Preparing for a mission trip can be challenging for even the most experienced traveler. From handling funds to managing traveling with a group of other ministry participants, mission travel can be fraught with hiccups that general vacations just don’t have. Learn how to mitigate these issues and prepare for a successful and healthy mission trip.

Should I Receive Any Vaccines Before My Mission Trip?

Mission trips can occur just a few hours from home or they may be a continent away. Whether you or your group members will need vaccination depends on where you will be going and what you will be doing. If you are planning a trip outside of the United States, or if you plan to participate in an activity domestically where you may be exposed to an infection, you should be vaccinated.

Often, vaccination may be as simple as a TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) booster or another routine vaccine. However, these vaccinations could make the difference between a successful trip and a miserable ride home with a potentially deadly disease.

Protection is key, making vaccination the best option when preparing for your mission trip.

Are Vaccines Worth The Cost?

Vaccination may seem like just another cost for a mission trip, possibly even one that may be seen as unnecessary given that you want to be mindful all funds are directed towards helping those in need. But, going without immunization can lead to even more serious dangers and expenses.

Recent estimates suggest a travel illness can cost more than $500 per day per illness. If two members of a mission group fell ill for two days each, that’s possible as much as $2,000! Additionally, sick trip participants are not able to minister to those in need, and it is hard to put a value on that lost time.

Immunizations are often a fraction of the cost of post-exposure health care. In many ways, vaccines are like car insurance. Although you may not get in a fender bender (or come in contact with these infections), you should still be protected.

Which Vaccines Will I Need For My Mission Trip?

Every mission trip has its own unique characteristics that may require different vaccinations or medications. The following vaccines are generally recommended:

• Typhoid: A very common foodborne illness especially in the developing world. This vaccine will be recommended for most mission locations.
• Hepatitis A: Almost as common as typhoid, hepatitis A is another foodborne disease. Hepatitis A can have chronic side effects, making it a very dangerous infection.
• Hepatitis B: Transferred through blood and other bodily fluids. If your group will be engaging in any kind of medical aid, this vaccine is a must.
• Routine Vaccinations: Many routine diseases such as measles and pertussis (whooping cough) are still present in developing countries, so make sure your missionaries are protected.
• Traveler’s Diarrhea Medication: Traveler’s diarrhea is the number one ailment among travelers. The various forms of infection affect nearly half of all travelers at some point. Be prepared with a traveler’s diarrhea kit which includes DiaResQ or another type of remedy.

A few other items that may be recommended are:

• Yellow Fever: A mosquito-borne disease seen in Africa and South America, yellow fever immunization is required for entry into more than twenty countries.
• Malaria: Antimalarial medication is a must if you are headed to an area where the disease is present. There are a few different medications that can be taken,and a travel nurse can help determine which is best for you.
• Japanese Encephalitis: This mosquito-borne disease is common in eastern Asia, especially China, Japan and the Philippines. Consider this vaccine if your mission will be in these areas.
• Rabies: For some, the rabies vaccine will be a must. If you will be in a rural area or working with animals, this immunization should be on your list.

Will I Need A Visa For My Mission?

Whether or not you will need a travel visa for your mission depends on a variety of factors. These include:

1. Where Am I Going?– Some countries require a visa to enter the country. In these cases there isn’t a choice; you will have to receive a visa.
2. What Will I Be Doing?– Various countries have different requirements based on what you may be doing there. For example, some nations may require a visa to proselytize but not to participate in charity work. Be sure to fully research where you will be going, and contact a Visa Services group like Passport Health to learn more.
   

3. How Long Will I Be Staying?– Length of stay is often a determining factor. Even neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico have maximum stay limits without a visa. If you are staying for more than 30 days in a region, you may need a visa. Check with the State Department or a Visa Specialist to learn more.

If your trip falls under any of these categories, contact Passport Health’s Passport and Visa Services to learn if you or your group will need a visa and how to obtain one.

Should I Go Through An Outside Service To Obtain A Mission Visa?

Choosing how to obtain visas or passports for an upcoming mission trip can be difficult. Often, submitting your own paperwork and following up with embassies and consulates directly seems like the best use of funds. But, that isn’t always the case.

Consulates are free to reject a visa application for any reason, and many require in-person delivery of documents. This means time and money spent in traveling to the nearest location in order to file paperwork and then hope everything is indeed filled out properly.

Many larger church organizations have in-house travel document teams whose sole job is to help missionaries and volunteers arrange for their travel. While this is a great resource, it may not be the position your group is in.

If you are part of a small- to mid-sized organization, Passport Health can become your one-stop-shop for passport, visa and travel health services. While these may seem like extra expenditures, it is money well spent as your missionaries will be able to arrive on time and stress-free, ready to help those in the area.

What Are My Best Options For Handling Mission Funds?

Handling mission funds isn’t an easy task. Often, this money has been set aside by church goers with the hope of it going to help those most in need. Because of that, it can be hard to choose to spend these funds on what some may see as secondary services. But, consider the following:

• Illness is the number one cause of emergency travel evacuation across the globe. Travel immunizations and medications will help ensure a mission trip is successful.
• Without proper documentation, it is impossible to enter some countries, including many of those most in need of aid. Having to re-file paperwork can be a serious additional cost, while having incorrect documents can end a mission before it starts. Make sure all participants have everything they need.
• Passport Health makes points one and two much easier. Whether your group has decided to band together and receive travel documents and immunizations at one time or do so separately, we are prepared to help make your mission as successful as possible.

To start your pre-travel preparations contact your local Passport Health by calling or booking online today. Group discounts are available. If you are traveling with a large group, please contact Passport Health’s account team at 1-888-986-8868.

To learn more about mission and volunteer travel, see our Mission, Volunteer and Adoption page.

Do you have any tips for individuals traveling on mission trips? Let us know in the comments, on Facebook or via Twitter.

Traveling abroad requires careful planning for anyone, even the healthiest among us. If you deal with a chronic illness, even more careful attention to your pre-trip plans is needed. Depending on the nature and severity of the condition, making careful preparations in advance of your trip can make a huge difference.

Prepare a comprehensive checklist of everything you’ll need to do that before leaving. With this extra time investment, you can have a much better experience abroad. This checklist will be different based on your needs. But, what’s outline below can serve as a template:

What Is My Health History?

Doctors and travel health organizations recommend taking a health history information sheet, or HHIS. Aside from personal contact information, an HHIS includes:

• Medical diagnosis
• Physician contact information
• Medications and dosages
• Emergency contact information

The HHIS should be printed on your physician’s letterhead and signed by the physician. Consider having the HHIS translated into the language of the countries on your route. A copy of the HHIS should be provided to all emergency contacts.

What Medications Am I Taking?

All travelers should carry an extra supply of all medications and a copy of all prescriptions. This is even more crucial if you have a chronic condition. If syringes are used to administer drugs, a physician’s note summarizing the medical diagnosis and related prescription should be obtained. Verify procedures to carry syringes with the appropriate airlines and airline security offices. Speak with a medical professional about the best way to store medications while traveling.

Medications should be carried on-board by the patient in the original packaging when flying. Certain medications that contain narcotics or mind-altering agents may be subject to travel restrictions. Be sure to verify everything with your physician before leaving.

What Travel Vaccinations or Medications Will I Need?

Some countries require vaccines for entry into the country. Others vaccinations may be recommended. These often include:

• Yellow Fever– This mosquito-borne disease is so prevalent in some parts of the world that countries require the vaccine for entry. If your destination requires it, be sure to talk with a travel health specialist. If you are unable to receive it, you can receive a vaccination waiver.
• Typhoid– Foodborne disease are common in some parts of the world. As one of these infections, typhoid is an important vaccination.
• Meningitis– Central Africa is also known as the ‘Meningitis Belt’. If you plan on traveling to the region, you may want or need a meningitis vaccine.
• Hepatitis A– Another foodborne disease, hepatitis A can cause some longterm complications. This is especially true if you already have a chronic illness.
• Routine Vaccinations– Many disease that are uncommon in the United States are prevalent in other regions. Be sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you leave.
• Rabies– Rabies isn’t always a recommended vaccine. If you are planning on staying somewhere long-term, consider this vaccine.
• Flu– Flu vaccination is an important part of annual health and travel health. Make sure you have received your shot this year.

Some other medications or remedies may be recommended by a travel health specialist. These are usually based on your itinerary or general guideline and can include:

• Antimalarials– This mosquito-borne disease affects millions each year throughout the world. If you have a chronic illness, it could cause serious symptoms. Speak with a travel health specialist about them and if you need them for your trip.
• Other mosquito-borne diseases– There are many other mosquito-borne diseases in the world, beyond malaria and yellow fever. Dengue, zika and chikungunya are the most common in headlines and the Americas. Protect yourself from these infections using mosquito repellents or nettings. You may also consider using permethrin treated or other protected clothing.
• Traveler’s Diarrhea– The most common infection among travelers, TD can become serious for those with chronic illness. Be sure to bringa traveler’s diarrhea kit containing rehydration salts and mediction or remedies like DiaResQ or antibiotics. A travel health specialist can help you decide on what is best for your unique situation.

Consult with a Travel Medicine Specialist to learn more about these and other vaccines. What is recommended or required varies is often based on your travel plans.

Do I Have Or Need Travel Insurance?

Most standard insurances do not cover medical care abroad. Purchasing traveler’s health insurance and/or medical evacuation insurance will provide invaluable peace of mind. Flight cancellation insurance should also be considered by travelers with chronic disease.

Speak with an American embassy representative to get information about local hospitals and physicians. Be sure to add this vital information to your health history information sheet.

How Should I Manage My Chronic Illness On My Trip?

Before departing, make sure you are well for your travels. Consider completing a pre-travel physical exam. It may take time to adapt to required vaccinations or recent drug prescriptions. During your physical exam, be sure to ask about any potential drug interactions. This includes over-the-counter medications that may be taken to relieve common travel symptoms.

An alert bracelet, first aid kit and other supplies can also help make foreign travel easier. A visit with your travel health specialist will result in even more detailed recommendations.

The purpose of planning a trip abroad is to avoid problems and have a good time while overseas. Here are a few final tips to help optimize those happy experiences. Build plenty of time into your travel itinerary for rest and relaxation. Find out whether a doctor’s note will be required to pre-board airline flights.

Finally, don’t forget any of the creature comforts that make traveling more enjoyable. Pack a couple of books, a soft pillow and a few snacks. It is a vacation, after all!

The snow is starting to melt, flu season is coming to an end and a break from school is on the horizon. That’s right: it’s almost spring break. Many schools have break at different times meaning spring break plans can vary. Here are some general rules to adhere to, no matter where you are going or what you might be doing.

Do your homework:

Before heading out on your spring break adventure, be sure to research your destination. Although this tip sounds basic, it is important. Some of the most common destinations for spring vacations need more preparation than an average trip.

• Vaccinations– Some locales will have recommendations for the hepatitis A vaccine or the yellow fever vaccine, while only routine shots may be recommended for destinations like Florida.
• Personal Prevention- Prepare for any personal restrictions you may have like gluten intolerance or diabetes. Relaxing vacations don’t mean relaxed health regimens.
• Traveler’s Diarrhea– While not what you may want to think about when planning your trip, TD is a serious risk. Take a travelerr’s diarrhea kit with you, especially if you’re traveling to riskier destinations. This includes Mexico, the Caribbean or any developing country.

While you’re there:

Wherever you may be going, be sure to use good travel sense and follow the recommendations that you may have received from your doctor or Passport Health Travel Specialist. This includes:

• Avoid food carts- While tempting at times, this local cuisine can lead to problems. Always choose well-cooked foods that have been prepared in front of you.
  

• Use sunscreen at all times- Cloudy days may look like no UV protection is required, but, the most harmful rays are still getting through. Be sure to wear sunscreen at all times, when lounging at the beach or just walking around town.

Before coming home:

Coming home can be a sad part of any vacation, but it also provides an opportunity to prepare for your next trip.

• Start planning what you might want to do next time before you even leave, and then continue planning when you get home.
• Stay mindful of what you’re bringing home. You are typically not allowed to bring fruits, vegetables and other food home with you. Check with your airline and with your country’s government so that you know what can travel back with you.
• Vaccination is another way of making sure unwanted diseases like hepatitis or Japanese encephalitis don’t travel home with you. Many diseases have week long incubation periods. This means you could return home then get a nasty surprise. Be sure to get vaccinated before you leave to avoid any unwanted traveling buddies.

To learn more about which vaccines you may need for spring break, see Passport Health’s Travel Medicine portal. Or, schedule an appointment today by calling or booking online now.

Do you have any special plans for spring break? Share them with us! Comment below or on our Facebook page. Or, send us a tweet on Twitter using #PPHSpringBreak.

Just over a month ago, two Zika cases were tied to Thailand. One was in a resident of the country and another was in a traveler who was found to have the disease as he passed through Taiwan. Does this mean a possible repeat of what we have seen in Central and South America could occur in South East Asia?

[Read more…]

Many people have turned from glasses to contact lenses for a variety of reasons. However, the extra care contacts require sometimes makes people shy away from wearing contacts while traveling. Or, worse, travelers end up not caring for their contacts correctly while on the trip. Fortunately, you can take your contacts with you on your vacation and enjoy your trip! Just be sure to follow a few key pointers recommended by optometrists and the Centers for Disease Control.

[Read more…]