Travel Intervention

We may need an intervention. We know we have a problem. But we prefer to see this "problem" more as a unique opportunity to seize the day! I mean, you only live once, right? If you have been following our blog, you know we are filling every possible moment with travel experiences. Since we are "in" most every weeknight (Connor's bedtime is 7 PM), we usually spend evenings researching trips and travel deals. And then the weekends are to go, go, go.

I have started reading this book, How to Fit a Car Seat on a Camel, and truly our Connor is an awesome travel buddy. She naps well in her stroller and rolls with the flights and new places with relative ease. I doubt we will be putting her on a camel, but she does have quite a few stamps in her passport!

One of the first things we put on the walls of our apartment was a big write-on calendar. It is like a big jigsaw puzzle staring us down and beckoning pieces to be fit in strategically around vacations and holidays. I also started a big list of all the places - local and international - that we hoped to visit in the 18 months we are here. Museums, festivals, ancient ruins, and sporting events. Everything went on this list of possibilities to be sifted through later and sorted to reality. Somehow making a list helps with fitting the pieces of adventure together and matching calendar dates.

The other piece to this "problem" is our love of travel books. We brought many of these with us and our library brings hours of inspiration, fueling our addiction. Most of these books came from half.com and cost us only pennies apiece, so the investment has been very worth it. We may not make it to all of the spots on our travel wish list, but we are having fun dreaming nonetheless!

I know what you must be thinking but.... It is hard to believe but the travel bug is not as much of a financial drain as it may appear. With time, perserverence, negotiation and flexibility there are serious deals to be had. Discount airlines offer flights at rock bottom prices and with E&Y providing both a car and free gas for us, it is often less expensive for us to travel than to stay put and spend money. Expense prioritization and budgeting is key.

Stay tuned for our next adventures. We are so grateful for this opportunity!