Are you going on a trip or a mission trip soon? Here are five ways to get the most out of your trip so you can have fun and relax.
I am blessed to have had some amazing travel experiences, including living in missions in Europe for over ten years and visiting over 27 countries.
But I have also made some lousy travel mistakes that I could have avoided had I planned a little better and been a littlemore self-aware.
So, I want you to have my 30 years of travel experience, so hopefully, you will have a great mission trip or vacation with these simple five ways to get the most out of your trip.
The first step to get the most out of your trip,
Go rested.
I used to stay up almost the whole night before a trip. Then the moment I put my seat belt on the plane would fall asleep. But when I arrived at my destination I would be so groggy. Because for days before I wouldn’t sleep.
Now that I have cracked the code and taken advice from others, I go on all my trips rested.
Now, to do this, you need to prepare everything beforehand. Here is a quick list.
- Luggage packed
- Documents ready
- Plan out all the clothes you will wear on travel days.
Be prepared a few days before your trip to ensure you will not lose sleep during the pre-trip planning. Here is a blog post about things you need to do before a trip overseas. You can also sign up here for a free travel packing checklist.
Honestly, I get so excited the day before any trip it’s hard for me to sleep. It’s like Christmas Eve to me. So, in the days leading up to the trip, I make sure I get to bed early and limit caffeine and screen time a few hours before bed.
The next of my travel tips to help your mission trip or vacation is the most important and yet not as easy to do,
Stay hydrated
Before the trip, during, and after, get enough hydration.
Now, if you are going overseas or to a country where you are wondering if the water is safe to drink, then watch where your water is coming from. Every country has different standards, so know before you go.
I generally get what I call a travel tummy.
It means your body will need to adjust to the water, you get nauseous, and you need to go to the bathroom often. It happens anywhere you need to get used to the water. I always take a good probiotic and eat yogurt in the morning, which has helped me.
Now, in some countries, the water can kill you and it’s important for you to know.
Find out if you are going to a foreign country if the water is safe to drink. And remember to brush your teeth with safe drinking water.
Then, stay hydrated. I always travel with hydration packets; this will help if you have limited access to water.
All countries and climates are different, even with similarities.
Know the weather and season.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to run to the 7-11 (convenience store) to buy an umbrella. But not packing for the weather in the country you are going to be in can make for a challenging trip.
Packing for the weather when you are there will help you get the most out of your trip.
Please remember that traveling during the off-season in some countries can also mean the weather could be challenging, so be prepared.
Here are some tips:
- Check weather apps for your dates.
- Be prepared for rain.
- Take layers for comfort.
This tip to get the most out of your trip is probably one of my favorite things to do when I travel,
Ask the locals
When I was young, my Dad would take us on road trips. He would always ask others from the state we were going to where to go and what to see. Because my father did this, I got to see some beautiful places that were also unusual, places in Arizona, where the Dessert Nuns live. This helped me learn about others faith, culture and sacrifices for their faith.
From the moment I was able to travel by myself I started to ask locals where to go and I have seen and been to some amazing places around the world because of this.
Tips for asking locals
- Strike up conversations with local places and ask locals.
- Try the Airbnb experience from a local.
- Join a local tour group.
The last tip to get the most out of your trip,
Stay off devices
This might be the hardest for some people, but don’t waste money on a trip to be on your device. Use your smartphone for trip purposes, including the camera, directions, locations, and connecting with people back home, not for entertainment.
If you have a screen addiction, what better time than a trip to change that? Take a screen detox for your trip.
A quick recap of the tips to help your mission trip or vacation be a relaxing journey.
- Leave rested
- Stay hydrated
- Be ready for the weather
- Ask the locals
- Stay off devices
These tips have worked for me, and they will help you get the most out of your trip and experience the wonders of new cultures. If you have something to add, please leave a comment below.
Here are some related articles to help you prepare for your next adventure.
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