Have you done anything at home yet? When we started with DD5, we started at 18 mos with just sitting on the potty for fun. This was not potty training -- just prep. If you haven't done it, lay the groundwork first: sitting on the potty at random times, picking out a potty if you don't have one, watching videos, reading books, etc. I just read an article on this recently by Jane Brody (NYT health columnist). It is really worth reading, I think.

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/living/health/8615339.htm?1c

For me and most of the moms I know, once we were ready to go to underpants all day we did plan on 2 weeks or so of minimal outings. This could probably just be one week, but keep in mind that you are a slave to your child's bladder for a few weeks. Plan on regular potty breaks every time you are about to get in the car and know where the bathrooms are! Use frequent reminders, keep an eye on the time, etc. Friends' houses should not be a big problem if you are there to help -- dropping off for playdates might need a brief hiatus.

Hope this helps. We did have one kid come pee all over our floor several times, but we had rolled up the rugs, so whatever. DD5 never had many accidents that I can recall, but maybe I blocked them out. Anyway, they're going to happen -- you can't stop it!

Shaun