Preparation Getting Ready for your trip Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. Gustave Flaubert 23
Preparation Getting ready for your Trip Passports & Visas You must have a valid U.S. passport in order to participate in an international trip. Please be sure that your passport will remain valid during the trip and expires no less than 6 months after the return date. A passport close to expiration can cause entry issues. Passport Tips: Passport applications take a minimum of 6 weeks to be processed. Make sure you begin this process early. You must apply in person for your passport at your local post office. Be prepared to pay the application fee. If you already have your passport, make sure you have at least two blank pages for any necessary stamps and documentation. As of January 2016, insufficient blank pages in a current passport will require you to apply for a new passport. Additional blank pages are no longer available. Leave a copy of your passport with your emergency contact before you depart. You can also choose to email a copy of your passport to yourself as back up. Carry a copy of your passport with you, in a separate bag from where you are carrying the original. Visa Details Kenya requires a Tourist Visa for entry. The fee is $50. You can purchase the visa online before departure (more information at www.kenyaembassy.com) or pay the fee in cash upon arrival at the Nairobi airport. Travel Defined A passport is a small booklet with your photo and other personal information formally issued by an authorized official of a country to one of its citizens and usually necessary for exit from and reentry into the country, that allows him to travel in a foreign country in accordance with visa requirements, and that requests protection for him while abroad. A visa is an endorsement made on a passport by the proper authorities denoting that it has been examined and that the bearer may proceed. 24
PrepArAtion Getting ready for your trip Immunizations We recommend the following immunizations at least 4-6 weeks before departure: Immunizations details kenya Nicaragua Hepatitis A Transmitted through water & food contamination. Typhoid Transmitted through water & food contamination. Yellow Fever MALARIA HEPATITIS B Transmitted through mosquito bites. Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Kenya, so CDC recommends this vaccine. Transmitted through mosquito bites.your team leader will assist you in choosing the correct prescription. You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products. This vaccine is recommended for medical team members. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information about immunizations. 25
All participants are allowed one carry-on plus a personal bag (purse, small backpack, etc.). In most cases, allowable checked bags will be used to transport team or trip supplies (such as medicines, books & materials, etc.). Travel Necessities Passport 3 color copies of passport and 1 copy of health insurance card $50 per person Spending Money Verify that it will not expire within 6 months of your departure/return. Leave a passport copy with a family member in the US, a copy with your team leader, and carry one copy with you Entrance fee/visa tax should be paid with a $50 bill. If you have paid online, bring documentation. $50-100 suggested for souvenirs. Bring large bills (<$50) for a better exchange rate. Clothing Jeans/Shorts/capris T-shirts/Tank tops Sweatshirt, sweater or jacket Clothes for church Tennis shoes or Toms Please keep shorts length at or below the knee. Please make sure slogans/imprints are wholesome. No spaghetti straps. Ladies, keep your shoulders covered during churchrelated events. It s usually chilly at night & on safari Men: Button down, collared shirt with khakis. Women: Skirt (that covers your knees) & shortsleeve top For everyday wear; comfortable for working/walking 26
Clothing (continued) Flip-flops Undergarments & Socks Pajamas Swimsuit Safari Day Clothes To wear in bathroom/shower. Enough for the number of days of your stay and a few extra. You'll probably have a roommate. Women: One piece bathing suit Men: Swimming trunks Swimming pool at the hotel during safari Comfortable walking shoes, pants, short sleeve shirt, jacket for morning ride. Toiletries Pack liquids in a plastic bag Hair Care Hairbrush/comb, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Keep in mind you must use a voltage converter with all heated styling tools. Teeth care Bathing/ Personal Hygiene Insect repellent Personal medications Hand wipes and/or sanitizer Toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss. Plan to use bottled water when brushing your teeth. Razor/shaver, bar soap, deodorant, feminine products, make-up Mosquito population is dependent on the region. Malaria prevention medication is recommended. To carry around with you 27
Lotion/Chapstick Sunscreen 50 SPF or higher Kleenex and/or toilet paper You ll probably want this on the long plane rides. Remember how close to the equator you will be. It s BYOTP (bring-your-own-tp) in Kenya. Everything Else Earplugs Pillowcase Blanket Bath towel/washcloth Bible, journal, & pen Reusable Water bottle Camera, cards, & batteries For noisy roommates or neighbors Provided, but you may feel more comfortable using your own If wanted for sleeping or on the plane Bring a personal towel & washcloth to use while on the field; not recommended to use the towels provided by the hotel. For team and personal devotions Especially important since we will be working outside. Bottled water is purchased in-country. You ll want this on safari. 28
Backpack or small bag Small flashlight Work gloves, safety glasses, tools. Inexpensive watch/alarm Or cell phone Rain Jacket Ziploc bags, garbage bags Outlet adapter(s) Cell phone & charger Travel-size laundry detergent Snack bars, etc. Personal first aid kit For carrying keys, camera, snacks, hand sanitizer, etc. during field work; small, foldable or used as carry-on. For reading and for getting around at night. Your team leader will let you know if you need to pack any of these items. Will still function on airplane mode. Rains often in spring & summer. Handy for many things. Kenya uses the British- BS 1363 socket; a single plug adapter or a power strip adapter is recommended. Chargers for cell phones & laptops convert the higher voltage automatically. A temporary international plan can be purchased from your carrier before departure, or you can plan to use your phone on airplane mode while connected to wifi. It s helpful to plan to wash underwear or socks halfway through. To carry on the field. Be ready to share your snack with the locals if you plan to eat in front of them. Keep it small & minimal; team leader will carry an extensive kit. 29
Travel Comforts Travel pillow You ll want to be able to sleep. Headphones Bring multiple sets. You d hate to lose these. Sound-cancelling headphones are great to drown out noisy atmospheres. Book Portable charger Gum/Breath-freshener Tylenol PM or Z-Quil Snacks Small Toiletries A Kindle or ipad is a great way to bring more than one book. Helpful to maintain phone charge for long plane rides. Be kind to your neighbors. For when you want to sleep. Meals are served on international flights. For food allergies- to request special meals, use your traveler information to log on to the airline website at least 24 hours before departure. Carry in quart-size bag 30