35 days and counting, need help in preparations

[wakingside]

I made the decision yesterday, and finalized it today, to do something I am always wanted to. I just bought a one-way plane ticket to Guatemala City and I leave January 22, was tentatively going to be the 20th but I pushed it back two days to be at home for my birthday.

I have always been stuck on the logistics of trying to do what I want that it kept me stationary more often than not. Now, I am throwing that to the wind and seeing where my desires take me.

As for a little info about me, I'm 21, turning 22 two days before I leave. I work at an organic cranberry farm in Wisconsin. I get laid off for the winter after harvest is complete. I have always loved going new places and traveling. I've been to Germany a couple times but I've always has the dream to go see central america and south america.

I tried to do some searches for what I am currently trying to find information on but there are some things I wasn't able to find.

A list of what I will be taking I will be working on shortly and will update this post with that information and be looking for additional guidance on that, though the sticky post on what to pack I feel will help alot.

Two things I am currently really looking for input on is getting the right pack and shoes. I do have a decent backpack that has worked for me in past camping trips but I am unsure of its actual comfort in an extended foot travel situation. I don't want a huge pack, I want something that is a reasonable size. I don't need a ton of crap, I want to bring as little as possible. As for shoes, I have worn my current ones down past the treads and they are not in the shape to travel. I would love some input on some durable and comfortable shoes.

My intentions are to work my way south from Guatemala though Central America and time depending into South America before returning north to the states. I am planning to not make plans . I am going to try to do this as cheaply as possible. I sure starting off I will not be doing everything I can to preserve my cash supply but I am not too worried, for three months after I leave I will still be able to collect unemployment and have that deposited to my bank account. So by then I should have the hang of it.

When I first thought about traveling, I had been looking first to go wwoofing in central america but had difficulties finding a host and then I spent time looking for a host on organicvolunteers.com in Hawaii but had difficulties there as well trying to find something mutually beneficial to both myself and a host.

That is it for the moment, it funny I'm already getting butterfiles from the moment I confirmed my ticket. Anyways, any help is much appreciated.