Packing for Latin America, Part 1

Clothing and Essentials

After 3 years of pandemic ups and downs, I decided to apply for an awesome opportunity in Latin America. More about this later. After a string of comprehensive medical exams and required vaccinations (yes, that’s the reality of world travel), it was time to start packing.

Since I did not know yet where I would be settling, I Google searched for what others packed for an extended stay in the remote tropics. I read recommendations from Madagascar to rural Panama. Then I packed:

VITALS:

• Passports
• RFID Wallet (my normal wallet, plus concealed options).
• Necessary credentials (healthcare, etc.)
• Tech and logistics will be covered at a later date.
• For Supplements, see Part Two here.

ESSENTIALS:

• Grooming. Nail clippers, cuticle nippers, tweezers, micro hair trimmer, and mini scissors. Into this kit of sharp items I added a multipurpose pocket knife (Swiss Army, Leatherman, etc.) for checked baggage.
• Lavender petroleum jelly, CVS brand. I occasionally use this on my feet, then cover with socks. Also, a Pedi-egg.
• Razors and blades. I ordered from Dollar Shave Club. Sadly their products are just not the same since the company was bought out.
• Baby wipes. I use them for dusting, cleaning, and personal care.
  Never flush these, even if they claim to be flushable.
• Pads, liners, tampons, Diva Cup, or period underwear such as Thinx. Bring some even if you’re on a prescription, because life can be unpredictable. Estrogenic foods can alter menstrual cycles.
• Dove for Men Bar Soap, purchased in bulk, 14 bars. It’s a fresh, sporty scent. I prefer body washes, but budgeting and recycling concerns brought me back to bar soaps. The water in country made bar soaps melt fast, so I regret not bringing another bulk package. In country I found more Dove, and bought the shea scent.
• Antiperspirant. I found Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant Deodorant (4 pack) at BJ’s Wholesale Club. Each bottle lasted 4 months. Deodorant without antiperspirant will not last in hot weather. The best natural, lasting deodorant I can recommend is Schmidt’s. Everything else natural that I’ve tested wears out too quickly.
• Lume Whole Body Deodorant. This product was way expensive at $20 for a small tube, but a little goes a long way. I used this only for all day conferences or special events. Apply anywhere that gets uncomfortable with sweat. It’s aluminum free, baking soda free, and hypoallergenic.
• LUSH solid shampoo. I packed 3 bars. Long lasting and worth it.
• Leave-in conditioner. Shea Moisture works well for me in humidity.
• Face wash. I had a bottle of N.V. Perricone Nutritive Cleanser from better income days, so I packed it. You don’t have to overspend to have a good skin care. Cetaphil is also good. In TV news, every centenarian we interviewed that looked decades younger all named the same products — either Albolene or petroleum jelly.
• Face scrub. I packed a small tube of apricot facial scrub. Sometimes I mix in a dash of activated charcoal to clear pores.
• Makeup and make up remover. Simplify makeup with easy carry items such as Ramy multiples for eyes, cheeks, and lips. Pencils work better than powders in a rainy climate. Also, waterproof mascara. When my makeup remover ran out, I switched to a few drops of baby oil to loosen makeup instead.
• Biodegradable Q-tips and Cotton balls.
• Tea tree oil. I packed a half-used bottle from Trader Joe’s. This did not survive the pressure of the flight, but my suitcase smells fresh.
• Bag Balm. This is useful for many applications, and it contains a natural healing agent. It comes in a tin. I scooped some into a travel container.
• Cologne. I am a longtime customer of Nantucket Perfume Company, which has custom scents that do not contain alcohol. I packed a couple of nearly finished bottles, compact for travel. While in country I also bought Mennen’s baby cologne.
• Toothbrushes. Enough to change every 3–6 months and make a conscious effort to get them to a plastic recycling bin.
• Toothpaste. I purchased Crest ProHealth Advanced in bulk, 5 tubes. These contain fluoride to protect teeth, which is recommended when traveling to areas with non-fluorinated water. Otherwise, your teeth may start to hurt after a while. I skipping bringing aryurvedic toothpaste.
• Stainless steel tongue scraper and dental floss. Please don’t buy those plastic floss picks. They never break down, and end up everywhere in the environment. I wanted to try a natural floss product, but I’m still working through what my dentist provided.
• Listerine mouth wash. I packed a bulk-size bottle, which honestly added too much weight. I found this brand available in country, so packing a huge bottle was unnecessary.
• Breath freshener spray. Vitamin Shoppe brand contains chlorophyll, but it also contains xylitol which is deadly to pets. I actually spilled some then nosedived to stop my dog from licking it off the floor. So no more of this. Instead, try food grade peppermint oil in a small spray bottle. Beware this is VERY strong. I also carry Nature’s Plus Optifresh Breath Gels.
• Jewelry. Aside from body piercings that don’t come out, I packed one inconspicuous ring and 2 sets of earrings. Nothing of significant value. It’s not worth risking theft. I wore my older Apple Watch constantly and removed it only for charging, or to scrub and sanitize the band.
• Reading glasses, 2 pairs, one for bedside and one for travel. I use Izipizi, after trying other cute brands that just weren’t sturdy enough. But I still ended up busting 2 pair and searching for cheap readers, which were difficult to find.
• Sunglasses. I packed a closeout pair of Nine West that I found at TJ Max. Expensive sunglasses get stolen or lost in treacherous conditions. I did not use these much. They make you look like a tourist.
• Sunblock. Sport strength 50–75 SPF for body and a sport strength lip balm in minimum 35–50 SPF, applied often. For face, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen in SPF 100 or higher, or an equivalent.
• Purell hand sanitizer with aloe that I carry with me. My employer also provided 80% alcohol gel, which was useful to stop breakouts.
• Earthbreeze detergent sheets were efficient to pack, long lasting, and no plastic. The scent did fade, so I recommend sealing the paper package. Bar detergents (try Zote rose or citronella scent) are also travel-friendly. Some Latin American countries have refill bags of liquid detergent to help reduce plastic waste. If you’re washing clothes by hand, try the pail size washboard from Columbus Washboard Company.
• Travel clothes line. I found the 6-foot length to be too short, so I had to improvise. If you’re crafty, you can use heavy twine. Don’t forget clothes pins or clips. I pack about a half dozen metal shower hooks and also binder clips, which always come in handy for something.
• Natural linen spray. Do not underestimate this. It serves as a freshener, an energizer, and a stress reducer. Lavender can soothe you to sleep. Here you can order in hundreds of scents.
• Antibacterial dish soap. It’s concentrated and has many uses. You only need a drop to wash your hands.

CLOTHING:

Clothes were difficult to pack because everyone in our household put on weight during the pandemic. Literally nothing fit anymore. What a rude awakening. After self-bashing, I packed the following:

• Formal shoes with a 1–2 inch heel, for high profile events. Mine were black with shiny patent, kept in a cloth bag. Nice to have, but almost never used.
• Running or cross training sneakers. I brought my white/gold pair of Nike Zoom Pegasus 35 that were still fairly pristine.
• MUST HAVE —and I cannot stress this enough — a set of therapeutic shoe inserts, such as ProFoot Triad Orthotic or Dr. Scholl’s shoe inserts if you plan for running or walking a lot. Roads and paths can be rough terrain or concrete in need of serious repair. If you trip, miss a step, or suffer arch or heel pain, you will be absolutely miserable if corrective inserts are nowhere around and you’re walking for miles.
• Hiking boots? Repeat feedback is not to pack them because they are heavy, and in most circumstances you will not need them in Central America. So I left my Timberlands and tall rainboots at home. People tend to buy cheap rain boots in country.
• Crocs. These beat any brand of sandals. Easy to wipe down or hose off with soap. Perfect for walking almost everywhere except for deep inland where you have to worry about critters. I bought the Classic Platform capable of doubling as shower shoes.
• Canvas slip-on sneakers that can still be worn to a nice event that’s dress casual. The shimmery Sammy Chevrons that I purchased from Ugg are no longer available on their website. The closest style is Alameda Sammy. Steve Madden also makes a few seasonal pairs.
• Socks. A multipack of athletic socks for the running shoes, and liner socks. I ended up wearing Crocs without socks for everyday walking.
• Boyshort underwear (12) by Nautica. Most comfortable.
• Bras (4) and sport bras (3) with strong support but no underwires.
• ASRV Waterproof Tactical Pant, held for rainy season. I first noticed this brand on a military jogger in Boston, and I’ve been following its releases ever since.
• Work pants. One black pair of ankle strap utility pants, and 2 pairs of Pixie straight pants (khaki and navy blue) from Old Navy. Apparently very popular, so finding this style in stock and correct fit (I was between sizes) took several purchases and some last minute store hopping.
• Black canvas belt. I did not use this until I lost significant weight.
• Skirted leggings (2) in black that I purchased through Groupon. You can do cartwheels in these, and no one will see your junk.
• Tennis skorts. I have many, but packed 3 different colors with a longer hemline. You don’t have to worry when you sit. Also cartwheel proof.
• Maxi skirts (2) via Groupon, A-line fit, in black and navy blue. Light and easy to wear. Can be pulled up the torso to wear as a house dress.
• Lightweight sweatpants from Aeropostale, and 2 tees. As sleepwear. The weather was rarely cool enough for sweatpants. They also shed fuzz.
• Knit Tops (5), including a few clearance items from Venus. I ended up donating 2 of the older Venus tops. An Old Navy knit top perforated by my puppies’ claws became a sleep tunic.
• Long sleeve tees (3) in white, black, and gray; and short sleeve tees (2), in black and blush, both with subtle shimmer. All from Old Navy. Wardrobe staples that can be worn alone of under a jacket.
• Joe Marlin short sleeve button downs (4). These ripped at the seams in the hotel washing machine. I prefer to sew with matching embroidery thread. Since I did not pack any, I retired all 4 shirts to my suitcase.
• Ultralight button down shirts (2), in black and white with eyelet trim, from Old Navy. These were loose fitting and a bit sheer.
• Portofino shirts by Express (2). They were easy to wear and by far the most professional. More of these next time, and less of the others.
• Dresses (2). A cute surplice print from Old Navy, and a summer office-to-evening dress for special occasions. I received 2 more sleeveless dresses from New York & Company that were sent to me.
• Rainleaf Microfiber Towels in 2 sizes, and one Turbie Twist. These are fast drying and worked perfectly for in-country retreats.
• Raingear. I grabbed a clear, oversized rain jacket from my roommate. We had a bunch of items from storm coverage and TV news.
• A strong umbrella to carry with you daily, wherever you go. Thunderstorms arrive fast, often with torrential rain and flooding.
• A sun hat. I found one by Palmyth which has both a hidden mesh net and a detachable back panel to shield the neck. Excellent for trekking.
• A heavy duty, quality canvas tote with pocket, zip closure, and 50-pound capacity. You can find these on Amazon. No fancy bags, laptop cases, or pricey business backpacks.

Yep, I overpacked. I brought a lot of toiletries, but I did not need to scramble for more. My work was mostly remote and not office-based. Beyond orientation, there wasn’t a need for all the knit shirts. I needed better sleepwear because where I stayed had many passersby. I did not pack workout clothes since I had skorts, but the humidity showed me I needed more tees. In country, I bought 2 athletic shorts and 4 print tees for workouts. I received additional t-shirts through business-related events.

I had 2 suitcases, large and small, from TravelPro. I also had a Heys carry on from my conference days. What failed was the pop-up handle on the largest suitcase, which prevented me from being able to stack them. This created an embarrassing challenge of juggling heavy luggage upon arrival at the airport. I was told the luggage handle is not repairable. I recommend a bungee cord, which I bought in-country to help me with my return trip.

I donated or gifted on whatever I did not need to travel home with, with the end goal of being one suitcase down from where I started.