This would be a lot easier if I'd done it before

[kangeiko]

I just spent £60 on sunblock and after-sun. That is NOT of the fabulous. Whatever happened to being able to jet off with a mere ONE bottle of each in your suitcase? I'm seriously concerned for my baggage allowance, here. The pharmacist was v. helpful, if slightly hysterical when I told him where I was going. He took one look at my pasty-white face and reached for the SPF +50. So, at least I won't get sunburn or skin cancer. I also have ALL the rehydration sachets in the world, as we all know how well I get on with dehydration (flight back from Murcia, anyone?).

I also spent a ridiculous amount of money on really cheap, hideous clothes. Urgh. I don't DO white or candy colours. Which means the bags of stuff I just bought is only really useful in incredibly hot places and not, say, in London, where it is currently SNOWING.

I can't seem to find out Air France's baggage allowance for flights to Africa, which is also annoying. Stupid non-24hr helpline. *sulk* I may or may not have my hand-luggage sorted out, depending on whether I can fit everything into the bag I purchased. I had planned to have a large handbag, plus a small carry-on case. As it turns out, I had completely forgotten the laptop I also need to lug around with me. D'OH. Rethink is required.

Things I have yet to acquire:
- a camera. I am tempted to use my old battered film-based camera, instead of buying a new digital one. Mainly because all the digital ones seem needlessly complicated. Whatever happened to point-and-click?
- pale leggings. DO NOT ASK. (There are only so many maxi dresses in the shops at the mo, and I now own everyone single one of them. For the rest of the time, I need to cover my calves._
- shoes/sandals. ALL THAT'S IN STOCK AT THE MOMENT IS BOOTS, WTF WORLD? I may go with my own sandals from last year, and simply pile on the sunblock and insect repellent.
- travel hairdryer. If work would get its case together and tell me which hotel I'm staying in, I could check whether they have a hairdryer or not. I HAVE LONG HAIR. IT NEEDS WASHING EVERY DAY. As I can't have it loose to dry, if there isn't a hairdryer and I don't bring one, there will be problems.
- an itinerary. FIELD TRIP HAPPENING, Y/N??? Packing for a field trip is very different from packing for a stay. Will work oblige with a travel itinerary? No.
- GOD-DAMNED VISA, AAAAAAARGH.
- a sleep-mask and other travel indulgences requirements.

For those who think I may be overthinking this, I will refer you to athena25, wingsmith, queenspanky and rifle, who all remember what happened on the ill-fated flight back out from Murcia, when K was an unhappy traveller. I DO NOT TRAVEL WELL. I need maximum comfort to distract me from the fact that I am in a tin can in mid-air, powered by combustible liquids that are combusting right under my seat. And there is no way out. And we're also flying over an ocean. And people will be sat right next to me.

AAAARGGGHHHHH!

K not travel well. *whimper*

Comments

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

BREATHE, BABE!

You'll be fine. And rockin' the place. ♥

[kangeiko]

I have placated myself by purchasing a green silk lavender-scented eye-mask, which, combined with wine, music and (hopefully) a reclining chair, will lead to a calm, safe, non-homicidal journey.

I am also taking back the hideous skirt I only purchased because it met all the criteria (pale colour, light fabric, ankle-length), but is still hideous. Bless my mum for pointing out that it's pointless to spend money on hideous things that I will wear precisely the once.

*breathes*

[h2-the-foodie.livejournal.com]

With regards camera I thoroughly recommend the Casio Exilim (I have an 18 month old EXZ1050 (http://www.cameras.co.uk/reviews/casio-exilim-ex-z1050.cfm), dunno what the current equivalent is) as being a P&C-able (with features hidden if you so wish) compact digi that takes *lovely* pictures. It's 10.1 megapixels so in natural light it can take lovely pics. Obviously with flash it just snaps like any other small lensed beast.

[kangeiko]

Cool, I will check it out, thank you! If I don't settle on one & order it soon, I may have to take my old film-base camera with me. Which... uses film. 'nuff said.

[queenspanky.livejournal.com]

Are you going on a tiny plane? To get to your final destination? They only take 15kg. If not, I think it should be around 25kg.

Also, you do know that anything above SPF 30 is a crock of shit, right? It will only protect to 30. And you can get all day, bonding to your skin stuff that won't cost £60 - it's Piz Buin stuff and it's ace. That's a lot of money to spend when your malaria tablets will be around £90.

[kangeiko]

It is all already purchased, poo. The sunblock was £30 (£15 for two 400ml tubes - the Boots own brand stuff), after-sun £20, and rehydration sachets etc another £10. Unimpressed - but hopefully some of it will be left over for other flights.

I don't have to pay for my malaria tablets or insect-repellent, which is lucky.

I'm on Air France all the way to Ouga; I don't know why they're being so difficult about it all. Except I don't know if I am taking a field trip or not, which would require considerably more things to be brought with me!

[la-tisha.livejournal.com]

Make sure European hairdryers/electronics will work there without an adapter. Sometimes the plugs are different as well as the voltage. Luggage will probably be 20-25 kgs, the usual for international flights. And I'm thinking maybe a hat would be good if you're very pale. I'm excited that you get to go! :D

[kangeiko]

I think that Burkina uses the French plugs...? I'm gonna have to double-check that, thanks for reminding me!

Luggage will probably be 20-25 kgs, the usual for international flights.

I'm curious whether I'm allowed one or two bags, however. If I have a field visit, two bags would be best - that way I can leave most of the stuff behind in the hotel room during the visit, and only take one case with me. But if I'm in the hotel the entire time it doesn't much matter. *stares at complete LACK of itinerary* Yup, we're the height of organisation, here!

And I'm thinking maybe a hat would be good if you're very pale.

My mum's ahead of you on that score, I am now equipped with a variety of hats and headscarves. *g* I'm not terribly good with heat, really, which should make this trip... interesting.

I'm excited that you get to go! :D

I'm so excited to be going! (First trip out of Europe, you couldn't stop me!) I know it doesn't look like it from the uber-stress above, but I really am. I just need things to be... organised. ;) *looks at pile of books already selected for trip* OK, I may be a little OCD. But you know what I mean!