Welcome to a great adventure!  Let’s prepare!

(Below you will find a list of “to dos” and information you will need to get ready.  Please let us know if you have any questions!)

1.  Obtain an application and release form from your trip team leader.

2. Update your Passport if needed.

3. Send in application, release form, copy of passport picture page and  deposit.

4. Purchase airline tickets and send itinerary to trip team leader.

5.  Send in remainder of registration fee by deadline stated on registration form. Please write checks out to “ABLE”.

6. Make appointment with the travel clinic for immunizations.

7. Apply for a Visa if required in the country you are traveling.  For information visit the embassy’s website.

8. Set aside cash for Departure Tax to leave the country if required.

9. ABLE purchases medical evacuation insurance for every traveler.  If you would like additional medical as well as security insurance visit http://www.globalrescue.com.

10. Start collecting gently used shoes, soccer equipment, small toys (marbles, super balls, bubbles, tops), school supplies (notepads, pencils, sharperners), gently used clothes, medical supplies.  Ask your neighbors, friends, church, school to help.  A “packing party” will be held closer to the date of departure to pack these donations in bags.

11. Airlines will usually allow each travelers to check at least two 50 pound bags (as well as have a carry on bag and personal bag).  We encourage (but not require) each traveler to use one of these bags for donations that you can supply or ABLE can supply for you.

12. PACKING LIST

(NEVER PACK YOUR MEDICATION IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS!)

Passport/extra copies of picture page in each bag.

Camera and extra batteries or charger

Electric adapter for two prongs to hook up one with a ground

Power converter

Flash Light

Sun Screen and Lip Balm

Sun Glasses

Insect Repellent  (more details below)

Hand Sanitizer

Water Bottle

Toiletries

Baby/handy wipes

TP

String/twine

Detergent to wash clothes

Clothes pins or hangers to hang clothes to dry

Travel packs of Clorox wipes

Hand sanitizer

Toilet paper/wet wipes

Extra camera cards (change out every 2 days so you won’t lose all of your photos if camera is stolen.  Leave other film cards behind in hotel.)

Antibiotics for travelers diarrhea

Health Needs   

• Bug Repellent: A mosquito spray with 40% or higher DEET should be used regularly as mosquitoes carry several severe diseases (see the CDC) other than Malaria. Mosquitoes are most active early in the morning and as the sun is setting in the evening.

• Personal Meds: Make sure you have enough prescription meds to cover the time you are away.  Carry these meds in your carry-on bag. Checked bags get lost at times and can be difficult to retrieve.  CDC suggests you also bring a copy of your prescriptions so meds can be replaced if they are lost.  Because of the very real risk of travelers’ diarrhea have you doctor give you a prescription for Cipro or levoquin.  It is also advisable to have a prescription for a sleep aid like Ambien.  (Please discuss with your physician and check for drug interactions with other meds you are taking).

• Over the counter Medications: Everyone should bring any meds they regularly use that are available over the counter. In addition bring  Imodium, a mild laxative, bug spray (bed bugs and mosquito spray), an antacid (Pepcid, gaviscon, zantac, Prilosec,etc.) , an NSAID (Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, etc.), an antihistamine (Benadryl, allegra, or claritin), 1%hydrocortisone cream, bandaids, sun screen, a wide brim hat is advisable, antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment), an antifungal for feet (Lotrimin AF), Pepto bismol, probiotic, ear and eye drops, preparation H, water bottle to be refilled with distilled or securely treated water.

• Be sure to visit a travel clinic and make sure you are covered for CDC Travel advised vaccinations. Some countries will not let you travel if you do not have proof of vaccinations.  Yellow Fever, Hepatitis, typhoid, Tetanus, and others are a must for your own safety.  Be sure to take your medications for malaria prophylaxis.  Most will find Melarone easiest to tolerate.