What kinda gone are we talkin’ bout here?

I am a big fan of country music and there is an older song I heard on the radio the other night by Chris Cagle called, What Kinda Gone.  It reminded me of my current situation because as I have been talking to people about my trip and answering all the questions, one of the main ones I keep getting is, “how long are you going to be gone?”  So, I figured now would be a good time to clarify what kinda gone I am talkin’ bout here.

Gone

As of now, I plan to be gone for a year.  I have funds that should last me that long and I think it is a reasonable amount of time for a trip of this magnitude.  But, I am not sure I could do much more than that.  I know I will be missing my pup and I think I will want to get back to “normal” life again at some point.  I recognize that I may get out there and hate it (unlikely, but I am a realist) and I know I can always come back home.  At this point though, the plan is to take a year and enjoy it all!

My Travel Approach

When I first started thinking about where I wanted to go on this trip a lot of blogs recommend you to plan your route 6 months in advance.  Well, I am currently less than 5 weeks out from leaving and I have no plans beyond my first stop in New Zealand.  Call me crazy (you wouldn’t be the first), but I didn’t want a structured itinerary.  No RTW ticket, I am going with the “fly by the seat of my pants” plan!  And I couldn’t be more excited.

Since I am traveling solo, this allows me so much flexibility to go where I want, when I want.  I have ideas of countries and areas I would like to go, but nothing firm.  In my mind, this allows me certain advantages:

  • If I love a place, I can stay a couple extra days…or leave if I hate it
  • I can search for flights/transportation, see what is available, and just go
  • If I meet people that are headed somewhere fun, I may just go with them

 lets go

There are also some disadvantages to this type of travel:

  • Might end up paying more for transportation at the last minute
  • Makes is more difficult to have  friends and family come meet me somewhere when I don’t even know where I’ll be in 3 months 🙁

I have always been able to strike a balance between planning and going with the flow.  I think this way of traveling fits my personality perfectly.  I may have a change of heart once I get out on the road, but I can always make adjustments.  I am sure I will be making quite a few over the next year!

Who else follows the “fly by the seat of my pants” plan?  What advice do you have for me?

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One Response to What kinda gone are we talkin’ bout here?

  1. Terah December 20, 2013 at 14:35 #

    and, you could decide that you love it and find a way to make it your new reality and keep on going forever! so many possibilities!!!

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