If there’s one thing that comes with the territory of ministry, it’s travel! As we get closer to travel season, I thought it would be fun to share some of our best practices when it comes to planning for travel.

Chances are you and your family are planning some vacation or holiday trips in the next few months. Whether you’re going on a three-day business trip or preparing for a two-week vacation, here are some guidelines for maximizing suitcase space, minimizing your load and cutting down on travel stress!

Tip 1:  Always pack a small toiletries kit and a spare change of clothes in your carry-on

This one I learned from travelling with my children.  Between spilled snacks, travel sickness and lost bags, having your essentials and an extra outfit on you is a must! If your flight is canceled or delayed (something I’m all too familiar with), having essentials in hand can be the difference between getting on with your trip or spending a miserable night at the airport. There’s nothing like arriving at your destination only to find out your bag is lost. Then the realization sets in that you’re stuck wearing your travel clothes until other arrangements can be made…so pack your carry-on wisely.

Tip 2: Cube your clothes:

A great packing hack is packing cubes – these help separate your items so you can find things more quickly once you arrive at your destination.  (You can find some here)

Tip 3: Organize your liquids

Keep your liquids in a bag and separate them from your other goods. I put mine in a toiletries bag.  You never know when bottles will spontaneously erupt or leak.

Plus create a ‘mini’ toiletry kit for your carry-on. Some must haves I keep in my carry-on are lip-balm, cleansing wipes, and hand sanitizer.

Tip 4: Decorate your suitcase to stand out from the crowd (Mom taught me this one)

After a long flight, you don’t want to be searching the airport baggage carousel for your suitcase amidst its identical neighbors. A distinctive suitcase helps you spot your bag quickly and even helps to prevent mix-ups. I give my suitcases a bit of a makeover.  I decorate my bags with luggage tags, ribbons, stickers and sometimes even colored shoelaces to make my suitcases instantly recognizable.

Tip 5: Pack your pajamas on top

That way when you arrive, you don’t have to dig through everything to find your pjs in order to get a good night rest.
My hope is that these tips give you some insight into your own journey when it comes to travel!

Have a great week!
Aua & Renée Treeyanon

Question: Are you traveling anywhere this upcoming season? I’d love to hear where you’re going and what you do to keep travel manageable. Write me back, I’d love to hear from you!

As we get closer to Mother’s Day, I want to share a quote by Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States:

“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”

I like that 🙂 

Obviously, it’s not meant literally but you get the point he was trying to make. 

I realize not every person has a great relationship with his or her mother. If you and your Mom get along, I hope God will remind you of some of the best moments you shared. If things are a bit tough right now, or peace between you seems impossible, I’d love to pray with you. Feel free to reply to this email.

One of the most important lessons my mother taught me was to learn the importance of two simple phrases: “Thank you” and “I’m sorry”. 

It’s so interesting how far those two phrases go in any culture – as I’ve been serving here in the ministry I’m sometimes surprised at how often I use those two phrases. 

Thanks be to moms!

Have a blessed Mother’s Day, and if there’s anything I can come alongside in prayer with you, please comment below!

Renée