in the bag and what to leave behind.

• Each passenger is only allowed two pieces of checked luggage, no more than 50 pounds each. That is a strict limit, so get out the scale and weigh your bags. But that doesn't mean it has to be 50 pounds. You'll be the one carrying it so do yourself a favor and pack light.
• Each passenger is also allowed a carry-on and a personal item. Your carry-on is typically back-pack sized, enough to fit a change of clothes and a few essentials. Your personal item is typically something like a small purse, laptop bag, or guitar.
• Lost luggage is a common affair. That is why it’s always safe to bring an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag. Also, if you’re traveling with someone else, you might consider putting a set of your clothes in each others bag in hopes that at least one of them will make it. If your bag doesn’t arrive with us, it will usually show up within the next few days.
• Laundry facilities will be available, so pack less and wash more. Also remember it’s OK to wear clothes more than once without washing them…in fact, get used to it.
•  If you are having trouble with space, try sealing your clothes in large Ziploc bags. You can suck out the air and save some space, though you might have to deal with more wrinkles when you take them out on the other side.

• If you are worried about having space for souvenirs on the ride home, take clothes and other items you plan to leave behind. Even things like sleeping bags and air mattresses can be left for our ministry partners.
• If you are bringing items to be donated to our partner ministries it is a good idea to split them up amongst your bags. Imagine what customs officials would think if a grown adult had a suitcase full of baby clothes or hundreds of bottles of pills.
• Speaking of pills, make sure all medications are packaged in their original bottle. All prescription medications should be in the bottle with the pharmaceutical label on it.
• Notice you should bring two sets of prescription medications. Most pharmacies will only fill one month’s prescription at a time unless you explain your special circumstances. Include one set in your carry-on bag so if your checked bag gets lost you’ll still have your meds.
• Make sure you bring a good, warm sleeping bag. Between being in the desert and travelling during their winter months, temperatures do drop quite a bit at night. So if you’re struggling for space, don’t skimp on the sleeping bag.