These are the questions that I've been asked over and over since starting to talk openly about the trip. I've typed out my answers so everyone has all the essential info, in one easy-to-reference location.
Where are you going?
We are starting out with a road trip around the United States, which we’re currently on. In early October, we fly to South Africa. We plan on traveling around Southern Africa for two months, hitting Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa before flying to Thailand. We will then hang out in Thailand for a while before visiting Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines (although not necessarily in that order). From southeast Asia, we’ll fly to New Zealand, and then to Australia. Then, we’ll go to Indonesia for a few months before finally flying to Hawaii and finishing out the year there.
How long will you be traveling?
If all goes according to plan, at least one year. If we have enough money to keep going, possibly longer.
How did you decide on a year?
It sort of felt right, based on the timing and how much we have budgeted. But, again, we’d love to stretch it longer if we can.
Which place are you most excited to see?
This is the hardest question that I keep getting asked. I know it’s a boring/expected answer, but, I am truly so excited to see every single new place, U.S. destinations included. If I had to pick, I would say Thailand and Australia are "at the top of the list," but only because those are both places that I’ve wanted to visit for years and years and now I know I’m finally going to go.
What are you doing with your cars?
I sold my car before leaving Denver and we’re currently driving Mike’s around the country. When we get to New Jersey in October, we’ll leave his car at his parents house.
How do you pack for a trip like that?
Very lightly! We’re each bringing a backpack with minimal clothing. Outside of clothing, we each have a computer, medicine and a couple of pairs of shoes. I plan on doing a “what’s in our packs” type of post sometime soon!
So, you really quit your jobs?
In a word, yes. Although Mike was actually granted a year of absence from his job in technology sales.
And you think your relationship will make it? How long have you guys been together, anyway?
I mean, of course we both feel confident enough in our relationship after 6.5 years together or we wouldn’t be going on this trip. That said, we realize that this is the ultimate relationship test and that it has broken seemingly strong couples in the past. So, we’ll keep you posted. :)
Are you nervous? Or more excited?
It’s hard to answer this question because there are so many emotions firing around that they all start to blend into one indistinguishable emotion that feels sort of like happynervousexcited. The thing about happynervousexcited is that sometimes it seems overwhelming, like, here we have this amazing opportunity that many people aren’t fortunate enough to have and so we need to make the most of it so we don’t let people down and we need to document along the way and we need to do this and that and etc. And all of that can feel stressful. We also realize that we’ll encounter challenging, scary and even dangerous situations. When we think about that too long, we can feel a little bit nervous, sure. But, for the most part, we’re super excited, because even the scary, challenging, stressful situations teach you something and have a way of leaving you better off in the end.
If you have a question not included in the list above, feel free to email it to us and we’ll get back to you when we can! theyearbetween@gmail.com