Missionary Trip Preparation #2

Blood Donors

If you are a blood donor, please be aware that you will not be able to give blood for 1 year after taking this trip. Any blood donations need to be made before you leave on this trip.

Travel Arrangements

• Prior to leaving, I will have a detailed copy of our itinerary with emergency contact information available to everyone. You can give this information to your family. Jean will also have a copy. We are hoping to provide a daily update on our Blog while attending the conference.
  

• On the “I don’t want to think about it side”. – You should make sure that your will is up to date (you should do this every few years anyway, so this is a good time to review it). Your immediate family should also realize that if a family emergency arises – you will probably not be able to get home any sooner than the April 1st.
• Communication with Family – Your best opportunity to talk to your family will be in between flights. Be aware that phone rates are very high. If you think you will want to make calls – I suggest getting an account at www.pennytalk.com/
  

Shopping

For information about what you can and cannot bring back into the United States after traveling to another country, check the U.S. Customs' Web site: www.customs.ustreas.gov

• You will probably want to purchase things while in the airports or on the airplane. A Visa or MasterCard is about the easiest way to make purchases. You do not have to worry about exchange rates. You should call your credit card company before you leave and let them know what cities & countries you will be visiting. You do not wanting them locking your account while overseas because they think it is suspicious activity.
• Check My Trip – you were sent a link to a website that allows you to look at the trip. You can find information about our seating, the plane, airports, and shopping and restaurants available in the airport.
  

Airport Security – some suggestions for going through airport security

• Shoes must be absolutely clean – no farm residue on anything
• No gunpowder smells on anything – if used for hunting wash VERY thoroughly
• Shoes must be CLEAN – no animal residue – you will be stopped in Australia & PNG!
• No nuts or agricultural products (i.e., sunflower seeds, etc., when traveling outside the US)
• No metal buckles, belts, etc., – be easily scanned

Prohibited and Allowable Items = you may review the TSA brochure for allowable items. Following the guidelines in the new 3:1:1 program by the TSA will allow speed up the screening process. TSA regulations may change without notice. To check on any item you have a question about – see the detailed list at www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm