TAFF Planning: Before the (To-)Done

It’s my birthday, woo! It is also only just over 3 weeks until I fly out to NYC and start my TAFF trip, ack!

As this is as good an arbitrary milestone as any, I thought it would be a good time to start this saga. The world has gone arse over teapot in the last month, and with all the darkness, hurt, rage and fear blustering around, holding on to the bright points makes it a little easier. Plus cute animal videos, but I think that’s a given.

Since the blog will be primarily to chronicle my TAFF trip let’s talk about that. As I said, the world is a scary place right now, so it’s nice to be able to plan for something positive. And boy am I (over)planning!

Over the last 18 months or so I’ve started getting anxiety, which has steadily gotten more invasive. So, to avoid as much travel angst as possible, I am trying to make sure I have everything that could cause worry sorted before I go. Or to put it another way, I’m worrying now so hopefully I won’t need to worry later!

The thing is, I’ve done other long trips that involved lots of travelling in between, but this will be the first time I’m doing it ‘alone’. In the past I don’t think this would have really been much of an issue, but now there is this odd weight behind every decision made, because it’s ‘all’ my responsibility. Of course logically, I know this isn’t true. I have the support of not only the current TAFF team, but past administrators and the wider fannish community, not to mention close friends and family (some of whom count on other lists as well!). Having that support has been a great touchstone when the planning spiral starts! So far there aren’t many disaster scenarios I’ve been able to come up with which don’t have a solution, even if it’s just to contact Jim/Curt/Claire/John/James/Liz immediately for them to fix ;).

So in the spirit of focusing on the positive, instead of a To-Do list, here is my To-Done list…or just a Done list since that makes more sense…

(To-)Done planning list:

1.       Flights

Probably the most important thing, all my eight(!) flights are booked. I’ve also checked how to get to/from all the airports, got all the online check in apps together, worked out baggage prices (and pre-paid if I could), and confirmed the departure/arrival terminals. Phew…

2.       Planner

While I do have all of my travel information etc online in emails and various apps, I have also invested in a notebook so I have everything together Just In Case ^TM something happens where I have no access to my phone or online. It’s surprised me how much having a physical representation for my trip, and pre-trip planning, has helped. It also means it’s somewhere for notes, stories, songs or doodles if the need arises. Even after all these years I still often find it easier to think with pen to paper, then from keyboard to screen.

3.       Checklist(s)

I have already finished most of the things of my ‘Before you leave’ checklist (which reminds me, I still need to make a copy of my passport).

I also have a “Carry-On” checklist (Ooh Matron!) which is something I am a little too proud of. As everything important, like drugs, electronics, passport etc will be in my carry on so it won’t get lost, the checklist acts as a reminder not to forget anything vital before a trip. I have 8 flights, so I have 8 colourful checkboxes next to every item! Again, just the small addition of making each trip a different colour makes it a lot easier to read, and to see if anything is missing. I’ve used this again when printing out my flight itinerary, all very colourful!

4.       Places to Stay

This is a bit of a cheat, as I haven’t actually got the details (or in some cases the confirmation even) of where I am staying yet. Weirdly this is one of the few things that I’m not that worried about. I know that really, wherever I go I’ll be able to find someone to stay with. I’m going spend the next week poking people to get details of where and who with I am staying. Also I’ll put up something on FB to get suggestions of what to do in each place, and set up meeting people. Comments here would work as well, if anyone has suggestions!

5.       Packing

 Started a packing list, pruned, added more, looked into the weather in each place and then made sure everything is cotton so I don't melt. A lot of travel blogs suggest cut down what you bring by at least 1/3 before the final pack. I'm going to try and follow this if I can't so then I can fill that 1/3 for the way back ;).
I've also invested in some packing cubes, which should make all the re-packing for each leg of the trip significantly easier! 

6.       Right to travel

I have sorted out both my eSTA for the US and my eTA for Canada, and had both approved! Nothing much to add, but an important to-done task nonetheless ;).

I've also been thinking a lot about all the little things which can trigger anxiety, like travel, crowds, meeting new people....hmmmm. I'm going to do a separate post on my plans for traveling with anxiety, and we will see how these plans stand up with application!

At the moment I am actually feeling confidant, excited and calm about everything. I know that I will have an amazing time, and I know will enjoy meeting so many members of my fannish family. 

Love, Anna