One month before the date I was scheduled to start my long-term trip to Peru, I still hadn’t booked my flights, gotten the recommended vaccinations, or even thought about what I was going to pack. Trying to juggle the travel preparation, especially since it was going to be my first long-term international trip, with my work and daily life was overwhelming. There were many moments, in the midst of my frustration, when I almost canceled the entire trip.

If this is where you are as you plan a trip to Peru—take a deep breath! It’s going to be okay. Below is the information I learned the hard way; it should help your trip prep go smoothly.