The To-Do List

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!