Welcome to GuiterTricks. Learning guitar is a great way to pass your spare time.
First suggestion is to set up a good practice time. Don't bury your guitar. Have it handy for spur of the moment, other then your regular pratice time. Then practice , practice, practice...
Don't force your self to work with the finger TIP pain. Give your fingers a few days or weeks to obtain calluses.
Don't get frustrated with a slow start if you should have one. Everyone has a different learning curve and rate of developing muscle memory.
Most of all, enjoy the trip..
Good Luck and Happy Pickin'
Gordon
