Passport

My passport has arrived.
It took me 3 tries to get it, I'm so glad that it's here.
It's one less thing for me to worry about!
It's a pretty amazing look book.
Considering what you can do with it, and what you can't do without it!
I don't like my passport photo (but who does)
The next step in my big adventure planning is flights.
I have decided to purchase my flight to New Zealand first.
Contiki need to know when I fly in ASAP, and I'm not 100% sure when I'm planning on coming home yet... if I stay an extra couple of days in Auckland, or just fly straight home.
I was going to fly direct to Auckland, then to Christchurch, but have discovered it's cheaper to fly to Christchurch via Melbourne. So that's the plan.

I'm still having trouble deciding on checked baggage or not. There are pros and cons to it. Pros - more space for stuff, Cons - having to carry it around. My flights include luggage... so maybe I can just check luggage on the way home instead. I don't know, it's one of the ultimate travel questions!
I think I mentioned that I did a mock-pack and failed miserably :( I got in most of my clothes... but that was it, not toiletries, no extra stuff... Do I buy a bigger backpack? Do I pack less? I'm worried that if I get a bigger backpack, it will be too big for carry on. My Crumpler ASO Outpost, is the right size for carry on, but just not big enough for all my stuff! Do I want to be the girl who wears the same clothes everyday? {20 Packing Light Benefits}

Good thing I have a couple more months to figure this out :)

<3 Molly