The preparation for the trip was quite stressful. Doug has written a fair bit about the actual move, I’ll write a bit about the wrapping up from work and getting things ready for the move to then depart 24 hours later for the first leg of the adventure – Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia.
If you can, wrap up work earlier that 2 weeks before. It’s great to get the extra dollars but it also distracts you from the many little things that need to get done. I’ll share our to do list below.
The overall real preparation started 2 years ago and ramped up in earnest last summer. The list keeps growing so it’s important to start early.
Along the way, keep the family (participating travellers) and the older folk informed. It’s a big step and a big change. The information flow will help answer questions, create new questions and handle some fears.
To do for departing your home country (not in specific order)
- Teach the Nanas about www.theglobetrottingfive.com and how to stay in touch
- Rent. Advise landlord and prepare exit.
- School. Advise and prepare for possible return. Understand the rules and implications of the departure for a return.
- Rehome the pets. Hedgehog Bacon and our cat Bodhi (fostering).
- Notification for gas, hydro, gas, internet and NowTV.
- Mail. Divert. Find a new address.
- Banking. If not done already set up for internet banking and worldwide ATMs. Union pay versus Plus access. Union pay is popular in Asia but not so much in Africa.
- Phones. Keep? What package? Dual SIM card?
- Moving. Select company and storage options.
- Sale of household items (furniture, clothes)
- Medical. Get full check ups, review vaccination requirements, get mission vaccines.
- Drivers licenses. Valid? Renew?
- Wills. Get copies put into place and shared.
- Trip. Route,research, flights, visas, meds for trip, clothes to bring depending on route…
- Digitalise all key family documents. Passport, birth certificate, photo, vaccination records, drivers license, bank card, credit card, plane ticket… and share with your partner.