My Peace Corps Vanuatu Packing List

Congratulations on being accepted into the Peace Corps!

Here's a packing list for serving 27 months in Vanuatu.

As I mentioned before, what you pack and how you pack varies from person to person.

I think it's helpful to know what kind of person I am, and how you may adapt my list to your needs.

• I am a woman (hear me roar), so some clothing and other items won't apply to males. 
• I love to travel (but don't all PCVs?), and I plan on making a few backpacker trips during my time here. 
• I love crafts and cooking and baking and making things. These contribute to some of my "happy items" portion of my packing list. 
• I am a bit of a hippie when it comes to making homemade body products and salves, as well as avoiding plastic, or repurposing old stuff instead of buying new things. 
• I hate buying new stuff, especially if I have something that works "just fine." Before departing the USA, I asked around to get things from friends or just dealt with what I had. I spent only $300 (which is still a lot) on "stuff for PC" that was essential, like dry bags or solar batteries or converters etc. I didn't buy new backpacks and luggage and things because hey...it's a volunteer position. I am just trying to be cheap and practical. That being said, however, you do get a "move-in" allowance when you're sworn in of about $400 to purchase new items for your site, like pots and pans and whatnot. 
• My site is near Port Vila (category 2), so I find myself in town (to stock up on supplies or dress up and go out or to just eat a big juicy cheeseburger with a chocolate milkshake on the side) more than other PCVs do. 
• Being near Port Vila, aka near Efate, at sea level, my the climate is different from the northern or southern islands or the middle bush, obviously.
• My greatest hobby is video editing, so a killer computer and good camera was essential to me. 
• I never have owned a smart phone. So some of my tech, to you, may be unnecessary or overlap with what’s provided on a typical smart phone.
• All the tech is either USB chargeable, can be charged by the Voltaic, OR runs on AA or AAA batteries (because I have a USB charger for rechargeable AA and AAA batteries).
• In general, I am a more practical person over frivolous. But I do love frivolity once in a while. Frivolous things make service, and life in general, more fun. :) 

Don't overpack! Everyone will tell you that, of course. But please take a look at the things that PC provides you in country, as well as what is in the medical kit you get.  Also look at what is on my "purchase for site" and "groceries for site" (aka, the "don't bring peanut butter because it's plentiful here") list that I recommend for after you've sworn-in. It gives you an idea of what is available in country (solars are cheap here and have a huge variety...don't waste precious bag space bringing your own). Also, know that once in Vila after the first 3 months of training, you can buy all the clothes you want from a secondhand store (most of which fall in the 300-800vt price range). Plus, you will acquire island dresses/shirts from host families and friends.

Scroll to the bottom of this list to see a list of some things that family/friends have sent me from back home, that I either forgot to pack or are a great addition to what I already have. And be sure to check out the care package FAQs list to get an idea of what a PCV wants/loves to get in a care package!

Packing List for Peace Corps Vanuatu

Happy things

• Books
• I brought books that I plan on ditching here in Vanuatu. It's nice to have some reference books, like an aromatherapy guide or my Point It Book that is an international dictionary (that I never travel without). My brother also gifted me How To Stay Alive In The Woods that has provided me such useful information as gnawing on raw fish flesh if I ever run out of water while in the middle of the ocean. I also love the book 30-Second Twentieth Century which gives 30-second brief synopses of major 20th century events/developments like the Cold War or the internet.
• I also brought a small stack of sci-fi books from Poe, Lovecraft and Bradbury. 
• If you have a Kindle, you'll find that here in the office, there's a ton of digital books you can grab/share.
• Notebook
• For jotting random stuff down. This is easy to find in-country.
• Notebook with addresses/phone numbers of loved ones
• You may have this on a smart phone. That smart phone may break or you may not be able to charge it during training. I don't have a smart phone, so I have a hard copy so I could start writing letters right away in training.
• Notes/letters from loved ones
• My family/friends wrote me letters to read on the plane out to Vanuatu. Let's just say...tears.
• Stationery
• I love to write letters, send birthday cards, etc. I brought some supplies from home so I could do the same from abroad. This is easy to find in-country, but it will be more business-y than cutesy.
• Stickers
• You can find stickers in Vila, but they aren't plentiful. You can get a $1 pack of stickers at Target and it's probably better than most stuff you'd find here. Just bring a stack of them. I also happened to have some glittery stickers with my name on them that I've found quite useful to label my hard drives and Voltaic, since all the other volunteers have identical ones. 
• Photos of family and friends from back home
• The best practice is to have them in a plastic sleeve or laminated so they don’t get worn. I like to keep a picture of my immediate family on me at all times, because everyone asks about my siblings and parents. It’s nice to be able to immediately show them a photo. The rest of the pictures are for hanging in your house at site.
• Wall calendar
• Get one with pictures of your hometown, so everyone can see what America really looks like!
• Dream journal
• I keep a dream journal. My one true regret was not bringing this in my luggage during training. If you have one, BRING IT DURING TRAINING. You will have the weirdest dreams, especially when you start taking your malaria medications. Trust me on this.
• Wall Thermometer
• A family friend served in the Peace Corps in Cameroon. She said it was always so hot, but she and her fellow PCVs always wondered "how hot is it?" She told a story of how one morning she woke up to a cold, rainy day. She threw on a sweatshirt and made herself some tea. She cozied up on a chair, telling herself how she had to prepare for the bitter cold of Chicago. Then she looked at her thermometer. It was 80*F. 
• You can probably find a wall thermometer in Vila/Luganville. This is also totally not necessary, but interesting to look at.
• Markers
• Just for general crafting. These are totally available/affordable here in Vila or Luganville, so you can always opt for getting them if/when you need them.
•  Candles
• I brought with me a couple of favorite candles so I have the occasional luxury of closing my eyes and having the familiar smell of my Chicago apartment. Some volunteers brought devotional candles because they really can't burn a place down. This is also a great care package item to request, albeit a heavy one.
• Shea butter
• I make stuff like homemade deodorant/salves/creams. This is one of the main ingredients.
• Teddy bear
• Several volunteers have brought their little teddy from home. It’s a nice little memory.
• Mini clothespins and string for photos
• I brought photos, and I wanted a way to display them. Enter: mini clothespins and a string. You can (surprisingly) find this in Vila, too.
• Yoga Mat
• Definitely available in Port Vila for an affordable (under $15) price at Au Bon.  I don’t do yoga, but I do stretch/do basic exercises on occasion and it’s nice to have a soft surface.
• Hot sauce
• You can easily find this in Vila. However, during training you won’t yet have that luxury. Bring it so you can introduce your training family to the spice of life.
• Tea
• You definitely find tea in Vila and Luganville. But your fancy chai tea or green tea/spearmint or acai berry combo won’t be available or it will be pricey. Bring your favorites from home.
• Two or three snacks from home to last you through training
• I bought this in LA during staging, as you will have a little bit of time to run around and shop. For me, the snacks were cheese cracker sandwiches and chocolate-covered blueberries. It’s nice to portion out over the 10 weeks of training, and to barter with your fellow trainees.
• Deck of playing cards 
• People here play a game called 7 Lock, similar to Uno/Crazy 8's. Use your cards to teach them American card games in exchange for them teaching you how to play their favorites. Make it fun...bring one with your home city and give it as a gift at the end of your service! You can get standard playing cards in-country.
• American-print quilting fabric from home
• While gifts are by no means necessary, some volunteers may want to bring something for either their host family during training or their host family at site. People here make dresses and shirts out of basic woven quilting fabric in bright patterns. Bring at least 3 yards if you’d like to get an island dress made for your host mama.

Tech

My basic tech advice is this: get things that all run on either the same battery (AA or AAA) and/or are USB rechargeable. My camera, for example, runs on a unique Canon battery, so I was sure to get a USB-charging device for that battery. It is the most universal and easiest to charge. Also, TEST YOUR TECH. Be sure all the cables work with all your gear, and that batteries fully charge. 

• Voltaic battery and its cords/plugs
• This gives 1 full charge to my laptop, or it charges other miscellaneous tech a few times over. I did not buy a solar panel for this because I bought that in-country. They are cheap/easy to find. Also, be sure your laptop can charge with the universal chargers provided before heading off! If not, get special adapter cords from Amazon for your gear. 
• ASUS F556U laptop and charging cable
• I edit video, and this laptop is what I had for that. It is amazing. It's not rugged nor does it have an extensively long battery power, but it it is what I had and I wasn't going to buy anything new.  I brought my laptop with me to training, along with the Voltaic, because I blog and write a lot on my laptop, so for me, it was essential. Plenty of other volunteers did not bring theirs, BUT some of their laptops got damaged in storage. In my opinion, bring anything with you that you want to be under your watch.
• Neoprene laptop case 
• Tip: Toss a silica packet in there just to keep things dry.
• Keyboard “condom” aka dust cover
• As I mentioned above, my laptop isn't the most rugged. There is so much dust at site, I find my finger coated in grime with a single swipe on the screen. This keyboard cover will hopefully make my laptop last. 
• Laptop lock
• I have not used this yet, but I like to know that I have it if I ever DO want to use it. 
• Windows Surface tablet , magnetic keyboard cover, and adapter cable to plug into Voltaic
• I had this on hand, as well, and I don't mind if it dies here. I rarely use it, but it is my go-to travel computer when I go on trips. 
• 8gb iPod mini and charging cables
• Thanks to my cousin who gave her old iPod to me before my travels. I never owned a music player prior to this. In a land without radio (my usual 20th century source of tunes), this is amazing to have. 
• Over ear headphones and earbud headphones
• Over ear are so much better...but earbuds fit in my purse. You can find cheap versions (under $10) of both in-country. 
• Canon S120 camera and neoprene case, 5 replacement batteries and extra SD cards
• I keep all these batteries/SD cards in the case, along with a silica packet. This is the camera I'd had on hand for three years already, and I use it for capturing video as well. 
• Camera battery charger (via USB)
• Gorillapod Tripod
• The one and only.
• SD card to USB plug
• My laptop has an SD card reader (from my camera) but if I want to put things on my tablet, this is great. 
• Waterproof headlamp that charges with USB
• Mine was not waterproof, and after one trip to the cave, it got all wonky and wouldn't shut off when I pressed the buttons. Lots of sun-drying and silica packets later, it's back to normal. Just get a waterproof one. You'll use it around the house and walking at night, and make sure it charges with USB because you'll be able to re-charge it easily. Hell, if you want a clutch host family gift, give them one of these, they do NOT have them here and they are infinitely useful. 
• Hand crank flashlight/radio
• I had a hand crank flashlight radio that I bought ages ago, so I brought it with me. Radio signals are almost impossible to get at my site, and I rarely use this since my head lamp is the brightest/best that I have. 
• Hanging flashlight with AA batteries or USB (Similar)
• Again, I just use my headlamp all the time. I have too many flashlights. Also, PC gives you a nice solar light.
• Mini superbright LED flashlight
• This is always in my toiletry kit. But again, the headlamp is all I use/need. 
• USB thumb drives (I have 4-8 of them, in various sizes, but 8GB+ is best)
• Two external 1TB drives
• I would go for two 2TB+ drives, if I could go back in time. You can get hard drives here, but they are not affordable compared to the stuff you can find on Amazon. One drive I had my photos/video on, along with a handful of movies. The other drive I relegated to backup duty for all my files and media. I like that in case of an emergency, I have all those photos saved somewhere. Later on, my brother sent me another 1TB drive with some movies on it so I now have a photo/video/movie drive and a TV show drive and a backup media drive. 
• Australian converters
• These are super cheap/easy to find in town, but you won’t be in town until after the first 3 months. Bring at least one with you. 
• Converter plug set
• If you plan on traveling outside of Vanuatu, you'll probably want these travel converters. You can find these here, of course, but tourists are always charged the worst rates for stuff like this.
• 3-plug divider
• So you can be that person everyone loves at the airport.
• 8 rechargeable AA batteries and 4 rechargeable AAA batteries
• AA and AAA battery charger with USB
• HDMI to HDMI cable
• Not necessary and totally available in town, but I like it for those hotel movie nights when you’re in Vila)
• Micro USB charging cable
• I have so many of these, and I most of my tech shares the same cord, which is nice. 

Hardware/Miscellaneous

• Personal passport
• You'll get your PC passport in staging. Bring your personal one, too. 
• Extra passport photos
• I always carry extras while I travel. If I ever need to apply for a visa to visit a country for vacation, I have these ready. Again, something you can totally get in Vila or Luganville, if you need to. 
• Photocopies of passport, credit cards, driver’s license, etc.
• I always carry these extras in a safe place in case one of the items gets lost. 
• Small analog clock for desk
• A little touch of home. You can find something like this here in-country.
• Pencil case with goodies
• These are all things you can get in-country, but they were small enough to pack, so why not? I brought a couple highlighters, my favorite black pens, 10 Sharpies in various colors including silver and black, colored pens, silver paint pens, white out tape, china marker. Paint pens and china markers are difficult to find, but you can find all of your essentials at various stores in Port Vila or Luganville.
• Mini stapler and staples
• I brought one because several packing lists recommended it. Honestly, I have yet to use it. Take it or leave it.
• Post its
• Again, I packed this because others recommended it since it was "hard to come by." It's not. I see post its everywhere. If you don't use them a lot, don't bother packing them.
• Snorkel kit with mask, snorkel, flippers, de-fogging spray and a mesh bag
• My friend Alye gifted me hers, secondhand, for my PC service. She's awesome. A ton of people recommend packing this for training...I didn't pack mine and was able to borrow others'. G30 is training on Pele which has killer snorkeling opportunities. If you have the space, take it with you for training. You can also get a snorkel/fins/etc here in-country, but the nice ones you'd get in the USA will be much more expensive here. You can also get cheapo ones for around $15. 
• Hammock and straps (seriously...don't forget the straps!!!)
• YOU WILL NEED THIS. You will use it as an extra chair. You will use it as a place to sleep while everywhere else in your house is hot. You will take it with you to friends' houses as your "sleeping bag." You will use it. Get it. Thanks to my mom and dad for getting me mine. I haven't seen these in-country, and if they did have them here, they'd most likely be heavier woven ones (as opposed to the nylon parachute ones that are far superior, in my opinion). 
• Large padlock, travel pillowcase and sleep sheet
• I travel a lot. I always pack these while backpacking/hostelling. You can get little key locks from the PC safety and security office for your home, too. 
• I use my sleep sheet as a bedsheet. It's essentially a sleeping bag liner, but I like how it packs into a tube that takes as much space as a tall boy can. 
• 6 cheap carabiner clips
• These are infinitely useful around the house and for clipping stuff to your backpack. Don't spend a lot on them...just buy a handful at the dollar store. You can find this in-country.
• Bungee cords
• Just a couple. Again, something that's multi-purpose and infinitely useful. These are available in-country.
• Hydaway portable water bottle
• This is my water bottle of choice. I like how I can fold it flat and clip it on my bag. Others prefer larger bottles. Water is so easily available that refilling it is no big deal. Other volunteers prefer metal ones or classic Nalgenes. You do you. You may also want to bring a water bottle brush because any bottle can get scummy. 
• You can find a variety of water bottles here in-country.
• Mini Swiss Army knife
• Always on me. Always useful.
• Leatherman multi tool
• You can borrow tools like hammers and saws from people in your village. However, it's nice to have a basic pliers and screwdriver on hand in the form of a multi-tool. 
• 1 roll duct tape
• You can get duct tape in town. It's nice to have a bit of a starter roll with you. Lots of volunteers wrap this around their Nalgene bottle for safe-keeping. 
• Can opener 
• You can get nice ones in Port Vila and Luganville at Au Bon Marche. But if you want to bring yours from home, bring it. People here open cans with knives...a can opener is a nice luxury.
• Cedar satchets
• Some people suggest drier sheets. Some suggest lavender pouches. Cedar sachets, however, are my favorite. These are a nice eco-friendly freshener to keep your clothes in your luggage from getting musty, both in storage during your first 3 months of training, as well as when you’re at site. There are some shirts I rarely wear and keep in a ziploc bag with some cedar cubes and they smell amazing. 
• 2 mason jars with measuring marks
• I love mason jars. These have ounces and cups marked on the side and work great as measuring cups for when I bake, and they're durable for when kids are helping with the baking. They handle heat really well so when I need a double boiler, I can melt things inside. 
• Gallon, snack size, and quart Ziploc bags
• Ziploc bags are so useful for everything. At the very least, they will help you with organizing your luggage. They will also serve as waterproof bags for your camera/phone for when your backpack gets soaked in an unexpected downpour. 
• You can find off-brand plastic zipper bags in-country, but they aren't as plentiful and varietal as in the USA. 
• Silica packets
• You will put these in your laptop bag, your camera case, your phone's dry bag. You will use these and abuse them because it's humid here. You want your electronics dry, so bring silica packets!
• Cooling towel
• Not a necessary item. I just always keep mine in my Camelbak so I brought it along. 
• Compact umbrella
• I have never once regretted packing this. Good, compact umbrellas are hard to come by here. You can find plenty of giant "golf umbrellas" but one that is sturdy AND fits in your backpack is amazing to have. 

Bags

• Two roller suitcases
• My large suitcase was 25in x 18in x 9in and the small was 14in x 20in x 7in. This is what I had at home, so this is what I used. Nothing special. Use what you got.
• Swiss Army brand backpack (similar)
• This is what I've had for over a decade: my standard backpacking backpack, my weekend bag, my bookbag, my carry-on. 
• Waterproof cover for backpack
• My backpack is not waterproof. This thing is essentially a giant nylon waterproof shower cap that covers my backpack. 
• Secure luggage tags
• These are great because they cover all your personal information except your name when it's closed. You will not randomly be emailed by a stranger who peeked at your luggage tag while you were hanging out in the Port Vila airport (yes this has happened). 
• 4 packing cubes
• If you have never used packing cubes before, then behold, your life will now change. These things are GLORIOUS. You can pack SO MUCH and SO NEATLY. I prefer all of mine to be a uniform size, but other people like to have them in varying sizes. You do you. 
• Drybags
• Brands don't matter; get whatever is cheapest and has good reviews. HOWEVER -- I've learned this the hard way -- purchase dry bags that have a woven top and not a foldover glued top. It makes ALL the difference. It will last much longer. 
• I brought a 20L bag and a 40L bag. I'd recommend if you get a 40L+, that it is backpack style and not over-the-shoulder, as it will most likely be heavy. With my laptop inside, is heavy. If you have a smart phone, you'll probably want a clear dry bag for that, too. 
• Besides regular use, I use it for storing my laptop when I'm not using it, to keep it ultra dry in the humid months. I toss a couple silica packets inside and it's good to go.
• You can find these in Vila and Luganville if you decide not to pack them. There are plenty of casual yachting fiends who find their supplies in town.
• Camelbak bag with 100oz "bladder"
• For day hikes, I like to have a massive amount of water. I like my Camelbak to store tons of water along with my basic hiking necessities/snacks. 
• 2 Baggu shopping bags
• I always carry this in my purse...you never know when you'll need a spare shopping bag! I also am sure to bring it when I go to the produce market. You can find something like this in a few stores around town.

Toiletries

• 8 bamboo toothbrushes
• I am a hippie. I use natural toothbrushes because they don’t sit in a landfill for years. In Vanuatu, trash is burned...I’d rather burn a bamboo brush.
• Homemade toothpaste in a mini mason jar
• I told you...I am a hippie.
• Fuzzy dental picks and special “puffy” floss for braces
• I have a metal insert in my mouth, and these specialty dental things are hard to find here.
• Retainer and case
• Bring your dental health accessories! If you want to bring denture cleaning tablets to clean it, it wouldn't hurt. 
• 2 small sunscreen sticks
• I am prone to sunburn. I carry lots of sunscreen in various forms. These are tiny and waterproof and high SPF. 
• Anti blister stick
• This is just something I always have in my toiletry kit, so I didn't take it out when I came to Vanuatu.
• Moleskin
• For blisters, because Band-Aids weren't meant for this.
• Diva Cup
• You get a Diva Cup from medical when you’ve sworn in, but those first three months you’re on your own. I had been using one for about a year before coming to PC and I loooove it. It's the very best. Honestly. 
• Pads/tampons in case the Diva Cup fails
• Or, for those days where maybe you are too frustrated to deal with a Diva Cup. Medical can/will give you tampons if you need them, but again, those first 3 months you're on your own.
• Prescription medications
• Bring enough for the first FOUR months, not three, because sometimes PC won’t have what you need in stock when you are headed off to site, and you will need to cover that time. 
• Melatonin tablets
• Talk to your doctor about these, first! It’s an all-natural, over-the-counter sleep aid. I bring them with me whenever I travel, and it helps with time zone shifts or long flights or those random stretches of exhaustion from waking up to the sounds of rats nibbling on your groceries. Lots of volunteers use Benadryl as a sleep aid, which isn't the best idea. Bring this, it's better. 
• Safety razor and blades
• I started using this in the states because the blades are 100% recyclable. Here, these are the most common kind of razor to find and find refills for. You can find these razors in-country under $6 and the 5-packs of blades are about 40 cents. 
• Most of us (men and women) go au natural at site, but sometimes you want to conform to Western norms and shave your pits/legs/beard.
• Solid perfume
• You won't wear perfume at site,  but when you're in town, it's nice to smell decent again. I prefer solid perfume because it won’t evaporate and it doesn't sting your nostrils with a sharp alcohol smell. This is my go-to perfume for travel and at home. And it’s not a liquid so it can be packed in a carry-on. 
• Tweezers
• The medical kit comes with a pair, but since I prefer my flat-edge ones, I packed them.
• Some basic makeup
• You won't wear makeup at site, and neither will the locals. When you're in town, it can be nice to dress up again. I only brought the basics, like some lip color, eyeliner and mascara, along with a few eye shadows. You can find some minimal drugstore basics around town, too.
• Hair spray
• Again, exclusively for Vila or traveling abroad.
• Nail scissors, nail brush, cuticle tool
• Face it: your fingernails and toenails will look disgusting. On the random occasion you want to just clean yourself really well, you can sit in your house and really get at the grime buildup from months of living in the bush.
• Nail polish
• My house basically turns into a nail salon on any random Saturday afternoon. Bring a few colors to share. You can also buy cheap nail polish in town for under a dollar. 
• My basic travel kit:
• Mini microfiber sports towel
• Comb
• Cornstarch in a shaker bottle (aka baby powder)
• Basic catch-all lotion/salve/cream (made by combining cocoa butter and coconut oil)
• Hair brush
• Mini sewing kit
• Mini bar of soap in a tin
• Floss
• Reuseable ear plugs
• Sleep mask
• Mini toiletries for travel: toothbrush, toothpaste, face sunscreen, hair spray, mini deodorant, etc. 
• This lasted me the first three months of training. You may need more, but I was good with my basic travel kit.
• Silicon bottles for refilling toiletry liquids
• These are just wonderful for sunscreens and lotions and whatnot. And I use them for storing my homemade lotions and such. You can find these at the Uncle Bill's store in town.
• Essential oils
• I have so many, but the most useful and easily mixable ones are peppermint, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus and lemon. They have homeopathic uses, they can boost your mood, repel bugs, prevent itch, etc. Another volunteer, Sydney, packed citronella oil exclusively to repel bugs, too. You can find a few (citronella, lavender, tea tree) in town for a comparable price to those in the US. 
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Some volunteers don’t shampoo/condition their hair at site, and you would never even know. Maybe these two years, you’ll experiment and find out that you don’t need it after all!
• Bamboo body brush 
• This is an extra little luxury item that I have been so glad I've brought. It helps scrape off that sunscreen/bug spray/sweat/oil grime from my body, and it’s eco-friendly. Bonus: it doesn’t get moldy like a plastic loofah does, and if you ever need to burn it in the trash pile, you don't feel guilty. 
• Full size homemade all-natural deodorant
• People in the villages don’t wear deodorant. I rarely wear deodorant. But sometimes you just want to think back on a time where you couldn’t smell all the odors of all the foods you’ve eaten in the past week seeping out of your pores. Also, it's nice when you're in town.
• Contacts and contact solution
• PC doesn’t support the use of contacts. I’m not saying that you should rebel against them. These are exclusively for when I do personal travel abroad or am in Vila with clean running water and it’s safe for me to wear.

Clothes and Accessories

At the very least, bring enough clothes to get you through (10 weeks of) training. You can always buy more secondhand clothes here.  Shoes, however, are expensive and hard to replace unless they are flip flops.

• Classic Timberland Boots
• I could write an ode to my Timberlands. In fact, I have. I have not worn these at site but I have brought them on hiking trips and they are my go-to travel shoe as they're comfortable and work in rain or shine. 
• Converse or athletic shoes
• I don’t run. If you do run/work out, I’d recommend swapping these for running shoes. I brought these as a casual/semi-athletic shoe option and I have yet to use them. The only time I would use them is working out in my house, but I do that barefoot, so these just sit in my bag, mostly. Maybe I'll wear them in Vila someday with jeans to look cool. 
• Leather Merrell sandals
• It goes against everything you hear. It’s leather! It’s not slip on! They aren’t flip flops! But I loathe flip flops (and blisters) with a passion and value my feet and these are perfect for my needs. Other vols are in/out of houses a lot or have to remove shoes in the classroom. I only remove my shoes when I go to a friend’s house or am bathing. I wear shoes all the time otherwise and wanted shoes that gave good support and protect me. Knock on wood, I have yet to cut/scrape/get my feet bitten. It’s been 9 months. Ask those other volunteers about their multitudes of foot infections. It ain't fun, from what I hear.
• 2 pairs basic sandals (similar)
• I hate flip flops with a vengeance, as mentioned above. Back at home, in the summer, these are what my everyday shoes were. I just brought what I had from home. The bonus is that these are gold so they are nicer if I want to go out in Vila or if I want to bring them while traveling abroad as a shoe option for a fancy restaurant. They are also cheap, so if they get destroyed while I’m here, I won’t care.
• Keens Newport Sandals
• I wear these to hike to the neighboring village, when it’s raining, when I am traveling by boat, when I am swimming in rocky shores, when I am going on cave hikes, and generally any time I want a comfortable, open shoe that is waterproof and protects my toes. The PC doctor complimented me on them, saying it was doubtful I’d get a foot infection, and I’m going to take that as one of the sexiest compliments there is. Others will praise Chacos and Tevas. I prefer Keens, even if the largest complaint is that little pebbles can get in there and are pesky to remove. They are durable and THE CLOSED TOE IS CLUTCH.
• Flipsters flip flops
• These are my compact travel flip flops that I bring with me as shower shoes and “let my feet breathe” shoes. They are just perfect in every way and I don’t travel anywhere without them. I don't wear them as everyday shoes, just as an option to slip into when I want to be slightly less-than-barefoot in a hostel or at the beach.
• Winter/waterproof coat (similar)
• This is what I wore on the plane. I think it will probably remain in storage until the end of my service.
• Sporty zip up hoody (similar)
• When your usual day is 95*F, then 75*F can feel utterly chilly. This combats that. Hoods are also nice. 
• Rain coat (similar)
• A rain coat, despite the heat, is nice to have. However, I like to have something I can keep with me all the time, and honestly, a cheap disposable poncho in a ziploc bag is a thousand times more worth it for me. So I rarely use the one I brought with me and instead use the free one I got handed to me at the Pacific Mini Games. 
• Long sleeve thermal shirt (similar)
• I never wear this at site. This is one of my "if I travel around" shirts. However, it has been getting chilly here and there, 
• Long sleeve button up shirt
• I chose a slightly dressy polyester one that dries quickly after washing, but a cotton chambray one would be divine. It's been too hot to wear the one I brought, honestly. It's so hard to find natural (or even just breathable) fabrics here secondhand. Go for cotton! Go for breathable! 
• 3 tank tops
• I brought some cheap Old Navy tank tops for this, since I've had them for forever and don't care that they won't last. They are quite stretched out by now, after the rigorous washing done to them during training by my host mama. At the same time, I still wear them...they are just a bit baggy now. 
• Nicer silk tank (Similar)
• I had this on hand, and I know that "silk" conjures up the thoughts of "unnecessary luxury" but honestly it was a 100% silk tank I had from Forever 21 (for about twelve dollars, I'm sure) for several years now. I wanted a nicer, breathable shirt without sleeves that I could wear to teach. 
• 5 "nicer" short sleeve shirts (similar)
• I brought a variety of short-sleeve shirts in different styles that I can wear for teaching. I brought whatever I had on hand. They aren't fancy, I just meant "nicer" in the way that they aren't the kind of baggy cotton short sleeve shirts you'd get for free at some festival. You can get plenty of secondhand clothes here, but bring something to at least get you through training, as you won't be able to shop until after. 
• Short sleeve quick dry shirt (similar)
• So here's the thing about quick-dry shirts. They are great in theory, because they dry quickly. But they can also get musty and moldy. I like to have at least one that I wear to swim in, since it won't stretch out while it's sopping wet. 
• Soft and baggy T-shirt (Similar)
• I wanted a shirt I could wear to the garden without feeling guilty about dirtying it up. I also wanted a nice soft t-shirt to sleep in. With this, I have both.
• Chrysalis cardi multi-function scarf/dress
• My travel all-in-one catch all thing. It's a cardigan! A dress! A super thick scarf! I bring this every time I travel, and I have worn it in-country and also during staging (as a dress) as a nice businessy outfit. I could even wear it at site should I really wanna dress up, as it goes over the knee. 
• Pajama pants/lounge pants
• Forgo these if you have long leggings. I wear these to lounge around the house, or I can wear them going to a neighbor's house in the village if I wrap a sarong around my waist. 
• Black bike shorts with lace (Similar)
• I can swim in these. I can wear them under skirts for extra security against flashing others. They prevent chafing. I can wear them as sleep bottoms. They're great. 
• Black thermal leggings (Similar) that go over the knee
• I plan to travel, so while I have no plans to wear these in-country, I will bring them on backpacker trips. Women, BRING THESE. Seriously, bring a pair of over-the-knee leggings (calf length will work) to wear under dresses. Everyone wears them here, but they're in flashy patterns that aren't super professional. Getting a solid-colored pair at home will be a lifesaver. 
• Men’s basketball shorts or board shorts
• Mine hit me above the knee by a few inches, and in my village, that's okay. I use them to swim in or lounge around the house in. You can forgo these if you have some over-the-knee leggings, because you can swim/lounge in those, too. 
• 1 pair black skinny jeans
• These are my go-to travel pants when I go backpacking. Here, I've worn them a bit in Vila. Not needed at site, though.
• Green sleeveless maxi dress (similar)
• I brought a basic long maxi dress that I wore a bit in training but not really outside of that. I'd wear this in Vila but at site it's just too nice. 
• 2 maxi skirts
• Choose lightweight ones that have opaque fabric. I brought a heavier one that I have never worn, even on the coldest days. Honestly, though, I rarely wear these and instead opt for my sarongs or elastic-waist skirt for 99% of the days. 
• 3 sarongs 
• These wrap around my waist completely twice, so I don't show leg when I tie them around as a skirt. I can also use it as a towel, or a beach blanket. I can also fold them to make them into a knee-length skirt or a maxi skirt, or even tie it around my neck as a halter dress. THESE ARE CLUTCH. You can get them in-country by the BOUNTY, too. 
• Elastic waist knee-length skirt (Similar)
• This is my favorite skirt that I brought. I like having some leg room for climbing onto the back of a truck whenever necessary, and I like that it can expand/contract based on how much laplap I'm consuming. 
• 1 pair shorts (western length)
• I wear these in Vila, and I sometimes wear them under baggier skirts at site (when it isn't too hot). 
• 21 underwear
• It's a lot of underwear, yes. I essentially just brought all the underwear I own. Which is a lot, apparently. But affordable, decent women's underwear is hard to find in Vila and it takes up so little space, I might as well bring everything with me and toss them as I go. I brought a combo of cotton and quick-dry nylon ones (or mesh or lace), because you'll need/want both. Don't get any fancy travel underwear. If you want quick-dry underwear, just get some Victoria's secret nylon blend underwear. It's quick dry material and it's usually 5 for $28.
• 3 sports bras
• I hate sports bras, but I brought these anyway for when I get lazy with laundry. I personally prefer bralettes that you can fasten in the back. The pullover aspect is just too sweaty. Also, I'd recommend moisture-wicking. You will get so so sweaty.
• 2 bralettes
• I wear these on most days, because they clip in the back like a normal bra and don't absorb sweat like "normal" bras do. Good bras are difficult to come by here. At the very least, just grab some simple bralettes from Target. It's worth it. 
• 3 "normal" bras
• When I say "normal" I mean padded/with underwire. I wear these in Vila but not at site because the sweatiness turns these into boob sponges. 
• Nude camisole (similar)
• With a built-in bra. This is a great alternative bra option, and wonderful as an underlayer for more sheer dresses or any top to which you want to add extra warmth. On ridiculously hot days, I will wear this with a skirt. 
• Lightweight sleeveless moisture-wicking tank top
• I love this as a sleep shirt, or an "omg how hot is today!?!" shirt. It rolls up so small, and it is one of my favorite travel tanks/sleep shirts. If you're getting the one from Uniqlo, I'd suggest a darker color if you plan on wearing it alone (instead of as an undershirt). I have a black one, but I'd bet you'd see some nipple if you got a light-colored one. 
• 2 pr sock liners
• I never wear socks at site. When I do wear my wool socks, though, I wear these underneath. This is a thing meant for when I venture out-of-country. 
• 2 wool socks
• For when I venture out of country. 
• 6 pr cotton socks, combo of ankle and full height
• I never wear these at site, either. Back in the states, I always wore socks, even in summer, because I wore Converse or other full-coverage shoes. But here, I never do, so socks are unnecessary. Unless you work out, I guess. 
• 4 bandanas
• You can't find these here, but they are infinitely useful as nose tissue, as a cushion for the handle of your bush knife, as a sweat band...
• 2 wool neck gaiters aka BUFFs
• I prefer merino wool over a moisture-wicking manmade fabric. Manmade fabrics smell nasty. Merino wool is ultra thin and wicks away moisture just as well and does not smell. Trust me, this is a fantastic suggestion.
• Extra sunglasses
• I had these at home, they take up very little space, and they're great. I have yet to break a pair but when I do, I WILL BE PREPARED!
• 3 pairs glasses with prescription sunglass clip ons
• I already had one pair of glasses, but I bought extras when I found out I was going into the Peace Corps. Zenni is super cheap, and I got a couple extra pairs for $60 total. I prefer the ones with clip-on sunglasses (for each pair, get 2 or more clip ons...you are bound to lose one). 
• Hair clips, bobbi pins and elastics
• Gotta tame that mane.
• Baseball hat or visor
• Or, if you plan on spending extended time in a garden, I’d recommend a brimmed hat that covers the ears and neck. Squinting in the sun is annoying.
• Jewelry
• If you're a jewelry person, just a couple of simple stud earrings and simple necklaces...something special from home but nothing that is irreplaceable. I brought a "best friend" necklace that my friend also has back home, as well as a travel charm necklace and one that has my hometown skyline. I never wear jewelry at site, only when I am in Vila. But Vila also has some cheap $1 stud earrings if you ever want some. 
• Paracord bracelet (Similar, with a compass, too!) 
• Thank you to my friend Jared who made mine. I'd suggest getting one with a compass on it, b/c I also wear a compass daily and it's the best thing ever. 
• Clip on compass
• As mentioned above. Thanks to my friend Nicolette for this one. It's my go-to travel accessory, clipped onto my wrist at all times.
• Running belt (Similar)
• I got mine at Target for $5, and I use it to hold my phone while using a headset and wandering about, or while listening to music, or while it's raining and I am walking to a neighboring site with just my phone and keys. 

What I received later in care packages (and are not necessary to pack right away) 

See my blog post on care package FAQs to get an idea of what kinds of things a volunteer wants at site and doesn’t have easy access to.

• Extra 1TB Passport drive my brother sent with additional movies/media
• I now use one media drive for movies and one for TV shows.
• Waterproof portable speaker and audio cable
• Lots of volunteers brought these right away. I didn't have one so I waited. It's pretty nice to have, especially b/c it has Bluetooth.
• Large planner/agenda
• Small bottles of acrylic paint
• For crafts!
• Epoxy glue
• You can get this in town, though.
• Plastic accordion folder for full-size A4 paper, to organize miscellaneous files
• This is available in town.
• Neutrogena sunscreen 
• The skin on my face is sensitive and needs special sunscreen. Otherwise, the PC-issued sunscreen is wonderful)
• Hand sanitizer
• So unnecessary because you learn to be dirty. However, on the rare occasion, it’s nice to have. 
• Liquid bandage
• So nice for tiny cuts.
• Seasonings
• You can get spices easily in town, but things like chipotle powder, pumpkin pie spice, chicken/potato seasoning and my favorite fish seasoning are not here. Almost all other spices, especially Asian/middle-eastern spices, are available here. 
• Gatorade powder or protein powder
• I got my parents to send Gatorade powder for the inevitable diarrhea days. Medical gives you rehydration salts but man, Gatorade is just so much better for days when you feel awful.
• Some volunteers get protein powder sent to them at site. If you're not a fan of the not-so-great tin tuna, sometimes you will struggle to find protein at site. Protein powder is a quick fix. It's available in Vila, but it's pricey. 
• BBQ sauce
• This is my one true love in life.
• Powdered drinks, like cappucinos or juices
• These are available in Vila but still a fun treat.
• Pringles
• Available in Vila, but again, still a fun treat. Also, all the flavors you want from back home aren't here. 
• Pecans
• All nuts except peanuts are very expensive here. And pecans? Impossible to find.
• Whole wheat flavored couscous
• I like my friends/family to send me fiber-filled food to keep me healthy. This is a nice treat.
• “Good” tuna
• Get the packets (not cans, b/c the package will weigh more). The tuna here is not something you would typically eat straight out of the can. It’s not that lovely white chunk tuna. It’s an odd request because there is so much tuna here, but it just isn’t what you get back home. Also, Starkist has some fun flavored tuna pouches that are nice on crackers, like Thai Chili pepper or BBQ. 
• Gum in unique flavors
• Available in Vila, but not in a ton of flavors.
• Maple syrup
• Available, rarely, in Vila, but it's expensive.
• My favorite candy
• No Butterfingers. No Reese's. Get used to chocolate being suuuuper expensive and limited here. Get used to crying yourself to sleep at night.
• Fruit snacks
• Available in Vila, but rarely and a little more expensive.