Packing

When I volunteer overseas, I take 2 suitcases filled only of donations so that I can leave everything there and return with only my backpack of personal items. We haven't opened or distributed the suitcases for Manos Unidas yet, so I'll just summarize my personal packing list. Maybe it'll help you in your travels; it doesn't matter if I'm traveling for 2 weeks or 2 months. I don't take more than this. You can always wash clothes in the sink, launder them, or donate and buy. You can also purchase toiletries locally if you run out.

Here are my two things: backpack from REI and a personal bag (this time it's a slingback but the personal bag varies). I like having a backpack because I don't have to drag it over curbs and dirt roads and and it is convenient for all manner of vehicles (crowded bus, motorbike, shady taxi...).


In the carry-on (which fits under most airplane seats):


Toiletries
camp towel
<3oz>Sleeping
sleep sack (actually, sleeping bag liner. I haven't read anywhere that it prevents bedbug bites, but I prefer to think that I'm at least making it harder on them to get to me! also, it's the kind that can keep me cooler when it's hot out and warmer when it's cold out)
anti-allergenic pillow case cover (same reasons)

Clothing (I count clothes that I wear to the airport)
5-7 pairs of socks and underwear
pants for sleep
2-3 jeans/pants, including 1 outdoor pant that zips off into shorts
4-5 matching tops (mix and match all tops and pants!)
2 sweater-like layers + jacket if traveling to a chilly area
soft baseball cap
shower sandals

Electronics
universal plug
head lamp (in case I stay in a mud hut without electricity, or a hostel where others are sleeping)
SteriPen to disinfect unsanitary water for drinking or brushing teeth (in Africa it's rain or river water; in Latin America right now it's tap water)
chargers for: camera, cell phone, and netbook

Travel extras
book(s)
notepad/paperwork
snacks + multivitamins (in case the local diet is not nutritious enough)
tissue
neckrest collar for sleeping on the plane
2-3 spare ziplock and plastic bags (you'll always find a need for them)

In the personal bag:



netbook (I won't bring this to Africa)
eyedrops, chapstick, brush
wallet
ipod (rarely used)
sunglasses
tissue
hand sanitizer
passport + copies of travel health insurance and other docs in ziplock
small notebook + pen
cell phone (turned off; only used for emergencies)
camera
(gorillapod is missing in my house somewhere!)

[Note that depending on where you are, you wouldn't want to carry important items like your passport and netbook with you; OR you wouldn't want to leave them in the place you're staying unless there's a safe. You have to know your location and your activities.]