My Top five tips when leaving home for months going on an around the world trip!

Being spontaneous about this trip, there's lots of things I get to finish up "just in time" before I leave. The day of departure is closing up on me, and before i hop on the plane going to India there's lots of stuff I have to get organized so that I can leave and be certain I can just focus on having a good time.

#1: VACCINES
Some vaccines need months to complete the full programme to be fully vaccinated. Especially Hepatitis and some of the heavier diseases you need some time between every shot. (In Norway at least.)
I suggest you start out getting the shots you need so you get them in time...because I'm about to get it done not a minute too early. Luckily I've got the major vaccines from previous trips, now it's just rabies, cholera, and a few single shots for me.

#2: PASSPORT
Check the expiration date on your passport. Some places need your passport to have validity for several months after you've left the country. In Norway we can travel withing the Schengen without our passport and only regular ID. But, as passport is the only official ID accepted in some places the best thing is to bring it. AND bring a couple of copies of it, kept in different places in case you loose your passport or it gets stolen.

#3: VISAS
If you're going to countries that needs visas make sure you check wether the visa needs to be applied for in advance or at the border. If you're going to several countries and need to apply by sending your passport to the different embassies, make sure you have the time to send it to ALL the embassies before you have to leave. Othervise you just don't get to leave..
I thought I didn't have time to ship my passport around in time...luckily it sorted out pretty well.

#4: TRAVEL INSURANCE
Make sure you have a travel insurance that will cover you for the time of the travel. My insurance only lasted for up to 70 days, a longer trip like my trip lasting 4,5 months I had to buy extra coverage. Also, if you're planning on doing some steep fun stuff like paragliding, climbing, scubadiving and such - check that the insurance actually covers extreme sport. We don't want accident to happen, and certainly no extra trouble and papermill if it happens.

#:5 BUDGET for home: BILLS, PHONE, INSURANCE, CAR, LOANS and other expenses
When leaving for several months without a paycheck every month it's a good idea to save up and make a budget for the expenses you have at home. Make arrangements that they are paid automatically by your bank (or help from family or friends.) Also, try to make deals with bank etc to minimize payments, postpone bills (for a fee), downsize phonebills and rent out what can be rented out. Turns out the expenses don't go on vacation....and you don't want to come home to hellhouse and a bank account that is bloody read and screeming for your attention.

And have a snack. Snacks are very important when dealing with bureaucracy..

/ Linn Elise