CENTRAL AMERICA -
The new RVing Frontier!
Article #5 - INFORMATION SOURCES:
How do I use them?

by Jim Jaillet - Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

In Article #3 - Planning: "Plan your verk and verk your plan", we discussed the
importance of planning. This article will assist you with the "planning of your
plan". The very first step in your plan development is to identify a potential trip
departure date. This date now establishes the time availability to develop your
plan. You can do it! Identify your potential trip departure date!

"Look in the sand, you will see my footprints!" In other words, this old saying
means you can learn from my experience. Follow in my footsteps and you will
likely return safely from your trip.

Follow the step-by step guide below and you will soon hold in your very own
hands, YOUR PLAN! Wow!  I sure wish these articles existed when I planned
my trip!

Let's get started developing your plan:

I recommend you buy the only two books available specifically about RVing in
Central America.


These books will give you first-hand information about things you will most
certainly encounter on your trip. Neither book existed when I planned and took
my trip.

The following identifies the list of specific information sources that I used in
planning my trip:


The Internet, because of the wealth of information at your fingertips, acts as a
primary resource.

I also found three excellent history books that added to my knowledge
and enjoyment.


With all this information available, sit down and start reading! As you read, I
highly recommend you use a yellow highlighter and highlight every
location/tourist attraction that you would like to visit. Once you complete the
reading process, you must make the final decision as to the total time element
that you will allow for the completion of your trip. Then you will want to mark
the locations/attractions on your applicable maps in a manner that makes them
very noticeable. Now identify and mark the most appropriate route(s) that will
allow you to see the maximum number of your identified locations/attractions
within your time frame already established for the trip.

Now for the final step in the process! To the best of your ability, identify the
total mileage on your marked-out route(s), then divide those miles by the
number of weeks you plan for the trip. e.g., 10,000 miles divided by 40 weeks
equals 250 miles per week. Now place weekly mileage markers on top of your
identified route(s) and indicate the weekly date alongside the weekly mileage
markers starting with the beginning date of your trip.

If you truly desire to return from your trip on your identified date, all you
need to do is be physically (more or less) in the location of your identified
weekly mileage marker and you will return when you desire. If you have no need
to identify a return date, eliminate this last step and take your time. Who
knows? You may travel for 10 years or just remain in Central America forever,
joining others who found the experience so good they decided to stay!

Don't miss the next installment "VEHICLE ISSUES: What about them?" in
which I'll discuss the considerations of preparing your vehicles for their
arduous journey. Stay tuned and remember my promise at the beginning of
Article 1........ YOU CAN DO IT!
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Jim Jaillet is a full-time RVer, Adventurer and Author of PANAMA OR BUST -
A 343 day adventure in a motorhome!

You can claim your copy of my book for only $19.95 at www.panamaorbust.com.

I'd love to hear what you thought of this Article #5, INFORMATION
SOURCES: How do I use them?Please send your comments, questions, and
ideas for upcoming articles to me at jimj@panamaorbust.com
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Disclaimer: The author in no way can guarantee your safety in Central
America. After all they are Third World countries and not without danger
or the possibility of death. You go at your own risk. The author is only
suggesting that with some planning, common sense and caution you may
minimize your potential dangers and be rewarded with countless cultural
experiences. :)
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