February - August 2019: Bogotá to Buenos Aires 
August - September 2019: Barcelona - Freiburg

First things first: How do you even start planning a bikepacking tour?
Before you buy or book anything you should answer these questions:

3-4 months before the trip

• How much time do I have?
• What's your goal (a distance, a country, negative stress detox, to explore, being outdoors)?
• How much money do I want to spend?
• Will I go in a country where I need a visa?
• Do I want to do it alone or with a travel partner?
• Do you have a passport? Make sure it doesn't expiere during your trip.
• Do I need a travel / health insurancy?
• Do I need vaccinations?
• What equipment do I already have that I can use?

If you can answer these questions you can go into more planning.

2-3 months before the trip

• pick a start date and a start point
• go to your doctor and check if you need anything (if you need vaccinations go at least two months before you're leaving to avoid stress)
• tell your friends and family so they know you will be missing the coming up events
• are you renting your apartment in the mean time? Get that organized.
• are you on vacation or quitting your job? Get that organized.
• get an idea about your destination, the climate, security, points of interest, etc.
• when flying: check airline guidelines about traveling with a bike, book your flight and purchase ticket for bike if needed
• think about what you want to buy for the trip
• get in touch with other cyclists via warmshowers, instagram or in facebook groups

1 month before the trip
Here is a list of what I recommend you to pack. This is very individual though and may vary depending on where you go. Please think of my list as an inspiration.

•  bike that you are comfortable with (it doesn't have to be a new one)
• 1-2 rack(s) to put your panniers on
• 2-5 panniers
• personal stuff: passport, vaccination passport if needed, cell phone, cash, credit card
• for camping: tent, mat, sleepingbag, tent pad 
• for cycling: helmet, glasses, 2x bib shorts, 2x jerseys or t-shirts, sports underwear, socks, rain jacket, warm jacket, leg warmers, sleeves
• equipment: head torch, lights for the bike, lock, pump, 2x inner tubes, repair kit, tape, cable ties, tire leavers, multi-tool
• for leisure time: sweat pants, hoodie, t-shirt you love, flip flops, head phones, a diary, a camera
• for hygiene: shampoo, soap to wash clothes, deodorant, a microfiber towel, tooth brush, tooth paste, sun blocker, ear plugs, comb
• for medical issues: painkillers, water disinfection tablets
• for cooking: small stove, gas, 1-2 pots, pan, plate, spork, good knife, cup

1 week before the trip

• throw a good-bye party
• make sure the fridge is empty
• if you are flying: try to find somebody on warmshowers to help you in the first days
• if you are starting from home: set a daily goal for the first 3-4 days and then see how it goes
• don't plan too much!

when on the road

• take it easy in the beginning
• always make sure to make enough breaks, drink water and eat well
• plan one week after the other
• pack smart so that you have everything you might need while on the road handy
• get a routine of biking, cooking, washing your clothes, sleeping
• stop and talk to other bikepackers
• find out if you feel comfortable or if you want to change something on your bike
• write diary and take lots of photos