This really isn't a significant update. In fact for the past four days I've done nothing. Not in a 'get up and do some jobs around the place and then settle down for a spot of lunch before perhaps popping round a friend's for some tea' sense. No, I've done literally nothing besides playing computer games.
However, I have stumbled upon a nifty website which outlines a clear packing list with guidelines as to what kind of places I'll need certain things.
Here it is.
As it is coming up for Autumn in the northern hemisphere, Canada might start getting a bit chilly, whereas (and I hope to get there) South America/Asia are hopefully a bit warmer. Either way, with or without a look at the seasonal weather around the world, I'll need a variety of clothing for different elements.
As I'm going shopping tomorrow I thought it would be a good chance to think carefully about what I need. First on the list will be a fashionable waterproof jacket (if such a thing exists). A bag to put everything in will be required so I'll check out the sizes and feel of them before heading online. And shorts. Some more shorts. Everyone needs shorts.
In terms of sorting a visa it seems as though I'll need a definitive entry date to the U.S. This means I will actually need to think about how long I want to be in Canada before I leave, not to mention the fact Canadian border officials might not respond too well to, "Not sure", when asked how long I'll be in the country. Time to get planning :-/
Also on the agenda is vaccinations for South America/South Asia. Who knows if I'll get there. For the money they cost I bloody well better had.
So as mentioned, not a real update at all. In fact I'm nowhere nearer to being prepared than I was when I wrote my first post. Although, I do think I'm THINKING about organising myself more. Which is good.
Pip pip, determination is the key to success.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
An insight into my planning
As my first post in this blog which I hope to turn into a record of my travels, I thought I'd start by talking about the lead up to my journey.
Having done little to no preparation, I feel fairly indifferent about my travels at this point in time. I leave for Canada on September 18th 2014. Today is August 12th 2014. That gives me just over a month to actually get my shit together and sort out what I want to do with myself. Although when I leave I will have a nice little two week holiday in Toronto, this does not help with the fact that after that I will need to leave my family and set out into the big wide world. On my own. To travel. On my own. I feel as though my procrastination comes from the realisation that I will be alone. Even if it is only for a small while before I (hopefully) find some like minded travelers. Whenever anyone asks I explain to them this part - the two week holiday. I then give some vague story of 'And then I'll go to the US for a bit and on towards South America'. Luckily nobody has asked how I propose to do this, as I haven't the foggiest.
My preparations include reading up on visas and trying to finish a book named 'Vagabonding', which sounds vaguely pornographic but instead is rather profound and helpful in getting into the right mindset for leaving on my own. So far I've found out that I might not be allowed onto my flight as it is a one way ticket because I have decided to hop down into the US once I've finished with Canada. With a pocket full of cash and the phrase, "I'm not really sure how long I'll be here for," ready to go, I wonder whether my trip will be over before it begins.
I'll need to get a visa for the US if I do want to get there though. This is where the laziness becomes a problem. I've not even looked up what a reasonable amount of clothing is required. Or what other essential items I should be getting hold of. In fact I've done very little physical preparation of any kind. A trip to the US embassy is required to get myself the visa and I just can't bring myself to get all the necessary documents together, get on a train and take myself into London.
I figure if I can find a comprehensive guide of some kind it would help me immensely. Working through some kind of checklist of things to do, get and sort before I leave. Which now reminds me I'll need to sort my car out before I leave and get back some of the money from tax and insurance.
So as a first post, having re-read it all, it's looking fairly dire. I'd be worried for me right now reading this. I'll go and try and find this wonderful guide to travelling that I've decided must exist somewhere. Next post will probably be in a few weeks when I have, hopefully, actually done some preparing.
Having done little to no preparation, I feel fairly indifferent about my travels at this point in time. I leave for Canada on September 18th 2014. Today is August 12th 2014. That gives me just over a month to actually get my shit together and sort out what I want to do with myself. Although when I leave I will have a nice little two week holiday in Toronto, this does not help with the fact that after that I will need to leave my family and set out into the big wide world. On my own. To travel. On my own. I feel as though my procrastination comes from the realisation that I will be alone. Even if it is only for a small while before I (hopefully) find some like minded travelers. Whenever anyone asks I explain to them this part - the two week holiday. I then give some vague story of 'And then I'll go to the US for a bit and on towards South America'. Luckily nobody has asked how I propose to do this, as I haven't the foggiest.
My preparations include reading up on visas and trying to finish a book named 'Vagabonding', which sounds vaguely pornographic but instead is rather profound and helpful in getting into the right mindset for leaving on my own. So far I've found out that I might not be allowed onto my flight as it is a one way ticket because I have decided to hop down into the US once I've finished with Canada. With a pocket full of cash and the phrase, "I'm not really sure how long I'll be here for," ready to go, I wonder whether my trip will be over before it begins.
I'll need to get a visa for the US if I do want to get there though. This is where the laziness becomes a problem. I've not even looked up what a reasonable amount of clothing is required. Or what other essential items I should be getting hold of. In fact I've done very little physical preparation of any kind. A trip to the US embassy is required to get myself the visa and I just can't bring myself to get all the necessary documents together, get on a train and take myself into London.
I figure if I can find a comprehensive guide of some kind it would help me immensely. Working through some kind of checklist of things to do, get and sort before I leave. Which now reminds me I'll need to sort my car out before I leave and get back some of the money from tax and insurance.
So as a first post, having re-read it all, it's looking fairly dire. I'd be worried for me right now reading this. I'll go and try and find this wonderful guide to travelling that I've decided must exist somewhere. Next post will probably be in a few weeks when I have, hopefully, actually done some preparing.
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