Travel checklist for short-term mission trips

What must be done regarding a mission team's trip, and when?

Before you go: Mission trip hints

Planning ahead is necessary for short-term missions travelers. Use this handy timeline from Gwen Kuebler of MTS Travel when planning your ministry trip.

Up to 9 months ahead:

Reserve air travel.
- Contact the mission field leaders to determine when and where you should arrive and depart.
- Call your missionary travel agency for the best airfare. Investigate group discounts.
- Make air reservations.
- Notify the mission field office of your arrival and departure plans, especially if someone is meeting you!
Apply for passports.
- After you submit your application, photos, and identification documents, allow four to six weeks for your passport to arrive.
- Keep two photos of yourself and a photocopy of your passport information page separate from your passport in case it's lost or stolen. (See the U.S. State Department's web page for passport application forms, instructions, and fee schedules, or call your missionary travel agency office.) [ State Department web site ]
Check visa information. Ask your travel agent about the visa requirements of your destination country. Get needed forms and fill them out promptly.
Seek low-cost accommodations.
Have your travel agent reserve budget lodging for your group through the airline or through their sources.
Check immunization suggestions and requirements.
- Call or contact the Center for Disease Control (404-332-4559) to find out which immunizations are necessary. [ CDC web site ]
- Consult the nearest International Travel Clinic for medical advice and services.
- Receive needed immunizations. Allow time between vaccinations if multiple shots are needed, and especially if you need them as proof for obtaining visas.
- Ask if updated immunizations for diphtheria/tetanus, polio, or measles/mumps/rubella are advised. Depending on where you are going, typhoid fever or gamma globulin (for Hepatitis A) vaccinations may also be recommended. Also, ask about anti-malarial medication. If necessary, have all immunizations listed on a card from the World Health Organization.

Up to 6 months ahead:

Begin the visa application process. Submit signed passports, required photos, completed visa applications, and the World Health Organization cards if those are requested.
Purchase insurance.
- Have workers check their current medical policies for overseas coverage. Make sure the policies provide evacuation services to come home due to illness or injury
- Suggest that workers buy supplementary travel accident and sickness insurance, including evacuation services. If their policies don't cover these, your missionary travel agency may be able to suggest reliable carriers.

Up to 3 months ahead:

Research baggage regulations.
Ask your travel agent or airline. They can tell you the maximum free allowance per person and the fee for excess bags.
Remind group members of any items excluded from import into your destination country.
Buy airline tickets.
Your travel agent can tell you when your tickets must be issued to retain the lowest fare. (Unless your fare is an "instant purchase," you should have reserved your tickets prior to this, up to one year or nine months ahead.)

Up to 2 weeks ahead:

Arrange transportation to the airport.
Make sure each worker has
- Airline ticket
- Passport with visas
- Vaccinations and WHO Card (if needed)
- Anti-malarial medication (if needed)
- Supplemental insurance
Confirm your arrival information with the Nazarene Field Office or the site Missions Teams coordinator.
Make sure someone from the mission field office will meet you and ask them what to do if no one is at the airport!
Obtain the address and phone number of your home country's embassies or consulates in your country or countries of travel.

3 days ahead

Call the airline(s) to confirm your flights.
Be sure to also do this 3 days prior to your scheduled return flights.

On departure day:

Check that every group member has the necessary documents
- Passport with visas
- WHO Card (if needed)
- Airline ticket
Tag Your Luggage. Use tags of the same bright color to identify your group's bags. Some travel agencies will provide these.
To reduce confusion, have two or three people handle all baggage.

Well, that's your "to-do" list. Make sure you check off each item on time.

-- Howard Culbertson,

Afterword: What Should I Pack?

What you pak for a short-term mission trip will be determined by the destination, the duration of your trip, and the activities you'll be involved in. Here are a dozen some suggestions to help you pack:

Research the Destination: Learn about the climate and local customs of the place you will be visiting. This will help you pack appropriate clothing and gear.
Pack Light: Since you'll likely have limited space, aim to pack only necessary items. Choose versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits.
Clothing: Pack clothing suitable for the climate and cultural norms of the destination. Aim for modest attire. Bring comfortable walking shoes, as you may be on your feet for extended periods.
Toiletries and Medications: Consider taking hand sanitizer, sunscreen, insect repellent, and, of course, your prescription medications.
Travel Documents: Don't forget your passport, visa (if required), travel insurance papers, and any other necessary documents. Keep these in a secure, easily accessible place.
First Aid Kit: Include a basic first aid kit with items like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Electronics: Pack any electronics you'll need, such as a phone, camera, or laptop. Remember to take chargers and adapters suitable for the destination's electrical outlets.
Money and Essentials: Carry some local currency and a small amount of cash in case of emergencies. Also, consider taking a reusable water bottle, snacks, and a small backpack for day trips.
Cultural and Language Aids: Take a phrasebook or language translation app, as well as materials to help you understand and respect local customs and traditions.
Spiritual and Emotional Support: Pack items that provide spiritual comfort or support, such as a Bible, prayer journal, or inspirational reading material.
Respectful Attitude: Remember to pack a respectful attitude toward the local culture and people you'll encounter. Remain open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn and adapt.
Team Supplies: If you're traveling with a group, coordinate with other team members to avoid duplicate items and to double-check that you have all necessary supplies for group activities or projects.