Suggested To-Do Timeline

4 to 6 months before

• make basic decisions about destination, length of trip



• brainstorm housing options



• consider job options



• cut expenses, save all money



• start language study
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3 months before

• apply for credit cards, before leaving job



• apply for passport, request extra pages for extended travel



• get full medical exam



• get remaining immunizations



• get dental work done



• purchase camera



• research plane fares, watch for sales

2 months before

• make car arrangements



• research health / travel insurance



• purchase backpack



• start assembling clothing & supplies



• make dietary adjustments



• start sorting & packing house



• update address book



• submit resignation



• recruit a 'home secretary'

one month before

• pack, store or sell everything



• cancel subscriptions



• buy travel insurance



• buy airplane tickets



• organize vertical file for home secretary



• organize bank account & finances



• decide on how to get money while travelling



• make or update will



• pack gear, test weight



• apply for required visas



• cancel unneeded services



• buy / collect small gifts



• make final arrangements for first country

final countdown

• store /sell/ lend car



• buy film



• buy traveller's cheques



• transfer docs to home secretary



• forward mail to home secretary