If you are a current or prospective World Racer, you probably fall into one of these two categories:
a) You have never or barely been outside the US and are excited to see what’s beyond the horizon; or,
b) You have quite a bit of stamps on your passport and are excited to add at least eleven more.
I fall into the latter category. I had been to seventeen countries before the Race started, and all the countries on my route were ones I had not visited before. Now, unless you have traveled a lot on mission trips, chances are your experience on the Race will look a lot different from your usual travels. So, without further ado, here is my World Race advice for well-seasoned travelers that I have compiled from my own meandering experience:
1) You are not on vacation. If you have traveled mostly for pleasure, it will be hard to get into the “This Is Not Vacation” mindset. You will have off days and you will get a chance to enjoy the sights of the country you’re in, but you are not on vacation. You are traveling for business ––Kingdom Business.
2) On that note… you might not get to see all the sights. Be okay with that. The rest of your team and/or squad might not be as interested in going to see the places that your wanderlusting heart wants to see. Love them and understand that enjoying people’s company and making memories can happen wherever you are.
3) Don’t compare. Don’t compare. Don’t compare. The World Race is different from your previous travel experiences, even if you’ve already been in the same country before. Comparing it will prevent you from enjoying the Race as a whole new experience.
4) You have much knowledge regarding border crossing and immigration/customs forms. Help your squad out. They will appreciate you know what “Port Of Entry” means.
5) Don’t be arrogant. This is a hard one because most times we might not even realize we’re being arrogant, but it may look like it to other people. Before you jump in with a story, take a second and think, “Do they really need to know that I have been to Latvia THREE times?”
6) Think LIGHT. You’ve traveled, so you know that the rest of the world also uses hand soap, shampoo, contact solution, and tissues. You won’t leave the US with a year supply of toothpaste because… well, you know you will find toothpaste in Africa. Take advantage of this and pack LIGHT. (This is advice I wish I had taken seriously before leaving).
7) Teach others to be culturally sensitive. You are able to understand cultures better than those who haven’t traveled, but this understanding didn’t come naturally to you. Most likely it was a consequence of your frequent travels, so give your squad some grace when they start singing Disney songs in the middle of a crowded bus. They’re in the learning process, and you can bless them with your knowledge, but you can also bless them with your grace and patience.
8) Be patient. Some people on your squad have not traveled as much as you, so be patient. This covers a multitude of things.
9) While your squad may be skeptical about brushing their teeth with the tap water, your stomach may be more immune to those international water pipes. However, listen to your host. The more rural places may actually have some pretty bad things in the water and it could hurt you in the long run. But if your host says it’s okay, then it’s probably okay.
10) ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The World Race is a whole new experience waiting to shower you with knowledge and memories and growth. Run into it with arms wide open and welcome it as what it is ––something fully and completely NEW!
Bon voyage, my friends.
