I've got just over 50 days left till I leave the country for the first time and so far I've got a backpack. I've been reading every article, looked at every photograph, talked to every American I can find. This past week I lost a great friend and amazing man, who recently reassured me that travelling is easy, since 'all travelers are friendly'. Here's my list to check off before travelling:
The essentials: Passport, Visa (or for the USA: ETSA), Flights, Travel Insurance, Credit Card.
The compulsorys: Backpack, clothes, cash, in-country transport, lift to/from airport, reservations, phone, guide book.
The 'such a good idea': souvenirs for friends I'm visiting (tim tams, jaffas etc), camera, video camera, ipod, headphones.
Since I'm mainly staying with friends, living off a tight budget and the rents are paying my airfares for my recent birthday, I've estimated $30 a day. Though I have extra cash for sightseeing and activities and whatnot.
if all goes well I'll see LA, NY, NC, NH, NJ, MASS, PHIL, D.C and maybe a few extras. Favourites will be MASS - seeing UMASS where I'm hopefully studying next year, NY - Adirondacks and seeing Mark, Ari and Joel.
Current savings: $420
Current step: passport.
