FAQs Part II

We’ve noticed some more common questions since embarking on this adventure and now that we’ve been living “on the road” for a few months, we figured it was time to address them for everyone. 

How do you do laundry?

We were prepared to do all our washing in sinks and brought the necessary gear: sink stopper, high-concentration travel detergent and Tide detergent packets. However, more often than washing it ourselves, we've sent it out through our ho(s)tel or dropped it off at a local laundromat. It's usually pretty cheap. We're happy to report that we've been wearing clean socks and underwear in, like, at least 95% of the photos you've seen! 

What has been your favorite place so far? 

G: All of Southern Africa was amazing. If I had to choose one favorite, it would be South Africa for the intense variety, with Cape Town as the cherry on top. I can’t really put it into words, I just fell in love with that city. 

M: I can't pick. And don't want to. Some highlights are the experiences that pull you into the moment in a special way, such as: 

• Etosha National Park, the first time we saw animals
• Surfing in Jeffrey's Bay 
• Almost stepping on a tarantula walking to the dive boat on a perfect beach in Seychelles  

Was it hard being away from your family during the holidays? 

M: Yes, seeing the holidays pass by over social media from so far away feels strangely like being a ghost. Watching while no one knows you're there. 

G: In a word: yes. We will always miss our families, even while we were living in Denver and our parents and sisters were on the east coast, we missed them. However, it isn't as hard when you're excited to be where you are and it doesn't feel like a holiday. I agree with Mike, the hardest part was seeing photos on social media! 

What else do you miss?

G: I don't miss as much as I thought I would. But there are a bunch of small things I miss. Lately the biggest has been turning on a faucet to brush my teeth. (Because the water in SE Asia isn't great, the safest way to brush your teeth is with treated or bottled water, and I hate it! I feel like my teeth don't get as clean.) Also wearing heels and random foods like bagels and turkey sandwiches...

M: Steaming music and videos, Tempur-Pedic anything, Walking Dead, cooking, using my credit card for everything, getting a paycheck, popcorn with butter, fresh smelling clothes.

Have you guys tried to kill each other yet? 

Only a couple of times! Super proud of ourselves. Stay tuned for a post or two about traveling with your significant other… 

Do you have burning questions that we haven't answered? Email them to us at theyearbetween@gmail.com!  

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions that I've been asked over and over since starting to talk openly about the trip. I've typed out my answers so everyone has all the essential info, in one easy-to-reference location.

Where are you going?

We are starting out with a road trip around the United States, which we’re currently on. In early October, we fly to South Africa. We plan on traveling around Southern Africa for two months, hitting Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa before flying to Thailand. We will then hang out in Thailand for a while before visiting Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines (although not necessarily in that order). From southeast Asia, we’ll fly to New Zealand, and then to Australia. Then, we’ll go to Indonesia for a few months before finally flying to Hawaii and finishing out the year there. 

How long will you be traveling?

If all goes according to plan, at least one year. If we have enough money to keep going, possibly longer. 

How did you decide on a year? 

It sort of felt right, based on the timing and how much we have budgeted. But, again, we’d love to stretch it longer if we can. 

Which place are you most excited to see?

This is the hardest question that I keep getting asked. I know it’s a boring/expected answer, but, I am truly so excited to see every single new place, U.S. destinations included. If I had to pick, I would say Thailand and Australia are "at the top of the list," but only because those are both places that I’ve wanted to visit for years and years and now I know I’m finally going to go. 

What are you doing with your cars? 

I sold my car before leaving Denver and we’re currently driving Mike’s around the country. When we get to New Jersey in October, we’ll leave his car at his parents house. 

How do you pack for a trip like that?

Very lightly! We’re each bringing a backpack with minimal clothing. Outside of clothing, we each have a computer, medicine and a couple of pairs of shoes. I plan on doing a “what’s in our packs” type of post sometime soon!

So, you really quit your jobs? 

In a word, yes. Although Mike was actually granted a year of absence from his job in technology sales. 

And you think your relationship will make it? How long have you guys been together, anyway?

I mean, of course we both feel confident enough in our relationship after 6.5 years together or we wouldn’t be going on this trip. That said, we realize that this is the ultimate relationship test and that it has broken seemingly strong couples in the past. So, we’ll keep you posted. :)

Are you nervous? Or more excited?

It’s hard to answer this question because there are so many emotions firing around that they all start to blend into one indistinguishable emotion that feels sort of like happynervousexcited. The thing about happynervousexcited is that sometimes it seems overwhelming, like, here we have this amazing opportunity that many people aren’t fortunate enough to have and so we need to make the most of it so we don’t let people down and we need to document along the way and we need to do this and that and etc. And all of that can feel stressful. We also realize that we’ll encounter challenging, scary and even dangerous situations. When we think about that too long, we can feel a little bit nervous, sure. But, for the most part, we’re super excited, because even the scary, challenging, stressful situations teach you something and have a way of leaving you better off in the end. 

If you have a question not included in the list above, feel free to email it to us and we’ll get back to you when we can! theyearbetween@gmail.com