Preparing for an Expedition

Pre-trip To Do List

Expedition Forms & Documents

Please feel free to download any of the forms and documents that we have listed below. Just click on any of the links to download it to your desktop. Feel free to contact the webmaster via email if you have problems accessing any of the documents.

Group Planning Form (pdf)  (web)
Adult Release Form (pdf)
Minor Release Form (pdf)
Parent Consent Form (pdf)
Individual Signup Form (web)  (pdf)
Personal Equipment Checklist (doc)
Passport

Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

 US Government
Travisa
US Passports

Immunizations

The simplest way to obtain these is through the County Health Department.  They have a “Travel Nurse” that can guide you in what you need and then give you the shots.  We recommend the following:

1. Tetanus

2. Hepatitis A (2 shots)

3.Typhoid (can be given in pill form)

4.Hepatitis B (This will probably be recommended by the Health Department, however it is generally a disease that is only contracted through body fluid exposure.  The risk for exposure in our setting is extremely low.

Travel Insurance

The main need is evacuation insurance.  There is a hospital in every location we visit.  However if something serious were to occur (e.g. appendicitis) you would most likely want to be evacuated to the United States for care.

There are several outfits that offer this service.  In some cases your VISA card offers this service if you buy your tickets with it.  Whatever you choose it is not expensive and would be well worth it if it became needed.  This is optional for expeditions to Ensenada, Mexico, but is required for expeditions to Veracruz, Mexico because of the distance to the border.

Helpful Links:
Medex
Access America

General Guidelines for Travel in Mexico

Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints, however, none of the containers may contain more than three-ounce of liquid and all must be placed in a single plastic bag. See the FAA Carry-on restrictions for more details.

There are no special requirements for clothing or equipment for the trip. However we do offer a few suggestions: 

Clothing needs to be modest and simple – short shorts, halter-tops etc. are not acceptable for cultural reasons. Additionally, the temperatures are such that you’ll actually want to be well covered in light clothing or you may suffer serious sunburn. In general the work is strenuous and relatively dirty. Do not bring new or expensive clothes. In general there is not a need to bring a great deal of clothing. What are very useful are many pairs of socks and underwear. You will probably find that you will want to work in the same pair of pants and shirt most of the week because it will often be instantly dirty at the start of each day – so why just dirty a different pair each morning? At times there are hand or ringer washing machines available in the host homes or hostels.

We highly recommend that you travel light.  You will most likely not be able to wash clothing while in Mexico.  If possible you should put all your essential items in a carry on bag. Baggage handling in Mexico isn’t quite the same as in the United States. You may find yourself without your baggage for quite some time.  You will also probably want something to carry with you each day that holds water and a few items since you might be some distance from your “home”. Do NOT put water in your carry-on when you are traveling to or from Mexico. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers.

Helpful Links:
FAA Carry-on restrictions

Preparation Timeline

1. NO LESS THAN 75 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
  • $100 deposit must be received by FFHE to hold position. It is non-refundable. You will be responsible for your own transportation to the expedition location. You may transfer to one of the other expeditions after you've signed up, but there will be a $100 administrative fee assessed to do so.
  • Passport application must be submitted.
  • Immunization series should be started.
2. NO LESS THAN 45 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
  • Balance of expedition cost due*.
  • Name on passport submitted to FFHE to purchase airline ticket.
  • Submit proper RELEASE and CONSENT forms to FFHE for participation in expedition.
  • Submit PARTICIPANT INFORMATION form and meet as a group to plan final preparations.
3. TWO HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE:
  • Arrive at Departure City Airport with the following:
  • Passport (Level 1**)
  • Immunization record (Level 1)
  • Ticket information (Level 1)
  • Notarized "Guardian Forms" (Level 1)
  • $50 – $100 (Level 1 – will be exchanged to pesos before entering Mexico)
  • Carry on bag with essentials (Level 2)
  • Bags with donations and extra clothing (Level 3)

* There are no refunds for expedition costs paid after 45 days before expedition departure date.

** We have found it useful to classify luggage into 3 levels. Levels one items are most critical if you want to return to the USA and be safe in Mexico. Level two items are essential for staying in Mexico without too much discomfort. Level three items are nice to have, but if they never make it to Mexico you will probably do ok without them. Please pack your luggage accordingly.

How to Sign Up for an Expedition

1. Determine what trip you would like to join
2. Fill our the participant information form online or download the pdf
3. Download and fill out the release form
4. Write out a check to FFHE in the amount of $100, or pay online via PayPal
5. Mail all hard copy forms and check to:

Family to Family Humanitarian Expeditions
4219 N. Canyon Rd.
Provo, UT 84604

6. Visit the Next Expedition page to determine your trip's payment schedule