Packing Guidelines & Travel Safety
What should I bring with me to the Hogar?
Minimal Furniture: The Hogar was opened a little over a year ago and although it is a modern building, we do not have a lot of furniture yet. You will share a large room with volunteers of the same gender. You will have a twin bed and there are plenty of sheets.
Washer/Dryer: The Hogar has a washer and dryer (although we prefer that you use the clothesline). You will have a shared bathroom that you will share with other adults of the same gender.
No Hot Water: There is no hot water at the Hogar, but since the weather is quite warm, this is not usually a problem. If you are interested, there are actually hot springs about a 5-minute walk up behind the Hogar.
Hogar Packing List:
A padlock: We have six volunteer lockers in the volunteer’s room at the Hogar. This means that each volunteer (even those not living at the Hogar) can lock up their personal valuables in their own locker.
Flashlight: The electricity at the Hogar is the same as the U.S. and Canada (same outlets) but is not completely reliable. It’s also nice to have a flashlight if you get up in the night to use the restroom so you do not wake others in the room.
Small Fan: The Hogar has some fans but they tend to burn out fast. An inexpensive, small fan may help you sleep better at night.
A Surge Protector: The electricity in Honduras is the same as the U.S. and Canada, but it frequently goes out. A surge protector will help keep your cell phone charger and other electric items from burning out.
Pillow: The Hogar has plenty of sheets and pillowcases but not very many pillows - bring your own and then consider donating it when you leave. A good night’s sleep is important.
Bath towel: There are lots of little towels at the Hogar but few real bath towels. If you want one, bring your own.
Clock: The Hogar does not have many clocks.
Water bottles: Fill ‘em and freeze ‘em.
Sunscreen & insect repellant
BOOKS: There are not many bookstores or libraries in Honduras.
Shopping List:
Cell phone: It is likely that your regular cell phone will NOT work in Honduras, however it is possible to get it ‘unlocked’ and purchase a chip for about $15 that will give you a Honduran phone number while you are here. OR you could purchase an inexpensive phone at the mall in La Ceiba ($25.) and buy cards for L.100, L. 200, etc. to add minutes. (Most volunteers purchase a phone in Honduras.) There are two companies, Tigo and Claro. Tigo seems to get much better reception in this area. Surprisingly it is less expensive to use your cell phone to call Canada and the U.S. than it is to call within Honduras,
Drinking the water, eating the food: The food at the Hogar is tasty, but pretty high in carbs. Lots of rice, beans, pasta and green bananas. Although you will receive three meals a day while living at the Hogar ($56. / week), it’s good to budget an additional $10 each week to treat yourself to a salad at a local restaurant, buy some snacks at the supermarket or even an ice tea from the local pulperia. Bring a water bottle or two that you can fill with filtered water at the Hogar and then freeze so you have cold water each day. Drink A LOT of water - you are in the tropics! Do NOT ever drink tap water.
Travel Safety Guidelines:
No flashy jewelry: To the average Honduran, you appear quite wealthy. Most Hondurans are honest and caring but as in any country, there are those who will take advantage of an opportunity if you are careless with your belongings. Do not walk around with your cell phone or iPod visible. Keep your backpack or other bags on your lap when riding a public bus. Do not wear flashy jewelry. Do not carry a lot of cash.
Photcopies of passport & credit cards: Make photocopies of your passport and creditcards before you go. Be sure to include the international 800#’s to call if they are lost or stolen. Leave one copy with your family and pack another separate from your wallet. If you lose your wallet this copy will be very handy!
Buddy System: Use the buddy system whenever possible. If you plan to travel around the country or even to the local internet café, TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU PLAN TO BE BACK. Even better, bring someone along too. Never walk alone!
Drugs: Say NO to drugs. Do not even THINK about purchasing or using illegal drugs while in Honduras.
HIV: If you choose to be sexually involved with someone, be very careful. Use protection. For a variety of reasons, getting romantically involved during your volunteer placement is NOT a good idea. However, if by chance you do, please USE PROTECTION since Honduras has a very high HIV rate.
Security Guards: As is common in Central America, you will notice that most businesses, banks, department stores, supermarkets, etc. will have an armed security guard. We have armed security at the Hogar at night.
