gauv, the photo I put in of the light blue bike has risers that bring the aerobars up, looks like they are about 6, 7cms .
The rider is about our age, but a very strong rider, but chose to do this setup more in the comfort position, which is what I would want to emulate if I ever play with these things.

re you not having much time to ride before your trip, that would bug me, as I think you'd want to try diff positions and especially as it will change your whole loading setup at the front -- thats my opinion on not liking to try new setups on a trip before living with them and tweaking or adjusting things.
cheers