MISSIONS

• PACKING INFORMATION

LUGGAGE

Depending upon the nature of the mission trip, we may encourage you to use just a carry- on and a personal item (purse, laptop bag, or backpack) because:

  • It keeps essentials (passport, meds, change of clothes, important documents) accessible, 

  • Reduces dependency on checked luggage that might get lost, and 

  • Minimizes bulk for easier travel.

A backpack is often the best choice for a personal (carry-on) bag. 

If a checked bag is necessary, we recommend that you try to use a light, easy-to-roll suitcase. 

We highly recommend to pack essentials in your carry-on such as: documents (passport, copies, cash), crucial medications, toiletries, electronics/chargers, a change of clothes, and comfort items (snacks, water bottle, entertainment). This keeps important items like prescriptions and valuables with you in case checked bags are delayed.

Luggage allowances are typically limited by three standards: weight, dimensions, and bag type. Some airlines differ in what they allow you to carry onto the plane, so it is always best to check with the specific airline you are flying with. Verify size/weight restrictions and fees for carry-on and checked luggage. Everyone will be responsible for carrying his or her own luggage. 

NOTE: We may ask you to also carry a checked bag containing items/supplies for the ministry you will be visiting.

LIQUIDS, AEROSOLS, GELS

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

Pack items that are in containers LARGER than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.

PACKING LIST

Please note that the clothing, footwear & bedding are an idea of what we usually need to bring. Please do not purchase anything until your trip leader gives you a detailed packing list for your country.

CLOTHING: 

  • “Modest dress code” is the standard for FLC no matter the country. The following dress code applies to most foreign mission trips:

    • No short-shorts – knee length shorts are acceptable

    • No low-cut shirts

    • For church services, nice shirt/pants/jeans or skirt/blouse is OK. Over the shoulder dresses, spaghetti straps will need either a cover or a shirt underneath, dress length to the chin or ankles. 

    • Comfortable clothes for outreaches, games with kids, etc.

    • Consider wearing clothes more than once

    • CAUTION – do not wear expensive jewelry

    • Consult your team leader for more details

  • Shirts (breathable, short & long sleeve)

  • Pants/Jeans 

  • Shorts/Capris – knee length

  • Undergarments 

  • Pajamas/Sleepwear

  • Socks & Compression socks for travel (optional)

  • Light jacket/Sweatshirt 

  • Hat or cap (collapsible ones work great for packing purposes)

FOOTWEAR:

  • Comfortable sturdy walking shoes (tennis shoes),

  • Sandals/flip flops/slippers

  • Shower sandals

WORK CLOTHING & GEAR (if necessary)

  • Work clothes: old shirts & pants

  • Work shoes

  • Work gloves

  • Sunscreen 

  • Work hat

  • Rain jacket/Poncho

  • Refillable water bottle

TOILETRIES 

  • Shampoo/conditioner 

  • Soap

  • Hairbrush

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste

  • Contact solution & case

  • Feminine products

  • Lotions/creams

  • Hair accessories 

  • loofah

  • Deodorant 

  • Body spray

  • Air freshener 

BEDDING/LINENS: (pending on the trip, will be confirmed at Interest meeting.)

  • Twin Sheet.

  • Blanket.

  • Small pillow

  • Towels

  • Washcloth or Loofah

HEALTH RELATED ITEMS

  • Medicines: pain reliever/diarrhea/motion sickness, etc.

  • Prescriptions

  • Band-aids & first-aid ointment

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Baby wipes

  • Small hand sanitizer

TSA MEDICATION REGULATIONS

One of the more popular questions travelers ask is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.

  • It is not necessary to present your medication to or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).

  • Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags more than 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.

  • You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.

  • You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

  • TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.

  • Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

OTHER ESSENTIALS:

  • Passport 

  • Phone (arrange with your phone carrier out of country service)

  • Phone charger/power bank

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Small flashlight

  • Glasses

  • Sunglasses

  • Bug spray

  • Personal snacks

  • Ear pugs (early am noise animals, or fireworks)

TRAVEL ADAPTER/CONVERTER:

Check if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for the outlets used in the country you are traveling to. See the website below to find information about the power plugs and sockets, electricity, and voltage used in every country of the world. 

https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

Before making a purchase, you may be able to borrow one from someone who has traveled to your country. 

SPIRITUAL RESOURCES:

  • Bible

  • Notebook

  • Pencil/Pen

  • Headphones

  • Journal 

SPENDING MONEY:
Everyone will need money for food, snacks, etc. while traveling. This includes traveling to and from airports, inside airports, and while souvenir shopping. Your team leader will give you an approximate amount of money needed for souvenirs. Of course, the amount depends upon how many people you are buying for. 

OFFERINGS:
You will have the opportunity when in country at a church service to give an offering if you want.  

Typically, the group will exchange money (at some point during the trip) in the country you are visiting. HOWEVER, check with your local bank prior to your trip. Some banks can exchange money for a few foreign countries. Call ahead because it can take 1-3 days. Usually, the bank requires you to have an account with them.

Keep in mind, some businesses in countries accept credit cards.

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