What to Bring

Africa ˅　　Latin America ˅　　Middle East ˅　　Japan ˅

Africa

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing For safari trips, choose lightweight, breathable clothes in neutral colors (khaki, beige, brown) to blend into the environment and avoid attracting animals or insects.
Warm layers Mornings and evenings, especially on game drives, can be chilly, so pack a fleece jacket or sweater, and a beanie for colder months.
Hat and sunglasses A wide-brimmed hat to protect against the intense sun, and polarized sunglasses for eye protection.
Sturdy hiking boots Essential for trekking and for hiking.
Walking shoes Sturdy, comfortable shoes for safaris. Sandals for casual wear.
Swim wear There is always a chance to get wet in Africa!
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing East Africa can be hot and humid, so pack breathable clothing. Long sleeves and pants are ideal for preventing insect bites.
Rain jacket or poncho For the rainy seasons, especially in areas like Uganda or Rwanda where travelers go gorilla trekking.
Gaiters or long socks Useful when trekking to protect from mud and insects.
Hat and sunglasses A wide-brimmed hat to protect against the intense sun, and polarized sunglasses for eye protection.
Sturdy hiking boots Essential for trekking and for hiking.
Walking shoes Sturdy, comfortable shoes for safaris. Sandals for casual wear.
Swim wear There is always a chance to get wet in Africa!
Loose, lightweight clothing In Muslim-majority countries like Morocco and Egypt, dress conservatively. Loose, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are ideal.
Scarf or shawl Useful for sun protection, dust, and for visiting religious sites like mosques.
Modest attire for religious sites Long sleeves and pants or a skirt are essential for entering mosques and other religious sites.
Hat and sunglasses A wide-brimmed hat to protect against the intense sun, and polarized sunglasses for eye protection.
Sturdy hiking boots Essential for trekking and for hiking.
Walking shoes Sturdy, comfortable shoes for safaris. Sandals for casual wear.
Swim wear There is always a chance to get wet in Africa!
Light, breathable clothing Opt for light cotton or linen outfits due to high temperatures and humidity. Long sleeves and pants are advisable to protect from mosquitoes.
Rain jacket or poncho West Africa has pronounced rainy seasons, so a lightweight rain jacket or poncho is useful.
Hat and sunglasses A wide-brimmed hat to protect against the intense sun, and polarized sunglasses for eye protection.
Sturdy hiking boots Essential for trekking and for hiking.
Walking shoes Sturdy, comfortable shoes for safaris. Sandals for casual wear.
Swim wear There is always a chance to get wet in Africa!
Light, long-sleeved clothing Due to the high humidity and the need to protect against mosquitoes and insects, long sleeves and pants are recommended.
Rain jacket or poncho Essential for heavy rains, especially when exploring rainforests.
Quick-dry clothing Ideal for the humid, wet conditions.
Hat and sunglasses A wide-brimmed hat to protect against the intense sun, and polarized sunglasses for eye protection.
Sturdy hiking boots Essential for trekking and for hiking.
Walking shoes Sturdy, comfortable shoes for safaris. Sandals for casual wear.
Swim wear There is always a chance to get wet in Africa!
Camera Recommended Lenses:
Wide-angle lens (8mm-24mm): Ideal for capturing wide shots of the sky, clouds, sunsets, etc.
Standard lens (24mm-70mm): Suitable for close-up animal photography.
Zoom lens (70mm-400mm, ideally up to 600mm would be very good!): Perfect for close-up shots of animals’ faces and for capturing distant animals with clarity.
Spare battery Always bring extra batteries. A high-capacity portable charger is also useful.
Memory cards The more memories, the better trip.
Binoculars While some tours may provide binoculars, it’s recommended to bring your own. Binoculars with 8x magnification should be sufficient.
Adapter plug Pack the necessary adapter for your charger.
Southern Africa generally uses Type M or D plugs.
East Africa typically uses British Type G plugs.
West Africa uses European Type C plugs in many areas.
North Africa uses European Type C and E plugs.
Central Africa uses European Type C and E plugs.
Sunscreen SPF 30+ sunscreen recommended.
Insect repellent Insect repellent with DEET is recommended for protection, especially during the rainy season in malaria zones (Zambia, northern Botswana).
Malaria medication (if needed) Some regions are malaria-prone, particularly during the rainy season. Consult with a healthcare professional about prophylactics.
Passport, visas, and travel insurance Ensure that you have valid visas, a copy of your travel insurance policy, and emergency contacts.
Vaccination records Some African countries require proof of vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever). always check medical requirement.
Refillable water bottle Hydration is important, especially in hot climates. Bring your favorite refillable water.
Personal first aid kit For minor injuries, include band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers.
Credit card and cash While major cities have ATMs, rural areas may only accept cash, so bring local currency.

Latin America

Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing Since the weather is often hot and humid, pack breathable fabrics like cotton or quick-dry materials for comfort. Long sleeves and pants are useful for both sun and mosquito protection.
Rain jacket or poncho Especially for the rainy season or visits to rainforest areas like Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula or Nicaragua’s Bosawás Reserve.
Sturdy hiking shoes Central America is rich in hiking opportunities, from exploring volcanoes (Arenal in Costa Rica, Pacaya in Guatemala) to rainforests and national parks. Bring good-quality hiking shoes with proper grip.
Sandals or flip-flops Comfortable for beach towns and casual city exploration.
Swimwear Essential for the many beaches, lakes, and hot springs.
Hat and sunglasses A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses are important for sun protection, particularly at high altitudes or coastal areas.
Layered clothing In the Andean highlands (Cusco, Quito, La Paz), temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night. Bring a mix of light clothing for the day and warm layers like fleece or wool for chilly nights.
Waterproof jacket For unpredictable rain showers, especially during the wet season (December to March). Necessary for treks like the Inca Trail or Salkantay.
Gloves and scarf For cold mornings and evenings in places like Lake Titicaca or the Sacred Valley.
Hat and sunglasses A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection and sunglasses with UV protection are musts for high-altitude regions.
Hiking boots Essential for mountainous hikes, particularly if visiting Machu Picchu, Cotopaxi National Park, or Tayrona Park in Colombia. Make sure they’re waterproof and broken in.
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF High-altitude sun exposure can be intense, so strong sunscreen and SPF lip protection are crucial, even on cloudy days.
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing Choose breathable, long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid mosquito bites and to stay cool in the heat.
Rain gear A sturdy rain jacket and possibly waterproof pants for boat trips and jungle walks.
Hiking boots and rubber boots Many Amazon lodges provide rubber boots for walking in the muddy jungle, but confirm this ahead of time. Bring hiking boots that are water-resistant.
Hat and sunglasses Hat with neck protection
Thermal layers Patagonia is cold year-round, especially in southern regions like Torres del Paine. Thermal base layers, fleece, and insulated jackets are essential.
Waterproof jacket and pants Patagonia is known for unpredictable weather, so pack high-quality, waterproof gear to stay dry during hikes and boat tours.
Hiking boots Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots are crucial for trekking across Patagonia’s rugged terrain.
Hat, gloves, and scarf The wind in Patagonia can be harsh, so bring windproof gloves, a warm hat, and a neck warmer or scarf.
Sunglasses and sunscreen UV rays are strong, even on cloudy days. Sunglasses with UV protection and high-SPF sunscreen are a must, especially if trekking on glaciers.
Backpack with rain cover For day hikes, a sturdy backpack with a rain cover is useful for keeping your gear dry.
Camera Recommended Lenses:
Wide-angle lens (8mm-24mm): Ideal for capturing wide shots of the sky, clouds, sunsets, etc.
Standard lens (24mm-70mm): Suitable for close-up animal photography.
Zoom lens (70mm-400mm, ideally up to 600mm would be very good!): Perfect for close-up shots of birds with clarity.
Spare battery Always bring extra batteries. A high-capacity portable charger is also useful.
Memory cards The more memories, the better trip.
Binoculars While some tours may provide binoculars, it’s recommended to bring your own. Binoculars with 8x magnification should be sufficient.
Adapter plug Central America generally uses Type A and B plugs (like North America)
Countries in the Andean region use Type A and B plugs (similar to the U.S.) but some also use Type C.
Most Amazonian lodges use Type A or C plugs.
Patagonia uses Type C (European-style) plugs in Argentina and Type L in Chile.
An international adapter may be necessary.
Sunscreen Bring reef-safe sunscreen for protection against the intense sun.
Insect repellent Tropical environment means mosquitoes are prevalent, especially near water. While high-altitude areas have fewer bugs, if you’re visiting the Amazon (e.g., Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park or Peru’s Manu Reserve), bring strong insect repellent.
Medication Antimalarial medication is often recommended for travel in the Amazon. Also, pack rehydration salts, antihistamines, and any necessary prescriptions.
Passport, visas, and travel insurance Ensure that you have valid visas, a copy of your travel insurance policy, and emergency contacts.
Vaccination records Some African countries require proof of vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever). always check medical requirement.
Refillable water bottle Hydration is important, especially in hot climates. Bring your favorite refillable water.
Personal first aid kit For minor injuries, include band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers.
Credit card and cash While major cities have ATMs, rural areas may only accept cash, so bring local currency.

Middle East

Light, modest clothing Due to the intense heat, pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, but ensure they are modest. In countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, women should wear long sleeves, loose pants, or skirts. A scarf may be necessary for covering the hair in more conservative areas like Saudi Arabia.
Abaya (for women in Saudi Arabia) Women are expected to wear an abaya (a loose black cloak) in Saudi Arabia. You can purchase one locally, but some travelers prefer to bring their own.
Light jacket or shawl While it’s hot outside, indoor spaces are often air-conditioned to very low temperatures. A light jacket or shawl can be useful to stay warm indoors.
Sandals or light shoes Comfortable shoes or sandals are ideal for walking around urban areas, while closed-toe shoes are recommended for visiting desert areas or religious sites.
Modest swimwear In the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, swimwear is accepted at private beaches and pools, but it’s best to opt for more modest swimwear. For public beaches, women should consider wearing a cover-up over their swimsuits.
Layered clothing Coastal cities like Beirut and Tel Aviv can be warm, but higher elevations like Amman or Petra can be cooler, especially at night. Pack layers like long-sleeved shirts, lightweight jackets, and comfortable pants.
Modest dress Jordan and Palestine are more conservative, so women should dress modestly with long sleeves and loose-fitting clothing, particularly in rural or religious areas. Men should avoid wearing shorts in conservative areas.
Hiking gear If visiting Petra, Wadi Rum in Jordan, or nature reserves like Rosh Hanikra in Israel, bring sturdy hiking boots or shoes with a good grip. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also important for protection from the sun.
Swimwear For beach destinations like the Dead Sea or Tel Aviv, swimwear is acceptable at resorts, but women should consider modest swimsuits or cover-ups at more conservative public beaches.
Light weight scarf If visiting religious sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, or Mount Nebo in Jordan, modest dress is essential. Women may need to cover their heads at certain religious sites, so bring a lightweight scarf.
Camera Recommended Lenses:
Wide-angle lens (8mm-24mm): Ideal for capturing wide shots of the market, sunsets, etc.
Standard lens (24mm-70mm): Suitable for people photography.
Spare battery Always bring extra batteries. A high-capacity portable charger is also useful.
Memory cards The more memories, the better trip.
Adapter plug The Gulf region primarily uses Type G plugs (same as the UK). Bring an international adaptor if needed.
In Jordan and Lebanon, Type C, D, F, and G plugs are common. Israel primarily uses Type H plugs, so an international adapter may be needed depending on your country of origin.
Passport, visas, and travel insurance Ensure that you have valid visas, a copy of your travel insurance policy, and emergency contacts.
Refillable water bottle Hydration is critical in the hot, dry climate, so having a refillable water bottle is essential.
Personal first aid kit For minor injuries, include band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers.
Rehydration salts The dry, hot environment can lead to dehydration quickly, so bringing electrolyte or rehydration salts can be helpful after long days in the sun.
Credit card and cash While major cities have ATMs, rural areas may only accept cash, so bring local currency.

Japan

Light layers Temperatures vary widely during spring, with cool mornings and evenings but warm afternoons. Pack light sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and comfortable pants.
Rain jacket or umbrella Spring is known for sporadic showers, especially in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
Comfortable shoes Japan involves a lot of walking, especially when visiting temples, shrines, and gardens, so bring comfortable sneakers or walking shoes.
Sakura-themed clothing If visiting during cherry blossom season, many people like to dress in soft pastel colors for a pleasant aesthetic.
Light, breathable clothing Summers in Japan are very hot and humid, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Bring lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics such as cotton or linen.
Rain jacket or umbrella Japan’s rainy season (June to mid-July) requires rain gear.
Sandals or breathable shoes Lightweight, comfortable sandals or shoes are great for walking in hot weather.
Sun protection A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential to protect against the intense sun. Portable fan and cooling towel: To cope with the high humidity, bring a small portable fan or cooling towel.
Layered clothing Early autumn can still be warm, but late autumn in places like Kyoto or the northern regions can be cool. Pack layers such as long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, and a jacket.
Comfortable walking shoes Similar to spring, autumn is a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring parks.to.
Scarves and hats As the temperature drops, a scarf and a light hat can provide warmth in cooler regions.
Warm, insulated clothing If you’re visiting northern Japan (Hokkaido or the Japan Alps), it can be very cold, with snow in many areas. Pack a winter coat, thermals, hats, gloves, and a scarf.
Waterproof boots Winter can be wet or snowy, so waterproof boots or shoes with good grip are essential.
UNIQLO “HeatTech” layers A great option for lightweight warmth, available in Japan if you need extra layers.
Smart casual clothing Many indoor places, including restaurants and shopping centers, are well-heated, so you won’t need heavy layers indoors.
Plug type Japan uses Type A (two flat pins, like in North America) and Type B (with a grounding pin). Most electronics from the U.S. will work without an adapter, but European and other visitors will need an adapter.
Voltage Japan operates on 100V at 50/60 Hz, which is lower than the standard in many other countries. Most electronics (like laptops and smartphones) are compatible, but check your devices to be sure. If your devices are not compatible, consider bringing a voltage converter.
Portable charger (power bank) With the amount of time spent traveling by train and exploring cities, having a portable charger is useful for keeping your phone charged.
SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device Japan has excellent internet coverage, and having a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device can help you stay connected while navigating the country.
Passport Required for entering the country and for certain tax-free shopping options at stores.
Travel insurance Make sure you have coverage for medical needs, travel delays, and lost luggage.
Copies of travel documents Keep digital and hard copies of your passport, insurance, and accommodation details for safety.
JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) If you’re traveling extensively by train, especially on Shinkansen (bullet trains), purchase a JR Pass before arriving in Japan. This can save money on long-distance travel.
Suica or Pasmo card These rechargeable IC cards make it easy to use public transportation and can be used for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines.
Socks without holes In Japan, it’s common to remove your shoes when entering homes, some traditional inns (ryokan), and even certain restaurants and temples. Make sure your socks are in good condition, as they will be seen.
Small towel or handkerchief Public bathrooms in Japan often do not have paper towels or hand dryers. It’s customary to carry a small towel or handkerchief to dry your hands.
Reusable shopping bag Japan places a high emphasis on reducing plastic waste. Bring a foldable reusable shopping bag for groceries and shopping.
Gifts If you’re visiting someone’s home or a business partner, it’s polite to bring a small gift. Something from your home country is appreciated.
Small daypack or backpack Useful for carrying essentials like a water bottle, camera, and any souvenirs you pick up during your day trips.
Umbrella Japan’s weather can be unpredictable, and rain is common throughout the year. A small, foldable umbrella is a convenient item to carry.
Shoes that are easy to take off Since many temples, ryokans, and even fitting rooms require you to remove your shoes, it’s helpful to have shoes that slip on and off easily.
Reusable water bottle Japan has many vending machines and convenience stores, but carrying your own water bottle helps reduce plastic waste and is a more eco-friendly choice.
Cash and credit cards Japan is still a largely cash-based society, especially in rural areas, so always carry cash. However, major cities and larger stores accept credit cards.
Japanese phrasebook or translation app While many people in Japan, particularly in urban areas, speak English, it’s always helpful to know some basic Japanese phrases or use a translation app.