In preparing for an overseas trip, the tasks are many and can seem a bit daunting: booking hotels, preparing my new web/blog site, planning an itinerary, shopping for travel gear, preparing travel info for family and friends, researching lodging, transportation, rail passes, etc.

Since much of my travel gear was lost in my 2004 move from DC to Austin, I purchase a new travel pack designed by Rick Steves of Europe Through the Back Door fame. (I save nearly $30 purchasing it through my on-line shopping mall.) Its design is perfect and it fits the airline carry-on limits to a “T”. Tonight, I purchase a new JanSport day pack from J.C.Penney’s, originally $65, for about $20 after a series of discounts. Then there are all those little things – travel duct tape, clothesline, poncho, etc.

Well, lots to do, so better get back to it! ~