Whether you are going on a special
Spring Break vacation or a youth group
mission trip, you should not only know how to
keep yourself safe while on your trip, but also how to stay organized so you don't forget or lose anything. Here are some travel tips for Christian teens so you can focus on getting the most out of your trip:
1. Money Watch
Avoid carrying a lot of cash. If you have a proper I.D. (passport, driver's license, etc.) you can carry traveler's checks. If you are in a populated area, your ATM card can help you get quick access to money. Just watch those ATM fees, which can be high if you are vacationing abroad.2. Be Sure You Can See
Having an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses is important for anyone with less-than-perfect vision. During your vacation or missions trip small things like glasses and contacts are easily lost. Make sure you don't miss anything because you can't see. Also, avoid wearing your contacts on an airplane. The recycled air can dry out your contacts and make your eyes uncomfortable.3. Keep the Valuables at Home
Do you really need to bring expensive items with you on your vacation? Spring Break is a notorious time for theft and mission trips are really no place for expensive jewelry or electronics. Try leaving your expensive items at home. If you must bring some items with you, lock them up in the hotel safe or leave them with a group leader.4. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may be something you never heard about, but often it is something you will need. If your luggage is lost or you need medical care in a foreign country, travel insurance can be very important. Discuss purchasing travel insurance with your parents or group leader. You may think nothing is going to happen, but it is better to be prepared.5. First-Aid/Emergency Kit
Accidents happen, and sometimes you just need a band-aid. Put together a small
first aid kit in your carry on luggage for those little accidents.
6. Medication
Do you take certain medications? Whether you take an inhaler for asthma, antibiotics for an infection, insulin for diabetes, or carry an Epi-pen for allergic reactions, be sure you pack them in your carry-on luggage. Also, you may want to pack extra for your trip, just in case. Besides having extra medication, be sure you write down your medicines and give them to the group leader. Also keep a copy in your luggage. This way, if there is an emergency, someone will know what you have been taking or how to administer what you need.7. Remember the Trip
Even if you carry a digital camera, there is always a chance something will not work correctly. Try packing a couple disposable cameras in your luggage. Even on a mission trip you will want to record your memories on film, so make sure you are able to do so. Sometimes you will not have access to stores in order to buy cameras or film, so be prepared. Also, put all film and cameras in your carry-on luggage. The scanners at the airport can damage your film.8. Packing Your Luggage
What should you pack on your trip and how should you pack it? Make sure you pack valuables, toiletries, and travel documents in your carry-on luggage. Also, do not lock your luggage, because security may need to check inside. If you lock it, they will break the lock anyhow. Also, make sure you have some sort of identification on your luggage, because a lot of pieces look alike. Finally, keep one copy of your tickets, passport, etc. in your carry on, one copy in your main luggage, and leave one photocopy at home.9. Respect Your Travel Times
Whether you are going on a Christian teens mission trip or short vacation, you will need to do certain things by specific times. For instance, if you are traveling internationally you will need to apply for your passport early. Also, you may need to check into travel insurance within a certain time period and make your reservations early. Also, get to the airport early (at least an hour for domestic flights and two hours for international flights) to be sure you have enough time to check your luggage and get through security before your flight leaves.10. Research Overseas Travel
Are you traveling to a foreign country? Do your research before you go. Check into the things you will need like immunizations or electricity converters. Also, the U.S. offers
State Department safety warnings and Canada also has a
site for safety warnings for those traveling overseas. It is also a good idea to know local laws, language basics, and customs to avoid getting into trouble. Plus, make sure you keep embassy numbers and addresses on you at all times.
