I love making lists. Actually, what I love about making lists is crossing things off. So, with our upcoming move to Argentina I’ve got a list about a page long. Here’s a glimpse into it.
Almost all of these tasks require some amount of research about the what the “best” option is. So, during the next few weeks we’ll be sharing our findings and decision making processes with you.
photo credit: purpleslog
- Sell stuff we’re not taking with us on craigslist
- Pack
- Move stuff to place for storing
- Get banking in order
- Figure out best travel credit card /debit card to use while abroad
- Let banks/credit cards know we will be out of the country
- Ensure that all credit card/bank statements are soley electronic
- Tell post office forwarding address (will be parents’ house for time being)
- Make copies of all essential documents and leave with someone we trust
- Decide on cell phone situation (keep one US phone active and “pause” the other?)
- Decide what other electronics to bring (computer, cameras, etc)
- File power of attorney paperwork for important decisions in case something goes amiss while we’re away
- Determine any medicines needed for travels
- Determine any shots needed for travels
- Make packing list
- Figure out what we need to purchase before we go (a bag lock, new lens for camera, lens case for camera, extra memory cards)
- Determine best guidebook and buy it
- Find online research about places to visit and print or download to coputuer
- Buy small Spanish dictionary
- Find volunteer options abroad
- Book first few days in the hostel
- Figure out health insurance options
- Figure out travelers health insurance options
We’re still working our way through the list, so if you have any suggestions about any of these (specifically travelers health insurance, banks with low fees, etc) please let us know!
Recommended Reading:
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Some doctors MAY prescribe you antibiotics for you to have while you’re abroad…just in case. My dad offered once before I went somewhere, and I didn’t take him up on the offer….only to get an infection once I was there.
Crossing off list items is great, sometimes I’ll write stuff down I have already done so I can feel good about crossing it off.
Here are a few things that I didn’t see on your list.
-Check passports to make sure they won’t expire on your journey or shortly thereafter.
-Check visa requirements.
-Check the power situation and make sure battery/gadget chargers will be happy.
-Figure out some sort of small gifts to bring for the friends you meet while abroad. Candy bars that they won’t have in the country I’m visiting are a favorite of mine to bring.
Hi, I found your blog on this new directory of WordPress Blogs at blackhatbootcamp.com/listofwordpressblogs. I dont know how your blog came up, must have been a typo, i duno. Anyways, I just clicked it and here I am. Your blog looks good. Have a nice day. James.
I couldn’t agree more, the crossing-off is the best part. With this in mind, I admittedly sometimes make list of things to do that really don’t call for a list: wake up (check), eat breakfast (check)….
Also, finding volunteer opportunities abroad is incredibly admirable and too few people incorporate that into their time and travels abroad. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures!
Good Advice for those who want to travel abroad. If you are in search for a cheap hotel to go to in Argentina you can go to:
http://www.myutp.com/categories/argentina/
I love this, “I love making lists. Actually, what I love about making lists is crossing things off.” Sounds just like my wife. She loves crossing stuff off of her lists, and, she has plenty of them. Alan