Expedition Preparation

The overall principle of preparation is to avoid missing important parts of systems, and, in the event of considerable obstacles, correct/recover quickly and efficiently, ensuring continuity as opposed to collapse and compromising the adventure. 

​Control, optimize, and maximize the variables; time, health, money, gear, risk, paperwork/docs/access.

Here's a checklist of pre-expedition tasks/guidelines/principles:

FINANCIAL
  • consolidate and transfer any/all debt to interest-free account; pay off any debt/loans aggressively
  • close any unused/redundant accounts
  • ensure clear, secure, speedy online banking
  • clarify access to funds when overseas (especially for car shipping, fees, health emergencies/evacuation)

DOCUMENTS, ACCESS
  • clarify/update all: passport, car, life insurance, will, diplomas, certificates, etc. Make backups (hard copies, cloud, self-email).
  • have copies of keys, lock codes, passwords
  • ​update all electronics and computing needs. Cloud/HDD backups; backup chargers, protective cases, security (passwords, locks)
  • personalized dog tags

HEALTH
  • update and backup health information: insurance, any immunizations, prescriptions, medications, eyewear
  • exercise (stretches, resistance, cardio). Consider swimming, yoga, Tai Chi
  • no vices, detox nutrition
  • ​get good quality sleep 

NAVIGATION/COMMUNICATION
  • get all necessary maps, atlas, apps, GPS. Test interoperability and redundancies. Test again
  • plan/research route and waypoints
  • decide top attractions in each country. Allow time for serendipity

GEAR
  • pursue potential sponsors
  • purchase, organize, and test everything on weekend "cold runs". Test all systems for flow, interoperability, redundancies, backup. Test again​
  • learn basics of photography, cinematography and video post-production. Study what others are doing
  • create well-labeled items that family/friends can ship out in a n emergency

NOTIFICATIONS
  • terminate apartment/condo lease
  • notify all contacts
  • stop mail, package delivery
  • figure out residency, vehicle registration and insurance

"STUFF"
  • experiences over possessions --what you own ends up owning you
  • apparel, kitchen/bathroom, bike, furniture, lighting, wall art and decorations
  • digitize and archive needed media (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.)
  • simplify: sell/trade (CraigsList, eBay) give away, recycle, throw out
  • organize/store remaining "stuff"

For SOLO OVERLAND
  • keep site/blog/social media updated (connect, collaborate, get discovered). Become an influencer?
  • upload media to site
  • monetize Amazon Affiliate, YouTube​
  • keep researching (online, YouTube, blogs, podcasts)

VARIOUS​
  • unsubscribe from email newsletters, unneeded media accounts. Keep Apple Music
  • detox phone/computer: contacts, schedule, apps, settings, media storage