Trip Cost

Cost: $2,850 *
^{*Includes airfare, visa, lodging, food, ground transportation & travel insurance. Cost may vary due to fluctuations in airfare.}

Cost does not include Passport (if you do not already have one), immunizations (if needed), Travel to and/or parking at the New Orleans airport and spending money. Please plan on bringing personal spending money for such items as souvenirs and meals during airport layovers. After your flight itinerary is issued, please review any layover times and plan your spending money accordingly.

Payment Instructions
All payments should be directed to the REACH Department. Checks should be payable to Church of the King and earmarked “Missions.” Please do not write an individual name on the check. Attach a trip support card to indicate the appropriate individual designation.

Payment Schedule

Trip Schedule

The daily schedule is subject to change, this is to give you a good idea of what the trip will look like and the basic plan of action for the trip. Your host ministry will have a more detailed schedule for the duration of the trip.

Packing List

Climate

Weather conditions will be hot and humid.

Basics

One carry on

One large suitcase for personal items (50 lbs maximum)

Clothing

• While in India, we must dress modestly!
• Shorts and Capri pants may not be worn.
• Skirts and dresses must be below the knee and loose fitting.
• Ladies may wear conservative pants with a long shirt or sweater that covers the buttocks.
• No tank tops, sleeveless, see-through, or spaghetti straps of any kind may be worn.
• No torn pants or shirts should be worn at any time.
• No tight, revealing, or low cut clothing may be worn.

Men:

• 3-4 pairs comfortable/lightweight pants
• 2-3 pairs of cargo shorts (knee length or longer)
• 1 pair of slacks for Sunday service
• 6-8 Sport shirts or t-shirts (no tank tops, sleeveless, or see-through)
• 1-2 long sleeved dress shirts
• Pajamas, Undergarments and socks (enough for at least 1 week)
• Gym Shorts for hotel only. (At Appropriate Length)
• Hat/Bandana

Women:

• 3-4 pairs comfortable/lightweight pants or slacks
• 6-8 Short sleeve shirts, very modest and plenty long (no tank tops, sleeveless, see-through, or spaghetti straps)
• 1-2 long skirts for girls (must be mid-calf or ankle length skirts)
• 1-2 Long shirts or blouses that covers the buttocks when wearing pants
• Pajamas, Undergarments and socks (enough for at least 1 week)
• Gym Shorts for hotel only. (At Appropriate Length)
• Hat/Bandana

Ladies-We want to be culturally sensitive to the Indian women, please pack clothing that will cover your knees and shoulders. Long skirts and t-shirts are good examples. Also, you will have an opportunity to purchase an Indian dress called a “ Sudither” on the shopping day (Costs about 10 U.S. Dollars). Bring comfortable close-toed shoes such as tennis shoes or hiking shoes. Flip flops are not suggested for public use.

Footwear

• 1 pair of sturdy comfortable shoes or light-hiking boots
• 1 pair of comfortable sandals
• Cheap flip-flops (for showers only)
• No need for dress shoes

Toiletries

• Compact backpack or fanny pack for daily essentials
• Towel & washcloth
• Soap and Shampoo
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) / Aloe
• Anti-diarrhea medicine (Pepto-Bismol tablets or Immodium Advanced)
• Personal prescription medications in original bottle & cold/flu medicine
• Kleenex or Travel size toilet paper (Toilet paper is scarce).
• Hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial baby wipes
• (Personal items) Chap Stick, Vitamins, Band-Aids, Eye drops

Miscellaneous(helpful items)

• Spending money (suggested $100-150)
• Camera
• Extra Batteries for Camera
• Outlet Converter (The electric current is 220 50 cycle)
• Umbrella
• Light jacket or fleece
• Waterproof poncho or Waterproof nylon fleece
• Hat/ sunglasses
• Books for travel time
• Powdered drink mix, granola bars and other non-melting snacks
• Bible, notebook, and pen
• Insulated water bottle
• Flashlight and batteries
• Battery operated alarm clock
• Ear plugs (if you are a light sleeper) and sleep mask

Theft is always a possibility when you travel abroad. Please do not bring anything that you cannot afford to lose. Only pack necessities, do not pack for comfort! Make sure that all your luggage meets standard flight requirements (not more than 50 pounds).

UPDATE YOUR IMMUNIZATIONS

Make sure your immunizations are up-to-date. This includes all childhood immunizations and tetanus within the last 10 years. Some doctors recommend the hepatitis series as a precaution. Check with your local family doctor for more information.

Recommended:

Tetanus

Polio

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Typhoid

Country Facts

STATISTICS:

• India is the 7th largest country in the world but the 2nd most populated with 1.13 billion people!
• 70% reside in rural areas.
• 50,000,000 are unemployed.
• Hinduism is the dominate religion
• The people live in a strict Caste system.
• India has more and larger people groups with no Christians, churches or workers than any other part of the world.

FAQ’s

Q: What does the trip cost include?

A: India Visa, Airfare, all ground costs, lodging and travel insurance.

Q: Are there any costs not included?

A: Passport (if you do not already have one), travel to and/or parking at New Orleans airport, and spending money.

Q: How will I pay for my trip?

A: Consider it a privilege for people to give to support God’s commandment to “Go and make disciples.” By asking others to help support your trip you give them an opportunity to receive God’s blessings. Please be sensitive in only asking Church of the King members that you have a personal relationship with. All donations must be made payable to Church of the King and must not have your name designated on the check. Sample support letters and trip support cards are available from the church mission’s office or your team coordinator.

Q: Are donations tax deductible?

A: Yes. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by the IRS. YOU MUST NOT INDICATE A NAME ON THE CHECK. Funds will be deposited upon receipt by Church of the King and cannot be returned. In the event that surplus funds are raised or an individual is unable to go for any reason, funds will remain in the missions account and will be used to help sponsor other individuals or for any trip related expenses. Funds, by law, must remain for use at the discretion of the church and do not belong to the individual.

Q: Where will we stay?

A: In a simple local hotel.

Q: What is the weather like?

A: The weather in Cairo is dry. The weather, in general, is mild and comfortable from October through April. The temperature is typically in the 70’s.

Q: What will our team eat?

A: While a lot of the food served will be authentic (You will be in India!), there are often other choices as well. In India, we will have our own cook that will cater to our specific needs. We will do our best to take care of each person’s dietary needs but we also encourage you to be open to new things!

Q: Are there any safety or security concerns when traveling to India?

A: While all travel has certain inherent risks, the ministry we are supporting is very experienced in hosting teams and will take all necessary precautions to ensure our team’s safety.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Wear casual, modest clothes. India-Dress is casual. The best is cool & lightweight long pants and sport shirts without holes for daily wear. Jeans and T-shirts are fine for men and women. Slacks are OK for women. I wouldn’t bother with a dress but it’s your choice. Some women like to wear long tunics over slacks or jeans. Long loose skirts can be cooler though. No sleeveless tops and no tank tops. Same applies for guys. No tight, revealing, or low cut clothing may be worn.

Q: What should I bring?

A: This will be discussed in more detail by your team leader but will include: clothes for hot weather, mosquito repellent, sun screen, travel clock, flashlight, and snacks that don’t melt.

Q: What immunizations are required?

A: There are no required immunizations for travel to India. The following are recommended by the Center for Disease Control for travel to Rameswarem: current tetanus and polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and Typhoid.

Q: Where can I get travel immunizations?

A: Recommended immunizations are available at the Ochsner travel clinic in New Orleans; appointments required, phone 504.842.3000.