Good Planning is the key to a successful trip!
If you wish to join us on a mission trip, there are many decisions you will need to make and extensive preparation steps to take.
The first decision is to join us on a trip and then notify us of your decision before the deadline. The deadline for joining a February trip is December 1st the prior year.
If you don't have a passport, you should obtain one before you purchase your airline ticket as the airlines require the name on your ticket match your passport name exactly.
Unless you are part of a specially arranged group or a medical group, you will be responsible for purchasing your own airfare. The lowest priced airfares, if any, generally occur more than two months in advance of the trip. Airfares suggestions will be provided upon request and will be placed on the SCHEDULE page.
Most airlines allow one 50 LB checked bags, a carry-on item and a small personal item. Most airlines are now charging $25-$40 for the second checked bag. Good advanced planning of the items you will be taking will allow you to determine if you have the capacity to pack additional items. Every trip, we take so many donated tools, clothes, medicines, etc. that we are always looking for team members who can carry additional items. Notify mission leaders, if you are going to have excess capacity in your checked luggage. Read more on baggage allowances...
Planning for a mission trip to Belize involves more than deciding what clothes you will be taking. There are recommended immunizations and medications you should take. Read about those recommendations below and plan accordingly.
We have created a list of preparation steps that may not be obvious to a first-time mission participant. Early attention to these preparation steps can save much last minute grief.
Here are a few preparation and miscellaneous tips
Things to Bring:
· Towels and antibacterial soap
· Sunglasses
· Insect repellant [40% DEET is safe & 100% DEET is better]
· Sun screen [SPF 30 or higher]
· One or more water bottles
· Hat
· Bathing suit
· Gifts for your new friends, host family, and for children [gifts for host family include packaged American foods not requiring refrigeration, powdered drink mix, blenders, watches or books about the United States.]
· Devotional material such as Bibles
· Clothes for work and play [you may choose to leave your clothes in Belize to be given to the poor]
· Sensible shoes only
· Hand sanitizer
· Medications and vitamins
· Spending money [the amount will depend on personal preferences for souvenirs and playtime trips. US money is generally accepted anywhere at the normal exchange rate. Small amounts may be exchanged for Belize dollars at the airport. The standard exchange rate is two Belize dollars for one US dollar.]
Things for Play:
· Athletic clothes, equipment and shoes
· Snorkeling equipment
· Camera and video recorder
Things for Sharing:
· Books to read to children
· Items for any special talent such as: clowning, magic, musical ability, art, craft, etc. to entertain adults and children
· Pictures of your family, pets, city, etc. to share with the Belizeans
· Some Spanish phrases could be very helpful
· Maps of Belize and USA
Food Consumption Tips:
· Most of the meals will be prepared for us
· Unwashed vegetables will make you sick
· Peeled fruit is usually safe
· Cooked food is usually safe
· Do not take food from an unknown source. Street vendors are NO!
· Please do not give candy to the children
· Use only the provided PURIFIED water, even when you brush your teeth
· Avoid ice, except in restaurants or if you know it is made with safe water
· Baked goods are safe
· Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer is important
· You may wish to have breakfast or power bars available for a mid-afternoon energy boost
· Bring powder drink mix, if you object to drinking plain water
Laundry considerations:
You may make arrangements with your host family but you should negotiate this with them in advance. They are not expected to be our servants. We are their guests in their country.
Something to remember while in Belize:
Titles are important to Belizeans. Refer to school teachers as Maestro (surname, male), Maestra (surname, female), to pastors as Pastor (first name) or Reverend (surname), and to Catholic Priests as Father (name).
Medical Considerations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors health risks associated with foreign travel and provides extensive information for travelers on the CDC web site. You should start by reviewing the information on travel in The Americas. We have summarized the common risks and recommended prevention gleaned from the CDC site and our experienced medical team members. You will also need to consult with family doctor, particularly for prescriptions for some of the recommended medications.
The information provided here is not to be construed as medical advice, only as general guidelines for you to consider in discussions with your doctor.
Hepatitis A - Immunization for Hepatitis A should be considered. It is a two-shot series beginning one month before travel to Belize followed by a second shot six months later. This is a lifetime immunization and will not be required for future trips. These shots are available from many County Health Department clinics.
Typhoid Fever - Immunization for Typhoid Fever should also be considered. Immunization is available in shot or capsule form from many County Health Department clinics. This immunization should be renewed every five years.
Malaria - Several steps should be considered to avoid a Malaria infection. Protection against mosquitoes and other arthropods is an important step. We have included insect repellant as a key item in our preparations list. Belize is located in a risk area classified as Chloroquine-Sensitive area making Chloroquine the recommended medication for Malaria prevention. A prescription for Chloroquine can be obtained from your doctor. One tablet is taken on the same day each week beginning one week prior to traveling to Belize and continuing until four weeks after completion of your trip.
Travelers' Diarrhea - Travelers' diarrhea is well known to many international travelers. The CDC has extensive discussion of Risks from Food and Drink which you should read. We have included several items in our Preparation and Miscellaneous Tips list designed to help you avoid travelers' diarrhea. We have a phrase to help you remember safe food consumption. Make sure that your food is "cooked, baked, peeled or forget it." An added precaution is available by obtaining a prescription from your doctor for an antibiotic medication and carrying it with you to Belize. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is very effective at knocking out travelers' diarrhea, if you should get it.
The CDC has also published a Travelers' Health Kit containing many items you should consider in your packing list.