I officially have 89 days left before the group arrival date in Beijing. With graduation and the end of the semester quickly approaching I’ve put together my Beijing to-do list in order to keep my sanity. While July once felt like a lifetime away, it is quickly approaching along with all of the trip preparations I have to do.
I thought I’d share the List with you. Every trip to-do list depends on multiple variables like the length of the trip and what gear one already owns. Since I’ve taken a few trips, I do have my passport, backpack and other essentials. While there’s some things I may have missed, this is what I have down so far:
TO-DO
__ Get plane ticket and finalize travel dates
X .Create budget
__ Register my trip with the U.S. Department of State
__ Make multiple copies of all important documents and leave with mom
__ Cell phone:
__ Put cell phone on reduced rate suspension, right before I leave
__ Email myself updated list of cell phone numbers
__ Take battery out of cell phone, right before I leave
__ Get insurance on my laptop
__ Fundraise to offset some expenses of trip
__ Purchase International Student Identity Card
__ Get someone to sublet my room while I’m gone + packing room up before sublet
__ Purchase any supplies I may need
__ Write a packing list
__ Let my banks know that I’ll be abroad (so my debit and credit cards don’t get canceled due to security measures)
__ Get someone to watch my aloe plant…who won’t kill it like last year!
__ Change mailing addresses so mail is sent to TN
__ Let everyone know my itinerary
__ Double-check that I have everything I need a couple of days before departure
This list has been compiled partially from experience but also referencing Doug Lanskey’s First-Time Around the World book which I find very thorough. My medical and travel insurance is already taken care of – thank you Edan and Visa!
Please share with me any other suggestions or pre-travel to-do items that you always consider!
