Packing list for The Gambia
From Peace Corps Wiki
(Difference between revisions)
m (added Packing lists by country template) |
|||
| (One intermediate revision not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| + | {{Packing lists by country}} | ||
| + | |||
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in [[The Gambia]] and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. | This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in [[The Gambia]] and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. | ||
| - | ==For Women== | + | ==For Women== |
* Several good bras, including sports bras (quick-drying, cotton material is best, and dark colors are easier to keep clean-looking) | * Several good bras, including sports bras (quick-drying, cotton material is best, and dark colors are easier to keep clean-looking) | ||
| Line 10: | Line 12: | ||
* Capri pants | * Capri pants | ||
| - | ==Shoes== | + | ==Shoes== |
* Durable shoes for work | * Durable shoes for work | ||
| Line 16: | Line 18: | ||
* All-purpose shoes for walking, hiking, and biking | * All-purpose shoes for walking, hiking, and biking | ||
| - | ==Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items== | + | ==Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items== |
* A three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take, to last you until the post can order refills | * A three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take, to last you until the post can order refills | ||
| Line 29: | Line 31: | ||
* Sheets | * Sheets | ||
| - | ==Kitchen== | + | ==Kitchen== |
* Packaged mixes, e.g., sauces, salad dressings, soups, soft drinks (some of these are available at local supermarkets) | * Packaged mixes, e.g., sauces, salad dressings, soups, soft drinks (some of these are available at local supermarkets) | ||
| Line 38: | Line 40: | ||
* Small plastic food containers | * Small plastic food containers | ||
| - | ==Miscellaneous== | + | ==Miscellaneous== |
* Shortwave radio for listening to BBC, VOA, and other news stations | * Shortwave radio for listening to BBC, VOA, and other news stations | ||
| Line 46: | Line 48: | ||
* Biking gear such as padded shorts, gloves, toe clips, water bottle, and cage (helmets and repair tools are provided by the Peace Corps) | * Biking gear such as padded shorts, gloves, toe clips, water bottle, and cage (helmets and repair tools are provided by the Peace Corps) | ||
* Small or medium-size daypack without frame | * Small or medium-size daypack without frame | ||
| - | * Camera (35 mm compacts are best for travel) | + | * Camera (35 mm compacts are best for travel) |
* Film and extra batteries (although these are available in The Gambia, they are expensive and are not always of the best quality) | * Film and extra batteries (although these are available in The Gambia, they are expensive and are not always of the best quality) | ||
* Pictures of your home, family, and friends | * Pictures of your home, family, and friends | ||
Latest revision as of 05:35, 13 March 2009
| Packing List for The Gambia | ||
 | These lists has been compiled by Volunteers serving in The Gambia based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! |  See also: For information see Welcomebooks |
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in The Gambia and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage.
Contents |
[edit] For Women
- Several good bras, including sports bras (quick-drying, cotton material is best, and dark colors are easier to keep clean-looking)
- Plenty of sturdy cotton underwear (again, dark colors are recommended)
- A variety of casual and dressier dresses—long, loose, and lightweight (rayon and cotton are best)
- Capri pants
[edit] Shoes
- Durable shoes for work
- Sturdy sandals (Teva, Birkenstock, and Chaco brands are recommended by Volunteers)
- All-purpose shoes for walking, hiking, and biking
[edit] Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
- A three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take, to last you until the post can order refills
- Good scissors
- Skin lotion
- Two pairs of eyeglasses, if you wear them; also consider bringing a repair kit
- Lip balm (provided in the Peace Corps medical kit, but you may prefer your own brand)
- A small initial supply of tampons or pads, if you require a particular brand (a limited variety is available in The Gambia)
- Any favorite brands of shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste, deodorant, etc., which may not be available locally
- Makeup (the quality of local items is okay, but if you are picky, pack your own)
- Towels (good-quality ones are not available in-country)
- Sheets
[edit] Kitchen
- Packaged mixes, e.g., sauces, salad dressings, soups, soft drinks (some of these are available at local supermarkets)
- Good can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Plastic freezer bags
- Small plastic food containers
[edit] Miscellaneous
- Shortwave radio for listening to BBC, VOA, and other news stations
- Inexpensive, durable, water-resistant watch with extra batteries
- Swiss army knife or Leatherman tool
- Reliable alarm clock and extra batteries
- Biking gear such as padded shorts, gloves, toe clips, water bottle, and cage (helmets and repair tools are provided by the Peace Corps)
- Small or medium-size daypack without frame
- Camera (35 mm compacts are best for travel)
- Film and extra batteries (although these are available in The Gambia, they are expensive and are not always of the best quality)
- Pictures of your home, family, and friends
- Magazines and catalogs with pictures of clothing you might want to have copied by tailors in The Gambia
- World maps and travel guides
- A supply of good pens (also available in-country)
- Journals or diaries
- Tape, CD, or MP3 player and music (do not skimp, as you will be listening to whatever you bring for the next two years, and Volunteers usually are open to swapping), along with small speakers
- Plastic sturdy water bottles for travel (e.g., Nalgene)
- U.S. stamps (you can often have letters mailed in the United States by people traveling home)
- Games (e.g., Scrabble, chess, Frisbee, hacky sack)
- Art supplies
- Softball glove (Peace Corps/Senegal has an annual tournament with other West African countries)
- Combination padlocks (good-quality key locks are available in-country, but padlocks are more useful)
- Duct tape (a Volunteer “must-have”)
- Good flashlight or headlamp
- Phone card for international calls