Obsessive planning disorder.
I know everyone at work is tired of hearing of my travel planning so I figured I would let the rest of the world in on it as well. (aren't you lucky!) As most people know by now, the plan is to head to Africa in June or July of next year.
This is a sample timeline of how I've been planning Africa 2016:
April of 2015: Got ideas from a friend of places I NEED TO GO in South Africa
June of 2015: started researching different tours, hostels, itineraries, things to do/how to get around
August of 2015: basic 15 day itinerary is plotted out (tentative flight ideas, what city I'm in which day, what I'm doing in each city)
Jan-Mar of 2016: big booking !! (flights and game reserve that I really want to go to) ...
April 2016: obtain visa, communicate and ask any questions to tour places/hostels
May 2016: more booking! (hostels, bus travel, other tour)
June 2016: tentative departure!
^yes, I have a plan for planning out my plan! hehehe :)
It's crazy how much planning has already gone into it and just how many little details there are that all have to work out JUST right! For example: flights running only once a day and at a certain time, buses only operating on certain days, tours only operating on certain days, etc. so I'm currently going crazy trying to make sure every last thing is PERFECT and that I don't miss out on anything. It's like one big puzzle which is fun, but frustrating as heck. AND I LOVE IT!
As of now (9/4/15) I'm 75% sure I'm going to Egypt now instead of doing Botswana/Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) ... I'm terrified, yet super excited. I think it would be awesome to finally see the pyramids in person!!
I'm also trying to get to Hillsong church in Capetown, South Africa (so again, planning out the details just right so I can be in Capetown on a Sunday!)
I must have researched flights at least 50 times already... using different dates, different times, different layovers etc.
Cincinnati --> Cairo
Cairo --> Capetown
Port Elizabeth --> Johannesburg
Johannesburg --> Cincinnati
phewww!
One of my favorites parts about planning travel is that moment when you finally get your flights booked because then you know it's official!! I'll anxiously be awaiting the day.... :)
If anyone wants to come with me, I can squeeze you in! I'll even let you adjust the itinerary... maybe!