Five Travel Tips

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Roger

As Brooks and I head out today for Thailand (more about that in later posts) I thought I would offer something that might be of use to you:
My five all-time top tips for the traveler/adventurer:

1. Travel light. Okay, we don’t actually do this, but it sounds like great advice. I always think it would be awesome to travel with just a toothbrush and an extra pair of boxer shorts. But, we just don’t. We need food for Brooks’ special diet, clothes for all climates (we seem to typically go from the mountains of Europe to the equator in Africa all in one trip), backups and then more backups for my computer, ipad, iphones, cords, etc, and enough vitamin pills to supply our local CVS drug store. Somehow we also seem to be carrying various other miscellaneous items: sanitary pads for girls, training manuals (paper is heavy, by the way), phones and computers to give to church planting leaders, and, well, you get the idea.
   So, we really don’t travel light. But, seriously, it does sound like an excellent idea!
   
2. Be flexible. This is for real, and it really is the best travel tip I have to offer. You just HAVE to be flexible because, in the wisdom and plan of God, stuff… just… happens. The flight is late or maybe not coming until tomorrow despite the fact that you are in the airport with nowhere to go. The luggage went one way while you went the other way. The car they pick you up in has a flat tire within five minutes. The hotel says someone will meet you at the airport, and they are nowhere to be found. Be flexible. It will all work out. If you are not ready to be flexible you will have a coronary in short order. It’s just not worth it. But if you are willing go with the flow, you just may have a significant adventure along the way.
   
3. Enjoy the one you’re with. More to the point, make sure you travel with someone that you DO enjoy. Because, while you are being flexible (point number two) you will spend a lot of unexpected time with that person. And, beyond that, all kinds of decisions will be made along the way. Shall we go here or there, eat here or there, see that person or the other person, stay one night or two? You’ve just got to get along. But, let’s aim higher, and travel with someone you just love being with.
   
4. Have fun. Your experiences may exceed what you thought possible… or not. You may find a five-star resort that disappoints, or you may end up at a one-star joint that surprises you because it has hot water and a good mosquito net. Either way, the good things of God and life can be found. Enjoy every moment.
   
5. Based on number 4, my final tip is… just do it. Take the travel plunge. Especially if God is leading in any way, whether it is as a vocation, calling, or recreation… just do it. There are adventures out there that you can never experience from the couch at home.
   

Thank you for making OUR travels possible as we head for this upcoming leadership meeting of an international mission organization.