Like most other things in my life, I try to approach upcoming travel with carefully thought out plans and checklists.
I start figuring out what to pack months before the trip. I obsess over details such as visas, immunizations needed, air flights, accommodations, exchange rates, and most importantly, the itinerary.
I pretty much plan each day in three parts – morning, afternoon, evening. I do try to keep parts of days unplanned, to make room for the spontaneous adventure or unforeseen travel delays.
Obsessive? Perhaps. But having traveled to third world countries most of my life, I find planning is essential to make the most one’s time and also try to stay one step ahead of the chaos.
Another factor — corruption and the expectation of bribes at customs and immigration. In all my travels, I have managed to not pay a single penny in bribes because I prepared carefully and ensured I had everything I need.
I hope the same goes for my trip to Tanzania. A beautiful country with a rich setting for tourism, and hence, rampant bribery attempts of tourists:
Bribery Encountered at Airport Customs
How to Avoid Corruption & Bribery in Tanzania