Project MARC

What to bring & Not to bring

Personal Travel Items

~ Luggage ~

Suitcases are unacceptable !!  Suitcases cannot be stored on sailboats and cannot be transported in small dinghies. If you disregard this message and bring a suitcase anyhow, you will be asked to re pack your luggage in boxes or soft luggage and store your suitcase in a paid storage place.

If you are located in the State of Utah you may be asked to bring a second piece of luggage with project supplies.

Heavy luggage is generally in your way when you are traveling using remote island transportation as well as in your tent or hut. The lighter you pack the easier it is!

~ Clothing ~

For a Typical 3-4 Week Expedition You Are Advised to Bring:

2 pair of long pants
2 pair of "long" shorts
7 T shirts or blouses
underwear
1 pair of Tevas or other brand "water sandals" (this is a "must")
1 pair of light hikers
2 pair of socks
bathing suit
1 light fleece jacket
1 pair of fleece pants
waterproof rain-gear

Jeans are unsuitable for this climate!!  You should select light materials that are suitable for a tropical climate; i.e. easy to wash and quick to dry. Most outdoors companies sell these types of clothing.

Port Vila is much more liberal and any kind of modest clothing is acceptable there

~ Food & Beverages ~ 

In many cases team members will prepare their own food. Cooking utensils, pots and pans will be provided as well as a propane tank and gas. Specific instructions concerning food will be provided for each individual team.

Supermarkets are available in Port Vila only, most items needed can be obtained at reasonable cost. Meals will consist of what is available in the Port Vila supermarkets and whatever fresh produce is available on the islands. Yams, taro, maniok, island cabbage and fruit are the usual fare. This summer's selection will be very limited due to the recent damage to the crops caused by Cyclone IVY.

Count on your meals to be simple.You are encouraged to bring additional foods from your home country, but please check on the internet for specific import rules of the country where you enter if you wish to do so. Vanuatu is pretty strict what about importing foods, it is also a third world country where rules are not always straightforward. Any foods you import have to be recorded on your entrance form, and your bags will be searched.

Canned foods and candy are generally o.k.; anything else is subject to the Custom agent's "individual decision". Agricultural items are prohibited. Alcohol is available in the liquor stores but is quite expensive.

You are welcome to take some alcohol with you to the islands, but please NEVER OFFER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO THE LOCAL PEOPLE.

KAVA is a local ceremonial drink as well as a mood-altering narcotic and/or hallucinogenic.  It is prepared of the roots of the kava plant. Vanuatu kava is regarded as the strongest kavav in the entire Pacific. many Fijians used to regular kava use know better than to use Vanuata kava. Because of previous experiences with team members becoming unable to perform their normal duties for 24-48 hours, we ask that you only try out kava during the weekend in your time off!  If pressured by a local host, just take a very small sip and pass the drinking bowl on or discard the rest discreetly.  The combination of alcohol and kava can have especially adverse effects.

  ~ The following 10 items are mandatory ~

  1) headlamp and batteries
  2) mosquito net
  3) tevas or other water sandals
  4) malaria medication
  5) sunscreen and lip protection
  6) Swiss army knife
  7) mosquito repellent
  8) sunglasses and hat or cap
  9) personal first aid kit
10) personal waterbottle with multi-stage filter         (gardia/cryptococcus/bacteria/viruses; e.g. Katadyn Extream)
 

~ Additional Items to Bring ~ 

1 closed-cell foam or thermorest-type sleeping pad
1 fleece blanket or thin sleeping bag
1 thin or inflatable pillow
1 sheetbag (queen size sheet sewed together as a sleeping bag) or separate sheets

3 medium towels
laundry detergent and clothes pins

notebook and pencils
books to read
walkman and tapes

 Miscelaneous Travel Advice 

~ how much money to bring ~

There are only a few ways to spend money in the outer islands:

-- Cookies, bread and sometimes soft drinks, are occasionally available in the small local stores.
-- On the island of Ambrym one can buy unique woodcarvings, ranging from US$ 2 to US $500
-- In Ambrym one can attend ROM dances (US $20) and there is the volcano to be hiked (US $15
-- In Banam Bay a hike to the waterfall can be made (US $ 5) and cultural dances can be seen (US $ 15)
-- All prices are estimated and always subject to change.

The best exchange rate in Port Vila can be obtained @ GOODIES a store in the main street.

Please do not hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.  Also,  you might ask someone who already volunteered with Project MARC.

Being prepared is 50% of the game!!