Gonna Go to Ghana

Duffel/Backpack and another bag about half this size will be what I travel with for this trip.

My project for today is to gather everything I need to take in one place and see if it all fits in the bags I want to take. I'm 50% there, now I just have to get energy enough to pack everything!

Here are a few facts about the trip and about Ghana (#16 on below map):

• Flight time between New York's JFK and Accra, Ghana - 10 1/2 hours
• NYC weather forecast for Wednesday (when we take off) - 40 degrees and rainy
• Accra weather forecast for Thursday (when we arrive) - 87 degrees and rainy
• Time difference - Ghana is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time

Ghana is in Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire (The Ivory Coast) and Togo
Area - approx 148,000 sq miles (slightly smaller than Oregon)
Natural Hazards - dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to March; droughts
Polulation - 23.4 million (about the population of Texas) divided as follows:

0-14 years: 37.8%
15-64 years: 58.7%
65 years and over: 3.6%

Literacy - approx. 58% of Ghanaians over the age of 15 can read or write (vs. 96% in U.S.)
Internet Users - 650,000 (approx 2.8% of population vs. 72.5% in U.S.)
Transnational Issues - illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin

More detailed info about Ghana

Suggested Packing List for Ghana Travel

(from the Cultural and Academic Travel Organisation)

Toiletries:

Bug Spray

Sun Screen

Band-Aids

Antibacterial Ointment

After-Bite

Chapstick

Shampoo

Body Wash

Toothpaste/Toothbrush

Deodorant

Individually Packaged Antibacterial Wipes

Individually Packaged Body Wipes

Individually Packaged Face Wipes

Pads/Tampons (as needed; bring enough!)

Mini Toilet Paper Roll

Medications:

Prescriptions

Anti-Malarial Meds

Pain Reliever

Anti-Diarrhea Pills

Allergy Pills

Tums or Other Antacid

Miscellaneous:

Towel

Sleep Sack

Flashlight

Money Belt

Brush

Hair Scrunchies

Documents:

Passport

Airline Tickets

Itinerary

Extra Passport Photos

Copies of Passport/Tickets/Credit Cards

Customer Service Numbers for Credit Cards

Clothing:

(Aside from the basic underwear, socks, shorts, and shirts)

Long Sleeved Shirt

Long (or Convertible) Pants

Cardigan or Light Fleece

(All for night protection against bugs)

Rain Jacket

Hat

Bandanna

Sneakers

Sandals

Flip Flops for Bathing

Other:

Day Pack

Journal

Books for Reading

Camera

Film or Memory Card

Recording Device/Mic

Blank Discs/Tapes

Batteries

Gifts for Hosts/New Friends