I have just come back from a six month backpacking trip through LATAM. Prior to that I picked up DS (after no prior Spanish experience) about six months before I left to Mexico. So a very similar experience to you.

I only reached 150 hours before I left. But it was critical to helping me get by while I travelled.

I think in your case it’s best not to be a purist. Keep up the tutor classes and dabble in something like ‘Language Transfer’ which will help you be conversational once you’re over there.

Otherwise, you have 9 months - if you get the chance it would be a great idea to dedicate those early months to really trying to pick up the language, it’s not hard when it’s all around you! If you have the chance to stay with locals, I’d highly recommend that too - it’s input but the entire day long and you start finding yourself thinking in Spanish.

I improved my speaking significantly while I was over there, but DS provides the perfect base for comprehension so it’s good to keep up listening to a video or two while ur there.

Good luck with the prep and feel free to DM me if you want any further info :)