rtw rookie: an introduction
When we first started blogging, we were severely underexposed to a huge sub-culture of travelers: people who take career breaks. We had never considered taking time off from our jobs–or giving them up all together–to travel the world. We had no idea that Meet, Plan, Go was a thing, or that RTW meant “round the world”… or really, that it was an acronym at all.
This has clearly changed dramatically over the past year+, and recently, we were talking with someone who is in the midst of planning his very first RTW. Like many trip planners, he’s forced to keep his plans (mostly) secret for the time being. As he already has an online presence, he couldn’t really make use of his usual outlets to ask for advice, share his planning tips, and discuss his upcoming destinations. We brainstormed a few ways around his predicament and thus, a solution was born! Hint: it doesn’t involve a second secret blog to maintain OR a sex change, both of which were on the table.
We’d like to introduce a new semi-regular feature:
The Adventures of a RTW Rookie!
Take it away, rook!:
Finally! I’m officially able to publicly make my announcement: In March, I’m leaving for a five month round-the-world trip.
Holy crap, that feels good to write.
While I obviously want to shout this from the rooftops, my current situation requires a bit of discretion. I have a job and an apartment, both of which I’m expected to occupy for the foreseeable future. At this point I’ve shared my plan with some close friends and family, a few fellow travelers I’ve met along the way, and now with you, loyal Lazy Traveler readers.
I’ve been saving for several years, and I finally think that I can pull this off. Mainly, though, through meeting people at TBEX and MeetPlanGo who have completed similar adventures, I’ve learned that “now” is always the best time to go, because “later” can quickly turn into “MUCH later” (i.e. retirement or never).
My plan for this guest blog series is to remain anonymous for as long as I can, share my planning process, gather some input from expert travelers and dreamers alike, and get some planning done! And then, maybe, eventually, reveal my true identity. (Which really means definitely–I won’t keep you in the dark for too long).
To date, I’ve conquered some of the long lead-time items:
- General itinerary is determined: Kickoff in Hawaii, followed by Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Iceland. I’m still figuring out how time will be spent in each of these spots… more to come on this.
- Plane tickets purchased through AirTreks. This was an incredibly easy process, which will be shared in more detail in a future post.
- Budgeting and detailed booking is…in process. I’m hoping to get the majority of my lodging, as well as my “must-do” activities booked over the next 45-60 days, so I’ll share that process as I go along. Right now, Hawaii is just about booked, and I’m working through Fiji and New Zealand.
- Received the appropriate vaccines. Please note that, as someone with a slight aversion to needles (read: I generally pass out at some point during the process), this was almost enough for me to refund my airfare and just go to Key West for 5 months.
- Started telling family and friends about my plan. It’s generally been met with enthusiasm and support, but there are definitely some people who think I’m nuts to leave my job and travel.
I’ll include more about myself, my travel partner, and my inspiration for making this big honking decision in future posts, but consider this an introduction. Can’t wait to share more!
Cheers,
RTW Rookie
@RTW_Rookie
Lazy Travelers
The Lazy Travelers are two transatlantic best friends who have mastered the art of exploring a new city. Though Ashley is based in London and Carolyn is in Philadelphia, we'll use any excuse to reunite around the world. We’re professional bar hoppers, pub crawlers, and food testers, and you’ll never see us zipping around, checking things off a list of “must-sees.”
15 Comments
RTW Rookie
Thanks for sharing my post! I’ll have more for you soon, Lazy Travelers–maybe I’ll take a page from your book and leave some of my trip TBD and see what happens…
Lazy Travelers
or maybe you let us take the reigns on one leg of planning and see what happens?!
Lazy Travelers recently posted..rtw rookie: an introduction
Tawny of Captain and Clark
Awesome! I am stoked beyond belief for this incredible adventure. Southeast Asia is going to rock your socks and Iceland has been on our list for years! Can’t wait to follow along and we love the mystery of it all.
Lazy Travelers
we can’t wait to follow along either, tawny!
Lazy Travelers recently posted..rtw rookie: an introduction
@mrsoaroundworld
This sounds very very exciting! V curious about the subject person too!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..A bit of Lisbon love
Lazy Travelers
all will be revealed someday, mrs. o 😉
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The World Wanderer
I love this – so exciting! I am planning on a RTW trip one of these days, and get so excited each time I hear about one. Looking forward to following along. 🙂
The World Wanderer recently posted..Encountering Great White Sharks in Gansbaai.
Traveling Ted
Good luck anonymous! I am going to secretly follow your adventures, but you won’t know it is me.
Traveling Ted recently posted..5 Things to do in Sydney for the adventurous
Traveling Ted
My anonymity about following your adventures secretly has been foiled by gravatar.
Traveling Ted recently posted..5 Things to do in Sydney for the adventurous
Lazy Travelers
hahahaha ted
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Leah Travels (@L_e_a_h)
Oooohhhhh….five months! I’m so jealous. I just might start planning my own RTW, which will also be super-secret, too! Whoops! I just ruined my plan, didn’t I?
Leah Travels (@L_e_a_h) recently posted..Italy’s Amalfi Coast: Cruising with Enzo
Kieu ~ GQ trippin
LOVE this! Congrats and lovin’ the whole mystery traveler thing. Since we’re nearing the end of our big trip, we can’t wait to relive it all through you. Looking forward to the unvealing. 🙂
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Seeing Prague on Segway
Francesca
Ooh, a mystery! I like this idea. Looking forward to more “rookie” posts and future adventures!
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John
Looking forward to this! I always love seeing the enthusiasm of these long term travelers, something I definitely admire.
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Pola (@jettingaround)
Wow, some news, huh??!! I too remember the time when I didn’t know what #rtw was. I like that you’re taking 5 months off, as opposed to a year, because I feel like that’s not so extreme, but still gives you a good amount of time to be a nomad. I will be checking in for more posts. Good luck with your adventure.
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