MKI Travel Blog

Hedge Hogs --

2010-09-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

I grabbed a cup-o-joe with several other agency owners this past week. We are all about the same size -- yet each with our own 'niche' within the travel industry. Our passions are quite simple. We don't do alot of the traditional vacation travel, or cruise travel. The only domestic travel i orchestrate for our partners is as a favor --and usually at my cost, simply to help them get to their destination.

Having been involved directly in missions internationally for the past 20 years -- much of our business is geared towards helping missions and humanitarian organizations get their staff and teams to the field as efficiently and inexpensively as possible.

Half of our staff are adoptive parents -- so adoption travel is something we LOVE to help with. Not only because we have access to wholesale, humanitarian, student, and adoption airfare, but because we are passionate about the 'cause of the orphan' ---- and consider it a privilege to help cut the numbers down of those without families. (currently about 147 million...if you are interested).

Because of our experience and our desire to help you reach your objectives --- we have also been very deliberate to seek out strategic partnerships with ministries, agencies, and organizations that we KNOW offer tremendous opportunities for you, your school, church, or organization. MKI --- stands for Maximum Kingdom Impact.

Do you need help developing your short term program? Considering sending your first team out -- but unsure who to partner with? Not sure when to 'lock in' that group airfare? Unsure if it is the best option out there?

Ever want to grab the phone -- and just run some ideas past us? Ministry? Travel? Anything else?

Please do. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Mike

The 'country kitchen' syndrome...

2010-03-26T02:18:00.000-07:00

I remember one case-study from my small business admin class a million years ago. County Kitchen. A perkins-like restaurant that enjoyed stellar growth in a short period of time.
Their downfall came not from their growth ... but from their inability to manage their growth.

Here at MKI -- we've grown dramatically in the past year. To meet that challenge, we've signed on to a systems wide software program, including full online access, encrypted database, and complete back-office system. Top of the line, including full customer support, training, and implementation.

We're thrilled with this step up in serving our clients -- -and will be able to bring virtually every aspect of every reservation, team, and client up on demand. The hope? Increased efficiency will equal a greater capability to serve our ministry partners well. As we serve them .... their IMPACT will also be multiplied.

That is what it is all about. :)

Sincerely,

Mike

Real Value -- in Short Term Missions

2009-12-17T16:44:00.000-08:00

How do you measure VALUE in your short term mission experience?

As one who has received teams (while serving in Lithuania and Uzbekistan) -- and as one who has sent hundreds of teams (while serving with CCC, and directing STM for a denomination)
-- I know there are many factors in determining where to serve, who to serve with, and even when to serve. It's amazing to see how God guides, directs, and provides for so many to serve both locally...and globally!!!

One common mistake that I've seen however -- is the tendency we have as churches to put cost on a level much higher than that of impact.... or long term relationships... or even Strategic Partnerships with those who are serving the field full-time.

For instance --- "we have a tight budget", so we automatically rule out going to a far-a-way site, because 'we can't afford it.' My desire would be that we would listen first ... and then trust the Lord to get us to where HE was leading. :)

Another danger I've seen is the - "we can do this cheaper on our own" mentality -- so we cut costs, 'save' on administrative fees, -- and fail to partner with an agency who has a long-term relationship with the national laborers, missionaries, church, or even orphanage.

In the meantime -- the (local) team leader has a tremendous increase in the amount of time needing to be spent on details that otherwise would be covered by the cost (and) expertise of a viable sending agency...

The short term team still goes --- God still honors their efforts -- but..... have they MAXIMIZED their impact???? Seems like a good question to consider.

Can God use us as we 'go it alone' -- in setting up opportunities for Global Impact? Absolutely.
Might God maximize our impact -- if we consider serving with someone who knows the field more intimately than we do? -- Again ... Absolutely.

I'll write more on this later -- but for today -- the blogosphere is finito!!! Keep on keeping on, folks!!!! And Keep on looking for opportunities -- -and taking the initiative to GO!!!!

New Staff at MKI!

2009-11-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

Things are definitely moving here at MKI!

We are now up to 7 staff -- serving in 4 different cities/regions across the USA.

Quick recap -- to give you an idea of who is serving you:

Mike Snyder - President, MKI Group Travel

Craig Rasmussen -- International Travel Manager - based out of Fort Wayne Indiana

Mike Leonard -- serving as our International Travel Rep out of Atlanta, GA

Tabitha Lovell -- Our 'west-coast' staff -- serving out of California

Jason Stauffacher - and Brian Rock -- both serving here in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

JD OBrien - Another Minnesotan and former Ywammer! :)

I'm excited to be working with these folks. And they all share our passion to serve well, not only in securing the best missionary and humanitarian airfare for you -- or for your groups traveling internationally, but also in serving YOU -- through connections, resources, and a shared passion in helping you fulfill the ministry given to you.

We do count it a privilege this Thanksgiving --- and we are GRATEFUL for the opportunity to serve you!!!

Sincerely,

Mike

The 'Dangers'? of 'shopping around' ...

2009-11-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

You are putting together a group service project, mission, or humanitarian effort. More than likely you are serving in a church, mission, or other 501c3 Non-Profit organization, and your desire (rightly so!) is to MAXIMIZE your travel dollar.

You contact 3 different agencies -- and ask each of them the same question: "Can you help us get to the field for the lowest price?" Can you beat the competition?

Good question. However --- sometimes we approach group travel like we approach 'purchasing in bulk' at Sams Club. If we buy 10 lbs of hamburger, the supplier is expected to drop the 'per pound' price to incentivize (is that a word) our purchase. The difference is this --- the airlines only have a small percentage of each aircraft that we can negotiate group fares for (usually about 20% of the aircraft).

Here is a quick scenario of how it might play out with travel agencies and the airlines:

The internet fare is running about $630 per person.

Travel Agent 1 --- Negotiates space on Delta for 500.00 dollars --- and marks it up to 600.00 per person for a 100.00 'commission.'

Travel Agent 2 --- Negotiates for more space on Delta for 580.00 dollars per person -- and marks it up $30 dollars per person for a total of $610.00 . This is fair -- and the agent feels like they are being paid for their time -- but more importantly -- they are helping you get to the field!

Travel Agent 3 -- is thrilled with your ministry -- and even is willing to give you the tickets at her cost! They hear from Delta, and use their missionary contracts to negotiate the lowest (available) space -- but because the lowest fares are already taken, the best quote that they can offer you is $630.00 per person -- with no commission..

More than likely ---- you will go with 'door number 1' -- and confirm the 600 fare, thinking that they have given you the 'best price' -- -when in reality -- they just received your quote request a few hours before the 2nd or 3rd Agent did --- and grabbed the lowest cost space.

My point? --- Find one -- or at most two agencies that you TRUST, and that share your passion for that which you have been called to do. They will work their tail off to serve you well -- and to keep the commissions lower than if you went to a 'ticket mill' -- or agency that had no idea what you are doing or where you are going (in terms of purpose, etc) . Ask them what kind of contracts they have access to, and what their 'niche' is in the market.

By demonstrating your desire to work solely with one agent or agency that has the connections you need -- you will motivate that agent to serve you well ---and to be competitive with their pricing.

For MKI --- this is at the CORE of who we are. We rely on volume and consistancy of business to cover our bills, rather than on a high percentage mark up on our group and individual fares.

If you HAVE found an agency you can trust --- stick with them!!!! :)
However -- if you are looking for an agency you can trust, give us a call!!!!

We can hold space for both individuals and groups up to 10 months in advance --- and often we can even get the deposit waived for you while you raise the funds to cover the cost!

Hope to hear from you soon!!!

Snyderman

The NEXT Step.....after your Short Term Experience...

2009-06-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Next Step …..

Your time on the field is complete. Undoubtedly, you were able to see first-hand some of what God is doing around the world! But … where do you go from here? Should you pursue another short-term mission trip? Get involved in praying for your missionaries? Call others to join you? Receive further education or training in evangelism and discipleship? Look for ways to reach your neighbors, co-workers, family and friends here in the States? What is the ‘Next Step’ for your team?
More importantly ….

What is YOUR Next Step?

Listed below are some helpful suggestions for you to consider, as you trust the Lord to provide direction in this area.

* Share your experience with others! One of the best ways you can continue to serve the field is to help them ‘get the word out’ to others who share your passion for the world! Contact your pastor or missions chair and ask them if you can give a report of your short-term mission experience. Write a final report, and send it to your supporters.

* Set aside at least 4 hours in a quiet place to complete your journal. Review your prayers and concerns at the start of your journey – and compare them to your prayers and concerns at the end of your mission trip. Did God meet your expectations? Did your concept of ‘success’ and/or ‘failure’ change as a result of your time on the field? Thank the Lord for your time on the field!

* Make a list of everyone you were privileged to meet during your short-term experience. Pray for them by name, asking the Lord to take them to the ‘next step’ in their walk with Him. If they are not yet believers, ask the Lord to draw them to Himself. Prayerfully consider whom the Lord would have you stay in contact with, for His glory.

* Write down two or three of your favorite ‘moments’ on the trip. This will help you communicate to others when they ask ‘How was your time overseas?’ Remembering these ‘personal moments’ will help you to motivate others to take a similar step of faith in the future.

* Prayerfully evaluate your involvement in missions as a result of this trip. Will you pray more? Give more? Serve as a ‘sender’ in your sphere of influence? Who do you know that would benefit from a direct challenge (by you!) to consider participating in a short-term mission experience? If you go on another short-term trip, who will you take with you? Share the answers to these questions with someone else on your team, your spouse, or other trusted believer who will hold you accountable to take action.

* Seriously consider returning to the field for a longer term of service! God often uses short-term missions as part of the calling process for longer-term service. MKI partners can suggest several options for you to consider in this arena, from 2 or 3 weeks to a few months, or perhaps even a year or more! In addition to ‘career’ missionaries, there are always opportunities for any length of time, from 2 weeks --- to 2 years!

God is good. We are confident that He will continue to guide your steps as you walk with Him and prayerfully consider your ‘Next Step’. Please feel free to call us here at MKI if there is any way we can serve you or your church in the future.
Thank you for your faith and service on behalf of the Lord! It truly has been a privilege for us to be involved in God’s great plan with you!!! Our business is travel --- but our passion ‘beyond travel’ is truly the Great Commission.

By His Grace Alone,

Mike Snyder, President
MKI Group Travel/Missions Consulting

Summer Travel

2009-02-24T13:34:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note to those of you following the blog.

'tip for the day' ---

Try to lock in your space as soon as possible. We are seeing the SPACE disappear for groups as far out as next November already!!!!

If you are able --- consider directing your funds towards purchase of sale fares immediately, OR to put a deposit down on space more than 3 months in advance. This will hold the space -- at a relatively low risk.

Go go go!

Mike

Future of Missions Travel

2009-02-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

I've had several people ask me lately if travel agencies are going to survive the current economic challenges. Are people traveling? Are churches still sending out missions teams? Aid Organizations still serving internationally by sending others to train, equip, or empower those they are partnering with?

The short answer is 'yes'. -- Churches and agencies are still sending teams and individuals all over the world. And, given the fact that the need is still urgent --- humanitarian and aid organizations are still sending volunteers and help at an increasing pace.

The only real difference we are seeing is that people are really working hard to maximize their travel dollar. For those that are flexible with either layovers, dates, or even flying multiple airlines --- there are still ways to keep costs down.

For those serving internationally --- there are still great humanitarian fares available.
For those taking teams internationally -- -the airlines are working dilgently to get YOUR business. Given our relationships with over 9 different consolidators -- we actually are seeing an increase in the number of inquiries this year. Why? --- Because to maximize your impact --- you want to maximize the use of your finances. :)

We're here to help!!!!
Mike

Working within our Niche ----- Directions...

2008-09-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

The majority of our business is spent serving ministries, non-profits, student groups, and humanitarian aid organizations. 90% of our work (obviously!) involves helping with the travel arrangements. The other 10% of our work involves connecting our ministry partners and clients with opportunities for shared ministry worldwide. Strategic thinking, innovative collaboration, and a passion for serving those in need fuel our workdays.

Do you have a ministry or cause that you are passionate about?
Are you looking for ways to increase exposure for your work overseas?
What are you doing to maximize the impact of your work?

We'd love the opportunity to speak with you further. If you are in town --(Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN -- or Fort Wayne, Indiana), -- we'll even buy the coffee!!

Until the job is done,

Mike Snyder, President - MKI

When to buy - Hoping for a sale? Losing Availability? Yikes!

2008-09-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

Most travel experts are beginning to lean heavily towards purchasing your tickets as soon as you possibly can rather than waiting for a last minute sale. Why? Because in an effort to streamline their costs, airlines are actually cutting the number of flights they are taking!

The reality of today is that you will rarely see an airplane that is not at capacity or near capacity. Those flights that used to fly to and from Chicago from Minneapolis, for instance --- at $50 bucks a pop? --- Gone with the wind, the pillows, the free luggage, and (in some cases) the customer service. :)

My advice? -- if you are extremely flexible -- you may still have some last minute travel options that will save you money.

But if you are traveling on a set schedule, or with a group of individuals, - then it would be to your benefit to purchase your tickets as soon as possible. If you are not in a position to purchase your group fares immediately -- ask us about our deposit terms. They are some of the best in the business.

Our desire is to serve you! ----

How about you? Any tricks you've found helpful in determining when to buy? Talk to me! :)

~snyderman

Deposits Deposits Deposits!

2008-09-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ok -- So you've got your dates picked out for next year -- and you would LOVE to lock in the price 11 months out -- but you simply do not have the information needed to hold the space. Namely, -- the final number of people -- and that infamous DEPOSIT!!!

Deposits run anywhere from 50-100 dollars per person on average -- and depending on the airline and contract --- are either fully refundable (usually up to 90 days prior to travel) or
at least partially refundable.

One advantage that we are able to offer our ministry partners is the option to waive the initial deposit -- enabling them to focus on raising their funds, recruiting their team, and pursuing Maximum Kingdom Impact. This way you can literally lock in your base fare 11 months out -- and rest assured that you do have the lowest fare available.

Any questions on any of this? Don't hesitate to let us know!
If you'd like a quote for a group journey -- or for your own international travel -- check out our website at mkigrouptravel.com.

Until later,

Mike

A brief word about Short Term Missions

2008-09-05T23:04:00.000-07:00

There have been several reports out lately calling in to question the validity of short term missions in regards to whether or not there is actually 'long term impact' (on either the field, or in the lives of those going).

The short story is this: --- If DONE RIGHT --- Short Term Missions can not only benefit the long-term efforts of the national church -- it can also serve to effectively raise up laborers for a lifetime of continued service on behalf of the Great Commission.

Admittedly -- there are issues - and even some that are 'in' short term missions for the profit that it can bring. As a toothless taxi driver once said as we discussed 'life' in Uzbekistan ---
"Where there are people -- there are problems".

True.

Another truth? Where there is the Spirit -- -there Will be impact!

Our responsibility? To Abide (John 15) --- in the context of that moment by moment relationship.

Yours for Maximum Kingdom Impact,

Mike

Is it possible to travel inexpensively with a group?

2008-09-03T16:17:00.001-07:00

Group Air Travel can sometimes be quite an experience. You are competing for an increasingly small percentage of each aircrafts' available seating - at a discounted rate. If you have 20 passengers, and there are only 15 at the lowest 'class' of service - than the next five will be a bit higher, and the (average) cost for your entire team will go up.

There are several ways we can help you in this - including:
1.) Splitting your team up in to two smaller groups -- and working to get you to the same location within an hour or two.
2.) booking your team as individual missionaries, instead of a group. This is possible for smaller groups -- but for larger ones it is significantly more difficult.
3.) If you are 'Flex' with your dates - we can use this flexibility with the airlines to negotiate the best rate on the best dates. Let us know if this is the case. If you are not flexible -- we'll still make it work! :)

The BEST thing you can do to keep your costs down is to hold your space as early as possible.
If you wait until just 6 months prior to travel to secure your space -- you will likely not get the best fare anymore. Many ministries and agencies are booking 10 and 11 months out -- to secure the best base fares. IF you are able to purchase your tickets early -- you will also (likely) save additional funds by avoiding the taxes and fuel surcharges which almost always go up these days prior to ticketing.

Tomorrow? -- A few words about DEPOSITS!

Happy Traveling,

Mike

How to beat rising fuel surcharges!

2008-09-03T02:39:00.000-07:00

That is tough to do, since the airlines have raised them over 20x since the first of the year.
However --- if you are traveling anytime in the next 11 months, you CAN keep the cost of your travel to the lowest possible base fare by either purchasing in advance, or holding the space (usually with no deposit) on one of our student, missions, humanitarian, or consolidator fares.

Many of our non-profit clients are already booking their travel for next summer, believe it or not! Here's how it works:
1.) Airlines only have a small percentage of their inventory set aside for negotiated group travel or discounted travel. This number is shrinking with each passing day.
2.) For the prepared individual or organization, securing the best possible BASE (before taxes) fare is really the only 'tool' you have at your discretion to offset the rising tax and fuel surcharge fury.

Even if you have a group -- most contracts allow us to refund your deposit up to 90 days prior to travel, so it is to your advantage to start working early on your teams for the upcoming year!