Thanks for all of the replies!

The $200 is for the snake alone, and I saw the list of vendors, but contacting them is an excellent idea, thank you. (:
OhhWatALoser, what wattage do you recommend for a 20-30 gal tank?
LGray, I would love some links. The chair pads are brilliant, I'll be sure to get some. I was already planning on covering part of the top to keep humidity in, but I wasn't thinking about blacking the sides out, but I will now that you mentioned it.

I'm probably just being paranoid, but I want to make sure that nothing goes horribly wrong while I'm away.
Oh, so I talked to someone today that has a rescued ball python looking for a home, 4-5 year old normal female. I'm more interested in a baby, but if I fall in love with her when I see her, I'll keep her. I would totally take her, but I can only have one snake, which sucks. Just wanted to share that with you guys.