What to Pack for a Mission Trip

Whether you wait until the eleventh hour or have been packing and re-packing for months, here’s a comprehensive list of what to pack for a mission trip.

Read on to learn the essentials and the nice-to-haves to pack for a mission trip, and download a printable checklist here to cross off items as you pack them!

The essentials

Don’t pull out of the driveway without these items in your bag.

Bible and Journal

Keep your journal handy to record your experiences and what God is teaching you. If you are serving in a security-sensitive area, check with the long-term missionaries there before you bring Christian materials.

Cash and Debit/Credit Card

Find out how to best obtain the local currency when you are traveling, whether through debit, credit or cash.

If you plan on using plastic, don’t forget to call your bank to see if your cards will work internationally. Let them know the dates and location of your trip to avoid suspicious activity alerts on your account.

Passport and Driver’s License

Keep your passport on your person when traveling, and then talk with your host about the way to secure it in-country. Just in case you lose your passport, take photos of every page of your passport. Then send those photos to someone who is not on the trip with you so that they can send them to you if needed.

Phone and Charger

Many countries require some kind of completed online visa form and airlines often require check-in online. Trip leaders often require a way to get in touch with you at all times. So it’simportant to have a phone on you. It’s often cheaper to buy a SIM card in-country than to use an international phone plan, so make sure to look into this before you leave.

Necessary and Appropriate Clothing

Take time to think critically about what clothes you really need for your trip. Talk to long-term missionaries about what they wear to work, to attend church, go shopping, etc., and only pack the essentials. Remember, less is more.

Additionally, do some research about appropriate clothing in your host culture. Familiarize yourself with modesty standards and typical dress for someone your age and gender. And, in general, it’s best to leave “clever” Christian T-shirts at home.

Linens and Toiletries 

You might be able to purchase some personal items in-country. Ask your host if you need to pack your own sheets and towels for your trip.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

You probably will not be able to drive on your trip, so that means a lot of walking. Invest in a comfortable pair of walking shoes that will last the entire trip and break them in before you leave to avoid blisters.

Medical Kit

You never know what bumps, bruises or bites you’ll encounter, so include a small medical kit in your backpack. Make sure you have enough of your daily prescriptions to last the duration of your trip and carry them in their pharmacy-supplied bottle.

We’ve detailed what a complete medical kit should include in this downloadable mission trip packing list.

If your trip is planned by a church or an organization, you may not need to bring a medical kit. Get your team leader’s advice before packing.

Spare Glasses and Contacts

Even if you’re a contacts-only person, bring your glasses just in case your new environment causes eye irritation.

Adapter Plug and Voltage Converter

Electrical outlets are shaped differently all around the world. You will likely need an adapter plug to use them. Additionally, your electronics might be made for a certain voltage different from the power supply. To avoid frying anything, check to see if you need to pack a voltage converter. See this guide on choosing power adapters for more information.

A Gift for Hosts

Think about giving your hosts a small token from your home culture, like candy or a small snack. If your hosts are from your home culture, ask them if there is anything that they would like you to bring them from home.

The nice-to-haves

Add these to your mission trip packing list if you have a little room to spare.

Camera

If you have a nice camera, this is the perfect opportunity to use it! Before you start snapping away, though, ask a long-term missionary what pictures are appropriate to take and where. Remember, photos should always be taken with permission and in the context of relationships.

A Piece of Home

A family photo, a letter of encouragement from a friend, or a small token of home will provide you with a little familiarity when culture stress strikes.

Sewing Kit

Since you’re only bringing the essential clothing (see above), pack a needle and thread to patch a hole or secure a button. Safety pins are also a plus.

Non-Perishable Snacks and a Reusable Water Bottle

Tuck away durable snacks like granola bars, trail mix or oatmeal. Don’t worry about packing enough to last your whole trip. Just bring a few to tide you over until you explore the local grocery store.

For a complete checklist of what to pack for a mission trip, download a free printable mission trip packing list here.

No matter where you are in the process—whether you’re beginning to explore missions or you’re already deciding what to pack for your mission trip, TEAM is here for you throughout the journey.

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