Travel Tips
Travel Checklist
- Complete all documents and return to the trip leader or OneChild Trip Coordinator.
- Make sure your passport is current and valid six months after your return date.
- Schedule an appointment with a local travel clinic or family doctor to discuss immunizations and precautions.
- If you will be taking medication while traveling, make sure you have an adequate supply for the duration of your trip.
- Make two copies of passport, itinerary, doctor information, and vaccinations. Give one to an emergency contact and carry the other copy with you on the trip.
- Call your credit card company ahead of time and let them know the dates of your travel and where you are traveling.
- If you want to use your cell phone while traveling, call your provider for data plans and options.
Packing Checklist
- For all items, only bring things that can be replaced easily if lost, broken, or stolen. It is a good idea to leave all jewelry at home.
- Clothing should be versatile and in good condition. Layering is a common packing strategy for international travel. Layering involves having light base layers that can be worn during the day while it is warm and then adding a long sleeve t-shirt or sweater when it gets colder in the evening. A light jacket can be added in wind, rain, or colder temperatures.
- The Cultural Tips page covers the type of clothing that is acceptable in the culture where you will be visiting. Please dress modestly during the whole trip.
- Sandals are NOT recommended. It’s likely that at some point you will be walking in mud, trash, uneven terrain, or worse. Closed-toed shoes with good tread and some protection are a good idea.
- However, at hotels and on your excursion, flip-flops are okay! Consider bringing a pair to wear in the shower.
In addition to clothing & basics, don’t forget to pack needed items from this list!
- Bible, Journal, & Pen
- Towel & Wash Cloths
- Modest Swimsuit (Hotel/Beach Only)
- Small Travel Packs of Toilet Paper/Tissue
- Adapters/Converters
- Chargers for Electronics
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses and Hat
- Sunscreen
- Travel Wallet
- Hand Sanitizer
- Basic First Aid Supplies
- Insect/Mosquito Repellent
- Ziploc Bags
- Spending Money for Meals in the Airport and Souvenirs
- Personal Hygiene Items
Luggage
- When packing, be sure to know the airlines’ luggage restrictions. You can find this information through your trip leader or airline websites.
- Check the condition of your luggage. Don’t take broken or worn bags.
- All liquids for carry-on bags must be in containers no more than 3 ounces in volume. Place these containers in a single, 1-quart sized, clear, zip-top bag. Each passenger is allowed only one bag of liquids. If this rule is not followed, the liquids will be discarded at the security check and you will be without these items for the entire trip.
- Make sure you pack using a suitcase, backpack, or duffle bag that you will be comfortable carrying if you are asked to carry it through an airport or up several flights of stairs.
- Pack necessities and a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your luggage is delayed or lost.
Safety
Your safety is our number one priority. We will do whatever we can to keep you out of harm’s way, but you must also do your part. The following are guidelines to follow while traveling abroad:
- Know your surroundings. Walk with your head up and be aware of what is happening around you.
- Do not expose valuables in public. Be discreet with money and other items of monetary value.
- Keep your address and personal information private. If strangers are within earshot, do not disclose your hotel room number.
- Always stay with the group. Do no go anywhere alone. The group host will give you further instruction while you’re in-country – please always follow his or her directions.
Theft
OneChild is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. It is the responsibility of the owner to look after valuable items. As a foreigner you will attract attention and be noticed by locals. You dress, act, and look differently and likely can’t communicate in the local language. Most people you come in contact with will embrace your difference. However, some might seek to take advantage of the situation and your lack of cultural knowledge. Be sure to stay conscious of your belongings and self. If possible, leave valuables behind in the safe at your hotel.
Emergencies at Home
In the event that a loved one in America becomes ill or dies, OneChild will not pay for any changes in your travel itinerary. OneChild will, however, help you make this difficult time easier for the remainder of your trip. This can include helping arrange transportation to an airport, providing access to communication with relatives, or supporting your decision to make changes to your flight itinerary.
Other Helpful Tips
- Drink only bottled beverages. As mentioned before, water will be readily available throughout your trip.
- Be sure you are ready to pay the bill for any extra services you use during your stay in the hotel. Prior to using a service, check with your trip leader or front desk to find prices. Extra services include, but are not limited to, movies, room service, mini-bar purchases, and telephone calls.
- Personal medicines – Please be sure to carry with you any necessary personal medicine doses that might be required during the day when you are away from your hotel room. If you have significant or life threatening allergies, consider obtaining a medical bracelet to be worn during the trip. Discuss this bracelet with your doctor.
- Bring documentation of any immunizations.
- Travelers with disabilities – Laws for accommodating those with disabilities are vastly different than in the USA. OneChild cannot guarantee the level of physical demands for the trip or the assistance available to an individual. For that reason, we are unable to accommodate participants in wheelchairs or those unable to walk for extended periods of time.