Summer 2012 Travel - Start Planning Early Due to Olympics & Euro 2012....

Most churches and ministries plan their summer mission trips during the early part of the year. However, to get good prices on airline tickets and hotels, church and ministry leaders will have to start planning now! The reason for the need to plan so early is due to two major sporting events in Europe both being help during summer 2012!

Poland and Ukraine will host EURO 2012 Soccer from June 8 to July 1 and London will host the 2012 Olympic Games from July 27 to August 12. Both of these sporting events will bring thousands flying into Warsaw, Kiev and London on a daily basis! Airline seats will be hard to get and hotels will be booked solid.

We are strongly urging our clients to start planning their mission trips for summer 2012 NOW! At World Missions Travel, we will work with our clients to secure availability and pricing in advance which is in line with your missions needs. Some of our recommendations include:

• purchase airline tickets and hotel rooms as early as possible
• explore the option of using alternative airports
• consider traveling at non-peak times (spring or fall) or using alternative means of transport

Contact us today to make a reservation for next summer! Our "missionary contracts" allow us to make reservations well in advance of your travel.

Ibis Hotel Opens in Kiev, Ukraine...

For our missionary readers who go to/or live in Kiev, you will be pleased to know that the new IBIS HOTEL opened today. The hotel is located on Shevchenko Blvd just across from the old Soviet "Express Hotel."

Prices are reasonable. A quick search of September 1-2 showed prices of $96 per room per night.

The IBIS provides missionaries with a whole new option for placing your mission teams overnight when traveling through Kiev.

Lost Luggage Tips...

Over the years, I don't remember how many times my bags have gone missing while I was traveling. It has probably happened to you or might happen in the future. So, what should you do?

• If your luggage is lost, find an airline representative and report the problem. There is usually always a "Lost Luggage" or "Lost & Found" counter within the baggage/customs hall.

• The above mentioned office will most likely give you a form to complete (or at least sign). Be sure to take care of this before leaving the airport! This form will describe the luggage and its contents. Be sure to make a mental note of the brand name of your luggage, color of bags, etc.

• Obtain a copy of the form before giving it to airline representative.

• Statistics show that 98% of lost luggage is found within several hours, and will be put on the next flight to your destination. Arrangements of whether it will be delivered to your door or you will have to pick it up need to be worked out before you leave the airport. Most likely, if you are a missionary, you will not be staying in the city where the airport is located. So, be sure to make arrangements!

• If you cannot wait, make sure the airline has your address to forward your luggage. Ask them to call you when the bags have arrived to confirm their arrival.

• If you need to buy some basic hygiene or clothes, be sure to ask the airline to cover this need. British Airways actually provides customers with a pre-loaded debit card with a set amount of 35 British Pounds.

• If luggage is never found, you will be asked to estimate the value (depreciated) of its contents. If you claim anything new or costly (i.e. camera, laptop, mp3 player, etc.), you may be asked to provide receipts and other documentation.

  
  

One Way Ticket VS. Round Trip ?

Many missionaries, especially those moving overseas for long term service, often are faced with the question of whether to buy a one way ticket or a round trip ticket and just not use the return portion. More often than not, it is MUCH cheaper to buy the round trip ticket but use it only one direction. However, a missionary can pay even less money by purchasing a one way "Missionary Contract" ticket!

Some airlines offer "Missionary Contracts" which allow select travel agents to sell one way tickets for the cost of half of a round trip. Whereas normally, a one way ticket from Dallas to Europe might cost $1000 plus, a "Missionary Contract" one way might only cost you $500- $600.

So, if you are moving overseas long term or if you are unsure of your return date, consider a "Missionary Contract" one way ticket! Contact us to talk about your options.

Corporate Mileage Accounts = Good Stewardship!

All churches, missions organizations and non-profits know that good stewardship is essential in order to honor God and attract and retain donors. However, stewardship goes beyond financial resources!

It amazes me how many mission teams/churches I have interacted with who do NOT encourage team members to sign up for frequent flier mileage accounts. I simply do not understand this. The airline wants to give you FREE flights! The miles are there for the taking and after a few mission trips, team members could potentially earn themselves a free ticket for yet another mission trip. For example, someone traveling from Dallas/Fort Worth to Kiev, Ukraine on a mission trip, only needs to travel 4 times roundtrip before earning a free ticket to Europe!

Beyond individual mileage accounts, did you know that airlines offer corporate/small business accounts as well? Basically, your team members earn their individual miles and they also help the organization earn points redeemable for free travel. A mission team of 20 flying from Dallas to Kiev, Ukraine earn enough corporate points on some airlines for a free corporate ticket for the organization.

Are you being the best steward of your church or ministry travel? Check out these airlines corporate programs:

• American Airlines Business ExtrAA
• British Airways OnBusiness
• United/Lufthansa Perks Plus