MISSION TRIP PREPARATION

• First and most importantly, obtain your passport! This process is lengthy and otherwise expensive, especially when a rush order is needed. See http://travel.state.gov/passport

• Recommended immunizations (Hepatitis A&B, Typhoid, Polio & Tetnus).

• Contact the local public health clinic or a personal family physician.

• Roatan Honduras is HOT and you must ensure that your Physician approves you to be in a very hot country. It is very important while in Roatan that you drink plenty of purified water.

• Learn some Spanish phrases, if possible. Not required but it is helpful in certain areas. There are many free sites available online.

• Once you have completed this process you should have a plan for what your team will be doing while in Roatan Honduras. Some of the projects require your group to raise money. Once you have the money raised we can purchase most of the products for you, i.e. building supplies. Bringing down some specific supplies that are hard to get on the island may be requested.

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AIRLINES AND FLIGHT INFO

• American, United and Delta Airlines fly directly into Roatan, Honduras

• You may use other airlines to fly into San Pedro Sula which is followed by a short 45 minute flight onto the island with Sosa Airlines or CM Airlines. Flights to and from the island to San Pedro are typicallly about $120 each way.

• You will be asked to complete customs forms during your flight. When filling in the customs form, indicate that the items you are carrying are “personal”. If one of the forms or the immigration official ask where you will be staying in Roatan Honduras, give the address: Travis Morin Seascape, West Bay Phone: 011-504-9827-5042 (yes, this # is correct ;) 

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PERSONAL CHECKLIST BEFORE PACKING

• PASSPORT (Upon arrival at the Mission Facility (Hotel) your passport should be given to the Trip Coordinator for safe keeping and will be given back to you at the airport on the return trip)

• Bug Repellent (25%Deet Recommended) (You will wear every day)

• Bible

• Journal

• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

• Hand sanitizer

• Sunglasses

• Hat (if desired)

• Sunblock

• Tennis shoes

• Refillable Water Bottle

• Umbrella or poncho (November through January is the raining season in Roatan, Honduras)

• Back-pack or something to carry your water and other items in during the day

• Snacks (be mindful of the heat and to not choose snacks that will easily melt)

• Prescribed medicine • Tylenol • Allergy medicine • Malaria Medication only if desired but not recommended

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PACKING

• Pack one set of clothing and personal items into a carry-on suitcase. There are situation where luggage sometimes does not make the same flight and will arrive the following day. Often there are size and weight restrictions. You should check with the airlines before leaving to see if there are any current embargos.

• Currently you may check 1 suitcase 50 pound bag for $30. An extra bag is $60 on most airlines as of 2024. Be sure to follow 3-1-1 guidelines for flights to expedite the check-in process.

• You may carry on the plane one personal item such as a back-pack OR purse and one rolling bag. Visit your airline’s baggage requirements for Central America to familiarize yourself with restrictions. When packing for Roatan, keep these things in mind: • It is HOT, HOT, HOT!!! Pack light-colored clothes.

• Women: It is suggested that women be conservative in their clothing. Short shorts & tank tops are not recommended; mid-length shorts, t-shirts, pants and skirts are appropriate. Church dress is casual and many stay at the beach afterwards.

• Men: Wear shorts and t-shirts; due to the heat, jeans are NOT advised. Church dress is casual and many stay at the beach afterwards.

• The sun is bright and extremely hot. Bring sunglasses, sunblock, bug spray and a hat.

• You will be on your feet. Bring only comfortable shoes. The area where you will be working is rocky with large hills and clay.

• At R Church you may dress casually. At most island churches, women wear casual dresses or skirts, and men wear shorts and a t-shirt or polo.

• Pack light and plan to mix and match skirts/slacks/shirts to save space. IMPORTANT!!! ALWAYS KEEP YOUR EYES ON YOUR PASSPORT! ROATAN AIRPORT INFO

• The Airport is small. We will pick you up from the airport in Roatan, Honduras. You must first provide customs your passport, and then retain your luggage.

• Make sure you account for all of your luggage. Your Team Leader should organize one person in the airport to collect luggage to take to the truck. You should coordinate all tipping for luggage with your Team Leader. Once you collect your luggage, we will be right outside the door waiting to guide you to the Transportation Vans.

 

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE OUR PHONE NUMBER: 011-504-9827-5042 (yes the number is correct).

MONEY MATTERS

• The Honduran currency is the Lempira, and it has a value of about 24.5 Lempiras to one US dollar as of August 2024. Dollars are usually accepted in souvenir shops and hotels. Smaller denominations are preferable. You must be very careful about Lempira to USA Dollar exchange. For example something that is 200 Lemps is $8.15 US.

• Women will want to use a purse with a strong shoulder strap and not wear flashy or expensive jewelry. We strongly recommend that you leave all jewelry with sentimental value at home.

• NEVER LEAVE IMPORTANT ITEMS LYING AROUND AS THEY MAY DISAPPEAR. PLEAE KEEP UP WITH PHONES ESPECIALLY—MANY FREQUENTLY ARE LEFT AT THE DINNER TABLE. GUIDELINES • Be careful what you say in English as many of the Islanders understand English.

• Do not give money or gifts to individuals, gifts should be coordinated through your Team Leader.

• Please be careful giving out candy, gum, and other favors, which could create small crisis. This will spread quickly throughout the area and you will have more people than candy, etc…

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Although you will be working hard on mission critical activities during your trip at the site, there will be some available down time (at the direction and planning of your mission team’s trip coordinator). Roatan is famous for many water sport activities.

• We recommend that teams use your fun day as a day for recreational activities. Activities: – Scuba/Snuba diving, Dolphin Swim, Monkey Adventure, Iguana Zoo, Parasailing, Snorkeling. West Bay beach is a top 10 in the world. It is also one of the best places for snorkeling in the Caribbean.