Often, the single most expensive part of your mission trip is airfare, particularly when you’re talking about international travel during the peak seasons. Here are 9 tips that could help save you and your team some headaches, and hopefully some money. If you use a travel agency or discount website, make sure to ask about their service fees on top of the ticket price. Ask before they do all the work of finding you their best deal. Look up the website of your destination airport and find out what airlines fly there. Then go to their websites and check for flights and pricing. Also call them and ask about group fares. Clear or reset your browser often when searching for tickets. For some strange reason, the more you search for certain flights, routes or destination cities, the more the price seems to climb. Be aware that some smaller international airlines require that you present the credit card you used to book your ticket ...
There’s not much worse than getting sick while traveling, especially when your team is depending on you. Here are 10 tips to help keep you and your fellow team members healthy: Consult with your physician regarding appropriate vaccinations and immunizations. The U.S Center for Disease Control can provide you their recommendations. If you get sick after returning home, see a physician and be sure to tell them when and where you traveled. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and keep a small container of antibacterial hand gel in your pocket and use it OFTEN. Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid ice cubes, fountain drinks, and tap water, – even when brushing your teeth. Watch out for undercooked meats, and pass on the milk, ice cream, and anything that might contain raw eggs – including cookie dough (trust me on that one!) Fruits, vegetables, and salads are often washed in tap water only. “Boil it, ...
Whether its Kenya or Kentucky, here are some basic safety & security guidelines to be aware of. Here are ten security tips to consider and share with your team members: Check official State Department Travel Advisories, and stay up-to-date with local news, particularly during your trip. Never venture out alone, and make sure others know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Immediately report anything suspicious to your team leader, and be quick to let other team members know if they are endangering themselves or others. Know a local number you can call for help and have team members memorize the phone number in case they become lost or separated. Avoid demonstrations or events that can quickly turn ugly like parades, political rallies, and large sporting event celebrations. Make copies of your passport and other travel documents. Leave one copy at home, and take one copy with you. Consider emailing yourself a photo ...