We start by booking our accommodations for the following year while still in Ja. We have found it easier to negotiate room rates face to face! We book our flights using travel miles,and they allow 10 months out for ticketing. Once those two things are done...let the list making and packing begin!! We also leave a large cooler with Errol (he's our driver) full of incidentals such as some kitchen items rafts and that sort of thing! And I'm with you Russ In Mn all the planning and doing through out the year is part of the whole process I love!