Crunch Time!

For years we have been talking about doing some serious travel together. For the last year we have been planning our epic journey. For the last few months we have been trying to pull everything together. For the last few weeks we have been feverishly trying to get everything done before we go. We made a checklist of everything we need to do before we go that was spread out over about 4 months of preparation time. The list is mostly checked off but we are still trying to tie up loose ends and do all the things that we put off.


2-3 months before we go
• Renew Chelsea’s passport
• Schedule date for Rusty's board exams
• Copy all travel docs
o ID- Drivers license, Social security, Student ID’s
o Passports (signed)
o Immunization records
o Flight Itineraries
• Scan all travel docs to email accounts
• Make emergency list of all credit card info
o All phone numbers of credit card co.’s
o All credit card #s and security codes
o US embassies and other important numbers. US State Department (passport)
• Start selling stuff via craigslist, KSL, & Ebay
• Switch all bank/credit card/utility statements to electronic
• Complete Taxes- 25% off turbotax with cap1
• Renew prescriptions
• Plan first few days in Edinburgh
o Sign up on Couchsurfing.com
• Research travel insurance options
• Research which credit cards are best to take
• Order new bank cards
• Update all credit cards that will expire while gone
o Look into checking accounts with no ATM fees and good returns
• Grad School Apps
o Figure out which schools you are applying to
o Get applications sorted out
o Letters of recommendation
o Dates and details
• Renew hairdresser license
• Cancel all junk mail, Opt out pre-screen.
• Figure out frequent flyer miles
• Take Visa Pictures
• Exit counseling for student loans
• Look into travel discount cards (ISIC student card, YHA hostelling card)


1 Month before we go - April
• Get all necessary immunizations and records
o University of Utah travel clinic
• Move money from HSBC account it is really easy to transfer money to chase!
• Start Blog – invite friends and family
• Customize guide books (get some lamination paper)
• Start getting couch surfing going, (email 3 weeks before)
• Get First Aid Kit together
• See about putting insurance on hold for cars- set up automatic bill pay
• Plan going away party
o Plan out foodstuffs
o Give out invites
• Garage sales
• Cancel Magazine Subscriptions and change address


1 week before we go
• Forward all mail to EDH
• Update mailing address
o School
o Work
o Credit cards
o Bank
o Insurance
o Phone
o Student loans
• Call bank and credit card companies, inform of travel plans, upgrade credit cards
• Set up automatic payment for any bills
• Give Parents all travel info that we have
o Finalize all documentation, make sure we have everything
• Cancel Power & comcast

May 13th
• Forward all mail to parents

While in EDH
• Withdraw and stash buffer cash for return

While in OC
• Go to bank- get travel cash (new bills)
• Confirm Airline Tickets
• Put cell phones on hold

Day of
Fly to Edinburgh