Get Arches 400# and cut it up yourself. It's the best buy for good paper and you want good paper.
Don't use white or black paint, wash the paper before you draw on it.
Mark your center line and horizon line. The bottom of your view should to top of your paper. Draw with only one eye. Use a 2H pencil. Use pattern outlines in your drawing. Wetted pencil lines can't be ereased.
We will get into liner triangularation when you get back, have a nice trip.
Here are my watercolors, I give tips on each paintng.
http://www.realcolorwheel.com/WCpaintingonlocation.htm