Getting Ready

There are a myriad of things that have to be considered when you’re preparing for an international trip that’s nearly four months long. Some are big things such as getting the necessary visas. What countries require them; how do you go about applying for one; how far in advance can you submit the applications; and how much does each one cost? Then there are bigger things such as how many tubes of toothpaste and sticks of deodorant are we going to need. Should we invest in a gallon jug of sunscreen? The biggest dilemma of all, of course, is how much yarn should I pack. Conversely, how much space do I need to reserve in my suitcase for the inevitable souvenir yarn purchases that I’ll make along the way? (This topic will require its own separate post )

VISAS

Tommy and I are going to need visas to several countries: India, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. There are consular fees, processing fees, application fees, embassy registration fees, photo fees, etc. The estimated fee schedule totals over two thousand dollars, for the two of us. There are two more countries that require visas, but those fees are going to be covered by the cruise company. 

Fortunately we already have our passports and they are valid for the required six months after the trip and have the required number of blank pages for the stamps we’ll receive as we enter each country.

A visa of a different sort is a Visa to be used while shopping. I wanted to get one for this trip that wouldn’t charge foreign transaction fees. I stumbled on one through Citi bank that didn’t have a membership fee for the first twelve months and offered 65,000 America Airlines travel points if you spent a certain amount during the first few months. I’ve already garnered more than enough points so I can fly home from Italy for free. Win win.

PACKING

Since we first announced to folks that we were going to be taking this trip, the number one reaction has been, “I would have absolutely no idea what to pack!” Neither did I, so I began to scour the internet for tips. I googled the phrase packing list for cruises and came up with a lot of helpful information.  One of the most comprehensive ones that I found was the Ultimate Printable Packing List For a Cruise found here:

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=4264  

I printed it out and as I perused other lists I added items that weren’t on the ultimate list such as, a lanyard, bathrobe, water shoes for pool or beach, bath organizer for the shower, phone pouch dry bag, travel journal, world map, post-its, pop-up laundry basket, spare pair of readers for each of us, corkscrew, and a sewing kit.  

I hesitated before I bought this Cruise Caddy to be hung on the bathroom door thinking it was no different than a shoe bag. However, there is a crucial difference. The cruise caddy is designed so that it can be secured to the door handle which could become rather important on a moving ship.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07485KM67/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got these heavy duty magnetic hooks after reading that the walls of the cabin are metal. Putting them up will give us some additional spots to hang items like a robe or sweatshirt. When you only have a bit over 400 square feet to work with, it’s vital to make every inch count. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L2TL60A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Given the reputation that cruise lines have for over feeding their passengers, the next item might sound a bit ridiculous, but I’m packing a large jar of Jif Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter.  I’m not confident that I’ll be able to obtain this on the trip and it’s an important staple item in my diet.