The last leg of the trip planning process is here. You can feel the excitement building for the trip and you’re counting the days until departure. But there is still some work to be done. Make sure you don’t leave any loose ends before you travel. Here are a few things to check on before departure.

3 Months Prior to Travel

You may still have some spots left for the trip. Prepare one last promotional push to try and add some late joiners. Using a personal touch on the phone or in an email can mean the difference here. Last minute reservations can make the difference in a lot of areas. If you sign enough, it can bring down the total cost of the trip fro the other members, and you could see some extra benefits as the travel leader.

Continue promoting it through bulletins, newsletters and meetings. Keep interest alive in those who have signed up as well by posting news and information on your social media pages.

Airline and cruise payment deadlines will be coming very soon, so collecting the deposits from committed travelers is vital. Airline deadlines are not flexible, so stress the importance your deposit deadline to make sure you meet the schedule of the airline.

Go through and check all of the cancellation dates to ensure deposits are still refundable at 90 days, should the unexpected come along. Travel insurance is great for giving your travelers protection on their deposit.

Finally, arrange for transpiration to and from the airport if your travel company is not handling it.

30 Days Prior to Travel

Communicate with the travel provider to prepare final travel packets. These should include a suggested packing guide, a study guide and a brief bio of the destination you’ll be traveling too, with dos and don’ts for packing. Once these are in order, host a pre-departure meeting to hand out the packets and prepare your travelers for the journey ahead.

If your travelers will be expected to make donations on the trip, make sure they are aware of it now. Also, inform them of any extra costs they will face, like optional tours or meals not provided by the tour company.

Plan a final fellowship meeting where you can help create a bond among travelers, confirm any details and gather the last pieces of information you need to put the trip together.

Suggest any necessary physical preparation to your group, should your trip call for it. Even if you are just doing some extensive walking, it’s still a good idea to be in good enough shape to power through a long day. Also inform your group of the appropriate dress for any shrines, churches or monasteries.

Now is the time to plan the menus for your group meals. If you know you have a picky bunch, address that with a spread you know they’ll eat. If you want to introduce them to the foods of the region you’re traveling too, make sure to include that on the menu.

Finally, tie up loose ends with any contacts and timetables for your partners on the trip. Confirm the dates and times with those holding special meets and greets, meal functions or worship.

You are probably getting excited for your faith-based trip, now that is only a few weeks away. Just make sure you finish the planning process before you depart.

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