Planning Your Trip
Wheather you're headed to the third world for a month or for a year, you will need to do some planning! How much planning, and how long it will take, depends on things like whether you have a passport or not, which visas you need, and which vaccinations you require. If you have a passport and are already prepared, then you could leave for Singapore tomorrow. However, if you're going to Libya then you'll need to plan months in advance.
Below I've provided a planning checklist that I've found useful in my travels. This provides a general idea of the minimum lead-times for planning. Note, though, that leadtimes can vary substantially, so start your planning as soon as possible, follow the links provided for more info, and build a plan that specifically fits you and your travel plans.
|
When |
Activities |
Comments |
|
>6 weeks prior to departure |
Verify third
world travel is for you
Verify lead-times
for travel documents
Identify
vaccination requirements
Get a medical
checkup
Get a dental
checkup |
·
It’s not for
everyone! ·
FYI see
places I like and RTW routes
·
See my weather guide. ·
Passport,
visas, etc. ·
Critical
protection against diseases ·
Discover
health issues before leaving ·
Deal with any
dental work before leave |
|
5 weeks prior |
Start
vaccinations |
·
Only after do
above! ·
Some take
weeks |
|
4 weeks prior |
Shop for key items
on packlist
|
·
At least first
night, maybe more ·
Do early so
can buy what need ·
Do early if
must order what need |
|
3 weeks prior |
Practice with
camera
Sort out home
affairs |
·
Tips for great travel photos ·
Ensure bills
paid while gone, etc. |
|
1 week prior |
Get cash
and/or traveler’s checks
Start malarial
pills |
·
See guidebook
for guidance ·
If required
for your destination |
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