WindowlessOffice

Hi, everyone! I'm headed to Kenya at the beginning of December and am hoping you seasoned travelers can point me in the right direction on some outstanding questions. This the first time I'll be in this part of the world so everything is going to be a new experience.

My flight lands in Nairobi at about 10PM, and I had planned on picking up my visa upon arrival as I don't want to send my passport through the mail to the Kenyan consulate. Could anyone confirm whether there would still be people at the airport handling visa applications at that time? If not, I'll put in a rush application to the consulate now.

I have a day to spend in Nairobi, and I'm currently planning on doing Sheldrick's, Giraffe Manor, and the Karen Blixen Museum/Kazuri Bead Factory. If I decide to foster an elephant at Sheldrick's, could anyone tell me how far in advance I should make arrangements to attend the calves' bedtime?

I'll be at three of the Porini camps (Lion, Rhino, and Amboseli) for the remainder of my trip, and I'm trying to determine what incidentals I should pack. I'm no photographer and would prefer not to spend my entire trip looking through a viewfinder, but I'd be mad not to want some photos. For you photographers, how many photos would you say you snap on an average game drive (and what percentage of the time do you spend taking them)? I'd like to estimate how many memory cards I should bring.

For anyone who's been to the Porini camps, how easy is it to charge extra batteries? Do the camps have converters/adaptors for US outlets or should I bring my own? I know I've read that the solar generator in the manager's office is strong enough to charge batteries, but does anyone know if there's a limit to how many people can do so at a time? I'd obviously rather buy spare batteries than run the risk of having a dead battery in a long charging queue when I want to use my camera.

More generally, could anyone recommend which toiletries are most the important to bring? I'm hoping to do this trip with just a carry-on bag, so I'm trying to limit my liquids. Would it be easy for me to pick some things up in Nairobi if it's too much of a hassle to pack them? I've got sunscreen and insect repellent on my "must pack" list, but the rest may be more negotiable.

Finally (for now), could anyone advise me on tipping protocol for solo travelers? I've seen a few suggestions for couples and assume I'd be on the right track if I did half that, but I suppose a tracker does the same amount of work for a solo traveler as he'd do for multiple people and I'd hate to leave anyone with less than he/she deserved.

Sorry for such a long topic, but thanks so much for any advice you might have. I'm really looking forward to breaking away from my windowless office!

nycjv

This past August I stayed at both Porini Rhino and Porini Lion as a solo traveler, and this was also my first safari, and definitely not my last as I was definitely bitten by the Africa bug, as it was a most incredible experience. I’ve already booked my next trip to South Africa which will include 5 days on Safari in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, although I now have to wait until the beginning of August, so I’m a little envious that your safari is quickly approaching.

I arrived in Nairobi at 7:30pm and everything was open and I’m certain they will still be issuing visas for your 10pm arrival as most people seem to obtain visa upon arrival. It did take quite a bit longer than I’d read, but I believe this was due to the fact they’d just started finger printing everyone so it went pretty slow. If I’d known this I probably would have purchased mine here in New York before I departed for Kenya as after a long flight it wasn’t a great deal of fun to wait in line for about an hour. Hopefully this may have improved in the last few months, as again the finger printing was new.

In regards to Sheldricks, I did visit but I went at the 11am time period and didn’t return for the feeding/bedtime. You could sign up to adopt at that time, and possibly arrange to come back, but I’ll save that question for someone else that has come back for the feedings which I believe are around 5pm.

I do like to take photos, but I do agree that you don’t want to spend all of your time behind the lens, and this is something I had to remind myself of during a spectacular river crossing, as I made myself put the camera down (after a very quick video and a few photos!) so that I could fully enjoy this amazing experience. I brought (4) 4gb cards (my camera is 10 mega pixel and HD video so I needed adequate storage on the cards) and I changed them at different locations so that way if something happened to one of them, everything wouldn’t be lost. In regards to battery charging, both Porini Rhino and Porini Lion camps had adequate charging facilities with multiple outlets in the “office tent” so I never had to wait to charge my batteries, however if you’re from the USA, bring an adapter plug. I didn’t stay at the Amboseli Porini as I stayed at Tortilis Camp and it was nice as in my tent there was only one outlet and it was for camera batteries and our 4x4 safari vehicle also had battery charging, but I’m certain you’ll not have a problem with charging batteries, just remember to bring an extra battery. I brought an extra battery (which I definitely needed), so that when one was charging, I could have a battery to take with me and this proved to be a wise idea. There are so many incredible opportunities for photos, especially in Amboseli and the Masai Mara that I was surprised at how many photos I took. I think I took over 1500 photos in 8 safari days and 2 days in Nairobi, and ended up with about 650 that I kept for my album and put 140 on Facebook to share with friends as 650 is too much for anyone except a few close friends or family to wade thru. I didn’t take nearly as many photos at Porini Rhino as during my visit the wildlife was quite as abundant, although the landscape was beautiful and very different than Amboseli and the Mara.

For Toiletries I brought my own Shampoo and Conditioner, although they did have soap and I belive shampoo but no conditioner, but I prefer to bring my own. I also brought Cipro, Malarone, Insect Repellent, Immodium, Benodryl, Hydrocortisone cream, and bandaids, just in case, although I never used any of it (except Malarone) and didn't even have one bite and I felt great the entire trip, but better to be prepared.

I'll greatly admire you if you can do this with carry on luggage although I know others such as Crosscheck (whom I greatly admire) are great examples of how to accomplish this. I did have the luxury of laundry at two of my camps as Tortilis included laundry and Kichwa Tembo also had laundry at very inexpensive prices (Porini camps do not provide laundry service but you can do your own in the sink), so I probably could have gotten by with carry on if I'd planned a little better.

The Porini Camps, especially Porini Lion are great and I know you’ll have a wonderful time, and you too will most likely be planning your next safari almost as soon as you return home. Enjoy!

nycjv

I forgot to mention about tipping. I did the per person guideline of $10.00 per day per each guide and driver, and I also left general camp staff gratuites in the box located in the main tent. At Lion Camp I ended up tipping quite a bit more in gratuities (but it was a pleasure as I really loved the Lion Camp staff) as I had several people that were instrumental in my wonderful experinece. I had two different drivers and two guides due to my transfer from Kichwa Tembo to Porini Lion Camp and due to the Walking Safari as these were also different people. In the tents at the Porini camps there is a guideline but it was much lower than I'd read and after meeting everyone and experiencing the exceptional service I ended up tipping much more than their guidelines which again, were quite low and not at all what I'd read during my research. At Tortilis and Kichwa Tembo we only had one person as driver/guide and they were also excellent, but since I felt they were doing the job of two people, I actually tipped them over the $10.00 per day. In part it depends on what you're comfortable with and the level of service you receive during your safari.

WindowlessOffice

Thank you, nycjv!

I've been lurking in these forums for a while now and have definitely enjoyed crosscheck's carry-on report(s), but I've still been obsessing a bit about the details for this trip. It's great to hear from someone else who's been to some of the camps.

I am indeed coming from the US so I'll plan on the converter/adaptor idea, and it's good to get a sense of what I should bring in the rest of my luggage. To be honest, I'm not sure whether I'll be able to succeed in my carry-on attempt, but I'm paranoid about my luggage being lost before I even reach Nairobi. No idea why; it's just an idea that's taken hold and won't let go. Ergo, carry-on attempt.

Have you posted any of your trip photos? I've been lurking here in these threads, as I noted, but I haven't had time to read everything yet.

Is there anything else you would particularly recommend bringing (or leaving behind) for the trip?

Thanks again.

Maxine19147

I am a solo female who just returned form 3 weeks in Kenya/ Tanzania..I used NYCJV'a guide, Kennedy, in Nairobi to drive me from site to site. I recommend him. I also highly recommend you stop and enjoy a wonderful lunch at Karen Blixen Cottage outside in the gardens.

I would definately bring chap stick, do not forget binoculars, it's a nice touch to bring thank you cards to give your tips a personal touch, bring a memo pad and a pen or 2 it comes in handy, I also bought an inexpensive rain jacket and used it a couple of times, I took rubber flip flops for the shower, I brought my own converter and just plugged in at the offices, no problems ever charging. Bring 2 one to charge one to use...

If you need to buy gifts get them at the Kazuri bead factory otherwise there really is no other place besides the airports where I did get coffee and teas. I did 3 weeks with a carry on!! Challenging but it can be done!

You WILL have the best time of your life! Enjoy..Max

WindowlessOffice

Thanks, Max. I do plan on getting some of the Kazuri beads, both for myself and as awesome gifts for some friends; I love the way they employ single mothers and women who would otherwise have a hard time earning money.

I've seen a lot of recommendations for Kennedy, but (unfortunately?) I had already arranged for a guide through my travel agent. I'm keeping him in mind for any return trips to the area, though -- I'm sure I'm going to fall in love with the region, and some of my friends who couldn't join me this time around said that they'd love to accompany me if I can ever afford to go back.

Thanks for the tip about the raincoat, too. Did you get a lot of rain? I know I'm going at the tail end of the "little rains", but I still feel like I'm underprepared and don't quite know what to expect. How cold did it get at night where you were? I'm bringing a fleece and some silk base layers, but I don't want to overpack.

And no fear of my forgetting ChapStick -- I'm addicted to lap balms!

KathBC

Maxine looking forward to your trip report and thoughts on Macushla House & the Nairobi portion.

WindowlessOffice you're going to have a fantastic time! Wish I was leaving sooner!

WindowlessOffice

KathBC, I wish I was leaving sooner, too! Reading people's reports and advice has heightened the anticipation almost unbearably.

Maxine, you were at Macushla House, too? That's fantastic; that's where I'm booked! I've seen glowing reviews and was glad my travel agent suggested it; I hope you had as good a stay there as others here seem to have had.

(Also, in my last comment, "lap" balms? Clearly should have been "lip" balms. Oh, the dangers of typing anything when I should be getting some sleep ....)

nycjv

Hi Windowless Office -
I've included the link to my Kenya facebook photos that include photos from Amboseli, Ol Pejeta and the Masai Mara.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...5&l=f1a02ccd98

One other thing that I did was to bring balloons and some school supplies for my village visit in Amboseli. The balloons were a big hit for the small children that weren't attending school. They were very shy in camp and hiding a bit and sneaking a peak at us visitors, but it brought them out into the open and they really enjoyed playing with the balloons.

In regards to the converter/adapter, I just brought the plug adapter as both my Ipod Touch and Battery Charger are dual voltage so I only needed the adapter plug and didn't have to carry the heavier converter.

By the time I left I had very low weight as I brought many items I could leave behind at the last camp which was Porini Lion. I left them many t-shirts, which I layered, my brown fleece, pants, pajamas, umbrella, my flip flops that I hadn't worn, and my leftover medicine chest (minus the prescription Cipro).

As Maxine pointed out Binoculars are extremely important. Also, hopefully you have a decent zoom on your camera as although we were pretty close to many of the animals it was helpful to have the 12x optical zoom on my camera. I brought a fairly compact Panasonic Lumix ZS3 and it worked well, only challange was with wind noise in some of the short videos.

The other thing I would have brought are some granola or Kashi bars as I like to eat often, and usually smaller meals, and at times when we were out on longer game drives I'd get hungry.

Also with the luggage, I had no challanges with it being lost nor did I meet anyone that had lost luggage. If you do decide to check luggage, I used the cable ties that "Sandi" suggested to "lock" my luggage so that their security can easily cut if they need to get into your luggage as the locks on our TSA approved may not work in Nairobi and they can damage your luggae by breaking your locks. These were very inexpensive and you can get these at the Container Store and take a dozen with you just remember to put a nail clipper to cut the cable tie in the outside pocket of your checked luggage.

Good Luck!

Local2542

I'm envious of your trip. It sounds wonderful!

Ditto on conditioner. We didn't stay at any Porini camps, but only saw conditioner twice in 21 days. Mom and I started rationing about 10 days in.

Definitely good binoculars. It was suggested that you could borrow the drivers occasionally, but in hind sight that would have been awkward. If you need them quickly, you really want your own pair close by. I was flipping between binoculars and camera frequently. I love my pair - well worth the $300 and a bit investment.

Ditto what nycjv said about meds - also, do you ever have allergies? I only had seasonal at home, grabbed the allegra at the last minute. Ended up being crazy allergic to (we think) acacia. If I had had to take a drowsy alternative, it would have been horrible. Do you get motion sickness? If so, bring the right stuff.

Visa: we were on the 10pm arrival flight and purchased visas. But, our flight was virtually empty because of the election riots, so we got lucky. No waiting at all. I live in Arkansas, and didn't want to risk sending my passport anywhere. Might change my mind next time.

Would bring a light pair of sneakers next time for a hike, not medium weight Merrells. They were overkill. If you are not planning on doing the awesome hike that crosscheck talked about at Amboselli, you don't need even sneakers. I wore keens (mule style, straps on front) the whole trip and never regretted it.

Power bars! couldn't have made it without them. We were fed wonderfully, but on those days when transferring between camp, breakfast at 8am and no camp in sight by 2pm, we were very hungry. As well as long airport waits.

Do you have any photo back up? Or just storing on cards until you get home? If just storing on cards, it might be worth bringing a couple 2 or 4gb extra. I did have one card stop working, but recovered the photos when I got home. I had 3 batteries for my Canon Rebel, which I would do again. It seemed like we were constantly worrying about charging (we had photo back up plus 2 cameras - kind of a pain, but would do again), but the third battery alleviated some of the anxiety. I did use the car charger a couple times, too.

Sheldrick: Kennedy had made the 5pm appointment for us as adoptees. Next time, we both would have like to see them playing during the day time, and then visit again in the evening. The babies could care less that you are there, but we would do it again in a heartbeat.

Blixen house: it was worth one visit. a brief one. disappointing, as others have said, there there are few items in the house that are original.

We enjoyed Kazuri beads and pottery. I found treasures at all of the camps we stopped at - each shop was so different. The gift shop at Carnivore was large - slightly pricey, but I picked up a couple small carved items there. Also stopped at a mall where friends had told us about really nice beaded leather and other clothing items. Can't remember right now the name of the mall or shop, but I can find out. Utamaduni Crafts Center was another good spot for gifts. I'm glad Nairobi was out last stop. I wouldn't have known what bits and pieces I would want to take home, so it worked out great to spent almost 2 days enjoying looking around. Mom decided she had to have these not-so-small junk metal warthogs. So we looked everywhere, found them in a shop next to Carnivore (where we did not eat - it just wasn't our thing, and there were other good options). We couldn't carry them on 'cause they would have been confiscated at security as a weapon.

The food at Talisman was delicious. Would visit twice next time. The Samosas were to die for. Very close to a couple of the shops we hit.

One thing we had problems with in Nairobi/Karen - out of 7 ATM's, only one would give us cash. Drove all over trying to get one to work. We'd had to pay out of pocket during our trip unexpectedly, and so were running low on cash.

One piece of advice about shopping that many told us before going that was so true: if you see something you love, buy it. You won't see that same thing again. I am still pining for a walking stick that I didn't know how to get home, but was sure I'd find one later to decide about. Nope.

You will have an amazing time - enjoy!

sandi

All the info above is valuable and spot on.

As to cameras, I always bring a back-up to my main one; never know if some electronics will crash on you. Even an inexpensive one. If from the same manufacturer, the chips will often work in both. And, with the price of chips rather inexpensive, I always had extras from 516, to 1Gb, 2Gb and even a 4GB... the higher the mexapixels your camera uses, the more space that take up on the chips. Unlike others who would bring a storage device or small laptop to upload the day's pictures, I didn't and just stored the full chips and took out a new one.

Having been on many trips, I no longer take as many photos as I did during the earlier visits. So, it's perfectly okay not to have your eyes in the view finder all day. It's nice to just "enjoy" your surroundings - sounds, smells, views.

If you wish to adopt a baby ellee from Sheldrick, you can do so on their website - $50/year. And,to visit, advise your agent of the chubbies name and make the appointment to visit at 5pm. If doing sightseeing in the morning, you may have to pay for another transfer to/from Sheldrick for the later visit.

Visa desk at airport is open 24/7, as long as planes arrive and they do almost all day long, no problem purchasing on arrival. And, immediately outside Baggage Claim where you'll meet your driver, you'll find ATMs from where to withdraw local Kenya Shillings (Ksh... current exchange is about USD$1=75-80Ksh... thus 8000Ksh shown in the ATM window is about USD$100 (simple math ). Best to have Ksh while in Nairobi for any expenses - food, souvenirs, tips, etc.; while USD will be accepted as tips, souvenirs when out on safari. Credit cards are also accepted most Nairobi places for meals, souvenirs. And, while plastic can also be used while out on safari, many of the properties will assess a fee for their use, so be sure to ask before handing over the card (you don't want any surprises when you get your bill).

Carry-on only! Good for you. While I've gotten real good in packing light after all these years, still can't get it down to only one bag. And, thankfully the check bag has always arrived with me.

Enjoy your holiday. Safari njema!

ShayTay

Most airlines have weight as well as size restrictions for international carry-on bags. In some cases, it's only 8kg (18 lbs.) Check your airline's website to find out what their weight limit is for carry-ons.

WindowlessOffice

Thanks, everyone!

ShayTay, British Airways appears to only require me to lift my bag into the overhead locker unaided. Safarilink allows 15kg, so there's still hope for my carry-on plan ... at least until my usual curse of overpacking kicks in.

nycjv and Local2542, thanks for the tips about conditioner. I was actually on the fence about whether to bother, but I'll revise my plans now that I know how hard it is to come by. And your point about allergies is a good one, too; I have terrible allergies and will make a point of bringing the appropriate meds. Dramamine or something similar is going in the bag, too, as I'm occasionally prone to a touch of motion sickness. I'm going to have a small pharmacy by the time I'm done packing but, if it works, then it's worth it.

I did invest in some binoculars, so I'm good on that front. I have a shiny new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35, too; I'm still trying to figure out all the bells and whistles (one afternoon spent photographing animals at DC's National Zoo was not enough to make me "expert", by any means). I'm leaning toward buying some more memory cards based on what you all have said -- and based on nycjv's exciting photos! -- about the volume of photos you take, potential electronic glitches, etc.

sandi, thank you for all the detail on the currency and cash vs. credit options. I'll definitely want to pick up some Ksh for the day in Nairobi, if nothing else. Do the ATMs/credit card readers use a standard four digit PIN? I remember reading somewhere that PINs are six digits in some places, but I don't recall any longer if that was in parts of Africa or Asia. You've also given me some food for thought on the backup camera idea. I do have an old camera (one of those tiny little point and shoot versions from years ago); the zoom is practically nonexistent, but it might be better than nothing if disaster befell my main camera.

Again, everyone, you've been wonderful with all your suggestions and advice. I can't wait to get going; I'm sure even in this relatively slow season in Kenya, I'm going to have the time of my life!

WindowlessOffice

Oh, and great suggestions regarding PowerBars/snack foods! I didn't think of that, but I do tend to nibble on things throughout the day, and I'm sure I'll appreciate having the option to do so on those days with longer stretches between meals.

patandhank

Even though our first safari is a ways off (Aug 2011) this thread touches on some subjects I already had questions about.

On several threads I've seen "Linda's packing list" repeatedly mentioned but for the life of me I can't find it. Can anyone post a link for me or repeat what's on it? I'm going to go look at Crosscheck's posts too.

Sandi - part of my confusion on luggage stems from the internal flights weight restriction. So if you check luggage are you keeping your checked luggage w/i the internal flight restrictions and only having one bag - or you're using two bags and storing 1 somewhere? (Don't you love these "novice safari" questions?)

TC

Regarding <u>camera</u> -- bring as much memory as you can afford. What's the harm? It takes up no space. You will not be looking through your camera lens all the time even if you take 4000 photos - like me. You will see so many amazing things that you won't be able to help yourself from snapping, snapping, snapping. Have a look: www.tonna.zenfolio.com

<i>This is the list I made after our first safari in 1999 to Kenya and Tanzania North circuit.</i>
--------------------------------------

Be sure to take one of those <u>inflatable neck pillows</u>. They cost about $6 at US airport gift shops. This was the single most appreciated item on our trip. We used it for sleeping on the plane, for back cushioning on the game and overland drives, for a sleeping pillow in camps where the pillows were less than comfortable. It was the best $6 I ever invested.

Don't go without a pair of 7x <u>binoculars</u>. Sounds like you've got this one covered.

Take a <u>flashlight</u>. We loved our mini Maglite. Small, easy to carry and puts out a bright beam. Many camp tents don't have electric lights.

Take a good <u>animal identification book</u> - especially for the birds. The best we found was The National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife. The cost is about $18 US If you can't find it in a local book store, call Alfred Knopf publishers at 800-733-3000 NY. This book has actual pictures of birds and animals instead of drawings which makes identification much easier and more accurate.

Keep a <u>journal</u> - if only to jot down what animals you spot each day. You won't believe how much of the first week you can forget by the second week. Memories around every corner become overwhelming.

<u>Don't over pack.</u> You won't need nearly as much as you imagine.

Bring extra <u>collapsible duffel</u> bags for taking home souvenirs or for leaving unnecessary items in storage in Nairobi while you are out on safari. Bring extra locks for these.

<u>US currency is good in both Kenya and Tanzania.</u> In fact, it is preferred. Your US currency will have more bargaining power when shopping. If you bring traveler's checks, you will not be able to exchange them for US currency. You might want to keep some US cash, but take good care of it.

No one ever asked to see those International Health Certificates issued by our doctor
------------------------------------
<i>This is how my advice changed after our most recent safari to Southern Tanzania in 2010:</i>

· A couple of <u>bandannas</u>
· 30 to 60 SPF <u>sunscreen.</u>
· A very good <u>mosi guard</u>. Lots of discussion on this board about which is best.
· Some really good <u>wind protection for your face</u>. The air from driving in open vehicles can do more damage than the sun. I used a 45-sunscreen stick that felt like Vaseline on my face, but did the trick. At times I tied the bandanna around my face.
· Very good <u>lip protection.</u>
· Afternoon diversions – like a good <u>book.</u> There are no game drives from 1-4 during the heat of the day.
· I took 3 each of the <u>hotel sized shampoo and conditioners</u> and tossed them along the way. The camps do provide shampoo, soaps, and detergent for washing delicates.
· You <u>cannot use hair appliances</u> in most camps. Get a haircut that requires no maintenance.
· You <u>don’t need much make-up</u>. It’s either too hot or too dark for anyone to care.
· There are no <u>wash cloths</u> in any of the baths. I took one along.
· All the paths are sand or rocks – take <u>appropriate shoes</u>. I took Chacos, Keenes, and one pair of blingy flip flops for "dress up". Some times there is ellie poo on the path at night. Watch your step.
· <u>Azithromiacin</u> is a miracle cure for traveler’s revenge – which most everyone will get a mild case of about 10 days into the trip. Ask your doctor for some to take along. One pill was all it took to save a day.
· Drink, drink, drink.....<u>water is your friend.</u>
----------------------------------------------------
We got our <u>visas in advance</u> and were glad both times as the lines were long and the buildings were hot. Very few attendants to process the entire plane.

HAVE A BALL!

Iowa_Redhead

Peanut butter cracker sandwiches also work wonderfully for snacks.

Take your camera manual with you. There's nothing more frustrating than having a new camera with bells and whistles and not remembering how to get it to do something. The manual is tiny and lightweight and if you have it, you won't need it!

If you're worried about conditioner weight/volume, if you're in a larger city or have time to order online, try Lush. They have solid shampoos and conditioners. I'm trying a couple different shampoos to find what works best for my hair but so far I've been really impressed (Godiva is a combo bar but not enough conditioner for me, so now I'm trying Juniper shampoo and Jungle conditioner). The shampoo bars suds up like crazy and work really well. The conditioner bar I have works really well for me and might be a good packing alternative for you.


I'm looking forward to your trip report when you return. Have fun!

TC

You've read all the posts about "bush breaks" and what you'll need for those, right?

Local2542

Oh, you might consider a head lamp, from the camping dept. It's light weight, and I preferred it for both reading on planes, in poorly lit airports or tents, or just rummaging around in my bag. It may sound crazy, but I keep one in my purse. (okay, yes, I'm a bit of a geek). I used it more on our Africa trip than the book light or my mini flashlight. Would only bring the head lamp/light next time.

Great tips from so many above! I'm tucking this away along with Lynda's packing list, which helped so much on our first trip:

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...eady-to-go.cfm

Plus this one LyndaS added some near the beginning of her trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-june-2006.cfm

And in LyndaS's own words: (good list part way down on this thread)

"And then, after I had time to sit down and recreate the list for myself for next time - I posted the 'absolute' all you need list on:"

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34902894

patandhank

Thanks Local for the links.

TC - getting visas in advance - did you use a service? I did that for China visas but haven't even begun to think of those yet but curious on your "how to's."

Some great tips here.