I would just like to point out that this list is written by someone who has a lot of Swiss blood. That means (I apologize to my birthplace but you guys know I'm telling the truth) that this section is extremely anal retentive but eminently useful. In other words, if you ignore half of the following items then you will still be able to go on your trip knowing that your GM card company is happy, your Aunt Martha will be getting her Christmas gifts on time, you are not going to be sitting next to a passenger who tells you he paid a lower airfare than you did, and that your hometown paper is eagerly awaiting the first installment of your "Thoughts from the Road".

Things to do before you go...

For high quality outdoor gear I strongly recomend REI. You can find them on the web at www.rei.com. However, before you go out and spend several thousand dollars at an outdoor equipment supplier, sit down for a moment and think about your trip. Your needs will largely be defined by:

• Where you are going.
• How long you'll be on the road.
• In what style you want to travel.
• How much money you plan to spend, both before and during your trip.

Let me give you my thoughts and a suggested travel list.