And we're off.....

Finally the last day of the countdown, just a few hours left as the Bunji Garlin song Differentology says we ready...' cue music.  Small up unno self is time to go.  To start this inaugural trip we are going to kick up our feet and chill out in The Club Kingston Lounge....will give you my review on that in a later blog post. 

So time to tell you were we are going......Drum roll please.  Our final destination is on the continent of AFRICA with a few stops before we get there.  

So first destination on this journey is The Big Apple New York via a connection through Miami.  Spend 2 days between New York and New Jersey then 1 more stop before we hit Africa so stay tuned to twitter: @jantucaribbean and instagram there will be so much to see and tell you about. 

So as my brother @Djcourtney would say ...."And we're Off.

 #jantu #travel #vacation #Africa #newyork #miami #newjersey #rum #teamwray #caribbean

I hope I didn't forget anything

Crap I almost forgot to take the tablets that I need before I take this trip.

That brings me to the topic for today's post ..."Travel Tips", especially if it is for any lengthy period of time. There are things that might slip your mind and as a friend of mine would say, remember the 6 P's in life and that applies to travelling as well.  Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

Here are some suggestions:-

1.  Call your bank and tell them when and where you are going to they will make a note of it on their system.  Phone and Internet are not always accessible to you on your journey.  Also it would be good to store their overseas contact information.

2.  Scan or photocopy your passport and visa information in case of emergency.  Especially with the availability of services like Dropbox.  You hope for no travel emergencies but remember the 6 Ps better to be safe than sorry.

3.  If you have pets make arrangements to board them or have someone reliable feed them.   Peace of mind that your pets are taken care of makes for a more enjoyable trip.

4.  It is important to know if shots are a requirement for entry into the country(s) that you are travelling to.  Refusal of entry into a country because of a lack of shots is a possibility.   For example, the yellow fever shot has to be done 10 days prior to travel. In Kingston, Jamaica I had to get my shot at The Comprehensive Clinic, 55 Slipe Pen Road, Kingston 5 (876) 922-2095 about 3 minutes from the Blood Bank.  Shot cost $250 JMD and you are given a card to verify you got your shot.  You must carry this card with you.  I suggested you put it with your travel documents.

5.   Empty perishables out of the fridge.  If away for 3-4 weeks it would not be a warm welcome when you open that fridge door.

6.  Don't forget your chargers and check if it can be used where you are going or do you need a travel charger adaptor plug.

7.  Check the weather where you are going around the time of year you are going.  Summertime in The Caribbean is winter in Australia so you might not want to pack shorts.

8.  Don't over pack.  Remember luggage restrictions are different on different Airlines.  Overweight luggage and extra pieces can be very expensive.  Pack valuables in your carry on luggage.

9.  For the ladies.  I suggest getting hair done and nails filled right before you leave and also to put on a light colour on your nails hides the chipping.

10.  Do you need a visa even if it is an airport in transit stop?  And please make sure to check if your visa and passport are valid.  Too many times tickets are booked only to discover that your passport has expired.  Do you need a US visa, Canadian visa, UK visa or even a Schengen visa for Europe?

Countdown:  T minus less than 3 days to go. #Jantu .... **happy dance

Remember to follow me on Twitter: @jantucaribbean and Instagram: jantucaribbean and Subscribe to receive emails on my blog Jantu Caribbean

Today's hint:  First 2 flights are in the good ole U.S.A.... both travel hubs #Jantu #adventure #travel
# vacation

Pack your bags and.....Go

Hola, Hallo, Greetings, Howdy, welcome to my Journey.  In fact I should call it our journey.  The journey that I have called Jantu Caribbean.  On July 27, 2013 I will take you on our first adventure so as we say in Jamaica ' small up yuhself ', yep I'm packing you in my luggage.  It is going to be a hell of a ride!  So hold on to your britches, we are taking 11 flights in 19 days departing from Kingston, Jamaica.

It is amazing how small this world has become with the internet.  You can instantly Google destination seeing all the pictures, videos and the cultural information about any and every destination.  With that said it is my firm belief that seeing is believing.  Google is nice but first hand experience is even better or at least experiencing the destination with someone you can relate to.  So when you are given the opportunity to travel grab it.  With travel there are so many things that you have to consider.  Should you go thorough a travel agent, book it yourself online or with the Airline? or Should you use a service like Jantu Caribbean? What about visas?  Luggage restrictions?  Heels? so many things to consider.

Norman Manley International Airport

I would love to hear from you.  Your tips, your hints, your experiences.  So come with me as we navigate this awesome place we call home and all the memories it brings.  You can share the journey with us on instagram and twitter @jantucaribbean and of course right here.

Let the countdown begin Tminus 7 days. #jantu