Around The World We Went: 8 Months, 22 Countries

Imagine waking up every day to a new adventure in a new place. No routines, no expectations, no schedules. The day is completely yours to fill as you please.  That was how we lived for eight months and it was fantastic.  We traveled to 22 countries, 80 cities/towns and took 45 flights between May and December. We saw the world from new perspectives, learned about different histories and customs,  met many kind people, tried really odd (and delicious) food and discovered a lot about ourselves and each other.  

When we set out for our trip around the world in May, we were a little nervous about taking time off from work but it turns out, there was nothing to be nervous about.  We did so much planning and saving before our trip that we came in right on budget.  While we prepared to come home to a soft job market, we've found it has been quite the opposite. We have been so blessed this year and will forever be thankful for these past eight months.  


Below is a recap of our trip.  Click on the map image to see the interactive Google map. 

Click on the map image above to see an interactive map.

Mark Twain was one of many who inspired me to embark on this voyage with this quote:

Photo: Yangshuo, China by Eva Barbier

This message is applicable to everyone. Even if travel is not your thing, I think it's great to get out of your comfort zone and try something new, because that is how you learn and become a more interesting, tolerant and sympathetic person.  Every new experience will make you braver and more confident.  And sometimes that is all you need to take more risks, create, problem solve and BE HAPPY.