Posts from — January 2008

Whew. I thought the State Department’s travel warnings were over the top. That was before I visited the Center for Disease Control (CDC) web site.

I’m not out on the Internet looking for trouble. I went to the CDC web site to research the recommended vaccines for the places we plan to travel. I never knew there were so many exotic diseases that could kill or permanently maim you.

When I talked to my doctor and to our children’s pediatrician, both recommended that we see a travel medical specialist to discuss vaccines. There are a number of specialists in the Washington DC area, and after checking around a bit, Dani and I made an appointment at Passport Health.

As we sat through an hour consultation talking about malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, rabies and Japanese encephalitis, I kept stealing glances at Dani to make sure I wasn’t losing her. I know she hates shots, and I must admit, she remained remarkably calm.

The nurse was looking through our prospective itinerary, cross-checking it against her chart that displayed the CDC’s recommended vaccines. Each time she identified another shot we would need, she would lay on the desk another CDC fact sheet describing the benefits of the vaccine and the potential horrors that awaited anyone foolish enough to not take it.

Then she shared with us a booklet containing advice for staying healthy abroad. It included 28 specific recommendations.

A sampling:

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I spent the decade from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s working in politics, a business where information is considered a weapon.

I learned to guard what I knew, to not share it with anyone, not even my co-workers or clients, because you never knew what piece of information might one day enable your success – or hasten your failure.

In the mid 1990s I moved into the corporate world, working primarily as a consultant to mid- to large companies. I had the opportunity to get a glimpse into the workings of companies in dozens of different industries, from aging industrial conglomerates to high-tech businesses.

Perhaps I was naïve, but I was surprised to find how closely corporate America guarded the most basic information – not just from people outside their companies, but from people within their companies, from colleagues, bosses and employees.

The thinking in politics and business, I suppose, was the same: Information is the coin of the realm – be careful how you spend it. Never share it willingly. Because you never know when you may need it to gain advantage.

What a breath of fresh air it has been to talk to travelers.

Since I started planning this trip, I have reached out to complete strangers. I have solicited advice with nothing to offer in return. I have asked stupid, naïve questions.

And I have been greeted all around with openness, honesty and a generosity of spirit. Every person I have contacted has responded thoughtfully, in detail and with a sincere desire to help.

Let me share two examples.

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For most of 2007 U.S. citizens faced frustrating delays getting new passports or simply renewing old passports that were about to expire. Apparently the U.S. State Department wasn’t prepared to handle the record number of applications that resulted from a change in travel rules requiring Americans to have passports for to travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.

Imagine my surprise when we were able to renew our children’s passports in just seven days. It may have been my most painless, efficient interaction with the U.S. government ever.

I was so impressed by the State Department’s handling of the passport renewal I thought I would spend some time on their web site familiarizing myself with the travel information and services they provide.

First I checked out their travel alerts and warnings. I read their ominously labeled “Worldwide Caution.” Just to be fully briefed, I read their “Avian Flu Update” and the memo on “International Travel Scams.”

Then I delved into a few of their “country-specific” reports. This quote is fairly typical:

“…Crime, including violent crime, has increased over the last few years… Incidents include pickpocketing; mugging; “snatch and grab” thefts of mobile phones, watches and jewelry; and theft of unattended bags, especially at airports and from cars parked at restaurants, hotels and resorts…

“Pickpockets target tourists, especially at historic sites, restaurants, on buses, and trains… Walking in isolated areas, including public parks, especially after dark, should also be avoided, as these provide advantageous venues for muggers and thieves….

“Travelers should not leave drinks unattended in bars and nightclubs. There have been some instances of drinks being spiked with illegal substances, leading to incidents of robbery and rape.”

That’s the report on London.

After spending time on the State Department web site, it’s a wonder any American would leave their house, let alone the country.

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Now it gets serious. We’ve got 196 days (more or less) until our planned departure. While that may sound far away, I know it will come fast. April is going to be here in a flash – and June won’t be far behind.

Throughout the fall as we talked and planned and talked more, it felt like we had plenty of time to prepare. The trip was “next year.” Well, next year’s here – and the time for talk is over.

It’s overwhelming to think of the things we have to do before we can leave for a year. Vaccinations. Renting our house. Renewing our passports. Gathering and organizing roadschool materials. Putting a plan in place to manage our finances. Committing to an itinerary. And the point of no return: Buying airline tickets.

I think I can speak for my family when I say that we all find the idea of this trip very exciting – and the reality just a bit frightening. We’ll be stepping into the unknown and venturing a bit outside our comfort zones. More than a bit, actually.

John Higham, who journeyed with his family on a trip around the world, sent me a supportive email a few months ago. In it he said, “The hardest thing you will do is to get on that first plane.”I have no doubt that he is right.

This week I feel as though we are taking the first step down a long jetway leading to the first plane.