Hey everyone! In today’s post, I’m just rambling about our possible travel plans. As most of you know, we are really trying to plan some longish-term travel.
Now that I’m self-employed, I can pretty much work wherever I want to – I just need my laptop (well, and money). I can manage my business while traveling! I’m also finally going to be able to fulfill one of my dreams!
When are we going?
It won’t be long-term like we wanted (that will happen some day!), but it will be around two to three months. We will be trying to leave in January, so you can only guess that we are scrambling to get everything done and actually make some plans.
I’m really hoping that this does not fall through. We are getting married in the beginning of June of 2014, so this traveling will be right beforehand.
So, I haven’t done much wedding planning so far, and I need to get some wedding contracts started (tent, chairs, tables, food, drinks, music, video, and much, MUCH more). If I don’t get this done, then the trip may have to wait a little bit, because if I wait until the trip is over, well, then it would only be a month or two until the wedding. Planning an outdoor wedding in one or two months for over 200 people would be VERY difficult.
We have no more excuses (besides the wedding).
The other excuse that we kept using was that we didn’t have someone to watch the dogs. Well, now my sister and her boyfriend will be watching the dogs and house (so, yes, he will be moving in also) for us while we are gone.
That makes it so much easier for us because we won’t have to shuffle the dogs around to people.
So, where should we go?
There are many places that we are thinking about traveling to. We want to go to countries in Central America, countries in South America, South Africa, Thailand, France, Italy, Germany and pretty much everywhere else.
Before you make fun of me, I also really want to visit where the movie the Beach was filmed – Ko Phi Phi. We also need to look into hotels to book and may start with hotels in Causeway Bay.
Yes, that is a lot of places. We don’t plan on going to all of those places, because I would prefer to spend a little more time in each country instead of just a couple of days. Staying longer will also make it easier to work while we are traveling.
We also can’t decide if we want to do even longer stays (such as every 3 weeks) or stay about one week in each country that we go to. Longer stays mean that we could save time by not having to spend a ton of time traveling, and it also means that we could save money by not having to spend money on transportation as often.
We are also thinking about beach hopping and exploring Hawaii, Fiji, Australia and Thailand.
As you can tell, my mind is all over the place!
P.S. Check back in tomorrow for a $150 Visa gift card giveaway!
Where would you travel to in January and February? Any tips for kind-of-long traveling?
MoneyMateKate says
I’m doing “kind of long” traveling right now with my portable profession – but I’ve chosen to base myself in Amsterdam for 3 months in a sublet (airbnb) and do smaller trips from here because I like having a home base. So of course my advice would be to spend several weeks in each country and really get to experience it.
I’ve been everywhere you list, and it looks like you are really into warm weather and beaches…so save Europe until another trip. I love love love South Africa, Thailand and Argentina – all of which will have your kind of weather Jan-April. I hope you’re able to make it happen – good luck!
Michelle says
Yes, we really do love warm weather and beaches, so we probably won’t be going to Europe.
And those three places that you just listed are countries that we REALLY want to go to.
Eva @ Girl Counting Pennies says
I think you’ve got great plans there and I am really excited for you! If I were to travel for 2-3 months only, I would probably concentrate on one part of the world as opposed to hopping from America to Australia, then to Asia, then to Africa. This is going to be too stressful as your time travelling is limited. I would start with Central America and South America. You can visit them pretty much any time of the year, but for example Jan-Mar are great for visiting Brazil and Argentina. I would probably spend 1 month exploring Central America and 2 months South America. Next time you have 2 months to spare travelling, I would go to Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia). You will probably want to visit all these places and 2 months is a more or less reasonable amount of time if you are unable to do longtime travelling.
Ahh, just talking about travelling to all these countries makes me so excited!!! You will have an AMAZING time!!!
Michelle says
Yes, this is probably what we will do, as I still need to have time to sit down and work. I wish we had more time to travel!
Kasey @ Debt Perception says
Have you considered a cruise? This would give you the opportunity to visit several countries on excursions?
Michelle says
Yes, we have been thinking about a cruise as well!
lesley says
lucky girl!!
the beach is one of my favorite all time movies. i have always wanted to check that place out because it’s so gorgeous. definitely try to go there. as long as you’re young and have the money and freedom, go to all the places you mentioned.
hope gulf shores was fun. we go there every fall, well not this one unfortunately.
Michelle says
Yes, I LOVE that movie.
Gulf Shores was a lot of fun. My first time!
Broke Millennial says
If you do Australia, just throw in NZ too! My family used to do Australia for Christmas when we lived overseas because it was the closest “Western” country. I’d add Cambodia, Iceland and Singapore on your list too! Iceland is really easy flight from the States.
Michelle says
Good idea. Thanks!
Marissa@Thirtysixmonths says
Exciting times ahead. Great plans by the way! Looking forward to read about the final decision 🙂
Michelle says
Thank you Marissa!
Michelle says
I think the big issue is too many choices and time to book your tickets. A couple of things:
1.) I would leave Europe of your itinerary. I love Europe but I think with the other countries you’ve mentioned in terms of cost, time, and money you can go to Europe later.
2.) If you are vaguely thinking of Australia-it’s the high season because it is their summer. So when booking tickets know that you’re REALLY going to get hit. Think $2000 a ticket
3.) I would start in Central and South America. That works perfectly because it’s their Summer!! You will need a visa for Brazil specifically and that can be a pain in the a@@ if you don’t have a Brazilian consulate in your state…which I’m sure you don’t. You will need to check out the best way to request that visa ASAP if you are thinking of going there.
4.) Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Aruba, Belize, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are more than enough for 3 months.
5.) In my past (and future) travels I’ve noticed that there are three types of travelers.
One, there are the type of travelers who can go to a country quickly do a lot of the surface touristy things and be super content.
Two, there are a travelers who try to blaze through as many places as possible so that they could cross it off their list.
Three, there are the travelers who travel slowly and go to fewer countries but really like to settle in. Decide which type of traveler you are and then the trip that you want will begin to take form in your mind.
Have fun planning!
Michelle says
I’ve never had to get a visa before, why would I need it for Brazil? Would I need it even for a short trip?
Michelle says
We require Brazilians to get a visa to enter the U.S. Brazil believes in reciprocity which means that we are required to get one to go to Brazil-regardless of duration of the visit. This is always worth double checking though because these things change with political whims.
Michelle says
I had no idea! Good to know. Thank you so much Michelle!
BlushandBarbells says
I spent February in SE Asia last year. You get a lot of bang for your buck there, and travelling is very easy. Each country I visited had a solid tourist infrastructure, and I never felt uneasy or unsafe as a woman travelling alone (I can’t say that about Europe). I had FF miles to get there, so my biggest expense was airfare between countries but that was reasonable since there are tons of low-cost airlines.
My biggest piece of advice is to pack as little as you possibly can.
Have fun!
Michelle says
Thank you! Packing will definitely be difficult haha
Dee @ Color Me Frugal says
The hubs and I spent our honeymoon doing two weeks each in Australia and New Zealand. We absolutely loved it, although two weeks is nowhere near long enough to see Australia because it is so big. If you had longer you could spend more time in each place and then hit Tahiti and Bora Bora as well! That’s what I would do!!
Michelle says
This is kind of what we’re thinking of doing. Thanks Dee!
Tara @ Streets Ahead Living says
January and February are off season for places in the northern hemisphere and aren’t tropical so I’d recommend if you’re trying to save money to try some places that might have snow. Honestly, that is one of the cheapest times to visit Europe as it’s after Christmas and before their mid semester breaks so if you’re looking to save some cash while traveling, it’s still a good time to go. Tickets will be cheap–look for a non London Heathrow ticket as London Heathrow has some of the highest taxes that add on to the ticket price (London Gatwick may not be that bad). Amsterdam is a good airport to fly out of, especially if you fly Delta as it goes through KLM.
good luck!
Michelle says
I’m not sure if we want to spend the whole time in cold places, as I’m a warm weather lover! 🙂
DC @ Young Adult Money says
If you do end up going to Thailand, you should definitely stop at Hawaii on the way. At least that’s what I would do : ) Maui is one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited, but I would love to go for longer than a week next time (and not for a wedding). If I could go for three weeks that would be ideal, as I could spend time on quite a few islands in that time frame. Anyway, I hope you have fun planning your trip and it’s inspiring to see a fellow blogger create a full-time income that is not location-dependent!
Michelle says
Thank you DC! Thailand and Hawaii are places that we definitely want to make time for on this trip.
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says
If you decide to do the Thailand trip be sure to include Vietnam and Cambodia. Once you get over there, everything is very cheap.
Michelle says
Good idea. Thanks Stefanie!
GetRichWithMe says
a holiday, then a wedding, then a honeymoon – what a great sequence of life events
no matter where you go – have a great time
Michelle says
Thank you! 🙂
Michelle says
We are not very touristy people. Usually we just like to try new food and do some exploring on our own.
Michelle says
I have never heard of that. I will look into it now. Thanks Michelle!
SuburbanFInance says
I’ve never done anything like this, so I’m interested to see how it works out for you and where you go. I hope you blog about it!
Michelle says
Thank you! And yes, I will definitely blog about it 🙂
SavvyFinancialLatina says
Sounds like so much fun! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures 🙂
Michelle says
Thank you! Do you have any vacation plans?
Joe @ Budget Breakaway says
Your travel ideas sound exciting! I love the idea of finding a coffee shop by a beautiful beach and working from there for a break!
We’re in the process of planning an interailing trip around Europe, it’s very tricky to create an budget for two weeks away in a number of different countries!
Michelle says
Thank you Joe! And yes, that is my plan 🙂
Have fun on your trip!
Jenni @ Traveler for Good says
Love Thailand! You could pick a different base each week and travel a few parts of the country (like Phi Phi or Chiang Mai). Lodging there is very inexpensive and so is the food (they just get you on the alcohol) compared to what I’m finding with my very recent move to Hawaii.
Plotting an adventure like this is the best “problem” to have!
Michelle says
Yes, we have been thinking about that as well. I’m looking into Thailand and it’s so much cheaper than Hawaii!
KK @ Student Debt Survivor says
I haven’t done nearly as much traveling as I would like, so I don’t really have a suggestion for a long-ish trip. The bf on the other hand has traveled basically everywhere (his dad was a pilot so he got a lot of free flights as a kid/young adult). Spain is on our “to see” list for the next year or so. We’re headed to Mexico with my grandparents in February (one of the only places bf hasn’t been yet). We’re super excited.
Michelle says
That’s awesome about your bf! I am the same. I’ve always received free flights so it makes traveling much easier and cheaper!
Have fun in Mexico! I’ve never been there.
chelsea says
oh.my.goodness! all of those places sound amazing! my only suggestion is that if you do go to Phi Phi, only stay a day or two. Beautiful island, some things to see, but HUGE party scene. We went for three days and it was perfect timing. Went for hikes and scuba (even over to where they filmed the Beach) during the day and went out at night. But even though we were a short boat ride away from the main party area, we could still hear the music till around 4am! There are so so many wonderful places in Thailand to visit, one of my favorite beach destinations being Railay. Touristy yes, but without the overwhelming ‘tourist’ feel to it actually. Wherever you pick you are going to have a wonderful time!
Michelle says
Good to know about the party scene. There’s only so much of that we could handle haha.
chelsea says
oh.my.goodness! all of those places sound amazing! my only suggestion is that if you do go to Phi Phi, only stay a day or two. Beautiful island, some things to see, but HUGE party scene. We went for three days and it was perfect timing. Went for hikes and scuba (even over to where they filmed the Beach) during the day and went out at night. But even though we were a short boat ride away from the main party area, we could still hear the music till around 4am! There are so so many wonderful places in Thailand to visit, one of my favorite beach destinations being Railay. Touristy yes, but without the overwhelming ‘tourist’ feel to it actually. Wherever you pick you are going to have a wonderful time!
Practical Cents says
How exciting.! My husband is half peruvian and my best friend is from peru also so I’ve been wanting to visit Peru for a while. I’m hoping to make it there in 2015. In january and february i would visit warm climates just to get away from the cold northeast winters. Good Luck with your planning.
Michelle says
Thank you! Peru sounds like something we need to add to our list 🙂
Michelle says
Thank you Anna! I can’t wait until I hear more about your trip 🙂
Pauline says
Central America is a great choice the weather is perfect this time of year and there are plenty of things to see within small distance. Plus not jet lag!
Michelle says
Definitely something that we are thinking about.
eemusings says
Yay exciting!!! For 2-3 months I’d stick to one region, and probably Asia or America in that season. The hard truth is you can’t work and sightsee at the same time, so if you want to see more than your room and laptop screen you won’t really be able to enjoy your destination if you only have a day or two in one city. Travelling slowly also makes your average per day expenses a lot lower 🙂 And then you can rent apartments rather than just rely on hotels. You definitely gotta factor in travel time – we spent a fair few days on 8 hour train rides through Europe. And allow yourself rest days! I’m working on a post about this … but being on the go constantly isn’t easy, so you still need to make your own ‘weekends’, heh.
Michelle says
Yes, these are all things that we are definitely thinking about. Thanks!
Liz says
I would love to take a 2-3 month trip. sounds amazing. However I think it would be stressful to do that before your wedding. Maybe you could just take an extended honeymoon after your wedding!
Michelle says
Well, right now is really the only time we can do this because after our wedding we won’t be able to find someone to watch both dogs for 2-3 months 🙂
Sky says
If I had 2-3 months to travel, I would probably head to Central America. I would start in Mexico and work my way down to Costa Rica, spending extra time in Guatemala because that’s where my heart is. I definitely recommend going to Guatemala, it’s such a lovely country – the people are nice, the weather is great, it’s cheap, and there’s so much culture. Plus, there’s a decent Gringo Trail through CA if you wanted to stay near that but it’s also easy to get off the beaten path.
My other option would be SEA – Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc.
Michelle says
All great ideas 🙂
C. the Romanian says
I guess that countries in Europe are best to be visited during the summer or early Fall. Germany, for example, would be extremely cold in January and February and you should expect heavy snow everywhere else in Europe (in the past few years winters were a bit “delayed” in Europe, with January and February being the coldest days).
If I were to choose, I would certainly go somewhere where the weather will be nice and sun would be shining. I have always wanted to visit Thailand, so that would be my choice (or Indonesia, or the Philippines) 🙂
Michelle says
Yes, I don’t think I want to go anywhere cold!
Connie @ Savvy With Saving says
Not necessarily all great for Jan/Feb but places I’ve always wanted to visit are Greece, Iceland, Australia, and Thailand!
Michelle says
Yes, those place are definitely on my bucket list.
Michelle says
Love your idea Sally 🙂
Michelle says
South Africa is definitely a place that I would like to visit!
jefferson @See Debt Run says
Having the whole world open to you like that is an amazing feeling, I bet. In your shoes, I think I’d love to go to Australia and New Zealand. I hear that the people there are just amazing and incredibly friendly, and the scenery is second to none.
Michelle says
Those are places that we definitely want to go to. It’s just so hard to choose!
Andrew@LivingRichCheaply says
If you love warm places and the beach, you can’t go wrong with Hawaii. It is by far my wife and my favorite vacation to date. The flight is a bit rough though…I don’t like being stuck on the plane so long. But for a closer destination, the Caribbean and Central America can be pretty affordable and nice. Costa Rica is probably the nicest destination in Central America. Roatan in Honduras is also very nice.
Michelle says
We definitely want to go to Hawaii. We loved it when we last went, it’s just a tad expensive so we would definitely have to save up before that!
Mo' Money Mo' Houses says
Thailand!!! It’s where me and my HB went before our wedding (go in January) and it was the best trip ever. Also very affordable for a longer trip.
Michelle says
ooh yeah! I need to read through your posts from January 🙂