As I sat atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the vast Kenyan Serengeti, I looked down to realize there were black tiny spots all over my jeans. A closer look revealed…pepper ticks. EEEEKK! Thank goodness for the duct-tape I had around my water bottle for emergencies. A little duct-tape over the jeans and good-bye pepper ticks!
In addition to clothes, shoes, and toiletries there’s a lot more that goes into packing for a developing country. Being prepared is key and will make for a more comfortable experience. Each country is different, but this is a general list of the EXTRAS in my bag for countries off the beaten path. (For my everyday travel essentials check out 10 Must-Have Travel Accessories and Carry-on Essentials)
*This page contains affiliate links to products I personally recommend. If you purchase from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
1. NECESSITIES
Travel/Medivac Insurance – Don’t mess around with this one. DO IT! In case you need to evacuate for any medical reason
Travel Vest or Travel Pouch to keep cash, passport and credit cards – if you use a bag make sure that it zips shut and stays close to your body, preferably in front. Travel vests with inside pockets are the best.
Adapter and Converter – you won’t get very far without charging your phone and batteries
TSA Luggage Lock– it’s always a good idea since stuff can get stolen even in airline custody
Medications and First Aid kit with at least 1-2 doses – you’ll thank me if you ever come down with the flu in the middle of the night in a foreign country
Travel Pro Tip: make a visit to your local travel doctor to see if any vaccines or additional preventative medicine is in order for the country you are visiting. ie. Malaria medicine for Africa, mosquito nets, etc.
Fruit pouches and protein bars – they hold up fairly well and come in handy when you need a pick me up
Take a photo and email yourself a copy of your passport. An extra passport photo can greatly expedite the process of replacing your lost or stolen passport in a foreign country
Visas – don’t forget to check the countries you are visiting for passport and visa requirements. Always have at least 6-12 months validity left on your passport before traveling.
Travel Pro Tip: In developing countries keep your passport on your person in an inside/undetectable pocket separate from cash and credit cards.
2. COMFORT
Extra Collapsible Duffle Bag. This one is my favorite.– I don’t know about you, but I like to shop! If you buy anything overseas use your second bag to bring it home.
Extra socks to throw away – there are numerous places you cannot wear shoes ie. Buddhist temple sites, Muslim temple sites etc.. An extra pair of socks will save you from going barefoot
Cooling Neck Tie– the BEST thing EVER if you are going to a hot climate
Duct Tape– you never know when you might need some duct tape! I usually wrap some around the bottom of a water or sunscreen bottle to save space
Travel Pro Tip: Always Weigh Your Bags before you go to the airport! Keep it under 50 lbs.
3. SAFETY
Drink only bottled water with a reputable name from a store, not street vendor
Eat only cooked food – if you are in a developing country and worried about getting sick eating only cooked food will help you avoid foreign stomach bugs
Stay in at night (in general everyone but especially females. It’s a good rule to live by in developing countries. There are so many stories and reasons but go with your gut instincts)
Rubber door stop – a lock on your door may not stop an intruder but a rubber door stop placed into your closed door will be more of a hindrance
No valuables – try not to carry any valuables. If you do, keep them on your person. Do not talk about money or how much your camera is worth etc…
4. TRAVEL SAVVY
Don’t give handouts to children, for soooooo many reasons. (My advice. Buy school supplies in the country you visit and give them to a specific school, or go to a school an ask what they are in need of)
Appropriate modest clothing and head scarf if needed. I love this shawl/towel/scarf version (in developing and Muslim countries I generally wear clothing that covers my shoulders to at least mid-arm and legs to the ankle. It’s courteous and you will be treated better)
Travel Pro Tip: Know local customs and taboos. Some countries require that you give and accept with a certain hand. In other countries it is extremely rude to point. Showing your shoulders is sometimes taboo. Know where you are going and please be courteous!
Travel Essentials for a Developing ountry by Shelley Coar https://wanderlustbound.com/how-to-pack-for-developing-countries/
How to pack for a developing country by Shelley Coar https://wanderlustbound.com/how-to-pack-for-developing-countries/
How to pack for a developing country by Shelley Coar https://wanderlustbound.com/how-to-pack-for-developing-countries/
*This page contains affiliate links to products I recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
