PRE-TRIP
PACKING TIPS
PACKING CUBES
Packing cubes are a great way to
keep your clothes organized so there
isn’t a laundry explosion all over your
host location! You can keep shorts/
pants in one cube, shirts in another,
undergarments in a small cube,
and miscellaneous items in another
small cube. Gallon Ziplock, mesh, or
drawstring nylon bags are great ways
to create your own packing cubes as
well.
SUN PROTECTION
We all need two things when we get to
our destination: shades and hydration!
To remind yourself about either one,
keep your sunglasses protected in
your carry-on by popping them in
your water bottle. Then, whether
you’re thirsty or in need of sunglasses,
you’ll also be reminded of the other!
PILLOWCASE TRICK
For those who don’t have to worry
about a sore neck upon waking,
consider leaving your travel pillow
at home. Wear a sweatshirt in the
airport, fold it up at your destination
and put it in a pillowcase to use during
travel. At the end of the trip, stuff all
your dirty clothes into the pillowcase
to travel home.
SHARING IS CARING
If you’re sleeping at a church or a
community center, you’ll be sharing
bathrooms with your buddies. So as
long as you’re already in the sharing
mood, why not share shampoo,
conditioner, and body wash? If the
team brings a few big bottles and
leaves them in the shower, you won’t
have to worry about anyone forgetting
their supplies.
TRAVEL BLANKET
This can be used for a variety of
things; a pillow for sleeping, a
cape for VBS skits, a light-canceling
window cover. Or, you know, a blanket
for when it’s chilly on the plane.
AIR MATTRESS TIP
Everyone bringing air mattresses on
the trip? Nominate just a few people
to bring air pumps. That way you don’t
all have to lug pumps with you. Just
make sure they plug in or the batteries
may run out with everyone using
them!
SIMPLIFY
Make packing easy on yourself. Wear
shorts two days in a row. Bring only
what you NEED, not what you WANT.
Lay all the clothes you are going to
pack on your bed, then cut them down
by 25%. It’ll make travel a breeze, and
it will be easier to decide what to wear
every day!
TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER
This is the digital age, meaning
everyone can have a copy of any
picture! Instead of using precious time
having everyone grab their cameras
and phones and taking 15 different
pictures, consider nominating
someone to be the ofcial team
photographer. You’ll have more time
to focus on ministry and enjoying
the trip. It’s also a great excuse to get
back together after the trip to view
pictures!
WET WIPES
Need a shower, but don’t have time?
Grab a few wet wipes and give
yourself a rubdown. You’ll be fresh(er)
and ready in no time!
TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT
If you feel led, consider bringing
clothes, an air mattress, or other
supplies that you’ll use while on the
trip, but then donate to the church
at the end of the week. We can leave
donations with the pastor, and you’ll
create a little room for souvenirs and
such to bring home! Just be sure that
what you are donating is in excellent
shape and of good quality.
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