Just Do It! Right? Suuuurreeee….easier said than done. This trip is a result of years of dreaming, months of planning, and endless faith, love, and support.
The Plan
- COUNTRIES- Originally we planned on taking a fancy 2 week first anniversary trip to Thailand. Then, we decided that while we are on that side of the world, why not see EVERYTHING over there? Seeing everything would require A LOT more time than two weeks and A LOT less fancy. We were willing to make that happen so up with the vision board (aka giant map) and the planning commenced.
- BUDGET- Jonathan is an accountant.
- HOUSING- We began planning the trip in late August and our lease ended in October. We extended our lease until mid- November and moved in with Jonathan's dad for the next 2.5 months.
- WORK- This was perhaps one of the hardest parts. I am a Physician Assistant and I absolutely love what I do. I gave my practice ample notice but that did not make delivering the news any easier. I did not expect to receive the amount of support that I had and fortunately for me they are awaiting my return. Jonathan requested a leave of absence, so he will be returning to his position in August.
- DOG- My 13 year old niece, Brooke, eagerly took on the responsibility of caring for my scrappy Chiweenie that only a mother could love. I can best describe my 10 year old puppy as a middle aged divorcee with emotional issues. The Princess Chica Marie is pictured below:
I must add that I am still surprised that my anti-dog sister, Joanne, was willing to house a furry roommate. Brooke is happy, Joanne is embracing the addition, and I am grateful. - STUFF- To Donate, Toss, or Keep? The stuff we decided to keep was either going to come with us or be kept in a storage unit. We spent one day finding the right storage and eventually settled a on a nice, family run AC unit. We rented a Uhaul and with the help of my brother and Jonathan's dad, we moved all our stuff in.
- INSURANCE- I enjoy some sort of security, because well… It makes me feel secure. We were able to keep our US health insurance as well as opted for travel insurance which I would highly recommend.
- CARS- My aunt is letting me leave my car at her house and Jonathan will be leaving his car at his dad's.
- HOW LONG- At first Jonathan wanted to do this trip over an 8 month period, I was more conservative and preferred 6 months. We negotiated on 7 months. After discussing his sabbatical leave with his job, we decided that 6 months was the practical amount of time.
- PACKING- There is only one way to accomplish such ease of travel: Backpacking. If I can fit 6 months of clothes, shoes, and natural hair products in one 60 Liter backpack then anyone can do it. Details to follow!
Travel changes you. Let it do what it do!
Posted with Blogsy