What types of clothing should you pack for Haiti?

Answer 1

What to wear and what to pack. Generally, Haiti has tropical weather year round, though it can be chilly in rainy weather, so you should be prepared for a range of weather conditons. Rainy seasons vary between north and south coasts, and from year to year. Hurricane season is June to November.

Women travel wardrobe: Women should as a rule dress modestly; longer loose-fitting skirts or looser-fitting slacks, no skimpy tops, longer sleeves will help with cleanliness and sun protection; no heavy makeup, no flashy jewellery. Try to blend in, not stick out. Be sensitive to the culture you are in.

Fabrics, Jeans Pack lightweight cotton or breathable fabrics, and preferably fast drying. Synthetics such as polyester, nylon etc can lead to a terrific heat rash; blue jeans can draw attention to you as a 'blan' (foreigner) and are also very hot, and hard to line dry.

Shoes, Socks One good sturdy pair of hiking shoes or runners should do you, plus a pair of flip flops for public showers, etc. Closed shoes are advisable to keep feet clean and protected. Sandals or open shoes are not recommended. Lightweight breathable socks in cotton or or sports style are good. Bear in mind during sudden rainstorms, Haiti streets and sewers fill up rapidly..

Tops, Blouses, Shirts Take a few different tops in lightweight fabrics, preferably with longer sleeves for added protection. Print tops in subdued colors won't show the dirt as much. Lightweight fabrics allow you to more easily rinse out, if water is available, when you need to.

Pants, Slacks, Skirts Choose 3 or 4 pairs of pants or skirts in lightweight fabrics preferably in permanent press, or wrinkle resistant. You are not going to be able to do laundry, ironing, etc like you would at a resort. Even if such services are available, be aware that resources are limited in Haiti at the best of times, and try not to be a drain on what little there is. See more Travel wardrobe here.

Colours Colors Choose khaki or dark colored pants and skirts that won't show the dirt and dust as much as white colored clothing will.

Lightweight Jacket, Rain Poncho, Rain Coat, Sun Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen A good waterproof jacket is hard to find, and harder still to find at a reasonable price. Better, perhaps, to take along half a dozen or more disposable light plastic rain ponchos from the Dollar Store that could also be used to cover your luggage, sleeping area. Also take sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (see examples list links on Amazon below).

For the few weeks you will be in Haiti, you can likely survive quite well wearing the same few items of clothing. If you like, pack a small bottle of Febreeze to spray on clothers to freshen when you need to. I hung some clothing in a closed wardrobe and it mildewed fairly quickly. Let the air at clothing.

Underwear, sleepwear As little and as light as possible, depending on where you will be staying. You may be sleeping in your clothes. Good time for disposable underwear! Related: Travel clothing tips.

If you are traveling with an aid group they will likely guide you further or provide some supplies, such as insect repellent, first aid, over the counter medicines, etc.

Some Items to Take to Haiti and Leave Behind

Travellers to Haiti can take full advantage of technology: Flashlights that use LED bulbs, and don't need batteries, solar powered lights, solar powered batteries and radios (See Amazon links below and my Travel Safety Tips). Here are some suggestions for items to take on your trip to Haiti, then leave behind when you leave. I don't have photos but I did find some examples on Amazon.com with details to show some useful and lightweight items that will be very much appreciated.

Lights Cap / Hat LED Light and LED Finger Lamps that come with small batteries (not sure how long these last, and you have to decide if the gift of light is worth the bits of plastic left behind. I'm leaning towards the 'gift of light' side). This is the flashlight I have -- LED Flashlight - No Batteries -- though I paid a lot more for mine in the UK.

Cleanliness Personal Care: Do take Hand Sanitizers -- note towelettes are available, and may be lighter weight. Leave your blow dryers, curling irons, electric razors at home, as when there is no power, they are dead weight anyhow. Better to take along something useful like waterless hand cleaner sanitizer, vitamins.

Insect Repellants Do take and leave insect repellants. Note that products containing DEET are considered most effective. Also mosquito netting : See mosquito netting.

Water Purifications tablets : Drink only bottled purified water, of course. Consider a personal water purification system to save on bottled water, or if you will be on the road and run short of water and places to buy it. My family doctor recommended I take along a container of powdered Gatorade to add to drinking water in half-strength to help with dehydration, or replace electrolytes especially if you take a diuretic, or contract diarrhea. Consider some potable water iodine tablets. Even if you don't use for drinking water, you can treat water used for washing.

Sunscreen and Sunglasses - see a variety sunscreens - look for waterproof (sports) types. Local merchants who sponsor international aid groups may be willing to donate products for you to take to Haiti. For sunglasses, look for multipacks (sunglasses) or collect used from your friends and family.

Protein Bars Nutrition supplements bars are also handy to have with you on any trip. See protein bars. I always carry some of these, for any trip. Even on a delayed flight or bus trip, you'll have something with you to eat, or give out to someone else.