I have a chance to take a mission trip to South Africa in October, 2006. Having never travelled outside the US, is this a trip I should take? I'm adventerous, so nothing much surprises me. I don't know where we would go, which part of the area. Are there any particular places that are definite "no no's"? I do know that it's somewhere near Cape Town. Any help would be great!!

Get more info from organizers of mission trip - only they can answer itinerary/location questions. Then repost specifics.

No one can answer the "should I go" question but you - but I tell my kids that if I have one regret about when I was younger it is that I did not try more things, take more risks before I became entangled in job, kids, house, etc.

I would go if I were you. The Cape province is beautiful, and the people are wonderful. The only "no-go" places are a few areas of the city, and then only at night and alone, so you don't need to worry overmuch about safety.

Get as much information from the organizers as possible, as Gail advises, and then make your decision with confidence.

Thank you for the response! I just heard about the trip, so I will definitely hook up with the organizers for more info! I think it'll be a cool trip!

I asked myself the same question a couple of years ago when someone asked me to join them on a trip to South Africa. In a split second decision, I said yes. I am a lot older than you, and had traveled to Europe several times. However, I have never, for ONE MOMENT, regretted the decision to go to SA. It is an incredible place..and you will have so many adventures..GO, GO.

Thanks rubytwo!!! I'm going to go and check it out. I don't want the regrets later in life either. Thanks for the encouragement.