Tips for Traveling Dance Ministers
August 24, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Practical Advice
photo credit: the mechanical turk
I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to travel nationally and internationally for ministry. Below are some tips & tricks that I’ve learned along the way that will help you save money or make your trip go a lot smoother!
Air Travel
- When traveling by air, it is suggested to be at the airport 90 minutes before departure of a domestic flight and 2 hours early for an International flight. Just do it! Plan this time into your day, sometimes it takes only 10 minutes for me to make it from check-in, security, and to the gate. Other times it can take over an hour. The cost of a missed flight isn’t worth it. - Once I make it through security, I usually have plenty of time to stop at a store or restaurant. Go to your gate first! Gates change frequently, so make sure your departing flight is where you think it is going to be. Once you have physically confirmed your gate, then you can go grab a bite to eat or shop. Flights usually start boarding 20 minutes prior to departure, and some flights earlier than that. Be at your gate 30 minutes before departure.
- Check in online and print your ticket before going to the airport whenever possible. Some airlines, like Southwest, allow you to board based on the order of check-in. Find out how soon you can check-in (typically 24 hours before departure).
- In an effort to generate revenue, many airlines are charging to check in bags. Know the policy for the airline you are flying so you can budget accordingly.
- Its rare, but luggage does get lost. Pack what you need for the first 24 hours of your trip in a carry-on bag. Typically lost luggage can be found and delivered within that time.
- Include "tip money" in your travel budget. A general guide is at least $1/bag. Be prepared to tip at curbside check-in, shuttle drivers, and hotel porters.
- Expediate your security checkpoint process by dressing properly. Ladies, some hooks in our undergarments can set off metal detectors. Too many bobby pins in the hair can have the same effect. Everyone will have to take their shoes off, so if you are wearing sandals, that means you are walking through security barefoot….and some of those floors don’t look sanitary. Limit the outer garments, belts, and jewelry to what you really need.
- Most airlines offer some sort of "frequent flyer" program. Read the terms and conditions of these programs to see if it is worthwhile to join and/or commit to a certain airline for travel. Often you’ll have to accumulate your points within a certain period of time to be able to redeem your points.
- Certain seats offer more leg room (such as the exit rows). If this is important to you, you can research the specifications of the type of jet you’ll be on and choose your seat accordingly.
- Airlines are overbooking flights more and more these days. If your schedule is flexible, you can earn travel vouchers for future travel by volunteering to surrender your seat on an overbooked flight.
Hotels
- Most hotels require a credit / debit card be placed on file for incidentals. I understand the hotels have to protect themselves with this "insurance", but I personally have a problem with them holding my money for something I am not going to use. Some hotels will allow you to turn off incidentals – I take advantage of this whenever possible. The way hotels hold/authorize funds is different with each chain. They also treat debit cards differently than credit cards. Often, they will hold a larger amount if you are using a debit card. Often times this money is not returned until 3-7 days after you checkout. Make sure you understand the hotels policy before you go. You don’t want your "spending money" locked up as hotel insurance.- Keep your magnetic hotel room key away from your cell phone and credit cards.
- Most hotels offer advantage points. Research the different programs and see if any of them would be beneficial to you.
International Travel
- Know the international law and customs of the country you are going to! For example, in the United States, "urban cammo" is a fashion trend, however in some countries the wear of any type of camouflauge is prohibited unless you are in their military.- Only buy souvenirs you are sure you can take out of the country.
- Put your best foot forward! In international territory you are not only an ambassador for Christ, but for the United States. You may be the first or only encounter of a US Citizen for some of the people you encounter.
- Experience and embrace the cultural exchange! It does not make sense to travel abroad and eat every meal at McDonalds!
- Just like the US, foreign territories have threats and areas you should avoid. Use the "buddy system" and stick to designated areas.
- Check the US State Department Consular Information Sheet for more information on any country before travel.
- Some places use different electrical outlets. Determine if you will need an adapter to plug in your electrical devices.
- Contact your cell phone provider to see if you will have sevice at your destination. Sometimes you will have service but the roaming prices will be hefty – know before you go! Other times you may be able to temporarily upgrade to another plan, rent a world phone, or swap sim cards. Research your options and make an informed decision.
Travel by Automobile
- If you are using a personal vehicle for travel, make sure it is mechanically sound to make the journey! Check tires, belts and oil for starters.
- Like hotels, rental car companies hold more money if you are using a debit card vs credit card. Know what the rules are before you arrive to pick up your automobile.
- If you plan on having someone else drive a portion of the trip, pay the additional cost for the extra driver. Not only is this the right thing to do, but if something happens while someone else is driving that is not authorized to drive there will be unpleasant repurcussions.
- Some auto insurance providers cover the driver…even in rental cars. The rental car company will try to sell you additional insurance – this may be redundant. Do your homework to determine if you need this.
- Rental companies often offer a deal where they will fill the car back up with gas at a fixed price, typically below the current gas price. Usually, this is a good deal.
I’d love to hear from you! Are you a frequent traveler? What tips did I leave out? Got questions? Leave them in the comments section!
Posted by Lakita Fane
Lakita Fane serves as the founder of Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry. Find out more about her or follow her on Twitter (@Paneh).
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Tips for Traveling Dance Ministers:
THIS IS A MUST READ FOR DANCE MINISTERS! After 2 years of dance the Lord sent me to Mexico(in and out for 4 years) would love to have had this then, you never know when he will expand your borders.
@Tammy: Amen! We have to always be ready because we never know when an assignment will take us beyond our local borders.
One tip I have for any group travelling abroad is to not take your own mobile. Instead, rent a local SIM card for the country you’re going to otherwise you’l get huge roaming bills. You can often pick them up in-country but I like to have them in my hand before I go so I rent my SIM cards from Cellhire (www.cellhire.co.uk). In fact I often take a handset from them too then I know it’ll work wherever I’m going. Incoming calls are often free on the local airtime but they also offer a roaming SIM too if you’re going to many countries. Worth a look anyway.