Here is my list of five must-have items for your mission trip. These are items I never leave home without. I have traveled in missions for over 20 years and experienced almost every type of mission trip, from relief work to street evangelism.
These items are the ones that I have taken with me on all my trips. The first item is always with me no matter where I travel, even if it’s a mission trip within the United States.
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The first must-have item for missions.
Travel Kleenex
Taking travel Kleenex has rescued me many times on mission trips and, honestly, my whole team.
Why? Because it can be used as toilet paper, Kleenex, or a paper towel when needed.
This is a non-negotiable when I travel, and I take several with me on every trip.
Please don’t get stuck on the square potty without traveling Kleenex.
My next must-have travel item for mission trips
Probiotic
I never leave home without my probiotics. Even when traveling in places with clean food and water, taking a good probiotic can mean a good travel experience or a challenging one. Slight differences in water can give you “travel tummy.” So get a good probiotic and have fun.
Here are some probiotics to help you stay healthy on your trip.
I will do this if I go to Asia and eat out. I go to 711 and get a drinkable probiotic. Like Yukuit, it’s Japanese. But they will have many versions and some low-sugar.
As always, consult your doctor if you have restrictions on your health or diet.
Clean shoes and socks
This might be the most unspoken of all items of clothing taken on a mission trip.
I am an American, Texan, to be exact. You know I had to get the plug-in for Texas. And almost every house in the USA keeps its shoes on.
However, one of the most overlooked and underrated items Americans take is shoes, to be more precise, clean shoes.
Clean shoes are very important in most cultures.
Even if people only have one pair of shoes when they go out, they make sure they are clean. So please take the time before you go on your trip to clean your shoes.
Importance of shoes.
The right shoes can make a trip, and the wrong can break your trip.
Walking miles in the wrong shoes causes blisters, slows you down, and, in addition, slows the team down as well. They can also keep you safe.
Honestly, after years of traveling, I have dozens of horror shoe stories.
Why is that?
Because they can transform your travels- with the right shoes, you can walk miles with no problem, and the wrong ones could actually send you to the ER.
On one mission trip, someone wore sandals, which were good, expensive sandals. Unfortunately, the van broke down, and he got out to help fix the van. When he did, something crawled on his foot; he didn’t realize it, and when he got home, he was incredibly sick.
He went to the doctor, and by the grace of God, the doctor had worked in other countries and got him the treatment that heneeded. He almost died because an insect crawled up his foot, got in his bloodstream, and made a home in his heart.
Sure, this is the most extreme story about the importance of shoes I can share, and I know it’s pretty convincing.
I do understand in some countries, slip-ons are the best. But how do you know where and when you should choose.
So here is my shoe guide for mission trips.
Shoe break down. Bring more than one pair of shoes!
Going anywhere hiking, on a farm, or mainly outdoors, you need to wear closed-toed shoes. No openness around your entire foot. Orphanages, dirt floor areas as well.
Asia
In many Asian countries, you will also need to take a pair of slides. Or you will be outside trying to get your shoes on and off while everyone else has started the meeting.
I have never been to a home in Asia that allowed shoes on in the house.
Some coffee shops don’t allow any shoes inside, and they have slides for when you go to the bathroom.
- Slides
- Closed toed shoes
Eastern Europe
Closed-toed shoes or sandals in the summer. If you go into homes, most will be no-shoe households.
In orphanages, farms, and rural areas, closed, toed shoes.
- Closed toed shoes
Europe
Wear what you feel comfortable in, but I would wear closed-toed shoes in rural areas and farms.
- Closed toed shoes
South America
I am not an expert in South America. I have been to multiple countries there but never took my shoes off when entering homes.
I would opt for closed-toed shoes. Many missionaries in SA work in rural areas, and the safest option is closed-toed shoes.
As is the case in America, some people prefer “no shoes” in the house, and others couldn’t care less.
- Closed toed shoes
Socks.
Make sure you have clean socks and no holes.
Other countries take great care in what they buy and don’t buy in bulk like Americans. So they will sew any holes in their socks.
Last but not least, no stinky feet.
If you have a tendency to have stinky feet or shoes, ensure they are not smelly when you go into homes or places where you need to take your shoes off. Get inserts that can help with the smell or put something on to help minimize the smell.
The next essential mission trip item that most people never go anywhere without.
Bible and journal
One of the best things I did when I started working on missions was to start a journal.
I’ve documented all my travels and the people I have met in my journals.
They’re part keepsakes and inspirations of the miracles that God did on the trip.
I also like the journal app on my phone. It’s a great way to include pictures and memories together.
I still take a journal, though, where I can physically write down my thoughts and things I am grateful for as well.
Some journal recommendations:
Journal App- The iPhone has a wonderful one. You can record your voice or others’, use pictures, and write all of them in one place.
Journals from Amazon.
I always take a travel or small Bible with me on all my trips. I still use my phone Bible often, but sometimes Wifi can be spotty, so I always take an actual Bible with me.
It also just feels different reading from an actual Bible.
Finally, I always pack the last essential item.
Band-aids and Antibiotic Cream
Having band-aids and antibiotic cream is a must on all trips. Hopefully, you will not have to use either, but if you need them.
Not all band-aids are the same, so here is my preference: they are “waterproof” mostly. Nexcare waterproof.
If you prefer, you can take a first aid kit with you. Here is one I take when camping that I like and has saved me on trips. Please note this will need to be packed in your packed luggage.
Things I always take on trips with me. Clothes will vary depending on where you are going and the type of trip you are taking, but here are some bonus items I would pack for any trip.
Conclusion:
If you take these items, you should be well on your way to having what you need on any trip.
But remember, the most important thing you are taking on any trip is love.
The love of Jesus and for those you are serving on the trip. If you have a giving and grateful heart, I believe your trip will be great.
If you’re planning on going on a mission trip, I would love to hear from you, so leave a comment and let me know.
If you click here, you can get a free packing checklist to help you get ready; one is filled for you, and one is blank.
You can also check out these related articles as well.
How to pick the right mission trip
Packing Light and Looking Great with These Top Items
Pack Light, Serve Big: Your Essential Guide to Mission Trip Packing
First Mission Trip? A Guide for Women to Prepare Spiritually