What to pack?
Travel items:- HETO traveler forms / 2 copies of passport (if not already handed in)
- US passport - driver's license or government issued ID card - airline information - credit / debit card(s) - spending money (in cash - small bills if possible) - travel insurance and/or insurance cards Clothing:- school-appropriate shirts/pants/skirts for each day of teaching
- casual shirts/pants (to wear after teaching is done for the day) - underwear - bras / sports bra(s) - socks - pajamas - comfortable shoes for teaching/walking/playing - rubber sandals for the shower - sweatshirt or light jacket for cooler evenings Toiletries:- hairbrush / comb
- hair dryer / styling tools - shampoo / conditioner / styling products - toothbrush / toothpaste / floss / mouthwash - body / face soap - razor(s) - contact lenses and solution (if needed) - insect repellent (experts suggest at least 30% DEET and/or Lemon Eucalyptus) - sweatproof, high SPF sun screen for face and body - small bottle of hand sanitizer - small roll of travel toilet paper (many Honduran restrooms don't provide it) |
Other suggested items:- any prescription medications (malaria meds, Cipro, etc.)
- over the counter digestive aids and/or headache medicine - extra pair of glasses or contact lenses - small pack of baby wipes (to clean hands/gear where there is no sink) - raincoat / poncho or small umbrella - books, magazines, playing cards, travel games - journal - non-crushable snacks - camera / iPad / cell phone / charger(s) - water bottle - sunglasses Items to leave at Home:- traveler's checks (these are not widely accepted in Honduras)
- large amounts of cash and/or big bills - expensive jewelry - perfume / perfumed lotions (these attract unwanted insects) - uncomfortable shoes Things To CONSIDER Before Leaving HOME:- call your credit card/debit card company and let them know that you'll be out of the country
- consider spraying your clothing with Permethrin (an insect repellant for clothing and gear that can increase your protection) - share larger bottles of toiletries with other travelers (place any large bottles in your checked suitcase to avoid FAA issues) - Most Honduran shops and stores accept dollars, but it's hard for them to give change for big bills. Consider breaking any bills over $10 into smaller bills before you leave. - label suitcases with your name and address |
Special Note:
After seeing the deep need in the area in which HETO works, teacher-travelers are sometimes moved to leave items behind for the enjoyment of the staff and residents of the Project, like t-shirts, tennis shoes, toiletries, etc. These donations are not expected, but are allowed by HETO, should travelers choose to pack with this in mind or choose to leave items behind upon departure.