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Obviously this depends on where you will be going, but there are a few rules of thumb that are useful to remember.

• Pack lightly and take travel wash, some pegs and a clothes line.
•  Take a penknife or equivalent, but remember to pack it in your main luggage and not your hand luggage.
• Remember your torch and plenty of spare batteries
• Take as much film as you think you will need. Many people like to take a slide film in order to give presentations on return. If this is the case try to take a separate camera with your slide film in it, otherwise you will have to take all your slide shots close together and miss capturing the variety of the experience. Digital cameras offer a good alternative, allowing you to create Power Point Presentations, and extra data cards allow you to take more photos for a fraction of the space and cost of camera film.
• Another essential item is spare camera batteries. These often run out overseas and can be next to impossible to buy. There is little point in having 7 rolls of film if your camera battery conks out!!
• Think about the culture you’re going to and be sensitive when selecting clothes to pack – long sleeves, long skirts (men might prefer long trousers!!) and a head covering for church services are often a must.
• If you have a long journey in your destination country some toilet roll in your hand luggage might come in useful, as might some anti-bacterial handwash.
• A cheap pair of flip flops can be invaluable for use in basic ‘bathrooms’, however in many African countries you will be able to buy these extremely cheaply in the local markets.
• Take ‘things to do’ – games to play, books to read, music to listen to etc., but if you’re travelling in a group beware of spending all your free time plugged into your personal stereo. Some travel speakers can be a useful item to pack.
• A guidebook on your destination is a handy thing to have, and a Bible, notebook and pen essential!!