so much adventure awaits!

so...this morning the boy and i booked a pretty epic trip. we are going around the world in eighty days!

we've been talking about a between-jobs around-the-world adventure almost since we first started spending time together, and now it is a reality! we both can't believe it's actually happening, but we are both so so so excited!

it's been quite the process of determining where we want to go, for how long, what our budget is exactly, what tours/experiences were available at what time, how to best book the tickets at the best price and take advantage of miles and discounts, etc etc ... but we finally have all our flights and a semi-solid itinerary, and we leave in just thirty four days!

if you have done awesome stuff in any of the places we are visiting, leave a comment - we want tips! i'm going to try to update this blog as much as possible along the way to share our adventures.

here's the lineup:
new zealand (north island)
china (hong kong, guilin and yangshuo, beijing, shanghai)
tibet (tour around lhasa and into nepal)
nepal (kathmandu, trekking the annapurna circuit and pokhara)
turkey (istanbul and cappadocia)
south africa (cape town, johannesburg and kruger safari)
united arab emriates (dubai, abu dhabi and the desert)
argentina (just buenos aires)
ecuador (quito, banos, jungle, galapagos islands)

and it just so happens that our trip turned out to be exactly eighty days!
this morning the boy took me to a doctor appointment for my eye, and while the nurse was filling in some information for me, he said to her: "i'm sorry...this is totally unrelated to what we're doing here, but i just have to tell you! we just booked tickets for an around-the-world trip!" both the nurse and myself were pretty delighted by his giddiness. it was pretty awesome.

so much adventure awaits! 

Comments

  1. Woow!! You're sooo lucky!!
    I'm very happy for you!!!
    Once in Bs As you should stay in Palermo (Is the safest place in the city, and has the best parks nearby) and visit Temaiken.
    I know you didn't listed Uruguay, but, if you have the possibility I tottaly recomend you to add it, you can visit Colonia, Piriapolis, Punta Ballena and Cabo Polonio in just 2 or 3 days and I can assure you that you will love it! :) You will feel like you're discovering a very well hidden gemm
    Love
    Steph

    ReplyDelete
  2. A "between jobs trip around the world"? Are you freaking serious? Who does that? No income - but let's take a 3 month vacation.... Can you say "spoiled"; "entitilement"? If no one has an income, who is paying for the trip? Oh yeah,,,,,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi anon! i'm not sure where you got the idea that we don't have any income. we both work very hard in our jobs – ian conducting and publishing research as well as teaching at stanford and myself as an administrator at a network of innovative charter schools. we have saved for a long time to expense this trip, both individually and collectively, and we will certainly be traveling on a budget. i can say "spoiled" and "entitled," but i am not sure this is either.
      have a good day!

      Delete
    2. Hey, hey, papa Eyre here just chiming in to say that the only thing mama Eyre and I have contributed to this trip is that we possibly had something to do with putting the wanderlust into this daughter we love so much, and it might have been contagious to the boy who we also love so much! Two additional thoughts: " person who empties his/her purse into his/her head (through travel) can never be robbed." And "Never let schooling interfere with your education."

      Delete
    3. jealousy .... envy .... horrible things

      One of the best things is working hard to achieve your goal and then going out and enjoying it - saving for travel is amazing because the end result surpasses what you even could ever imagined!

      Enjoy the trip!

      Delete
    4. He just graduated and months ago you mentioned hm doing a job search. And you just did europe. Most people are used to starting employment right away if they are actively searching. That is the confusion. Education must be a different field? Especially after a wedding with all that time taken to plan it.

      Your dad, his dad or a great aunt may bestow any riches they want without you having to explain it.

      Looking forward to the pics.

      Delete
    5. hi kms!

      ian and I are paying for this trip without the assistance of anyone else. we don't have any relatives that would give us money for something like this (or anything else, really) and even if we did, we wouldn't accept it. we have both been saving for many years, strive to live frugally, and have been doing a lot of work around using discounts and airline miles!

      for whatever reason, most economics phds apply to jobs in january-february and begin jobs sometime in the summer. we were in europe for work-related meetings, and most of our expenses were covered. i took just four days off for my wedding (none for planning).

      hope this helps!

      Delete
    6. I wasn't confused about the money. Just the time. I think it stated it better below.

      It's okay to spend money. However you get the money. I completely admit to being jealous you can interrupt your life for such a long time.

      Looking forward to the pics.

      Delete
    7. Wow! How exciting! Who cares how this trip is funded, it's nobody's business. Have a wonderful time and I can't wait for the pictures. :-)

      Delete
    8. Wow. The judgements expressed by some of the commenters are shocking to me. Why would anyone assume they understand someone else's personal finances? And why would anyone every want to comment on something they don't understand? Rude and presumptuous. Enjoy your trip and I can't wait to hear all about the adventures you will have! And your dad is so cute with his comments....

      Delete
    9. I love how positive you are, Charity. I hope you always stay that way. I'm a big fan of the Eyre family and all of the blogs and books that help me become a better person, a better wife, a better mother. Have an amazing trip and I hope you post a lot of pictures about your adventure!

      Delete
  3. Totally jealous you can step away from life. I'm surprised you both started the job search before the trip.

    There has been income earned in life. I expect it's a backpacking kind of trip. They have money.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yay for your adventure. Can't wait to hear all about it. What a perfect time for such a trip, you will make some pretty amazing memories,

    ReplyDelete
  5. That's awesome that you can take advantage of this in between time in life. I wish you many blessings on his adventure. Years ago we had some friends travel around the world for their honeymoon which took them 30+ days to complete. Also, another friend traveled abroad for six months and the only advice she passed along to me was to switch out clothes per season. She stayed with host families during her six months so her mom would mail her winter clothes then she would return her summer clothes in the same box. Something I hadn't thought of. Again, enjoy this season in your life! Many blessings

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your list is missing Australia! My hubby and I did a two year extended working holiday based in the UK and visited just over 60 countries in that time. Best thing we ever did (other than get married to each other and have the kids, of course) and now 3 kids later have fantastic memories to look back on. We have been to many of those places on your list, if you get a chance, Zanzibar is worth a visit too, whilst your in Africa. Istanbul is fantastic, stay in the sultanahmet area which is close to the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. Good luck and safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is brilliant! What an amazing opportunity. Looking forward to your blog posts about the trip.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm sorry you have a troll reading your blog. I wish you only the best on your exciting journey. I only just started reading this blog, but have really enjoyed it. In traveling, I have learned the most about myself and my partner. We are better together because we can reflect on the moments we experience together traveling. I think most of us would wish to travel more if we could. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Haha. Having had a lot of friends that have traveled the world between graduation and the start of a new job, I find that one comment hilarious. I'm not sure why them traveling makes them spoiled and entitled. If they saved up, why shouldn't they go? Do you know their individual financial situation? I've noticed previously that my friends that were grad students could save if they were frugal and had flexibility the rest of us always just wish we had. Hopefully you're not just jealous of that. And, assuming the job interviews went well, they probably got some type of a signing bonus. The kid is smart for crying out loud.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm a long time follower but have never commented before. My husband and I both grew up in South africa. We are from Johannesburg and have travelled extensively around the country. My husband went on mission to Cape town too. We moved to the North Island of new Zealand 5 years ago and love it here. We have plenty of suggestions and can put you in contact with members if you want tour guides or accommodation. Just send me an email and we would be more than happy to help. Tamaralerios at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm so excited for you and I'm so glad you are going to share your adventure with us!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Charity. I feel like a bit of a stalker commenting because I don't know you and you certainly don't know me. I've been following your blog for a long time and am super excited to read about your amazing trip and especially to see that my own beautiful country - New Zealand - is on your itinerary! Please, if you have any questions about where to go, stay, eat etc don't hesitate to ask me! I live right by the hamilton, New Zealand temple and I'm not a weirdo I promise ;) if you are coming to the Temple there are some amazing things to do around here.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I can wait to see your photos. Hope you can share as you go.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow, this is brill & soooooooo exciting, you & Ian will have a fantastic time!!!

    Please keep us updated on the blog, looking forward to your special holiday.:)

    Happy planning & prep.:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Some of these people are seriously hilarious. I mean who says this kind of stuff? Anyway, your trip sounds fabulous and I say go for it before parenthood comes and takes you on a whole different adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  16. You are coming all the way to New. Zealand and not Seeing Australia...WHAT?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Excellent advice from your Papa. Good for the two of you for making travel a priority - you will make so many memories!! I have a few tips for you. One, how come you are only doing the North Island of New Zealand? The whole country is incredible but the South Island has so much more to offer in terms of travel, scenery, outdoor amazingness. You will truly be dripping with passion if you visit! I did a trip similar to this when I finished university and am longing to take a trip like this with my boyfriend. Buenos Aires is one of my FAVOURITE cities in the whole world. It's incredible. MAKE SURE you go for a steak at La Cabrera - there are two restaurants and I preferred the one in the middle of the street rather than on the corner. Take tango lessons and visit La Boca on a walking tour. The gelato is amazing as is the coffee. You are going to have SUCH AN AMAZING TIME!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sounds amazing! You should check out the blog hopeengaged.blogspot.com they have travelled all over and to lots of the spots on your list, she has great tips!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Charity, I lived in South Africa for 8 years, England for 11 years, West Coast for 8 years and I've been in the South for 2 years. I get that wanderlust, and so does my family.

    As for recommendations for South Africa, Sun City is definitely worth a visit. We lived nearby in rural Pretoria most of my childhood and there's a lot of horseback rides you can take. Durban is a few hours away, but has a beautiful coast and the drive there is through lot's of sugar cane fields. Also, eat lot's of BBQ (Brai) there, as there's nothing quite like it here in the US.

    Have a lovely time.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Please help us understand this. You made about $40k-50K as a teacher in the Alpha schools (your salary is public knowledge). I doubt you make any more as an "administrator". I'd estimate Ian made about the same as a research assistant. How do you save thousands upon thousands of dollars on these salaries while living in such an expensive area of the country and also constantly, traveling, eating out, hosting dinner parties, etc. Many of us would love to know and learn from you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really none of your business. If you have time to look up charity's salary, you need to find something productive to do. Go find a hobby or serve at a soup kitchen or something.

      Delete
    2. I agree with Cheryl ^^. Truly it's none of anyone's business how they do what they do. Who cares how they pay for it. Who cares what they do, how they do it, when they do it. Truly. I did read once on one of the Eyre's blogs that their Dad had a money system, 10-20-70. 10% to charity/tithing, 20% to savings, and the remaining 70% to whatever. If you really followed that system monthly from the time you could start earning wages and avoided debt, you could travel like they do. You could do a whole lot of things like they do. But again, it really isn't anyone's business what they do. I think it's great! It sounds absolutely thrilling and wonderful to travel as a newly married couple. Great!

      Delete
    3. hi anon!

      while i am not going to detail all our personal financial business in this public forum, maybe the following will help:

      -we both make a bit more than you estimated.
      -we both have lived in remarkably cheap places in the bay area. living with five roommates helps, and our place now is truly tiny.
      -we are very careful about our weekly and monthly budget, and we don't have very expensive taste in general.
      -we both feel blessed to have been taught from a young age the principle of saving. this trip is using savings from many years.
      -we have worked hard to find pretty amazing deals on airfare. we have also been collecting airline miles for many years.
      -for the majority of this trip we will be sleeping in a $3/night guest house, camper van, or hostel.
      -the boy, as an economist, is obsessed with investing, getting a big bang for the buck, and very carefully managing money.

      hope this helps!

      Delete
    4. First of all, I am the "second" anon, not the mean first. Keep in mind that not all Anon's are the same person.

      I am truly curious. Not for the specifics, mind you, just in general how you live on mediocre incomes and still manage to save. Jealous? Yes, a little - I make double what Charity makes, in an area that has a much lower standard of living and it's hard to save and still pay bills and live comfortably.

      Your explanation makes sense on paper, just not sure it's do-able for most folks.

      And, as to the first Anon's comment - Charity, you are the one who mentioned this being a "between jobs" trip in the first paragraph of this post. So in most realities, being in between jobs also means being income-less. No job, no income?

      And side note - Cheryl, you seem to have a lot of time on your hands as well - defending all the Eyre ladies against the evil commenters. So maybe you also need a productive hobby other than blog fan-girl?

      Delete
    5. I apologize for the rude comment Anon. I do have multiple hobbies, like 5 children and a husband. I enjoy the Eyre's blogs because they are uplifting to read and give me great ideas for my family. That is worth my time I believe.

      Delete
    6. hi again, anon #2!

      i'm happy to respond to your totally fair curiosity, and i think the boy is actually going to do a guest post about budgeting soon :)

      sorry i misinterpreted that first anon's comment about no income. certainly while we are traveling we won't have income, so we are being verrrry careful in our budgeting!

      thanks everyone for reading, and for your comments. some are a little rude, some are a little amusing, but many are so nice and almost all are helpful in giving perspective -- and we are so excited about so many tips about different places being shared here!

      Delete
  21. Give it up anonymous...you are soooooo ridiculous!! Have a great trip, Charity and Ian. Just delete those comments!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What an opportunity of a lifetime! I've never been to those places so I don't have suggestions.. Except maybe watch old
    Episodes of amazing race! Have such a fantastic time!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is amazing! I am insanely jealous. A trip like this is what my husband and I wanted to do, but we were surprised by a pregnancy shortly after we married. We love our children, but we always regret that we didn't get to travel before we had them. There is always retirement! Enjoy yourselves, and keep blogging so we can live vicariously through you!

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a wonderful opportunity! An around the world trip is my dream! Can't wait to read about it!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh and please document your trip on Instagram ..wouldn't that be great!! Everyday or try to be creative about how you will document!,

    ReplyDelete
  26. What an amazing adventure! I wish you a wonderful trip and hope we readers get to see some of it on your blog/ IG.
    What a great choice of including Ecuador to your travel! I sepnt there 5 weeks last summer and loved the country! So many beautiful places. I highly recommend a tour to the rainforest, this was the favorite thing I have done so far. We did a 4 day tour and stayed in a remote jungle lodge only accessible by canoe (2 hrs on canoe and 2 hrs by car from the next city). There, we had the opportunity to see a lot of wildlife and native tribes. If you have any questions I'd be happy to give to recommendations for Ecuador :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. CONGRATS TO YOU! how exciting for whats ahead
    just returned from Hong Kong. some of my favorites:
    -- we stayed in Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong, great experience
    -- history:
    ---- Hong Kong History Museum, if you want to catch the "understand this country in 2 hrs" wowzers, very well laid out museum.
    ---- Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre - can do in like 35 min. (inside kowloon park, very pretty, a 'nyc central park' like vibe)

    -- big budda was meh, but getting there was WHOA COOL Ngong Ping 360, Crystal Cable Car
    -- Victoria Peak, cable car (great view of the city)
    -- night light show. a must. youtube it for a taste to see if it's your thing.
    -- dim sum at a legit place - Jasmine Place, Jardine House (best per reviews & of all our experiences)
    -- public transit system is SUPER easy compared to other major cities
    -- great hiking nearby (Lamma Island) but more of a day-trip worth

    I also got a garmin vivofit/fitbit-like thing. I really loved seeing how much I walked each day on the vacation and just health tracking. Excellent Garmin Connect App too.

    checkout our instragram hashtag: #amazianvacation

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks to an overseas work assignment and a fantastic exchange rate, my husband and I got to do a lot of traveling during our first couple years of marriage. We were joined by our first baby along the way, but since she was super portable, she got to come along! It was amazing, and we made so many great memories. We would do it again in a heartbeat! For the doubters, at the time we'd just finished putting ourselves through school and were trying to pay off student loans. We got super creative with our travel plans and budget, so not only did we see a lot of the world, we actually paid off student loans while we were doing it. No 5 star hotels for us, but we found safe places that fit our budget (and our baby's travel crib) everywhere we went. 14 years and 3 more kids later, I'm incredibly glad we seized the opportunity to see more of the world and didn't wait for "the perfect" time. I'm sure you'll have the adventure of a lifetime!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. this is awesome! we're hoping we get an easily portable baby when the time comes :) it's true that creativity can really get you quite far traveling!

      Delete
    2. Charity, I think you will have a very portable baby! From our experience babies are usually as portable as you make them. We took our two babies every where from the time they were born and they ate, slept and played contented wherever they were, they loved it and we did too!! I was sad Newfoundland, Canada, was not on the list of adventure (joking)

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  29. What a fun adventure! I just got back from a trip to China last week (none of the places you'll be visiting) and I'll just say, I'm not envious of the jet lag you might be dealing with later. Ha! :) But since you're going gradually around the world maybe it won't be a big deal. Anyway, good luck with your travels - I look forward to reading all about it.
    p.s. Book recommendation: Around the World in Eighty Days. Good, quick read. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Good for you guys! ENJOY every moment-life is truly too short to not. AND truthfully, even if this trip bankrupts you, who cares???? That is part of being an adult, we can make our own choices. I just have to give you kudos on taking an 80 day trip as newlyweds😑. There were sometimes in that first year of OMG! And to Anon~ I too question how they are affording it, but I say that on a ton of people. But one thing I learned the hard way is that we come into this life the same way we entered it. A money truck or moving van never follows your hearse. I hate to end thus morbidly, but we need to enjoy the life and days we have. They are a true gift and never guaranteed....Charity & Ian...enjoy

    ReplyDelete
  31. This sounds like a super amazing trip!! I live in South America and have been to BA a few times. It's not my favorite but a great experience if you don't have much time! Definitely check out the Recoleta, it's a cemetery, so it sounds super weird but it's cool!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Cut me off before I could finish!! Also, there's an awesome antiques market on Sundays, I can't remember the name of the area but all the guide books will have it! And also, if you have time it's a super short boat rude over to Colonia in Uruguay and it's soooooo pretty! Old world style white washed colonial houses, original as far as know, right on the coast! Super pretty!! Hope you have an amazing trip! Can't wait for pictures!!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Yay New Zealand, I think it is a shame though that you aren't going to visit the South Island. Where abouts are you visiting in the North Island?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. there are so many more places we wish we could go, but we just don't have enough time! my brother and sister-in-law used to live on the north island, so we are just following their recommendations. we hope to get back to the south island one day!

      Delete
  34. Hi Charity
    My family and I lives in Cape Town. What an amazing city. You would love it. We would love to help show you around and give you some tips. A walk ups Lions Head and table Mountain is a must. Sonja

    ReplyDelete

  35. What an amazing, once in a lifetime adventure! I've never commented before but just had to because I think dreaming (and saving!!!!) together is such a HUGE part of a happy marriage! People have commented that you are so "lucky" and that maybe true, but I also know that hard work, sacrifice and discipline are the things that are often required to make our dreams a reality!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen! I find it interesting that people care so much about how others choose to spend their money. Before we had kids, my husband and I traveled a lot and there was always that person who made comments about how "lucky" or "privileged" we were. No, it was a matter of priorities to us. We chose to spend our money on travel rather than cars, eating out, a big house, clothes, etc. whatever some one else priority might be. What an awesome adventure you get to have charity! Enjoy it because I doubt you'll ever regret it!

      Delete
  36. Been reading for a few months, first time commenting. Charity, it's your business, but since you share it with the Internet, I'll share my reaction. I disagree with the using the words 'spoiled' or 'entitled' to describe this. However, I don't care how frugal you are or how much you've saved, taking four months away from the workplace in your 20's is the definition of privilege. And I, for one, won't be reading about your privilege anymore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *80 days, not 4 months.

      Delete
    2. thanks for your perspective, anon.

      i *definitely* agree that we are privileged to be able to do this! our prayers and conversations with each other are full of gratitude that we are lucky enough to have this huge adventure at this time, and to have so many other blessings in our lives. i definitely should have emphasized more in this post how incredibly fortunate we feel to have the time and money to make this happen. and i appreciate you bringing this to my attention. we have just been so caught up in "wow, this is actually happening!!" and i was so excited to share - i don't think i accurately represented the situation. we really can't believe this is our life right now, and we are certainly privileged. most every time we've prayed together over the past week or so, we've asked god to please help us find golden opportunities to grow on this trip in ways that will help us become better human beings, and to please help us find people to serve, uplift and learn from along the way.

      again, thanks for your perspective. i'm sad you'll no longer be reading, but i do hope you see this reply.

      Delete
  37. It sounds wonderful, can't wait to live vicariously through you!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I loved Ian's need to share the great news with the nurse! I am thrilled for you guys and can't wait to see/hear about all of your amazing adventures. It's like you're going to be on Amazing Race without having to eat crazy things (unless you choose to, of course)!

    ReplyDelete
  39. so jealous of your trip! i have to say, i love how connected your faith seems. sometimes i read these comments and it seems so small and family-like in how people all over the world volunteer to help each other, but the mormon church is actually quite large! i admire how you live your life - it would be awesome to see a blog post about some of your money saving tips and travel tricks!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am so happy for you! Please blog a lot!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. How exciting! After marrying my husband I started to travel more and LOVE it. Nothing to the magnitude of this but maybe someday. ;) I know you are busy but I too would love to learn more about your travel and budgeting tips. I want to teach my children when they are young how to budget, save for the future and love life. I am grateful you are willing to share, it helps me see more of the world than I am able to at this point in my life and gives me hope, laughter and a smile. Your family is amazing I often think oh to be a fly on the wall and soak in so many great lessons. I hope someday to be able to listen to your parents speak in person.
    I can't wait for the pictures and future posts!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I hope your trip is everything you have planned for and hope for and MORE!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow! I'm SO excited for you. What an incredible adventure! I have also had the great privilege of being able to travel a fair bit (first with a friend backpacking through Europe and more recently with my husband). It's the best! And definitely smart to do as much of it as you can before having kids/a mortgage/jobs you are tied down to. I've just had my first baby so travelling is being put on the back burner for the next little while. So happy that I can now travel vicariously through you! I just wanted to send you my well wishes and let you know how much I admire your kindness, sense of adventure and gratitude. You are so gracious in your responses to the people who (for reasons I cannot fathom) feel the need to criticize and judge your life. It makes my blood boil on your behalf! It's very sad to me that some people harbour such jealousy and feel the need to pick a part your life and choices. You are so aware of how lucky you are and are forever expressing your gratitude. You are getting the most out of life and inspiring so many others to do the same! Thank-you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Yes, Please, please blog A LOT!

    Questions: Can you share how you all picked these places? Like what attracted you to these places?

    Also, how do you keep from getting sick while traveling? That tends to be a problem of mine while traveling. :(

    And, maybe when you come back you can give us a little summary of what you would do the same/different?

    Thank you ahead of time!

    Yvonne :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. I think it is wonderful how you share your adventures with us. I am so, SO, SOOOOOO excited for the two of you to experience this 80 day trip around the world. It will be amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. I think you have an amazing attitude and are just classy in how you respond to any negativity. I am really excited for the both of you. What a wonderful adventure and memories to make together. Have a wonderful time planning and preparing (almost as much fun as going) and a truly fantastic journey. You are totally missing out not coming to Australia. But I'm sure all those other places will be magical.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Charity, this is amazing! What an incredible opportunity! I admire you in many ways, but especially the fearless way that you DREAM BIG. You work hard to make those dreams a reality and I, for one, am grateful that you're willing to share your adventures! Have a fantastic time. The memories you'll make on this trip will be truly priceless.

    ReplyDelete
  48. As I read about your exciting news and then the comments after my thought was this..."Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." (Marianne Williamson)

    You have every right to be excited about your upcoming trip. You have obviously given it extensive thought and careful planning (including expenses). Your passion for life and the opportunities out there are inspiring. Thank you for sharing because it inspires others to seek after their dreams as well.

    Enjoy your trip. I look forward to reading about it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love this comment. Never thought about it that way. Thank you for sharing!

      Delete
  49. haters gonna hate (hate hate hate hate ;)

    this is so awesome and exciting. This is the stuff dreams are made of. What a marvelous opportunity for you & your husband!

    ReplyDelete
  50. United Arab Emirates is so different than I first imagined, but full of lots of incredible things to see. We did a jeep safari in the desert that then took us to an area to eat a traditional meal, ride camels, henna painting, etc... We also enjoyed seeing the man-made islands from the top of a building, loved the huge aquarium in the mall, and it was neat to experience a few different mosques. The tallest building and fountains close by weren't yet finished but my father in law lived there and says it's incredible!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I think a lot of people's perspective on traveling can be from how you were raised and where you were raised. If you grow up in Europe, it's very common to travel to other countries for weekends and vacations. The Europeans and Canadians often get more vacation time and paid maternity leave that we don't get in the US. I have friends in South Africa and Zimbabwe and it's very common for them to take long vacations to explore. My friends in Australia are the same way.
    Also it is common in England and other European countries to have a gap year between high school and university. So what a perfect time for Charity and Ian to travel before settling into an Economics job and starting a family.
    It's all perspective. There are many blogs and websites that teach you how to travel safely, yet inexpensively. It can be done!!!
    I would love to hear more about budgeting from Charity's father and from Ian. I have heard about the 10/20/70 budgeting, but I would like more in depth on breaking down the 20%. Do you portion the savings out for new/used furniture, down payment on house, traveling, wants, needs, etc??? Have you been able to purposely live on less than 70% in order to save for what you really wanted???
    Have a wonderful and SAFE trip!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hurrah for a strong dollar! Hurrah for using your resources as you see fit! And hurrah for a beautiful world to explore!

    Tsh Oxenreider is currently on a year-long trip around the world with her husband and three kids. You can follow her on Instagram @tshoxenreider (she links to her blog from there). In her book "Lessons from a Blue Bike" she talks about living intentionally so their family can travel like that.

    In our time between PhD and career we'll be selling a house, buying a house, relocating and all those fun headaches and keeping some sense of normal for two young kids. Your adventures sound more fun! :)

    My husband liked the souks in Dubai and just taking in all the opulence. Also enjoyed dune surfing and a safari experience outside the city.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Good for you guys! Hard work and budgeting pays off! Thank you for adding positivity to the Internet world! Have a wonderful trip!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Papa Eyre is awesome. I love the quotes. So true.
    I hope you and Ian have an amazing time exploring the world.
    Looking forward to pictures and stories.

    ReplyDelete
  55. What an amazing trip you have planned, I'm looking forward to seeing whatever pictures and stories you decide to share. I visited South Africa a few years ago and recommend Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. The Kruger Park is absolutely amazing.
    Obviously personal finances are highly…personal! but I hope Ian does do a post on saving and investing. I'd be interested to read about your strategies for financing big goals like this one.
    Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi Charity! Wow, what a whirlwind these last several months have been! I am so happy for your happiness! Out of curiosity, how do you plan and book a trip like that? Is it a series of one way tickets from one destination to the next? Do you do it on Travelocity? Lol... Is it cobbled together from different airlines? I would be so lost planning a trip like that! I once flew to Iceland, stayed there for a couple days, flew to London, stayed there 9 days, took the train to France stayed for a week, the flew home from Paris. Booking that made my head spin, so I am just curious about the logistics... It will be so fun to follow along, travel safe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES, please share your secrets on the logistics. Traveling to just one place makes my head spin. Ha! You're guys are travel planning rockstars!

      Delete
  57. Hi Charity, wow! Ehat an adventure it will be to travel the world! I am honestly so excited for you! I have a few tips:
    - don`t pack to many clothes-rather buy some along the way as a souvenir and wash your clothes whenever possible :-)
    - in Kathmandu you can use the busses to go anywhere you want, it`s not dangerous, just tell the driver where you want to go and if he nods, hop on
    - in South Africa, sun cream is extremely expensive, so make sure to buy it somewhere else and bring it with you

    Can`t wait to read your blog posts from around the world. I love your blog, Charity, and your positive perspective on everything and your enthusiasm. Have a great trip!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Long time reader, first time commenter. Just got back from Istanbul a few days ago (my sister is there on a student exchange program). You are going to like this city SO MUCH! It is pretty hectic, but so lovely! I wish you all the best for the coming months.... and yes, I envy you! Have a great trip, come back with loads of memories and stories!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Wow, what an amazing adventure! It is something to be excited for!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Anonymous from Canada ...
    I think you should be putting all that money towards a down-payment for a house for your future children. At your age going on a trip around the world does seem a little selfish to people. I am not hear to judge you I hope you have enough money for both your trip and a good down-payment for a house. The trip around the world is what wealthy people do when they have retired . My Dad retired at age 58 years and then traveled around the world. My Dad had 26 years of retirement here in Canada before his death. Yes I do come from a priveledge-entitiled background. Yes I live in complete luxuary.
    God Bless you ,
    I will pray for your safety.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment