Several times a year our group travels together for a trip, retreat, camp or event. Here are a few things we have learned along the way that help us make the trips run more smoothly.
1. Travel in Twos or Threes – When we travel we generally need five or six cars to transport everyone. It is easier and safer to have the cars travel in packs or two or three cars, rather than the whole group together. This means less cars trying to let each other over, change lanes etc.
Set a destination location and approximate time of arrival. This could be a final destination or perhaps, for a longer trip, a midpoint. Have each group aim for this time. This also helps with bathroom stops. A group of 2 cars can stop without slowing down the other packs. Use cell phones to keep up with the other packs.
2. Send the Forms and Money First – When we travel anywhere I generally choose to be one of the last ones to leave. Make sure the first car has everything your group needs to check in. They can go ahead and start buying tickets or filling out forms, or whatever is required. When the last group arrives, you can begin.
3. Don’t Eat At the Same Place – If you are traveling in packs this is easy to do. Most towns have an area where three or four restaurants are located. Instead of bombarding McDonalds with 40 kids, have each pack choose where they will eat.
Even if you are all traveling together or all on a bus, you can find those places with several restaurants together within walking distance of each other.
4. Walkie Talkies are Still Useful – Cell phones are great, but to communicate with someone in your travel pack sometimes a walkie talkie is still best. With the push of a button you can talk to everyone in your pack, much more quickly than dialing a number or even voice dialing This keeps your group informed while keeping your eyes on the road.
5. Make Travel Packets for Every Car – Make a packet containing everything your cars will need for their travel. Include printed maps to the destination along with scheduled stops. Make a phone list with the cell phone numbers of those in the group. (Make sure and include numbers other than the drivers, since they should be focusing on the road.) Include copies of any medical release or other forms for those traveling in each car. You could even put in a Travel CD, games they can play, or a devotional for each car.
These are just 5 tips that may help your next trip to go more smoothly. What travel tips would you add?