Getting My Ducks In A Row

The following is simply a list of things I have done to prepare for my journey around the world. I included approximate costs for any interested.

Passport:
I had only 4 full pages left in my passport so I had 48 pages added to it.  $82

Immunizations:
I visited a travel Dr. specializing in world diseases and immunizations.  I have had two trips thus far and now have a total of 13 vaccinations not counting those I had as a child.  I got the Yellow Fever vaccine and an updated Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) back in 2007 before I traveled around Central America for 6 weeks.  The newest vaccines include Typhoid, Meningitis, Hepatitis A and B, adult MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Flu and Polio.  The Hep A and B was a single shot but I need three rounds of it for it to be effective for life.  I have only one more round to go. All of the latest immunizations set me back $697, but I figure I would much rather pay up front for this than pay later.

Retirement:
I have consulted with a financial adviser and have rolled over my 401K, pension and IRA into a single IRA to be managed while I am away.  This is a fee based on how my portfolio performs. No upfront cost.

Insurance:
I have researched travel health insurance and find that it is quite affordable.  Most are less than $2 a day.  That's much cheaper than normal health insurance.  It also includes trip insurance should something go wrong or my luggage be lost. I have not yet decided on a specific plan though.

Packing List:
I have started formulating a list of things to take.  Some essentials that I did not already have include a Steripen for sterilizing water, a good head lamp and a travel blow dryer (yes, a blow dryer).   I will be taking my tablet with me to keep up with this blog and to talk with friends and family via email, Facebook or Skype. I ordered the keyboard attachment so that typing and communication will be easier.  That should arrive on Friday.  When I get the packing list finalized I'll post it.

Storage:
It just so happens that my Mother already has a storage building rented out since she is living and working in Bahrain for a 2 year stint. I will be adding my stuff to her building and splitting the cost with her on that.  $40/mo  That's much better than rent anywhere.

Truck:
I have decided its best to go ahead and sell my pick up even though I JUST paid it off.  It will be hard to let it go because it is kinda my dream car, but it wont do it or me any good sitting around for an entire year.