Travel Planning
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There are a few ministries that help to find cheap flights for missionaries (often with allowance for more luggage) - ask for a humanitarian ticket and share the missions organization you work with
Recommended Travel Agent : Wendell Knepp (Golden Rule Travel) - email wendell@goldenruletravel.com. Feel free to let him know we referred you.
We like to use Wendell as a travel agent as he will help us to find the best price for what we need, will automatically get us a refund if the price of tickets lower before departure and has an emergency line to help 24/7 if issues come up on the day of your flight (for example, a cancellation).
When requesting a booking, send to the agent the full legal names and dates of birth for all passengers, what cities you are to flying from / to, and dates you are hoping for.
Some friends have also recommended Adoption Airfare as well !
A few things to consider :
Do you have an airline that you want to use ? As flight tickets are a large expenditure, there are great benefits you can take advantage of on certain credit cards or through booking as a part of an airline alliance.
Do you want a long layover ? This can be a great option either to help break up long flights, or to visit a new location. One easy way to do this is by looking at what airlines already offer stop over programs. If you are coming from the US, our favorite option is KLM (a stop over in Amsterdam) as it is a really easy city to navigate by trains.
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You will first need to make an account through the airline that you booked a flight. Each airline has a free signup option on their website.
This will allow you to do the check in process online, which unless you purchase seats early (which allows you to get more expensive but preferred seating, such as in Economy Plus). If you will just be in Economy seating, you can typically check in 24 hours before departure. The airline should email you a reminder, but you can also log into the website through the account you have set up. Typically at this point you are still able to choose your seats within your seating class for free, here are a few things to consider :
If we’re travelling with someone else- book a window + aisle seat, and hopefully someone won't book the middle seat
Try to pick seats on the left side of the plane -they typically have a bit more space.
If you are wondering which seats are best to pick, utilize Seat Guru
If you are hoping to book a premium seat but selection isnt yet available, set notification through Expert Flyer
When you book your seats, you typically can also choose your meal preference (for example, vegetarian) - since vegetarian is typically a limited number of people, if you select this option, you will usually get served before everyone else (which has its benefits).
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As missionaries, there are several networks for a place to stay :
A Candle in the Window (International) - you will need to pay for a membership, but this gives you access to the possibility of staying with people passionate about Hospitality
Servant Care (USA) - primarily in the US (but expanding internationally) this is a network of hospitality homes. You will need to make an account and be vetted.
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Travel Insurance :
When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection.
If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance. These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Carefully read the fine print on any extra policy to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.
Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis.
Health Insurance :
Understand Coverage: Review your policy to know what is, and is not, covered (e.g., pre-existing conditions, adventure sports).
Activate Coverage: If using credit card travel insurance (like Capitec), contact the provider to activate it before leaving.
Check Duration: Ensure your policy covers the entire trip duration (e.g., many cover up to 90 days).
Confirm Requirements: Ensure the policy meets the visa requirements of your destination (e.g., Schengen visa regulations).
During Your Trip: Carry Documents: Keep digital and physical copies of your insurance policy, emergency numbers, and membership cards.
Emergency Procedure: In a medical emergency, contact your insurer's assistance hotline immediately to authorize treatment and avoid limited coverage.
Keep Records: Save all medical reports, bills, and receipts for claims.
Car Insurance :
Before traveling, review your policy, notify your insurer to get a cross-border letter, and ensure you have third-party liability.
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This amazing technology allows you to easily have access to your current number while you travel, and add on a new number for the country you’re traveling to.
Click Here for an overview of how this works
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Here are some Packing Tips
Tips for Traveling - click here for advice for your planning, as you go and troubleshooting advice, as well as settling in after air travel !
I also typically put in a grocery delivery (or ask a friend to pick up a list of items) for when I arrive so there is a plan for what to eat at least the first day and to have any toiletries I’ll need
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There are different requirements in different countries, so to be safe, make sure that all liquids that you bring on the plane (not anything that is checked), must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and placed in a see-through bag no larger than a quart.
Confirm the allowed size, weight and number of carry on items for your airline, and factor in the potential of extra weight on your return home (all those souveniers !)
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When bringing items back from the US, we bring everything in these tubs from Home Depot. They have been exactly the right size for airlines (though you always need to double check). With their size and shape, it means that they are less likely to be thrown around by the luggage handlers !
For your return, you will need to plan for your transport to and from the airport to have enough room for all your luggage.
When landing back in Cape Town, these boxes will likely come out with the “oversize luggage” which is the far right carosel. If you have more luggage than hands, you can usually just tips some of the attendants there in the terminal to help you
We label them with our names, address and phone numbers for both countries
Then we use reuseable velcro ties like these to close them, with a note inside for the TSA agents asking them to retie them if possible
Here is an example of the labels we use
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Pre-Download :
Google Maps - you can download for offline use a map of the areas where you will be traveling so you can navigate around without wifi
Google Docs - you can download for offline use the folder where you store copies of your important travel documents
The app for the airline you are traveling with
Any movies, books, podcasts, etc. you want to use for entertainment
Also, do any updates to your devices just to set
Information to Have on Hand :
The airline's customer service phone number
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Check your passport - if you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.
Make an offline GoogleDoc Itinerary with all details (ticket information, contact numbers, hotel addresses’, etc.) with family + host + housesitter accessibility
Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.
You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID but didn't bring the hard copy.
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TripIt - free itinerary app that allows you make a comprehensive itinerary that syncs with your calendar, and can be shared with anyone you choose.
Simply make an account, and from there forward your confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and in a matter of seconds, TripIt will create a comprehensive itinerary for every trip!
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Travel Requirements for South Africa
Passport must be valid 30 days beyond your stay in South Africa.
Return or onward travel documents and proof of sufficient funds for your stay may be required.
Passengers must complete the “South African Traveller Declaration" before departure or upon arrival at : www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/.
Passports must contain at least 1 unused visa page for entry and departure stamps.
South Africa requires a yellow fever vaccination if you have visited or transited a yellow fever transmission area in the previous ten days.
South Africa has travel restrictions in place for passengers who have recently visited Ebola-affected areas of West Africa. Ask your travel agent for details if you have visited the Congo (Dem. Rep.), Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal or Sierra Leone in the last three months.
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One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those megalines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Essentially, the government prescreens you for security, saving you a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.
Related: Ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free
TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry, you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.
If you have the time, it makes sense to go for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.
One other hack to mention is Mobile Passport. You don't even need to be preapproved for the service, and it can speed you through customs at some airports.
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EES Registration
Starting on October 12, 2025, the European Union (EU) will begin rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES), with full implementation by April 2026.
This new digital border management tool will replace traditional passport stamping with biometric records, transforming the way millions of eligible travelers experience border crossings.
We put together information for how to register by clicking here
For those needing a Schengen Visa, click here
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These are popular ideas for Friends, Family & Supporters
Biltong - the Kalahari Biltong from Checkers is a great option
Braai Seasoning - I like the Cape Herb & Spice brand from Checkers
Children Books - for donors with kids or who are active grandparents, this has been a really memorable gift as they read to their kids about our context. I pick from this series
Cook Books - for significant donors who love to cook, this has been a special way for them to feel connected with us
Nando’s Peri Peri sauce - we love to give the Mozambique Paprika flavor as its not too spicy
Not I But Weproducts - you can support the work of this incredible local nonprofit with items made by survivors of human trafficking or gender based violence. Their bracelets are a great option, and they each come with a Grounding Practice - I love the Breathe one
Lavender from Lavender Hillproducts - a great way to support their business and talk about the local context you are supporting
Protea Seeds- only for the most saavy of gardeners, but this would be a special gift
Rooibos Tea
Rusks - Checkers typically has some fun flavors with their Forage & Feast brand
Truth Coffee - as “the best coffee in the world” - coffee grounds are a nice gift. You can buy some bags from Olympia Cafe instead of going all the way into town
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We have found that many items here are either far more expensive with less variety or of a different quality than we expect for the price. So there are quite a few things we have brought back :
Board Games
Books
Clothing & Shoes
Christmas - (pro tip - have someone that finds these things for you in the after Christmas sales, and then its there whenever you visit) a few favorites to have the sentimental scents & tastes of Christmas - sprinkles, candles, Scenticles & candy canes, nice quality stockings. Also, matching family pj’s if that is a tradition you have, as its not as much of a thing here
Drinks - spiced apple cider, Abuelita Mexican hot chocolate, dehydrated mini marshmellows
Electronics (phones, laptops, etc. anything will be less expensive in the US)
Food - dark chocolate peanut butter cups, Girl Scout cookies (which takes some planning based on the time of year - but again, ask someone to help you to acquire - Thin Mints are great in the freezer), Jiffy corn bread mix, canned pumpkin filling
Home Goods - this is all preference but I prefer various decorative pieces from the US - things like picture frames. Also high quality items that can be dishwasher safe - like pots & pans.
Kitchen Appliances - we brought over a converter so we for a long time had all US appliances for a long time, and have slowly converted, but things like a Kitchenaide will be muuuuch cheaper from the US, but you’ll need a converter
Linens - from decorative pillow covers, tea & hand towels, napkins, placemats and bedding - things will be cheaper & nicer quality from the US. Just double check all measurements as in ZA things are typically more UK sizes & names, but it can mean something different in the US
Medication - get allergy medication from Costco (its far cheaper than here, and you dont have to stand in a line every month for your refill - win win !). We also bring back Nyquil as a strong medication for seasonal colds
Office Supplies - if you have opinions about nice quality binders (that down fold flat for reading for example) - you wont find that here. Also for notecards or thank you notes — I like to get the bulk pack from Target
Pets - you’ll find more variety of toys for less
Spices - Malton salt (bulk from Costco), Trader Joes has so many fun spice blends
Misc - I like to bring back Command Strips & Hooks - theres nothing of the same quality here and its so renter friendly
Pro Tip : I get US Forever stamps, so if I have friends here that go back to the US, I can send back with them thank you notes or whatever, and have them pre-stamped so they can easily pop into the mail