What to Pack for a Trip to Haiti
Travel in Haiti ~ What to Wear ~ What to Pack
What to Pack for a trip to Haiti Since so many people are asking what to pack for a trip to Haiti, I've put together a short list to get you started for travel to or in Haiti.
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.
Women should as a rule dress modestly; longer loose-fitting skirts or loose-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.
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.
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 asmall bottle of Febreeze and freshen your clothing when you are asleep.
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!
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 Travel Safety Tips). Consider a personal water purification system to save on bottled water, or if you will be on the road. Recommend a container of powdered Gatorade to add to drinking water in half-strength to help with dehydration.
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.
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,
For a more comprehensive list of what to pack for a trip to Haiti, see Travel Packing tips section, paying special attention to the comfort, safety pages. Some may be able to travel to Haiti from the Dominican Republic, roughly a seven-hour drive, including stops, from Puerto Plata via the Haiti highway route through the Dajabon DR border crossing then on to Cap-Haitien and Fort Liberte. See pictures of Haiti art, and my story about this trip at Haiti Travel Story.
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Haiti Gallery ~ Travel to Haiti Pictures
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See More Haiti Travel Pictures and Travel Information
Fort Liberte Historic fort on Haiti's north coast
Haiti Highway From Dajabon Dominican Republic to Cap-Haitien Haiti
Labadie (Labadee) Haiti Village on Haiti north shore near cruise ship stop
Cap-Haitien Haiti's second largest city
Haiti art Artworks and crafts in oil paintings, metal sculpture,leather and wood
Haiti travel story Road trip from Puerto Plata DR to Cap-Haitien
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