Although my trip to Guatemala has come to end, and I've been back in the US for a month now, I hope that I can use my experiences to help anyone going in the future. To that end, here's a packing list for a linguist going to the field station for a few months!
- Documents:
- Passport (to keep safely) and a copy (to carry around). Visas are not required for US citizens staying under 3 months
- Other identification, such as a driver's license
- Sheet with important contact information
- ATM card - this is the most convenient way to get money, Credit cards are seldom accepted and changing from US dollars is not convenient. ATM's can be found in most town centers, especially in supermarkets
- Insurance information
- Medicine:
- Over-the-counter pain medication (Advil, Aspirin, etc)
- Necessary vaccinations: Typhoid, Hep A (see the CDC website for specifics.) Note that the typhoid vaccine is less than 60% effective, so remember to still be cautious.
- Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin (aka Cipro) is a heavy duty antibiotic that is a must carry! To avoid picking up parasites and other stomach bugs, stay away from raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit (or make sure they are washed properly,) drink bottled water, and learn how to use a pila (a Guatemalan-style outdoor sink. Here's a helpful webpage with instructions: how to use a pila.)
- First aid kit (including thermometer, bandages)
- Clothing and Gear:
- Comfortable, modest daily wear. For women and men, clothes should be at minimum short sleeved and below the knee.
- Rain jacket: the rainy season in Guatemala stretches from May to October, with frequent showers that can turn into downpours
- Mid-weight jacket: a lighter jacket such as a fleece is advisable to carry.
- Warm clothing: May to October is considered winter in Guatemala, and temperatures in the highlands range from about 60 -80oF. The lack of indoor heating makes layers and sweaters a must.
- Sturdy shoes for wet and muddy roads, nicer shoes for a semi-formal occasion
- At least one or two sets of clothes for a semi-formal occasion.
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Socks and undergarments
- Sleep wear
- Water bottle
- Sturdy medium-sized backpack
- Toiletries:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Travel-size towel
- Travel-size deodorant
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
- Sun screen and bug spray
- Equipment
- Any necessary electronics: laptop, cell phone, chargers, recording devices, iPads, etc.
- Headphones
- USB drives, storage drives
- Field notebooks, field guides, and dictionaries
- Camera and case (note: in some situations, a large camera might be too inconvenient or noticeable. Smartphone cameras are often better in those cases)
- Upon reaching Guatemala, it is advisable to buy a cheap, prepaid phone (known as frijolitos) and a prepaid internet modem. These are available in most towns.
Hopefully this basic list is helpful for preparing to go to the field station!
Inspiration for the concept and format was from this blog.
