Preparation – SteveWhittythoughts1965

August 20, 2013August 20, 2013

20

As I sit down in the coffee shop enjoying my mocha latte and muffin it dawned on me that today was the 20th August. It also meant that I have 20 days until I leave for my next trip to the Balkans.

I had always penciled in today for starting my preparations for the trip. I am on a rest day from work. The last three days have been stressful and I feel battered by the whole experience. At least I will not be working any more weekends until after my trip.

There are a few things that need to be done today. The first of these is to get the rucksack out of storage and check for any damage it may have. The last thing I need is for anything to break while I am away.

Next on my to-do list today is to arrange the taxi from Split Airport to the hostel. The hostel said they could arrange something a taxi for a discounted rate. This will be useful. By the time I arrive into Split I will have been travelling for over twelve hours.

Finally today I will be checking for the small items I will need to take. Things like medicine, ear plugs and charger. While not the end of the world if not taken it could cause inconvenience and potential expense.

I have been planning this trip since the new year and it is becoming so close now that I feel excited. For me I am feel enthused about everything after a period of feeling down. I have not enjoyed a break from work since I returned from Vienna in March. The batteries need re-charging. Of course, I look forward to sharing everything with you.

Until the next post stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Steve

Posted with Blogsy

April 21, 2013April 21, 2013

The Next Trip – September 2013

You may have read in a earlier post that I had planned to visit the Balkans in September 2013. After much planning I am pleased to share my schedule with you.

Balkans 2013

Split 9 – 11 September

Dubrovnik 12 – 14 September

Mostar 15 – 16 September

Sarajevo 17 – 19 September

Belgrade 20 – 22 September

Ljubljana 23 – 25 September

Zagreb 26 – 28 September

There were plenty of places I wanted to visit. However, I did not want to get into the situation where I am forever on a train or coach. It was quality time I wanted to spend in these places.

I am looking forward to the trip and will be counting down the days until departure.

Until the next post stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Steve

Posted with Blogsy

February 24, 2013

Checklist – Vienna & Budapest

It is now 10 days to go before my trip to Vienna and Budapest. Now is the time to start preparing so not to leave anything to the last-minute. So this is my checklist.

Get my rucksack out of the cupboard. I am sure that it will need airing before I use it. I can also check for any holes that may have appeared. I have had my rucksack for 13 years. It has served me well.
Old Faithful Rucksack.
Check the contents of my first aid kit to make sure that everything is still in date and replace where necessary.
Transfer money to my travel cards. This will be done during the week to ensure there are funds for the trip.
Purchase some Euro’s. I will be travelling to Vienna by coach. I will need some refreshments along the journey.
Pack the rucksack. I am aiming to do this the weekend before I travel. I do not want to leave this to the last-minute. It is going to be an early start on the day of travel and I do not want to spend the time last-minute packing. You always end up forgetting something.
Get some sleep before I set off. As I have already mentioned I will be setting off early. I finish work at 17:00 and it takes me about 90 minutes to get home. The aim is to have two or three hours sleep. Must remember to set the alarm.
Ensure all gadgets are fully charged. This includes back-up batteries. It is going to be a long journey so I need to keep myself amused.
Ensure all tickets, passports and other documentation is packed. I tend to double-check, even triple check. The last thing I want to notice at Birmingham Coach Station is I have forgotten my passport.
Arrange taxi to coach station. Being a Wednesday morning this should not be a problem but I will have to book it early to be on the safe side.
Finally, if the above has been ticked off then sit back relax and enjoy the trip.