Packing with Purpose: Packing tips for your Youthlinc Trip

By: Ryann Anderson

Packing for your first Youthlinc trip can be daunting. The unknown can make it hard to determine what to pack. In your team manual, there will be a packing list that is a great resource, but I personally have been on 4 service trips with Youthlinc and have learned a few tips and tricks for packing through experience. 

1. Pack at least a couple of outfits and your essentials in your carry-on. 

On my first humanitarian trip to Kenya, my luggage was lost for 8 days! Not only did I not have enough clothes, but we also had to bring our own bedding and towels for this specific location. That first night, I learned how cold it gets in Kenya and got absolutely no sleep. Since then, I have packed all my clothes, toiletries, and personal items into my carry-on. As for my checked bag, I only put committee supplies and food. While I'm not saying one needs to pack everything in their carry-on, this does keep me from overpacking, losing my stuff, and allows me to bring lots of team supplies.   

2. Buy clothes for your trip from the thrift store.

When figuring out what clothes to pack for your trip, I highly recommend getting them from the thrift store, since you risk ruining them. The clothes you wear will become covered in dirt, cement, sweat, and paint that will never come out. Additionally, you need clothes that you can do construction work in, are appropriate, and work for the climate of your location. Scrub pants work well in hot, humid locations and are easy at any thrift store!

3. Have a small bag for important items.

Once a team leader told me that “as long as you are breathing and have your passport we can solve any problem”. It is critical that you have a designated spot for your passport, and always put your passport back in the same spot. I like to keep all important items in a fanny pack so that way they are on my person at all times and easy to access during travel. 

Each trip has taught me something new, and no two packing lists have ever looked exactly the same. However, I have learned what my essentials are and have decided to share them in a amazon list to help you feel prepared for your service trip. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/317VA4VADPOUI?ref_=wl_share