*Disclaimer*
This is my own personal checklist I use when preparing to travel. None of it is required or sponsored. Yes the people you are visiting will have some of the items and /or they can be purchased in some stores. I find it more convenient to just bring it myself. After reading, use your own discretion as to what is necessary for you.

As soon as your trip is booked, check the expiration date on your passport, visa, and drivers license.

  • Passport Cover – keeps it protected and makes it easy for you to locate [click here] to shop
  • Hold mail – if you live alone have the postoffice hold your mail it can be done online
  • Print Flight & Accommodations Confirmations – imagine if your phone dies…
  • Color copy of passport & visa – keep in in a separate place than the original
  • Notify your bank you’re traveling – I don’t advise using your cards while traveling but in the event you need to, you want it to work.
  • Luggage with 360 wheels  – makes it easier to maneuver throughout The airport
  • Sunscreen – yes people with melanin need sunscreen
  • Small flashlight –  some places do not have consistent light.
  • Bug spray – mosquitoes are relentless
  • Sunglasses – for regular use and helpful while riding okada
  • Prescriptions – fill before leaving
  • Allergy meds 
  • Cold meds / Cough drops – in case you get sick, you’ll have something you know
  • Multivitamin / Vitamin C – wouldn’t hurt
  • Laxatives / Diarrhea Meds – in case the food or water doesn’t agree with you
  • Book – the layovers get boring fast and you don’t want to use all you phone battery scrolling
  • Headphones – old school ones with the jack to watch the inflight movies [air pods won’t work]
  • Sandals w/ straps – just easier than flip flops if you’re in a hurry
  • Shower flip flops  
  • Sneakers – one pair for adventures
  • Body scrub – or dove exfoliating bars, or exfoliating gloves
  • Face scrub – on windy days, you’ll be happy you have it
  • Baby wipes – use as makeup remover wipes and anything else 
  • Handkerchiefs – you’re going to sweat… a lot
  • Chapstick – the air can be very dry
  • Lightweight moisturizer & lotion – after scrubbing you’ll need it
  • Toilet roll – I’m bougie and like my Charmin Ultra Strong also not all public places will toilet paper
  • Travel Blanket – Airplanes are always freezing to me 
  • Hoodie or jacket – On rainy days or cool nights, you’ll be happy you have it
  • Mirror – if you bring makeup, bring a mirror, one with lights will be even better
  • Unlock phone for international use – this was in ’17 check to see what is more up to date at the very least, have WhatsApp so you can call for free with WiFi
  • Breakfast bars, oatmeal, canned or dry food, snacks – they will come in clutch more than you think
  • Brand new $100 bills – for exchanging local currency
  • Clorox wipes – even before 2019 this was on the list
  • Cross body purse – you better not set your purse down in a public place. 
  • Sports bra and running shorts – my sleepwear its too hot for anything else
  • Chargers / Powerbank – save yourself from always looking for an outlet plus there may not always be electricity 
  • Swim suit – even if its not in the plans bring it anyway because good luck finding one there
  • Safety pins – a couple for wardrobe malfunctions
  • Ziploc bags – I use these to bring back DRIED spices be sure they are thoroughly dried because customs had no problems throwing them away
  • Walmart bags – they come in handy

Don’t sleep on the passport cover. It makes it easier for you to locate in your belongings. It can also deter thieves because it is so unique. Plus it will be representative of where you are going. It doesn’t make sense to have a mass produced passport cover with the Eifel Tower on it when you’re traveling to Africa. [Click Here] to have a look at the variety of colors we offer. The last thing is to prepare to have the time of your life. Go with an open mind and West Africa will be home to some of your best experiences. Enjoy!