TRAVEL DAY! Congratulations. You may be feeling so many feelings right now. If you are like me, traveling fills your cup. I get so much excitement from any and all forms of travel. But let me just fill you in on World Race travel days.
Disclaimer: I’m not a pro traveler but I have had several travel days under my belt and have just so much to share.
Airports: bring snacks, headphones, change of clothes, baby wipes, tooth brush, and a mini towel.
We had delays upon delays upon delays and our once 9 hour layover turned into a 15 hour layover. It was so nice to have a package of sour gummies to enjoy in the wee hours of the morning waiting to board our plane and I made instant friends with my squad mates. Also, it’s nice to freshen up after you’ve been sitting on planes and in airports for hours!
Bus rides: you will have bus rides and they will be long. If you are like me and love to stay hydrated, just don’t on bus travel days. Still drink water but maybe cut down by 1/2 or 3/4 the amount you usually drink. It is rough to have to visit the facilities when you still have at least 2 hours before a rest stop. Also, bring a book or two, or headphones and an audio book. I loved listening to “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” by Nabeel Qureshi for 7 hours on a bus ride as I was preparing to enter into mainly Islamic countries. Also, snacks.
Train rides: similar to bus rides. If you have a red eye train ride (thru the night) bring a pillow, it will save your neck and you may be able to get a bit of sleep. Also, bring a small purse to put your passport, wallet, and phone in to keep close to you while you travel so there’s no chance of theft. Also, snacks.
Walking: walking with 50+ lbs of your stuff up hills thru narrow streets in the heat of the day in Africa is just no, even for this hiker. I know you’ve heard it a thousand times from alumni racers but pack light! You don’t need everything you think you might. Pack you bag then cut everything in half. Our first month on the race is coming to a close and I’m ready to leave half of my belongings behind. Also, snacks.
Other: bring instant coffee, just do it, it doesn’t need an explanation.
Bring a portable charger. One that’s small but good quality. I didn’t even think of this before my race but was gifted one by my sweet grandmother and it for sure is a game changer.
Bring a bit of toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you whenever you go to the restroom, even in a “developed country”. So many times I went into a restroom expecting soap and toilet paper because well, that’s what I’m used to and there was none of either. Super awkward and you can either just go without or phone a friend…assuming there’s WiFi.
Bring compression socks for the long rides. You’ll feel slightly silly putting them on especially if yours are bright pink as are mine but your feet will feel incredible. I forgot mine on a long train ride and my feet swelled up like water balloons. Also, they keep your toes warm in perhaps chilly environments.
With travel days comes so many emotions. Anything can happen but embrace it all. Please be flexible and remember that you are doing something extraordinary that is perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity. Take pictures. Laugh. And eat snacks.
And most importantly, things can get stressful like when you arrive into a new country, all the banks are closed for a national holiday, you don’t have any money, or water and you are rushing to catch a train ride, remember that God is so sovereign. Stop and pray and He will provide. It was so incredible to ask and then watch the Lord provide in such tangible ways.
Enjoy the ride.
update: we made it to North Africa and have been enjoying a few days of rest, team time, and learning the culture. Thank you all for your prayers. Continue to pray for good health for all of us and wisdom in navigating through differing cultures.
WiFi is spotty so I’ll try my best to update when I can.
