Travel to Liberia: Packing List and Tips For International Travel
This is the only packing list you’ll ever need for your travel to Liberia.
Packing for travel to Liberia might be some of the easiest international packing you’ll ever do. The key here is to not overthink it. Leave your flashy items at home and keep it casual, while keeping the weather in mind.
The climate is typically tropical and you can expect heat and humidity. During rainy season (between May and November), it’s humid and rainy with a nice occasional breeze. During dry season (December through April), it’s just hot and dry. Temperatures can range from between 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
Also, consider the kinds of activities you’ll be doing during your stay. For example, what you’d wear to the market will be completely different from what you’d wear if you were visiting a government office. However, more times than not, opting for a more laid-back look will work in your favor. Liberians pride themselves on looking their best, so dress clean and well put together.
In this post, you’ll learn more about what to pack to be fully prepared and ready to travel to Liberia and the items that you wouldn’t think to bring, but will absolutely be glad you did.
After reading this post, you’ll have all the information you need to prepare for an international trip to Liberia.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I personally own most of the products I’ve recommended below (and love them), so I figured I’d share!
PACKING FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
If you’re traveling internationally for an extended period of time, but don’t want to bring a huge suitcase, consider using a carry-on and a travel backpack (like the first bag you see below). I discovered it right before I left for my trip to Liberia and it was a game-changer. It’s lightweight, but has what feels like a million pockets and spots for storage. The backpack includes a laptop pocket, a shoe compartment, a wet bag pocket, a charging port for your portable charger and a few hidden pockets that are perfect for keeping personal items safe and secure during an international trip. The pockets are extremely deep too, so they fit plenty and can help lighten the load in your carry-on.
The second backpack is made with content creators in mind, but I can see it being really handy for parents and just anyone who enjoys being organized while on-the-go. For content creators looking for an incredible camera bag that has a special spot for everything from your tripod and camera, to your lenses, SD cards and small lights, I’ve included my favorite camera bag below. I use this for travel and for everyday life and it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made as a content creator.
The third bag is a pouch I take on every trip. I originally bought it as a makeup bag, but it’s so spacious that I started using it as a toiletries bag and never looked back. It’s vegan leather, really great quality, TSA approved and much nicer than those clear bags a lot of us use.
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When I travel to Liberia, I fly with United Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa. The baggage policy for the United International flight in Economy class, is that you can bring one carry-on and one personal item for free. For Brussels Airlines economy, you’re allowed one carry-on and one personal item weighing no more that 12 kg (26 lbs). Lufthansa’s carry-on policy for economy is one carry-on baggage up to 8 kg (17 lbs).
What is the checked bag limit for international flights?
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CARRY-ON + PERSONAL ITEMS
Now that we know what kind of luggage we’re packing our items in, and what we need to meet weight requirements, let’s talk about exactly what to bring. Depending on where you’re coming from, the flight will likely be long and will span across various cities and countries, so here are some things you can pack in your carry-on and/or personal item, to make your trip more pleasant.
- Passport, Visa + ID
- Cash – At Roberts International Airport (AKA Robertsfield) in Liberia, people are pressed to give you a hand, in hopes of earning a dollar or two… Even if you don’t ask them for help (LOL), so be prepared with a little cash to tip people for their assistance… and sometimes even lack thereof.
- Paper and Pen – some airlines will make you fill out a form prior to landing and having a pen on hand is helpful for this.
- Empty Water Bottle – you can fill this at the airport once you’re past TSA. It will save you from spending a bunch of money on bottled water.
- Spare toothbrush and travel size toothpaste – It’s incredibly helpful to have extra in your carry-on, in case your checked luggage ever gets lost.
- Face Towel – to help keep your face fresh while in flight or during layovers.
- Food / Snacks – packing your own snacks are a game-changer, because airport snacks are a ripoff and I quickly learned that the plane snacks weren’t the greatest. Some of the things I packed included popcorn, oatmeal packets (because all you need to do is ask the flight attendant for hot water and you’ve got yourself a quick and easy breakfast), nuts, matcha tea packets, kind bars, etc.
- Change of clothes and underwear – You’ll be flying for many hours, so this is an easy way to keep things fresh.
- Tissue and Body Wipes
- Lip Balm – flying for hours dries out skin and lips, so staying moisturized is essential.
- Books or E-books – Use the travel time to catch up on some reading you’ve been wanting to do!
- Downloads – Don’t forget to download your favorite podcast episodes, music, movies and shows from various apps before taking off, so you can stay entertained in-flight!
- Headphones / Earbuds
- Ear Plugs
- Gum
- Travel Pillow– the one below is my absolute favorite, because it’s flexible and can be adjusted in different directions, unlike a lot of other travel pillows. It’s also incredibly comfortable and perfect for both calm and rough sleepers.
- Travel blanket
- Eye Mask
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WHAT TO WEAR WHEN YOU TRAVEL TO LIBERIA
Remember, it’s quite warm year-round in Liberia, so I’d suggest you focus on packing items that are of the following fabric types. They’re more breathable materials and some of these even absorb the moisture on your body, which in turn will leave you more comfortable.
Consider these six materials that keep you cool in warm weather:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Silk
- Rayon
- Chambray (light denim)
- Polyester
CLOTHING ITEMS
- Undergarments
- Light Sleepwear (a shorts and top set or light gown is ideal)
- Light Ankle Socks
- Undershirts
- Tank Tops / Spaghetti Strap Shirts
- Casual T-shirts
- Dress Shirts / Dresses – If you’re visiting a government office or conducting any kind of business, this is a must-have. Some government offices won’t do business with you, if you don’t come in a dress shirt and pants (for men) and a dress or skirt and top (for women). This might seem antiquated, but that’s how it is and it’s worth noting when you travel to Liberia.
- Jeans + Shorts
- Linen Pants
- Skirts (mid-length to longer) – You won’t really see people in very short skirts here and it’s key to respect tradition when visiting other countries.
- Sweatshirt / Sweater – Just one for the plane, but not really for when you’re in Liberia.
- Swimsuit and Coverups – If you’re visiting a beach, an ecolodge or a pool.
- Rain Jacket – A very light one will do and will serve you well in the rainy season. The one I bring on all of my trips is below. It’s well insulated, yet light and breathable. I also love that it has a hood, so I don’t have to carry an umbrella.
- Small Umbrella – If you want to be extra prepared for rainy season
- Hats – This was HUGE! Believe it or not, I ended up getting sunburned on my forehead on the days I forgot to wear a hat and reapply my sunscreen. Sun safety is SO important, even for people of color.
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FOOTWEAR
- Sneakers/ Tennis Shoes – Comfort is key and in some areas, the roads are terrible and sidewalks are non-existent, so sneakers are your best bet for this trip. I packed these comfortable black low-top vans and they were perfect for the dust, dirt and sometimes light mud we had to walk through.
- Low Sandals (ie. wedges or flats) – For when you’ll be doing minimal walking and mainly riding in a car.
- Ankle Rain Boots (particularly during rainy season) – Especially if you’re going to be visiting the market. In some areas, the mud gets so bad and walking in it with just sneakers would be a big mistake.
- Dress Shoes / A Fancier Low Sandal – For those who plan on visiting government offices, going to church or attending a special occasion.
Overall, the only category I’d recommend bringing more than one pair of footwear in, is the sneaker category. Two pairs of sneakers will serve you well. All other categories you’ll be fine bringing just one pair for each. You can skip the rain boots if you’re not visiting during rainy season.
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ACCESSORIES
- Hats (as mentioned above)
- Sunglasses – The sun stays out for many hours in Liberia and it shines bright, so a pair is a must.
- Face Masks – PAY ATTENTION TO THIS – face masks will serve you well to prevent the spread of sickness, especially in overly crowded places like the market, but also, many of the trucks in Monrovia are old and the engines emit really terrible smells into the air. Sometimes, so much so that it’s really hard to breathe clean air, unless you’re in a car with your windows up and the AC on. I didn’t realize how important a face mask would be until I got to Liberia. Having one on me was a MAJOR plus! I HIGHLY recommend bringing several with you.
- Light Scarf – If not a face mask, this is your next best thing to keep the smells out and it can also double as a head scarf or a light accessory to dress up your clothes.
- Jewelry – Bring VERY minimal and nothing flashy. I only wore one or two pairs of earrings and that was it. My dad wore a simple watch, which was handy for checking the time without having to pull out a smartphone. Pro-Tip: When people see smartphones in Liberia, they assume you’re wealthy and you may become a target that way, so try your best to keep it out of sight when in crowded public spaces.
- Bags – bring a fanny pack for the markets and one or two small purses for going out or for church.
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TOILETRIES
I’ll spare you with the toothbrush and toothpaste talk (since that’s obvious) and I’ll mention the things that are worth highlighting.
- Dental Floss – I highly recommend this because African food is full of meat and sometimes food gets stuck in your teeth while eating, so bring floss for some relief.
- Deodorant / Deodorant Wipes – Since the temperature in Monrovia, Liberia is typically hot, you’ll want to bring one deodorant to keep in your hotel room and a smaller one to bring out with you, to refresh during the day.
- Face and Body Cleanser – Since you’ll be in the heat, the dust and sometimes even hit with engine fumes, using a good face and body cleanser each day to get rid of all of that yucky stuff will serve you well.
- Sunscreen – I can’t stress this enough!! Sunscreen is incredibly important and it can be the difference between your skin tormenting you for days (like mine did to me when I got sunburned) or not. I dropped my favorite sunscreen below!
- Lotion – to keep your skin moisturized.
- Contact Lens Solution – I don’t know how easily you’ll find this when you travel to Liberia, so just bring your own.
- Menstrual Products – sometimes the quality of these kinds of products aren’t the same in other places as they may be where you’re from, so just go ahead and bring your own to ensure maximum comfort.
- Hand Sanitizer / Hand Wipes – You might want to buy a snack while you’re out and may not be able to find a place close by to clean your hands, so these come in clutch!
- Clorox Wipes – For cleaning hotel room high touch points. Some hotels don’t clean on Sundays, like the one my family and I stayed at, so having your own small supply of cleaning items is super helpful.
- Medications – In addition to any medicines or vitamins you may take regularly, your travel doctor will supply you with malaria pills you’ll have to take daily during your trip. You may even be given stomach pills in case you happen to consume contaminated water or food while in Africa.
- Pain Relievers – the quality of over-the-counter medications in Liberia may not be as good as you’re used to, so just bring your own (in its original packaging, or TSA may confiscate them). Also, in Liberia there’s a problem with people selling fake over-the-counter medication, so don’t risk it. Again, just bring your own.
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OUTFIT IDEAS FOR TRAVEL TO LIBERA
MARKET DAYS + TOURS
Whether you’re exploring Waterside Market or touring Providence Island, I would suggest dressing casually throughout your travel to Liberia. Go with shorts, jeans or linen pants, a comfortable top and sneakers. I highly recommend you bring a fanny pack or a very small bag with you, so you can hold it close to avoid pickpockets and bag snatchers.
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GOVERNMENT OFFICES, BUSINESS MEETINGS + CHURCH
This is where you’ll pull out your more semi-formal attire during your travel to Liberia. At government offices, business meetings and church, you’ll want to look well put together. For church, feel free to look even more dressed up. You’ll see that families go in their “Sunday’s Best” to church, so don’t be afraid to wear your own!
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BEACH OR ECOLODGE VISITS
When visiting beaches and ecolodges, feel free to show up in a sundress, kimono or shorts and a casual top. Bring your swimwear, coverup and shades and pair that with a simple sandal to walk around in.
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NIGHTLIFE – BARS + CLUBS
Pack your dresses, skirts, tops and comfortable smaller heels and wedges. If there is ever a time to accessorize, it’s when you’re going out at night or for weddings and celebrations.
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WEDDING OR CELEBRATION PARTY
Bring out your best attire! For those who don’t have traditional African clothes, I’d even recommend you buy some at the market to wear to a celebratory occasion. One thing Liberians do well is dress up and you don’t want to look like the odd ball out, so come correct!
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ITEMS YOU WOULDN’T THINK TO PACK
These are the miscellaneous items you wouldn’t think to pack when preparing to travel to Liberia. I was so glad I packed these because they helped me big time!
- Portable Fan – this fan in particular (below) changed my life as a traveler! It’s incredibly powerful, but compact, so you can fit it in your pocket or a bag. It has a built-in flashlight, you can charge it on-the-go and it remains charged for nearly 24 hours.
- Portable Charger – this was a huge help and saved my phone, portable fan and other devices that needed to be charged on the road. I’m never going to travel without it.
- Portable Tripod– if you’re a content creator or someone who wants to take pictures with friends and family, but won’t have a camera person, this handy gadget is my go-to! I take it everywhere and get all the content I need with its help.
- First-aid Items – Band-aids, alcohol wipes, Tylenol, Aleve, Emergen-C
- List of Emergency Contacts
- Copies of passport / credit card – in case you loose any of the originals during your travel to Liberia.
- Flashlight – in case the electricity goes out and the generator doesn’t kick in quickly. This happens frequently.
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If this detailed packing list was helpful, let me know below! What do you want to know more about next, in regards to preparing for travel to Liberia?
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