lifelist

O.k., so I'm 30 days out from departure and putting together my Todo list.

I've finalized my packing list, and am picking up a few last things. Vaccinations are done, but haven't picked up the Malaria meds yet - didn't want them sitting around too long.

Budgeting Cash Requirements (Tips, Souvenirs, Laundry, etc...)
Budgeting Final Payment Requirements (Travelers Checks, or maybe arrange for Wire Transfer?)
Confirm Flight Arrangements
Confirm Safari Vehicle Arrangements (Pop-Up Roof, Working Cigarette Lighter)
Confirm Meet and Greet Arrangements

Anything else I should be checking on at this point? At two weeks out, I'll be doing things like scheduling a hold on my mail, stopping the newspaper, distributing itineraries to friends/families, etc...

bat

Hmm, practicing with the new camera equipment you felt compelled to buy??


conrats on being 30 days and counting.

atravelynn

Copy your important travel docs and passport. That may be part of your "distributing itinerary to friends/family."

Reinforce the buttons on key clothing with a couple of stitches, if any are loose. You'll probably take one of those cardboard sewing kits.

Where are you going? I am sure you posted it earlier. You can check the weather conditions there to get you in the mood.

Read up on what's going on locally on
allafrica.com

You can do some reading on the locations you are visiting. Not just guidebook stuff.

Every several days you can post your progress on your departure and make the rest of us jealous!

Leely

lifelist,,
Yes, please keep posting your progress! I think you leave the day before we do. And I seem to have lost my mind; I am plagued by uncertainty and forgetfulness.

matnikstym

not to sound sexist or anything, but I think all you ladies about to leave for Africa should schedule a spa day, just to relax, unwind, don't think about the upcoming trip and forget about all the stress you've been under getting ready for your big trips. Once you get to Africa, you'll realize you stressed out for nothing! So spoil yourselves 1 day!

Kavey

Dennis, you're making assumptions - some of us (well, ME, at any rate) actually ENJOY all the pre-trip planning and details and thinking - it makes the whole experience so much longer!

Lifelist, list looks good, best of luck and let me echo suggestion to practice on any new camera equipment. Out in the field is not the time to be flicking through any manuals!

CarrieS

Dennis-

You read my mind. I'm 29 days away today and just made an appointment for a spa day. It is especially needed since in five days I'm also saying good-bye to another group of 100 7th graders. Yippee!!

sundowner

Dennis, that's a great idea! I could never spare a whole day but I've slipped in a pedicure the day before my last couple of trips and it's been wonderful.

sandi

Dennis - not to be sexist, but I see plenty of guys (those metrosexuals) enjoying a spa day, especially pedicures. It's no longer just for "us gals."

Though I don't normally have the patience to be pampered even at the great rates we have at some of the salons in NYC, instead do my own mani/pedi - before a trip, I have someone else do the pedicure/massage; the last thing I do before getting into the limo to the airport.

But, there are more and more camps now providing spa services. So if you miss the pampering with all that has to be done before your trip, be sure to inquire about this once in-country. It's a nice break from a game drive. And, oh so wonderful surrounded by Afree-kah all around you.

nevermind

I'm just 3 days from departure for a European trip, Tanzania is still more that 100 days off, so this is like a practice run. On my to-do list for today is to set up advance payments on all bills I anticipate coming in while I'm gone. I also have a list for myself of all those last minute things that need to be done (turn off the air conditioner & water, double check that I have my passport, etc.), because I'm usually a bit addled by the time the hour of actual departure comes and the list helps keep my feet on the ground. Making a list while I'm calmer, helps ensure that the little things get done (and that I don't leave my passport behind - as my mom once did).

nevermind

I just thought of something else... Change batteries in everything you are taking with you. Watches, alarm clocks, translators, reading lights, etc...

Lin

Call your credit card companies to let them know to expect charges in the countries where you're traveling. Check on their exchange rate policy so that you know to use the most reasonable one. Amex is not accepted everywhere which was an unpleasant surprise to me...

lifelist

O.k., so I added another task:

Test Pack - I packed everything I'm taking and weighed it all. I'm over, so I'm jettisoning some stuff. I'm also rearranging things to balance between carry-on, checked baggage, and on-person storage (safari vest and cargo pockets).

Pumbavu

Give Blood.

In the UK you can't donate Blood for 6 month from geting back from Africa. Give some blood a couple of weeks before your trip.

matnikstym

good idea Lin, i didn't do that on my last trip and was "declined" in London, when I got back there were messages from Capital One asking if I was away..

Patty

Interesting, I never call any of my card issuers (or my bank) to let them know I'll be out of the country and never had any problems. Mine are Amex, Citibank, and US Bank though, not Capital One.

sandi

I never called the card companies until about ten years ago, when the card companies tightened their fraud departments and lots of travelers found their cards closed for use overseas. Since, then I always contact the those who hold my cards, as one just never knows and being in some foreign country and not have access to my funds wouldn't be my idea of a good time. It's just a smart thing to do.