With the "Survivor!" finale finally over, we can actually begin concentrating on our upcoming trip. Aside from the things we've forgotten, here's what we're supposed to remember:
One Week Ahead
- Fill prescriptions.
- Get traveler's checks.
- Put valuables in safe deposit box.
- Make two copies (1 to leave, 1 to take) of all documents:
- Passports & Visas
- Itineraries
- Hotel confirmations
- Plane tickets
- Credit cards
- Store everything we're leaving behind.
- Purchase final equipment and medical supplies.
- Leave contact information with employer, friends, and family.
- Pack bags and hit the road!
One Month Ahead
- Order a long-distance calling card.
- Change billing address or cancel service of:
- Bank accounts
- Credit card accounts
- Investment accounts
- Mortgage/Landlord
- Car Insurance
- Health & Life Insurance
- Utilities
- Cable
- ISP
- Phone
- Long distance carrier
- Sign up for travel insurance.
- Take extra passport photos.
- Sell car.
- Have a garage sale.
- Finalize equipment list.
- Set up a web-based e-mail account.
- Pack belongings for storage.
Several Months Ahead
- Appointment with travel doctor.
- Set approximate route and budget.
- Purchase plane tickets.
- Make reservations for resorts or holiday travel times.
- Re-order ATM and credit cards so they don't expire while abroad.
- Arrange pet care.
- Set up automatic payment for car loan, mortgage.
- Draft/modify your Will.
- Renew passport.
- Get required visas.
- Figure out who is going to rent your house.
- Notify your employer.
- Arrange for a friend or family member to handle your financial matters while abroad.
- Figure out how you're going to file your year-end taxes.
- Research, research, research.
- Optional travel enhancements:
- Language classes.
- SCUBA certification class.
- Historical/cultural classes.
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