I’ve been thinking that this would be a good time to sum up what the state of my BREAKAWAY is. My last four post were not related to my RTW trip but were very personal and I felt the need to share that story with everyone. You can read about THE MISTAKE or 17.5 HOURS IN JAIL or THE CONSEQUENCES or THE NEW ME if you haven’t already done so.
As my departure date nears I want to review what I have done so far to prepare for it and what I still have to do. I plan on posting the “STATE OF MY BREAKAWAY” about every 2-3 months. I want to be sure to keep y’all posted with how ready I am to BREAKAWAY!
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STATE OF MY DEPARTURE DATE
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I LEAVE IN LESS THAN 8 MONTHS… EEEeeee SCARY!!! I do not have an official date yet, because I have not booked my plane ticket. I do however know I am gonna be leaving on or before July 27, 2011!!!
I was planning on leaving mid/late August but as I was doing research I found out that Gay Pride in Amsterdam is August 4-7. Since I had already planed to start in Paris and make my way to Amsterdam a week later I thought screw it why not move it up and make it in time for one of the biggest gay festivals in the world!
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STATE OF MY SAVINGS
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Ahhh MONEY that little paper that makes the world go round and go crazy. I’ve been thinking all backpackers should unite and ask the government for a bailout (not that we need it since most of us are not in debt). Hell they keep giving our tax dollars away why not put to good use and help represent our country in a better way (just a thought). I wish it just grew on trees but sadly it doesn’t.
As you can see to the right the state of my savings is currently $8,425.00 my goal is too save $18,000.00. That is way below what it was a few weeks ago. I would have already crossed the $10,000.00 mark but I have started to purchase things for the trip and well now I’m at $8,425.00. I have 8 months to save an additional $10,000.00. I know that sounds crazy but I am going to make it happen.
If you follow me on twitter you know that as soon as I got off probation I started looking for a part time job. Well I applied EVERYWHERE with no luck.I finally had a talk with my self (yes sometimes I talk with my self) and am making myself work any and all OVERTIME that is being offered at work. I can barely stand working 40 hours there but oh well I have gotta do what I gotta do to make my DREAM possible. I am going to try to work 40-50 additional hours every month. That should help bring in an extra $700-$1000 per month and will got straight to my savings account.
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STATE OF MY SHOPPING
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Early September I asked y’all “Is it too soon to start shopping?” I got a lot of great advice and mixed reactions. Well I went ahead and started shopping anyway. I have purchased some of the bigger items I need already and because of that my savings account has taken a hit for about $1,500.00. It’s sad to see this money go but it is stuff I need/want to backpack around the world. Since I hadn’t been doing any shopping I thought it would feel great buying these things but it actually hurt. I work so hard to save the money and then to see it go in a split second is just sad.
BIG ITEMS I HAVE PURCHASED:
- BACKPACK – Deuter ACT Lite 40 + 10 Pack
Will write a full post with details about this later.
- LAPTOP – 13-inch MacBook Pro
I wasn’t planning on getting it already, but it was $101 off on Black Friday.
- EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE – Western Digital 500GB, USB 2.0
I wasn’t planning on getting it already, but was $15 off on Cyber Monday and I had a $5 off coupon.
BIG ITEMS I STILL NEED TO PURCHASE:
- VACCINATIONS
Still need to do research to see which ones I need. I know I need to start getting them late January early February.
- VISAS
Still need to do research to see which countries I need to get a VISA in advance for.
- MEXICAN PASSPORT
I have dual citizenship and am a citizen of Mexico & United States of America. I have my American passport and plan on getting my Mexican one before I leave. I know this will come in hand when crossing some borders.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE
I know for sure I’m buying it I just need to do research to see with which company I am gonna end up going with.
- PLANE TICKET
I plan on purchasing it 3-4 months before departure to find the best deal.
- BANK ACCOUNTS
I need to open a checking account with Charles Schwab and set up a credit card with Capital One. These are the most travel friendly accounts and I plan on taking advantage of that.
So I have gotten a few things out of the way but still have a lot more to do. These are just a list of big items I need. If you wanna see the full list you can read it here.
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STATE OF MY EMOTIONS
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Planning my RTW trip is a constant tug of war with my emotions. I wake up thinking about it. I go to sleep thinking about it. I really have a million emotions and thoughts just running through my mind at all times… like:
Am I really gonna do this?
After today is one less day to wait for take off.
Do I really want to start in Paris? I can start anywhere in the world.
What if something happens to me on the road?
OMG what if I fall in love with my prince charming?
Ugh I hate my job… (I check the calendar) okay calm down only a few more months.
EEEEeeee I wanna BREAKAWAY already!!!!!
I think over all I am playing it pretty cool and keeping my emotions in check. Okay who am I kidding sometimes I just can’t control them. I know to a few people I can’t shut up about it (thanks Jessica & Jorge & the whole travel/twitter community for putting up with me) but I just can’t help it. I have to talk to someone about it.
I’ve done a lot already to get ready for the big day, but I don’t think its going to hit me until I purchase my plane ticket. Okay no its not going to hit me until I board the plane to PARIS. That’s when I am gonna feel like this… FREE & FEARLESS!!!
I think in general I have made good progress. Some of the things I still need to buy/do I cannot start buying/doing until my departure date gets closer. So what do y’all think, any advice on what I should get? Do you know who I can write too to get a bailout? Am I missing any major items on any of my lists? If you’ve been or already are on a RTW trip how soon was it before you did/bought some of the big items I have left to do/buy? Give me any and all advice or just your thoughts below.
The savings thing is the hardest thing for me to deal with. I quit my job in July to start my path to being a full time photographer. Needless to say that this has taken a toll on our ability to save the full amount for our trip.
Regardless I am the happiest I’ve ever been and am willing to choose life over money. We’re making our way slowly but surely with Shaun’s humble wages.
Keep it up – even if you do not reach your savings goal, you can make some flexible decisions to make your travels last as long as possible! <3
Erica recently posted..Travel Photography December 3
Erica,
I would have to agree its the hardest cus its easy to save but hard to make extra $$$ to make the savings grow faster. I had no clue you quit your job and became a full time photographer thats awesome. Im gonna have to chat with you cus I have a few questions about maybe getting a DSLR. That is good though that you are happy cus thats what it should be about.
That’s awesome you know roughly when you’re going to be leaving… we’re still not sure whether we’re gonna leave in June, July or August (all depends on the savings!). Though we’re counting down until the 1st of June, it makes it all seem closer! 🙂 From what I’ve heard, the best time to buy the plane ticket is 8 weeks before you depart but obviously keep an eye out for special offers.
I know just about all of those emotions you wrote here so well! Amy & I are really starting to get bored in our jobs knowing that it’s only a few months until we won’t be there anymore. We just want to leave and continually have to tell ourselves that we must wait! But arghhh, waiting sucks!
The best advice we can give is keep talking to other travellers… we’ve learned so much over the past couple of months and so many of our plans have changed based on this advice! The best advice – whatever you forget, you can almost always buy on the road.
Kieron,
I would say go with late July early August to give you more time to save more. Since I moved my trip up I knew I would be missing out on at least $1500 in extra pay, but oh well Ill make it up with OT! I’ve heard that too about plane tickets. I do so much research before I book any flight to make sure I am getting a deal, ill make sure to find the best.
The emotions are so true its crazy. It drives me up the wall sometimes cus its like damn it I know ill be gone soon but come on already. Thanks for the advice too.
I know exactly what you mean about waiting. It really is painful having to wait when you just want to leave right now. Keep it up though! You’re doing an awesome job saving. Everything will fall into place so no worries.
Michael recently posted..Burn Plastic for More Space
Thanks Michael, it is really painful but your right everything will fall into place.
1. Jealous of your dual citizenship. I will become a citizen of somewhere else before I die, I swear!
2. I’m going to be in Sydney for Gay Mardi Gras so you should be there for that whenever you get there! It’s supposed to be insane. http://www.mardigras.org.au/
3. Let me know what you think of Charles Schwab accounts and Capital One credit card because I am thinking of doing the same thing.
Good luck!
Caroline,
1) Pick a country any country you want a passport from… I know how we can get you one from there…lol!!!
2)OMG I SO WANNA GO WITH YOU!!! Im gonna look into that.
3) I will be sure to let you know. Ill most likely write a post about it like everyone else jajaja!!!
Thanks for the luck~
Sounds exciting man. Good luck with everything, and believe me you need to find inspiration to work as many hours as possible for the next 8 months, put your life on hold. Believe me, with 18,000 you could probably travel forever as long as you learn to monetize this site the right way, and travel smart with your money. Good luck with everything, and if you ever need advice you can always shoot me an email
Brendan van Son recently posted..Guess where I’m going
Thanks Brendan for the encouragement. Im going to do just that (keep on working and saving as much as I can). Hopefully one day my site becomes monetized and I will keep in mind to come to you with any questions.
How exciting!!!!! You’re gonna have the time of your life. I think you should leave on July 23 (which is my Bday). 🙂
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Andi, that is not a bad idea at all! I’ll let ya know if i do, still got a while before purchasing the ticket.
yea you bettter leave that day cause my bday the 16 and even though im not home doesnt mean i dont want a happy birthday phone call lol. o and make sure you keep me updated where you’re at cause who knows maybe ill be at the same city. lol
I will be sure too call you on your birthday I wouldnt forget and yes ill keep you posted through facebook, twitter & my blog!!! Also you need to set up a skype account!!!
i have one but dont use it
It’s coming up fast man! I’m super excited for you! And insanely jealous that you’re going to Amsterdam Pride. The biggest Pride I’ve been to was Montreal in 2006 during the Outgames which I competed in. So much gay!!! And for a kid from a town of 5000 in rural Saskatchewan, it was a bit overwhelming!
And on the vaccinations front, Yellow Fever is pretty much a must if you plan to go to a few specific countries. I don’t know off hand which ones, but I know there are some that will refuse you entry if you don’t have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.
Beyond that, I would say your hepatitises(hepatitisis’? hepati’s?) are a good one to consider. Definitely do your research! I ended up getting Yellow fever, adult polio, Tetanus/Diptheria/pertusis, Hep A, Hep A booster with Typhoid, Rabies(x3), and the flu shot. I am a pin cushion now.
Take care man! I’m loving your posts.
Corey W. recently posted..Day 5 – Democracy in Action
Corey, WOW i bet that PRIDE was amazing during the Outgames, I could only imagine the craziness. Oh I would have loved to go to that. What did you compete in?
Thanks for the advice on the shots.
Keep up the good work Jaime, your savings will get there. I can definitely relate to having something so huge & important that you’re almost always thinking about it. As for meeting your prince charming, he won’t be the one unless he has the same passion for travel. Any guy you meet between now & your RTW date will seem less appealing if you would have to change your plans to be with him. If you meet him while you’re both backpacking….different story 🙂
Ali recently posted..Opt Out of What
Ali, isnt it just crazy when you have that constant thought in your head. Its like no matter what it won’t leave you, but at least they are good thoughts.
About my prince charming girl thats who I am going to find. He’s gonna be 6’1″ blonde hair, blue eyes, nicely toned and is going to love backpacking. Trust I would not change my RTW plan for no man, they are all over the planet so I will be fine.
Good to hear that you’re still on track!
I agree with Ali, at this point, wouldn’t your Prince Charming be going with you on your RTW, not holding you back from it? 😉 Now that’s charming!
Good luck at the daily grind, I know it sucks sometimes. I’m lucky to have a relatively painless job at times, but every once in awhile “the suck” sets in. Just pull up Flickr and type in “Paris/Mumbai/Luxor” and let some calm float over you.
With all the traveling I do, chances are we might meet up overseas. Maybe I can buy you at drink/apple tea/chai depending where you are and save you some cash for the road!
David, ill say to you what I said to Ali so jaja read the comment above about my prince charming.
Oh when “the suck” sets in I tweet…lol!!! Thats why I never stop tweeting.
Hopefully we can meet up along the road and I will most def take you up on your drink offer.
Congratulations you will be leaving in a few months time. I really hope you surpass your savings target
Thanks Zablon, I am going to try hard to surpass my goal. I really wanna save $20K but I will be more than happy with $18K!!!
I can relate to the range of emotions thing. Mine is more that I don’t want to leave the company that I built but I also don’t want to be tied down by it.
I haven’t purchased any thing for my trip yet, I’ll probably get the pack first. What do you think of the pack you bought so far? I’m gonna go with a 40L too, wanna eliminate the opportunity to pack more crap.
Nick Laborde recently posted..1-788 miles and 33 ideas – The inside scoop
Nick, wow yeah thats gonna be a hard one but like I said up there “you gotta do what you gotta do” especially if its too live your dream.
Oh I love the pack I bought. Its 40L and extends to 50L if needed. We (me and jenny) spent about 3hrs looking at all types and sizes. I was focused on a 40 pack and found this one. It has a lot of lil compartments and to me it feel just perfect. I put the link up there if you want the full details. The reason I am going with 40L is cus i know me and I know I am lazy and do not want to be carrying so much crap around.
Hey Boo, thanks for always being so open and honest on these posts. I let you vent about your fears, excitement, and plans because I expect to hear about all the good things while you are traveling too! I know being a corporate slave sucks but they pay the bills and help the savings stack up!!! I will make sure you stay on track because we both will have great departures in July 2011. Believe it.
Much Love Pinky
QueenB
Thanks QB, Im going try to always be honest and open, I just see no reason to lie about anything. Thank you seriously so much for listening to me like NON STOP about this. I am ready for the both of us to BREAKAWAY and venture on to our new paths.
Mucho Amor
Pinky
We have to talk! Lots of info we can pass along on all those topics. For starters, even though Cap 1 is the devil, their credit card is great for international travel.
We think it’s great that you are starting in Paris. Kick off with a bang!
NVRG, I like that “WE HAVE TO TALK” jaja so confirming. Since yall have been traveling so much I am sure yall have a lot of advice for me and TRUST i will take it.
Oh & YES ITS GOING TO START OFF WITH A HUGE BANG!!!
EEEEeee I SO CANT WAIT!!!
The emotional rollercoaster is something I think we all need to acknowledge! The only travel blogs I was reading months in advance of my trip were those of folks who had been on the road for ages and I never read about the pre-trip stuff. I’m all ears if you ever need to rant, vent, think things out loud, or celebrate a victory 🙂
Glad you got some deals around Black Friday and Cyber Monday…still thinking about a camera?
Happy for you love!
Heather recently posted..Guest post- On Top of the World Down Under
Aw thanks Heather! I think I am going to be hitting you up soon with A LOT of questions on living/working in Australia.
Yes I am still debating about buying a DSLR or not! Still have a while to think about it and I wanna focus on getting my savings up 1st!
Glad we got to connect this morning, though brief since I had to catch my bus! Let’s go for audio soon! 🙂
Heather recently posted..Guest post- On Top of the World Down Under
Me too & yes we will try for audio next time!!!
“OMG what if I fall in love with my prince charming?”
Don’t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL.
I understand all the excitement/fear but believe me it’s going to be easier than you think. And you can always ask for advice/support to all the travel peeps community, isn’t it great? 🙂
Good luck and good job with the savings! =) It’s much more than what I had when I left.
And I love your “EEEeee” XD
Giulia recently posted..Being sick in Cairo sucks!
Giulia, yeah I dont think I am its just a though that crosses my mind…lol!!!
Oh I love that we can all turn to each other for advice its like the best thing ever.
Jajaja I EEEEeee all the time especially when I am supper excited.
Ay wey… pues la verdad no sé que consejo darte! :S Todo parece indicar que tienes todo muy bien planeado… Ojalá que de aquí a Julio ahorres todo el dinero que necesitas. Pero sino, pues te esperas hasta que pase mi CUMPLEAÑOS (14-08) jajajaja… just kidding 😛
Sabes que es lo único que se me ocurre? que no compres cosas aqui que puedes comprar allá (en donde quiera que vayas a estar)… puedes aprovechar el espacio para llevar algo más o para que no pese tanto la mochila… o para que después compres algo allá y lo echas ahí 😉
Algo más… yo quiero regalarte algo que vayas a llevar a lo largo de TODO el viaje… así sentiré que me llevas contigo siempre 😀
R recently posted..RamiroGordz- de TANTO que cené hasta me quiero vomitar wakalaquerico
R, gracias por el commentario. Tienes mucha rason de no llevar me todo con migo pa poder comprar por mientas que ste viajando.
Ah y perdon no me puedo esperar asta despues de tu cumple porque me tengo que ir lo mas pronto posible. Y si me regalas algo regalame algo de valor por si acaso lo tengo que vender porue ocupo $$$!!! jajaja~
Jajajajaja pendejo!!! Mejor vende las nalgas en algún burdel de Amsterdam o por ahí!!! jajajaajajjaa 😛
Melissa va para Houston poco antes de Navidad… yo no voy a ir 🙁 pero te lo mando con ella.
Yo sé que no estarás para mi cumple… no te preocupes. Cuando regreses ya habrá tiempo.
YW! Glad to be helpful! 😀 xoxoxo
R recently posted..RamiroGordz- RT @eonline- Transformers 3 Trailer- Its All NASAs Fault! http-eonline-evi5VF
Stats pendejo no me voy vender, si sta guapo me regalo jajaja no te creas!!!!
Okay dile que me hable!!!!
I think you should do nothing for the next few months and rush around like a crazy man in the last month, it’s what everyone does and it’s all part of the fun.
It’s painful reading about having to work so much and save so hard, It wasn’t long ago I was doing the same and it’s not fun but well worth I promise!
I can’t wait for you to set off, I’m really excited to read what you get up to!
Poi, OMG NO way I could do that. I love to procrastinate but I could NOT procrastinate on this. This is the one thing I have to make sure I get right and done so that I am ready to take off with ease.
Oh lord I don’t anyone is gonna want to ready what I am up too. Im gonna be a hot mess.
Hey Jamie, Keep it up. I know it’s hard to save $$ not just you. It’s everyone, but I know you can do it! Even though it’s 8 months count down.. but I can imagine how excited you are every day.
Thanks Sarah, it is hard but its gonna be so worth it!!!
Its simply because you feel more about your feelings. Creating peace and accepting things as they are you can set yourself off the hook for being happy all the time!
Hmm thats a good way to see it. Thanks Mark!
Good luck on your savings Jamie, I am sure you will make it. I do have a comment though..are you sure the Mexican passport will do you any good? Perhaps it will save you some money when going to Brazil (perhaps!) but generally speaking Mexico has no agreements with countries around the world and you will need a Visa. I say this because my wife is from Mexico and traveling with her passport was a nuissance. She now has a Spanish passport and traveling is SO much easier! Oh, and I think the Mexican passport is not cheap either 🙂
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Federico, thanks for the info. Im gonna look into it to see if its worth it or not.
Ok yes, you FOR SURE without fail need on your trip………………………….TO TAKE ME WITH YOU! LoL! Ok but all joking aside, maybe calling cards? Oh & a phone that works overseas. I think ours does not, but I’m not 100% sure. So that’s my 2-3 cents, but then again what do I know about world travel, South America is as far as I’ve gotten lol!
Cynthia I would stick you in my carry on but its going to be like super small so I don’t know how i would take you with me…. We have 8 months to figure something out.
No calling cards no ma’m no one uses those anymore & nope I am not taking my cell phone either. I am going to be sure to set everyone I love with Skype. With that we can IM, voice chat and video chat. I’ve been using it for a while and love it plus it free for everyone. Also you have been to 1 more continent then I have so you got me beat, for now!
Book your flight! It’s scary and you’ll want to puke but it changes everything.
You should also look into getting your vaccinations abroad, many times its much cheaper.
By the way last night I had a dream that I didn’t travel with my 65L but a 40L and I was much happier in the dream. I have no idea why I dreamt that but I wholeheartedly support the 40L decision.
ayngelina recently posted..Not a change of heart but a change of plans
Oh I know I can’t wait to book it! I will when it gets closer to get the best deal.
About my vaccinations you’re the 3rd person to tell me that, but Im gonna go ahead and get them here. Im going to a city clinic where they will not be as cheap as outside our country but cheaper then a travel Dr. I dont wanna worry about my shots once I am abroad.
About the backpack… I love your dream. I am so glad I went with the 40L, I have a feeling its going to work out great. I dont want the extra space to fill it up with things I don’t need.
Jaime recently posted..STATE OF MY BREAKAWAY
Hi Jaime
I know very well how you feel. I’ve been through the same. The whole pre-trip period was quite overwhelming, but also very exciting. One piece of advise I could offer is not to waste too much money on the things you think you need for your trip.I am talking mostly about stuff like clothes and gadgets. I’m not sure how it is with you, but I was very tempted to buy everything that I thought would be useful. But the fact is that you don’t need much when you are on the road, and if for some reason you decide you really need something, you can always buy it where you are, usually for much less than at home.
After the first few weeks on the road I sent almost half of my clothes and some gadgets back home, because I was wearing the same two t-shirts all the time and didn’t use most of the crap I took with me.
Anyway, good luck with the rest of your preparations. Can’t wait to read the first reports from the road! 🙂
Magda
magda recently posted..Inle Lake
Nice write,
I have the same emotional war going on too, after my last email with nomadicmatt I have pretty much let go of a lot of my worries so far.
Glad I’m not the only one who thinks the same way, as for the DSLR I bought me the new Sony m4/3 its so much smaller like the size of a P&S yet a full size sensor like a larger DSLR.
Sony, Panasonic & Olympus make the micro 4/3 (they are referred to as “the micros”) I don’t know if Nikon or Canon will come up with their versions or not, I went with Sony because they bought Konica/Minolta and the fact Sony is very good with the technical (not camera aspects) but the fact they have the Konica part of the company that they didn’t have before makes their products better than they used to if it weren’t for the fact they bought Konica I wouldn’t have dared to buy Sony cameras of any kind.
I’m not planning on any RTW of any kind at this point, I am not emotionally ready for that I do plan to spend most of my time in the US/Canada and then seek some guidance going to Europe in 2012. You’ll have to read my blogs someday 🙂