Make sure you have got plenty of time - it is probably the first time you have undertaken a mini tour by yourself, so really enjoy it, because it is one of those flights you will probably always remember. As part of the time you set aside, try and visit ATC at each airport - in any event they will need to sign off your form. Take the trouble to chat to them about GA and their pet likes and dislikes about the way pilots conduct themselves - you will learn a lot. Tell the various en route agencies you are doing your QXC - they will be even more helpful. Thoroughly enjoy it - and when you get your PPL remember that you happily coped with the QXC and promise to make the effort to keep up the longer routes so that you dont end up like so many PPs who get fed up taking their friends for a 30 miniute spin around the local area because they have lost their confidence to go further afield. Finally, and if you are feeling very brave, dont forget that Southend has an ILS - so if you are have a G/S go ahead and tune it to the correct frequency and see how your visual apprach follows the G/S!
[ 03 September 2001: Message edited by: Fuji Abound ]