Our base will be in a hotel, so many things are furnished,  such as linens. The rooms are screened and air-conditioned and you will not need a mosquito net. I have noted in the past that wash cloths are not standard in central America, so you might pack some of these if you need them.

This is list of some of the things I bring each year and represents a pretty good check list for most people such as mosquito nets, sleeping pad, bedding, pillow, string, canteen, soap, washrag, towel, etc.
Especially important are sturdy shoes/boots that will not come off easily in the mud, insect repellent, sun screen, and a swim suit.

Don’t Forget!

Make sure your passport is up to date and you know where it is. You have to have it. It takes about 8 weeks to get it updated or get a new one, so get on it soon. You get an application from the district clerk’s office in the courthouse, have two passport pictures taken and send them with the completed application and your old passport to Houston with about $150 in a money order or cashier’s check.
Also, don’t forget shots. You only need to be sure your tetanus shots are updated (every 10 years). Ask your doctor if you have questions. Get with your doctor about whether or not you need to take anti-malaria medication (Malarone or Chloriquine). The CDC has removed Belize as a critical source for malaria and as we will not be out in the country side after dark, the exposure to the specific mosquito is minimal. Also, be sure to pack a good supply of at least 25% DEET (insect repellent) to ward off the mosquitoes that carry Zika and other  diseases. Dr. Quinn Robinson will help with the prescription for Chloriquin or the newer anti-malaria pills (Malarone) if you need one. (It is strongly suggested you not take Larium. There have been some complications with this medications and we are advising against using it.) Contact Bruce and he will forward your request for a prescription to Dr. Robinson.

Vital

• Passport, make sure it is up to date and in a zip lock bag to keep it dry.
  

Sleeping

• This year we will be in a hotel with air-conditioning all nights of the trip.
  

Toiletries

• Repellent (At least 25% deet)
• Serious suntan block/ lotion and hat
• Toilet paper in a ziplock bag. We may use outhouses or the woods this year in the villages we visit, so bring your own toilet paper.
• Extra glasses/contacts/Contact solution
  

Clothing

• Good, sturdy, over-the-ankle boots, or over-the-ankle-high walking shoes such as ‘tennis shoe’ boots that cover the ankle. It is likely we will be walking in deep mud from time to time.
• Shoes for wading/thongs/Crocs
• Swimsuit
• Shirts
• Shorts
• Light colored and light weight clothing, it can be very hot and humid
• One nicer outfit for after work portion of the trip
  

Shots/Medication

• Tetanus shot booster if not in last 10 yrs (suggested, but check with your doctor)
• Personal medication plus prescriptions or prescription bottles
• Chloriquin or Malarone (anti malaria medication if desired)
• Personal electric fan/extra batteries (the small ones at the dollar store are fine)
• Antibiotic ointment for bites, cuts, scrapes
• Antiseptic hand-wash or cloths
  

Miscellaneous

• Moleskin
• Money, credit cards work in some areas, and some $1.00 bills
• Fanny pack and zip lock bag for pass port and ticket (plan on getting wet)
• Towel can double as a blanket, it is not cold, but mornings can be cool.
• Wash-cloth, and bio-degradable shampoo and bar soap (Ivory bar soap is a good choice as it floats)
• String to hang wet clothes
• Knife (be sure to pack in checked luggage)
• Flashlight (2) with extra batteries (a headlamp is great for the cave and camping)
• Camera extra film/storage cards
• Notebook and pens
• Nothing valuable that would hurt you if lost
• Shades
  

Canteen (2) for at least two quarts or more

• Water filter (optional); the veterans will have several so ignore unless you are obsessive
• Spoon, fork, knife, cup
• Needle and thread
• Light blanket or extra towel
• Rope/twine
  

Food

• Food for breakfast and lunch from Monday – Saturday (you can buy this at a super market in Punta when we get to Punta Gorda)
• Trail mix, punch mix, hard candy
• (On food, we will be at a grocery store on Monday morning in Punta Gorda where you can buy food if you wish vs. trying to pack it or you can pick some up when you arrive if you fly into Punta Gorda)
  

Other

• Needle and thread kits to give out
• Bubbles, small toys
• Printed material for teaching personal hygiene
• Printed material for teaching importance of vitamins, nutrition, and clean water
• Printed material for teaching well baby checkups
• For Eddie, and his wife & kids; Dvd’s, candy, video tapes and sewing stuff Oscar’s family. (These are friends and guides who help us.)