Ive had two two-monthish trips overseas, and I think the most important thing, for me at least, was just to settle my finance-related issues first. After that, everything else is easy. I typically (for any trip) prepay rent and any bills I can, call the bank/cc company, order some currency to get me started, buy the fam some phone cards, leave all my info and travel plans with people, copy my cc/ passport and give copy to roommate and put one in bag, then pack toiletries. I also usually use trip planning as an excuse to buy new memory cards,cameras, jackets, jeans etc. Don't know how big you are, but you might not want to plan on buying clothes over there. That was my plan first time to Japan, and it didn't work out so well. Also, do not try to put puppies or kittens in your checked baggage. Just saying.