Planning has already begun for my 2014 trip to the States. Registrations for dealer tables at Anthrocon opened about ten days ago, and I've already snagged me one. In fact there's going to be a whole block of chakats there this time because Chakat Windshear has gotten the table next to me, and Chakat Thriceborn the one after that!

One thing that will make this coming trip better is that I won't be as rushed as I normally am. That is because I will have no less then four weeks holiday. How can I afford that? Long Service Leave! Yep, there are certainly benefits to staying with a good company for many years, and I'm certainly going to reap the benefit this time, unlike this year when I had to take a couple of days unpaid to get a mere couple of weeks off.

Of course getting the time off work is only one part of the equation. Flights to and from America, and of course the interstate flights have to be booked. Timing has to be worked out with friends to coordinate visits with their days off. Hotel has to be booked and one night prepaid when reservations open. Travel insurance at least can be left until the last moment. Lots of little details! It never gets any easier, or cheaper, and I can always do with some help there.

Anyway, at the moment the only things nailed down besides my dealer table are my travel dates. I plan to arrive at LAX on Saturday June 14, and depart on Thursday July 10.