Comments for Tackling the Globe...

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by Sarah Jackson

Sarah Jackson — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:07:36 +0000

Have you tried Tripit yet? I used it on my last trip to keep all of my confirmation numbers, itineraries, flight numbers in one place. Kinda loved it.

http://www.tripit.com/

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by Patrice

Patrice — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:09:29 +0000

My friend, who is much more outdoorsy than I am, swears by these pants from REI to keep bugs from biting her.
ExOfficio Ziwa Insect Shield Convertible Pants – Women’s (not sure how tall you are, but they come in petite too). There might be other clothes like this too.
http://www.rei.com/product/795462

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by Tracy

Tracy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:39:41 +0000

if you ever need help with the maps, I do freelance cartography and would love to sneak some into a few travel books. There’s a link to my portfolio/website on my blog. And I really enjoy your site. I’m traveling vicariously through you between my own vacations.

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by Kerri Anne

Kerri Anne — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:30:12 +0000

I was giggling to myself over the camera tape, but then thinking: “You know, that’s SO smart.” I never would have even thought about it! (Then again, I’ve been traveling with my trust point and shoot that’s been dropped so many times it looks as ragged (or: experienced!) as a camera can look.)

Have so much FUN.

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by kim

kim — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:36:36 +0000

My husband’s family has a beach condo along the garden route in Mossel Bay. We were supposed to visit the Knysna forest, but didn’t get around to it. He says it’s beautiful, so I think we’ll make sure to stop by on our next visit.

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by Abby

Abby — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:16:11 +0000

Have fun, Kristin!! You’ll get it all done — not worried about you. But MAN, you need some sleep! I guess it’s a long flight… Have a safe trip!

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by kat

kat — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:57:20 +0000

oh MAN i should have read this BEFORE i went to japan. i mean a japan isn’t the same as africa but i sure got a surprise when i tried to withdraw money and my bank was like nah-uh! this is such a good tip.

good luck packing, writing (did you find your tennessee notebook???!!) and have an amazing trip!

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by Locusts and Wild Honey

Locusts and Wild Honey — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:36:46 +0000

Holy cow! This is a goldmine of information. Your travel preparations amaze me.

I hope your trip is amazing!

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by jen laceda

jen laceda — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:18:18 +0000

Hey Kristin, I used to work in a Travel Medicine Clinic as a receptionist / intake coordinator (that’s how my health care career started! LOL!). Wo! I’m glad you are avoiding mefloquine and malarone. Doxy is way better even if you have to take it before AND after. I’ve heard many bad side effects with mefloquine, especially if mixed with alcohol – haha. It may trigger a first-episode of (dormant) psychosis – hahaha! Take it from me. I also worked in the Forensic Department of The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health! Hahaha.

Also, there is an oral vaccine (drank) that is not available in the U.S. It’s called Dukoral for Cholera…that’s basically what it’s for – Cholera. But one of its effects is it calms stomach illness. So, this is just for your information, just in case Cipro runs out and Cholera is prevalent in the area you’re going to (which hopefully, is not).

One more thing to pack: acidophilus or probiotic tablets. It’s good to replenish lost flora IF taking antibiotics or if having severe diarrhea. Just a general good idea for your health maintenance anyway.

And like Teej said, don’t forget your vaccine certificates, esp. when going to SA and coming from area affected with yellow fever.

Oh, and those pesky credit card companies!! They never get it right. We reported that we were going to Morocco last year, and STILL they put a hold on the card!! When we called to complain, they said, ok, no problem, we will lift the hold. Guess what? It was never done. Either someone screwed up once again or there is a conspiracy going on with these credit card companies. It’s so frustrating. Altogether, we had to call a total of almost 10x before and during the trip to let them know our travel route. Another frustrating thing: we said we were going to Marrakech, Morocco, and when we decided on an impromptu side trip to Essaouira, the card was “held” again. We called to ask why…the operator answered, “oh, we didn’t know Essaouira was in Morocco!” YiKES! Good luck to you!!

Comment on On the Road Again: Preparing for a Mega Trip by Angella

Angella — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:04:36 +0000

So (envious, and) excited for you. Africa is on my life list…