Brief your group on the destination countries. Knowing as much as possible about where you are going will ease the burdens of culture shock that are an inevitability on nearly any mission. Tell about the country's history, customs, food and culture. Explain the importance of cultural sensitivity as a vital aspect of successfully completing the mission.
Explain your mission in detail beforehand. Introduce your mission in the context of the country's culture, which you introduced previously.
Map out your itinerary in advance, with a detailed schedule of each day's task. Allow some open spaces for free time each day so that your group does not feel overworked and can enjoy their international experience.
Remind your group of any particular items they might need to pack that your organization is unable to provide.
Establish an open dialogue. Trust is a vital aspect of any mission, and as you are at the head, responsibility falls on you to establish a culture of trust. Realize that many members of your organization might be leaving home for the first time in their lives. Knowing that they have a leader they can go to and confide in when problems arise will ensure that you are well aware of the group's dynamics and will enable you to keep any emerging conflicts in check before they implode and undermine your organization's mission.
Gather all passports, visas and transport documents in advance. At border stations or common passport-checking destinations --- such as trains and airports --- you will often be called upon as the group leader to present all of these documents together to the authorities, and to explain the nature of your group travel. In the event that travelers from your group are singled out for interrogation, explain to them that this is a normal part of the process of travel, and to be open and honest with their interviewers.
Return all passports and identity documents to members of your group after clearing customs. Instruct your group to carry their passports and visas with them at all times during their travel.
Carry a mobile phone with you at all times. Make sure each member of your group has your number in case they get lost or separated from the group.
