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Dressing for the Weather

From late spring through early fall, the weather is extremely warm in southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Nogales sits at a higher altitude than Tucson and it cools off quite a bit at night and it may rain, particularly in the months of July through September. You should plan to pack accordingly.

We suggest layered clothing because the temperature varies so much during the day and we often cannot return to our bags to get more items of clothing.

It sometimes gets very cold in Arizona and Mexico. In fact, between late fall and mid-spring the weather may be quite cold, and you should pack warm clothing (sweaters, warm coat, gloves, winter hat, long underwear). Many participants have reported feeling much colder than they expected, especially because they could not go into a heated home and warm up.

Clothing Style

Our trips are extremely informal, although we may attend worship services at a church or synagogue, so you should bring at least one outfit that you'll be comfortable wearing to those occasions.

In addition, it is culturally inappropriate for women to wear, on the Mexican side of the border, shorts, thin strapped tank tops, halter tops, short skirts, clothing that exposes shoulders or midriffs, tee shirts displaying inappropriate language or symbols.

Finally, please bring shoes that are comfortable for meetings and walking (sneakers or sturdy shoes).

Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad

We do have some sleeping bags and pads available for you to use, but you may want to bring your own, especially if you are going to be part of a large group. You will need a sleeping bag; in the summer a sheet in addition to a sleeping bag is advisable.

Many participants bring blankets or sleeping bags that they can leave as donations to the work here, and we're always pleased to receive such donations.

Passport or Original Birth Certificate

Important: U.S. Citizens must bring a current passport or original birth certificate with you to use as proof of citizenship when we go to Mexico. If individual members of the group do not have appropriate documentation, they will be unable to accompany the group during that part of the trip.
Please check cbp.gov for the latest passport requirements.

Other than U.S. Citizens must be sure they have a valid Resident Alien Card with them or their own passport with an appropriate multiple entry visa and accompanying paperwork they were issued when they entered the country. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE APPROPRIATE PAPERWORK, YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO RE-ENTER THE UNITED STATES!

Minors: Minors traveling without their parents must bring a birth certificate or passport and a signed, notarized letter from their parent(s) giving them permission to travel with BorderLinks.

Personal Items

You will need to bring your own towel, washcloth, and toiletries.

Besides any perscription medication you may be taking, you should bring aspirin, pepto bismol, and anti-bacterial gel.

Other items that would be helpful are a flashlight, notebook, pen, a personal water bottle, a Spanish/English Dictionary, and family photographs. Sharing your own family through pictures with your host family is the best way to thank them for their hospitality.


Gifts?

We discourage you from bringing gifts when you arrive. Later, the families do appreciate hearing from you with more photos or sentimental kinds of gifts which tell them about your country and your lifestyle. Examples of such things might be a T-shirt, cap, pictures of your area, books, or some small remembrance.

Pack as Lightly as Possible

Please make an effort to pack as lightly as possible. Not only will we be trying to move the entire group and our belongings in one vehicle, but you may find it embarrassing when you lug a huge bag full of belongings into your homestay and find that you are carrying in your bag as much as their entire family owns.

Often it is helpful to have one backpack or duffel bag to take into Mexico and leave any larger luggage at the BorderLinks house during our stay in Mexico.

Packing List