Any new volunteer for the Peace Corps (PC) is going to have to decide what to bring with them for the next two years of their life without first hand knowledge of what they will need. Therefore you begin as you always do - with research. For me, that meant reading blog posts, articles, and packing lists related to the country I was going to. At the time, that country was The Gambia in Western Africa.
What you are allowed to bring with you are two suitcases no more than 50 lbs each, one carry one, and one personal item. That is not much at all when it comes to planning for the next two years.
One piece of advice that I got from a returned volunteer was "The things your worrying about - don't worry about. People have been living there for ages and your going to have the stuff you need to live. What you need more than anything is the ability to learn, especially the language. You won't believe what a difference learning the language and just being able to talk to people makes."
So my philosophy on packing was "What will make my life more comfortable and easier so I can focus on the job?"
The other thing about why I packed what I did was that it was based on The Gambia, which had a three page packing list and the advice was that items you could get in country would be limited. Items like menstrual products, face creams, and other personal care products would be hard to get and expensive. So even though that does not sound like it will be the case in Vanuatu where the advice is "don't worry about it, you can get it here" I am still bringing it all with me. I have it already purchased and packed, might as well.
With that in mind, this is what I brought with me:
Luggage One, wieght 44.6
Fitted sheets
Caribbean Clips
blow dryer - I like it, I want it, and it's handy for crafts as well as hair
flash light
duct tape
hygiene items: deodorant, lotion, facial cleanser, toothpaste, bamboo toothbrush set, cotton swabs, medicated sweat powder (baby powder)
clothes - extras that I won't need in the first three months
Garden gloves
various shopping bags
favorite seasonings
extra bit of line rope I had on hand
protein powder
clothes, sneakers, professional shoes, water shoes
knitted lace doilie, table top, decorative piece thing I made - for a gift to my host family
yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, unfinished projects
leatherman
batteries
compressed towelettes*
*when packing for The Gambia, I came across a lot of literature about the left hand method still being the common method to clean yourself after using the bathroom. Therefore, I decided to bring with me these compressed towelettes that open up in water. They are biodegradable and I will have my own supply of TP in case I couldn't get some locally.
Luggage Two - weight 37.9 lbs
Pre-packed day pack
hammock and clothes - in vacuum bags.
more fave seasoning
loofahs
nylon rope
duct tape
head lamp
blow up globes - I read several times that in The Gambia people get a kick out of maps and globes. So I got a set of six blow up globes for gifts
mouth grind guards - I grind my teeth like crazy
dominoes
one-wrap garden ties
fly swatters
small desk fan
nail care
Solar powered lamps
my favorite kitchen knife - the small one
intuition razor heads
vegetable seeds
various electrical doo-dads - cords, adapters, plugs
The carry-on and personal item are packed to see me through the first three months. The two checked luggage will not go with me to the training village. Also, the checked items may get lost.
Carry-on - weight 20.1 lbs
Pillow - vacuum sealed. Hang on, hang on, before you lose your marbles let me explain. I cannot sleep without a good pillow. I am 39 yrs old, I know myself, and a flat pillow folded over, or my clothes made into a pillow, simply will not do the job.
Important docs in a fire/water proof travel pouch
clothes and towel - vacuum sealed
vacuum pump for vacuum bags
Personal Item - weight
MyCharge Adventure and Adventure Ultra
menstrual products
ankle supports
make-up
universal plug
travel clock
playing cards
hair items
solar lamp, luci
sun visor
travel size hygiene items
tiny speaker
ili
Plus I will be carrying my laptop in a neoprene case with shoulder strap.
Pre-packed day pack
I can't take a 3 month supply of shampoo, conditioner, etc in the carry-on as it will be greater than 3 oz. So I pre-packed my day pack with those items and stowed it in the checked baggage. That way I just need to grab it and go when I get to Vanuatu and head for the training village
Shampoo + Conditioner
travel mirror
razor and extra razor heads
hand and face lotion
deodorant
nail care
Hopefully this list helps other people who are planning their great Peace Corps adventure. Or at the very least was an interesting read. Cheers!!
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