The following planning guide will help you prepare for your charter adventure, breaking the tasks into easy-to-accomplish steps and spreading them out over 6 months. Then read through the rest of the guide for details, tips, and secrets of planning a fantastic trip.
So what if you have fewer than 6 months until your charter? Well first, congratulations! Just make sure you get the preceding months’ tasks underway as soon as possible.
Month Six
- Apply for Passports
- Place your charter reservation
- Choose your crew
- Book your flight reservations
- Purchase trip insurance
Month Five
- Read up on local history
- Research the sailing destinations
- Recommended Historical Fiction
- Michener’s Caribbean
- Treasure Island
Month Four
- Select nautical charts, cruising guides, anchorage photos, and navigational apps
Month Three
- Choose your Luggage
- Purchase any needed clothing
- Decide on Snorkeling/Diving Gear
- Discuss “crew responsibilities” section with shipmates
Month Two
- Complete provision planning
- Confirm with charter company
- Purchase miscellaneous items (sunscreen, etc)
Four Weeks
- Contact your Credit Card company
- Arrange mail pickup, etc
- Create list of desired destinations and a nearby Plan B
Three Weeks
- Consider sun preparation
- Choose sea sickness prevention
Two Weeks
- Pack bags
- Arrange airport transportation
- Obtain travelers checks and cash
One Week
- Hold newspapers and postal mail
- Check weather forecasts (local and British Virgin Islands)
- Confirm Credit Card preauthorization
Next: How much will it cost?