Preparation

There is just a little over 4 months before leaving to get all of my preparation done. I'm posting this list here not only as a resource for someone planning a trip like this, but also to keep all my info in one place so I can easily reference it.

• Create a blog. Blogger is very easy to setup and looks decent with minimal effort. 

• Purchase all needed gear and test.   My Packing List

• Get Travel Insurance. I will probably use World Nomads 

• Several Dr. appointments to try and get myself fixed up before I go.

• Get my teeth scrubbed 

• See a travel Dr. for vaccines and travel medications . Good Vaccine List  about half way down.

• Get a TON of MP3 audio books and Podcasts

• Start reading more often. Get use to being completely unplugged! And these books cant come with you.

• Get International Drivers License. Offered through your local AAA.

• Have Extra Pages added to Passport.  I have learned that this is easy to do on the road at many US embassies.

• Start a journal. I will probably use computer journal program. Here is a free down loadable program. 

  

• Get travel friendly Credit Cards and Banks. I can imagine the fees already!

• Get all finances and important mail set up to be viewed online easily.

• Get Couchsurfing.org profile completely filled out    My Couch Surfer profile

 

• Make color copies of all important documents for myself and my family. Passport, US and International Drivers License, Credit Cards, Insurance info, tentative itinerary.

• Make a list of important info I will need to carry like embassy locations and culture/ language notes. 

• Learn quick full body stretches.

• Learn some useful knots. 5 Basic Knots

• Continue learning healthy ways of eating and new recipes. This will help keep me in top shape and be easier on the wallet.

• Continue learning Spanish. Good inexpensive basic begginers course.

• Decide which few countries I would like to see first and check their climates. I'm considering Guatemala, Peru, India, Australia, South Africa... all good for beginners like myself.

• Get into better shape. Be able to walk 10 miles comfortably with pack, run at least 3 miles and do 45 prison cell push ups. That means long hikes every weekend.

• Get down to a healthier weight

• Get rid of all household items. YARD SALE

• Cancel all subscriptions and plans (house utilities, cell phone, Netflix, etc.) 

• Store important documents and a couple other small items at families house. Suit, a few tools, photos, a bit of ransom money (just in case)

• Sell truck. Anyone want to buy a pickup truck? FRESH Paint!!!! 

• Find new home for my pets.  The only downside I see to this. 

• Quit my job. 
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• Walk out the door to my first day of total freedom