In deciding what to pack there are three helpful general guidelines. First, try to pack only what is essential. Many people tend to bring more than they will need. Second, you will have to carry whatever you bring along, so if you can't carry your bags the length of a football field, then you've probably packed too much. Third, if you are concerned about the security of any item you might take along, a good rule to follow is that if you can't afford to replace it, don't bring it.

This list is not all-inclusive, nor is it necessary to bring all the items on the list. It is intended to give you an idea of what items to consider when planning your trip. Consider packing your most essential items, such as a change of clothing, medication and tooth brush, in your carry-on bag in the event your checked luggage gets lost.

General items:

Passport (carry photo copy of passport)

2 extra passport photos

International Certificate of Vaccination

or 2 soft-sided bags (easier to pack into vehicles transporting your team)

Money belt/money pouch (we recommend 100% cotton fabric)

Day pack/fanny pack (optional)

Traveler's checks

The International Certificate of Vaccination card lists the vaccinations you have received prior to travel. Some countries require this card and we encourage you to have it with you wherever you're going in the event it may be required. You can obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination at clinics specializing in international travel or call your state department of health or a hospital/clinic associated with a university.

A money belts or money pouch is essential for safe keeping of your passport, traveler's checks, cash and airline tickets. They are available at camping and outdoor stores as well as stores specializing in luggage. Wear it at all times!

Health related items:

extra pair eye glasses/contact lenses and prescription

Pepto-Bismol tablets/or other anti-diarrhea medicine

allergy medicines

mosquito/insect repellent

Calamine lotion/Rhuli gel for insect bites

sun block (SPF 15 or greater)

aspirin/tylenol

band-aids

vitamins

prescriptions (in original containers)

hand lotion

personal hygiene products

moist towelettes(e.g. Wet Ones) and/or antiseptic hand gel

soap, shampoo (anti-fungal: Dial or Safeguard)

anti-bacterial soap

wash cloth

For any item requiring a prescription (medication, eyeglasses, etc.) bring a copy of the prescription so it can be replaced if lost. Ask your doctor for the generic name of your medications. Moist towelettes (Baby Wipes, Wet-Ones) and antiseptic hand gel are helpful for cleaning your hands before you eat and for cleaning the rims of soda bottles and canned beverages. It may be convenient to have some that are individually wrapped (preferably in biodegradable wrappers) to take with you during the day.

Clothing:

rain poncho/small umbrella

shirts or blouses

skirts or dresses

slacks

walking shorts

one nice outfit

sweaters, sweatshirts or jacket
(FOR WINTER MONTHS MAY - SEPTEMBER)

walking shoes/boots

sandals

thick-soled shoes for water sports (aqua socks)

leather or sturdy work gloves (for infrastructure volunteers)

hat (for sun)

sun glasses (please do not wear the mirrored type)

Local women will generally wear dresses, skirts, slacks and blouses, and men wear shirts and trousers. Shorts are fine during your free time, but we ask you to only wear long walking shorts since short shorts are not acceptable in the Cook Islands. Sleeveless blouses are fine unless you're attending religious services at the Cook Island Christian Church (CICC). Shorts, pareu or skirts above the knee also should not be worn during the service. We ask that you dress conservatively, by avoiding spaghetti straps and short shorts. At the hospital and the schools you will want to dress business casual, i.e. light cotton slacks and blouse for women and trousers and polo or collared shirts for men. During January-March, due to the heat, men may wear long shorts and women may wear culottes during the tutoring project. It can be quite hot from January-March, and cotton clothing is highly recommended. At the conservation area you will want to wear appropriate work clothing such as t-shirts, jeans or light cotton slacks.

You may want to have one good outfit along (one that travels well) for a special evening meal or celebration. A light sweater or jacket is needed in the evening during the winter months (June through September) when the temperature can drop into the low 60's.

Shoes should provide good support for walking around the island. Make sure there is adequate grip on the sole because there may be rough terrain at the site of repair projects if those projects become an option. Hiking shoes or boots should be worn if you intend on hiking or climbing in the mountainous areas. Sandals may also be worn. Water shoes are recommended for all water sports. If you are going to be doing physical work you may want to bring work gloves and knee pads.

Miscellaneous:

Canteen or water bottle

Flashlight, batteries

Travel alarm

Rain poncho/small umbrella

Cards and games (for your free time)

Reading material

Camera, film and extra camera batteries

Notebook

Pens

Ear plugs (optional for sleeping)

Reading light (for reading at night)

Tape player with earphones/cassettes

Towel (for swimming)

Pictures, postcards and maps of your home area