There are lots of details to cover to prepare for this trip ...

Gathering information to base later decisions on:

• Determine what kind of insurance, if any, you want to purchase. Our discussion about insurance can provide some suggestions; areas to consider:
• Trip cancellation or delay
• Baggage loss
• Accidental death
• Flight accident
• Medical coverage
• Emergency medical evacuation


• Find out what kind of insurance you already have. Again, the discussion about insurance can provide some insights.
• Current medical insurance
• Home or renters insurance
• Travel related organizations you belong to (or might consider joining) such as AAA
• Credit card(s) you will be using
• Note: if you pay for the trip with cash, you can save money, but you will not get credit card coverage


• Investigate various sources for insurance purchase; again, our discussion about insurance can provide some suggestions. This way, you should have a plan ready for when you actually put money down for the trip.


• If you will be bringing a cellphone, smartphone, iPhone, pad, tablet, etc. check with your provider about coverage in Japan.

Paperwork and payments

• Provide two copies of your passport inside front 2 pages; we will use this information for proper spelling of your name on all tickets and other documents.


• Join the Prince Club International (PCI): go to
  http://www.princeclubinternational.com/MemberProfile.aspx?url=joinNow

   

  which contains a form for you to fill in; it asks for your email address, then you make up a password (be sure to make a note of it for later use); it asks you to retype your password, just to make sure you have it down;

   

  Next (scroll down) it asks for additional information; you need to supply your name and mailing address so they can send you your card; note that only the fields where the label has an asterisk are required: everything else can be left blank

   

  At the bottom of the page, click on the Submit button and you should get a confirmation page and, later, a confirmation email


• Provide your Prince Club International number to Steve.


• Consult with your doctor or other medical provider: ensure you have enough medications for the trip; good to have a signed letter with authorization / description of all drugs you will be taking.


• Provide emergency contact information (names, phone numbers, and email addresses) to Steve.


• Plan for your payment schedule: transfer funds to different accounts if necessary. If paying by check or cash, ensure amount available.


• Sign any necessary release / permissions documents.

Other preparation

• Practice Japanese using the language pages on the website (or the print offs provided in our meetings)


• Ensure your carry on luggage is in good shape


• If you will be bringing any electrical items that have three-prong plugs, purchase an adapter that can take your three-prong plug in and use a two-prong plug at the other end


• Plan your wardrobe: make any necessary purchases to supplement what you already have in place


• Especially prepare footware: if you will be buying new shoes, allow time to break them in


• Plan for reading: there will be long plane flights and long train rides.


• Start walking, building up stamina.