We are sitting at gate H1 in the Fort Lauderdale airport (why do people live in this state again?) waiting for our connecting flight to Guatemala City. It's a nice time to reflect on all the planning efforts that have gone into the trip, and hopefully alleviate some of this burden for other travellers.

Our planning began in earnest months ago as we started to think about everything from what kind of shoes to buy to where to store the cat. We hung a map of the entire region on one wall of the apartment and began to trace our route, making presentations to each other as we highlighted our interests in the travel guides. We are going to rely primarily on buses, although there is no overland route between Central America and South America (Panama --> Colombia), so we know we will have to fly at least once. Our tentative itinerary goes like this: Guatemala, Mexico (Chiapas), Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolizia, Peru, Ecuador (depending on money, time, weather). We hope to fly back into the U.S. via New Orleans in March to participate in Historic Green (my third time, Annie's first). Then maybe a stop in Naples, FL to see pops (why does he live here??) then home to ol' Jerz.

We learned quickly that a big part of travelling on the cheap was researching a lot ahead of time to make sure we got good deals and streamlined our packing lists as much as possible. Each weekend, we scoured sales racks at outlet malls to find the most comfortable pants and best deals on quick drying towels, and then promptly returned it all the following weekend. Two steps forward, one step back until we finally had about 30 lbs of stuff each, then we stopped shopping and started cramming it all into our packs. Many thanks to our friend the Frugal Traveler over at the NYT, who seemed to be reading our minds for the past couple of months.

Some key decisions:

Air travel: Spirit Airlines (*gasp*)
Actually, (hoping not to jinx us) but the first leg of the flight (LaGuardia to Ft. L) was delayed but otherwise fine. We are short, and can stand the minimal leg room. The staff was nice, and the landing was the smoothest I've ever experienced. The flights were really cheap, and as long as we get there in one piece and our luggage arrives too, then all is well.

Cat care, compliments of my brosef. Andy will be wintering in Vermont with my brother, Michael. We thought of bringing him, but he is so high maintenance with his weekly pedicures and fear of vacuum cleaners. Our other possessions have been stored at various locations across New Jersey, and we are very thankful to friends and family who have generously offered to stuff-sit.

Don't leave home without him!

We went with Capital One (a money market account and a credit card) after researching the way to pay the least amount of money in fees. Capital One does not charge currency conversion fees or ATM fees. The only fee we will pay is the local ATM's withdrawal fee.

Health Insurance
We purchased travel health insurance from HTH. I know this eliminates some of that risky mystique about our trip, but at least our moms and dads can rest assured that our remains will be promptly repatriated. Unless we are eaten by something. In any case, we went with the low deductible, so in the event that you don't hear from us for a couple of weeks, keep an eye out for the Fedex truck. Ha! Let's hope that's never ironic.

In the So Much for Roughing It category:Netbook with Wifi + IPod Shuffle. We love our audiobooks on those long rides, and the new season of 30 Rock starts up again on October 15.

Our favorite resources:

Lonely Planet: South America on a Shoestring/Central America on a Shoestring
Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum (though in a limited way - this site is overwhelming)
Frugal Traveler, New York Times (five stars here!)
Pals with experience!

Yay! Almost time to leave Florida! See you soon, Antigua.