- Research the place where you will be traveling. Read about the people and their culture. If the trip is to a different country, find out about its climate and geography. Learn about any political situations that might be going on. Study the needs of the people.
If your trips is a medical mission, learn about the common diseases. If you'll be building a school, learn about the children. If possible, talk with someone who is from the country as well as to people who have visited it.
Develop respect for the people and their traditions. Pray for them, and for those involved with the mission. Pray also for God's guidance on whether or not you should take the trip. - Get a passport in plenty of time. If you already have one, check to make sure it will be valid the entire time of your trip. Find out about vaccinations you might need, and have them taken care of at the recommended time. Apply for any visas or other documents you will need. Make any travel arrangements that aren't handled by the group that you're traveling with. Double-check everything, just to be sure.
- Don't overpack; just bring the basics. Leave expensive things at home. Pack according to what you found out about the climate of the area. Leave room for supplies that your church might be sending with you or for souvenirs you might bring back.
If you'll be staying with a family, bring a host gift. Bring a journal with you so that you can keep a record of your trip. Especially remember to pack your insurance cards, your tickets, your contact information and all the travel paperwork you'll need. If flying, follow the rules for what is and isn't allowed on your flights. Don't forget to pack your Bible.
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