Jul
29

2 years of blogging & I’d like to thank you with a giveaway!!!

Today marks exactly two years since I published my very 1st blog post “My Round the World Plan”. Oh and since then I have learned not to plan much because things change. I mean really when I look at that post I crack up laughing at how unrealistic it was and how much I have not stuck to my original plans. For my 1 year anniversary I wrote a post about how I am making a difference by blogging. I have to admit I think I still am by being honest and sharing my story. From the emails, messages, tweets, comments I receive I believe I am still inspiring people to live a happy life and that alone makes this all worth it. For my 2nd year anniversary I want to keep it simple. I would just like to thank you for everything. I want to thank each of you who has ever read, commented or shared one of my post. I want to thank each of you who has ever emailed, messaged, commented or tweeted me a question, words of encouragement or admiration. I just want to say thank you, so

THANK YOU!!!

I sit here in disbelief that I have stuck to this for two years. I have a habit of starting new hobbies and ending them half ass-ly (is that a word?), because I get tired of them or am too lazy to keep up with them. For some reason even though yes I am still lazy, I have never once thought about giving up on blogging. I’ve mentioned it before and will mention it again this is something I absolutely love love LOVE doing and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I love that I have platform where I am able to share music I love, my million crazy adventures along with my million crazy thoughts and lets not forget my million crazy encounters (that have got me in trouble from time to time), but most of all I love that people like you actually read what I publish. Of all the content on the web you have chosen to read this and follow my adventure and words can not express how much I appreciate that so thank you again.

—Showing the kids I lived with in India photos on my laptop.—

—Blogging on a beach in India.—

In honor of my 2nd year anniversary and as a small token of appreciation I am doing a small contest/give away for the continued support of my blog & I. Last year I managed to give away an 8″x10″  Easy Canvas Print and this year I am happy to announce I will be giving away two of the best eGuides out there at the moment on two distinct travel subjects. I have received both of them for free to give away. Even though I consider both of the authors my friends I have read both of them and would not dare share them with you or give them away if I did not think they were helpful and actually amazing.

  • THE eBOOKS

Live-a-Life-of-Travel-Wandering-EarlHOW TO LIVE A LIFE OF TRAVEL by EARL: This eBook is for anyone who has ever wanted to turn travel into a lifestyle. It is written by Earl from Wandering Earl who has visited over 75 countries and has been traveling for over 12 years around this amazing world. This book has 220 pages of material that will help you achieve your goal of a life of travel if you want it. He goes into great detail on how you can earn money by actual jobs that can be found around the world that involve discovering a new culture or visiting many of the worlds most amazing cities. He goes straight into the detail that will save you months of research and does not bullshit around. Unlike other eGuides I have read this one actually gives it all away and touches on many subjects that are crucial to making this decision. Like how to travel even if you have debt, or how to travel with less money than you spend at home or what countries offer the best value  and most importantly why you SHOULDN’T wait until you have more money to start your adventure. I know for a fact I don’t want to make a living from my travel blog and this eGuide has now given me a million ideas on how to keep this lifestyle of travel I love so much going.

The-Long-Term-Travelers-GuideTHE LONG-TERM TRAVELER’S GUIDE by JEREMY: This book/eBook is for anyone who has ever wanted to take a long term trip around the world like I am doing. It is written by Jeremy from Living the Dream who has visited over 35 countries and has been traveling on & off for over 4 years. This book has 248 pages of material that will help you get ready for a backpacking adventure around the world of any length. He helps you understand the early stages of making the decision of either going alone or not, deciding where to go and how to save money. Once you have made the decision of doing it he walks you through the months (sometimes years) leading up to your big date, by talking about Visas, airfare, hostel vs hotel, vaccinations, choosing your luggage, clothes, electronics and other preparations. It even helps you deal with things once you are on the road like find your travel style, maintaining your budget and how to deal with the travel ruts you will get into.  I honestly wish this book was available when I was planning my trip because if it would have saved me so much time and heartache on doing all the research it takes to plan a trip like this.

  • THE CONTEST*

I will be giving away 1 copy of How to Live a Life of Travel to one of my readers and 1 copy of  The Long Term Traveler’s Guide to another one of my readers. I will have two winners and each will win 1 of the 2 eGuides I am giving away.

*If you don’t want to enter the contest, but would like to purchase either of the books just click on the title of the book to be taken to their pages and make the purchase.

  • TO ENTER

1. Be sure to “LIKE” the following three fan pages on Facebook:

2. Tweet this post (if you have Twitter) and encourage others to enter.
3. Share why you could use either of the books in a comment below.
4. The contest is open to anyone who has ever read my blog or has just stumbled across my site today.
  • THE WINNER

The winner will be announced a week from today on August 5th, 2012. Since I know most of you that comment frequently I will make this fair. I am going to have my Egyptian friends select who they think deserves the books the most by who ever leaves the best comment below. For all of my silent readers you know I love you tons, but now is the time to leave a comment and win one of these amazing eGuides that can help you start a life of travel whether it’s for a year or forever.

  • THE WINNERS ARE:

SINDY for the comment “Jamie, I really need those ebooks because I am trying to get the courage to travel full time but need a kick in the butt to just do it!!! Wanna, wanna, should, should travel but the do it is bogging me down, LOL”. My friends picked you for “The Long-Term Traveler’s Guide” and they hope it will give you the kick in the butt you need to get out and explore the world.
PATRICIA for the comment “Your big giveaway is perfect, I’ve been eyeing both of these ebooks. As you know next year I’m starting my world adventures in Japan. I’m jumping right in – I have the will power and dedication to travel long-term – but lack practical advice on how to make this dream a reality. Earl’s “How to Live a Life of Travel” in particular would help me understand how to earn an income to keep on traveling forever. Then I can see the pyramids and blog from the beaches of Egypt just like you.” My friends picked you for “How to Live a Life of Travel” and they hope it will give you the practical advice you need to make your dreams of traveling for life a reality.
 Thanks to everyone who participated and if you didn’t win it’s okay because you know you can email me at anytime with any question or questions and I will be more than happy to help you. As for the winners congratulations ladies and I will be emailing you shortly so you can receive your price.

Well not sure what else to say, but to thank you again for everything and to promise you that I will continue bringing you all my thoughts, adventure and anything in between from my time on the road or from where ever I may be. I will also continue to be 100% honest like I have from day one of this blog… you know I don’t care if it’s the good, the bad, the ugly or even the personal. I hope you continue to enjoy it as you follow along and well I also hope you enter at the chance of winning one of the eBooks.

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Comments

  1. congratulations Jaime on your 2nd year! 🙂
    flip recently posted..Android Apps I’m Using for my Travels

  2. Big congrats on reaching 2 years of blogging – you’re one of the first travel blogs I started reading! I haven’t had much time to read anything lately but always love to see what sort of crazy adventures you’re up to! 🙂
    Kieron recently posted..Photo Friday #53: The Best of 2011-2012

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Thanks Kieron, it’s crazy to see some of the 1st blogs you started reading turn another year older. It’s all good, I know you are back in Aus working your ass off to make sure you have future amazing trips. Thanks for reading when you can.

  3. There u go Jamie, I remembered the very first post u wrote, u been so worry abt traveling alone. Is proven now even u cry on the road and almost hitting home after Fes but u have done it in a great great way. U met and stumb lots of nice ppl, making new frens, and off course u met your love one….. and yes along the journey, u have met few bad experience. This is life , try the bitterness, sourness, spicy-ness and here SWEETEST!!!!!! Big Congratulations for yours 730+1 ( this yr is leap yr) days and hope another 365 more days to come. xoxoxo
    p/s: love to thank you for writing this blogs, the bestest blog I ever read for now….cheers

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Jaja June yup so true. I was so worried about so many things & scared as hell, but look at me now. Yes I still get scared, but it’s part of the adventure and one of the best feelings in the world is when you do it and then are not scared anymore. Thanks for reading my blog and for the kind words. It’s crazy that you have been reading it from the beginning. I don’t plan on stopping any time soon… so cheers to many more crazy post!!!

      • Believe me, I read ALL the blogs u wrote and that not crazy. Your’s blog is so fun and u nvr hide anything fr your readers. I don’t think, any bloggers willing to do that. Big Salute for u, Jaime. Looking forward another interesting post fr you….

        • Jaime Davila says:

          Thanks June so much!!! I will have more post out soon… taking a mini break for now (just a week)!!!

  4. Congrats on 2 years, how exciting!!!! I’m so proud of you and your blog. 🙂
    Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..Hong Kong: Plateau Spa At The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

  5. Happy blogaversary, Jaime!! 🙂
    Tiffany recently posted..The Ultimate Swiss Train Challenge. Part 3.

  6. Congratulations! Quite an accomplishment!
    Jonathan Look, Jr. recently posted..Zapatista Passport Check

  7. Congrats on 2 years of blogging Jaime! And yes, your RTW plan post is hilarious!
    Ali recently posted..Weekly Photo – Acropolis in Athens, Greece

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Thanks Ali & omg it’s a HOT FUCKING MESS!!! I mean really I had no clue what I was doing or even thinking.

  8. Sindy Elamrani says:

    WOW, 2 years already? I first stated reading your blog right after the DUI and have lived my dream of travel every since thru you.

    Jamie, I really need those ebooks because I am trying to get the courage to travel full time but need a kick in the butt to just do it!!! Wanna, wanna, should, should travel but the do it is bogging me down, LOL

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Wow thank you Sindy for reading my blog since then. Thank you for entering the contest… I hope you do find the courage to travel full time even if it’s for a year or two… or hell a few months. It’s something that will change you forever and well you know that if you ever need anything you can email me. Remember we have 1 life to live… so live it with no regrets.

  9. Congrats on two years 🙂 I remember reading from the beginning and OH MY GOSH, time flies!
    Heather recently posted..Cupcakes and macarons in Washington, DC — The Sweet Lobby

    • Jaime Davila says:

      I know it’s crazy how time flies Heather… I still remember finding your blogging and reading it for hours & well now I have been following for just as long it seems.

  10. Isn’t it fun looking back at how your travel blog began!? Happy Blog Birthday to you!
    Kae Lani | A Travel Broad recently posted..Boston: A Student’s City

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Thanks Kae! It really is fun to see how it all started and reading your 1st few post and feeling like WTF… was I thinking.

  11. I am a obsessive travel freak and fellow travel blogger with a similar habit of starting new hobbies and ending them half ass-ly (& no that is not a word… but should be 😉 so I can definitely relate! Although, I think you have inspired me to be a little more regular in my posts! Happy 2 yr!! I am glad that you stuck with it and continue to share your adventures! One day I will have the balls to do a RTW trip, but for now it’s little side trips every few months 🙂

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Glad I am not alone Jenny & yes that so should be a word. I mean it makes complete sense…lol!!! I am glad I can inspire you to write more regular post, but I’ll be honest with you. It comes with time. I remember when I first started I would write one every 2-3weeks sometimes even longer. It was bad, but now I have set a schedule that I love keeping and pump out post I love often. I hope one day you have the balls to do a RTW trip and if you ever need help you know you can just email me & I’d be happy to help you. For now though enjoy what you are doing, because as long as you are happy that is all that matters.

  12. Congrats on 2 years! Just about a year for me, looking forward to my terrible twos!
    Jeremy recently posted..The Route to My Roots

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Thank you very much Jeremy, I was just thinking I hope blogs don’t have terrible twos…lol!!!

  13. Congratulations Jaime for the awesome years and wishing you more! See you on the road wherever it may be.

    Cheers! 🙂
    Doc Wends recently posted..China, the new Olympic powerhouse

  14. Congrats Jamie. You’ve got a great blog. Keep up the good work. Here’s to another 2 years.
    Katherine | Kapcha The World recently posted..MRI’s and why it felt like tripping out on an airplane

  15. Congratulation on reaching two years of travel blogging! I came across your site a couple months ago and have been happily reading along. We are starting our backpacking trip in Sept so both books would be great to read before we head out! I like all three fb pages!
    Vicky recently posted..Funny Spam Friday – A Look At Spam

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Thank you Vicky, happy to hear you will be doing a similar trip soon. Let me know if you need anything. I’d be more than happy to help you!

  16. Hi Jamie, I came across you site today and I can’t believe I’ve never seen it before! I think I’ve fallen totally in love with it! I really hope you keep travelling because I want to keep reading all your stuff although I’m really sorry about you and your boyfriend, that post was one of the saddest things I’ve ever read. Anyway, thanks for keeping me happy at work jamie!
    Sammy Corfield recently posted..Rant of the Day: Why Should I bother learning a Foreign Language?

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Hi Sammy & welcome to my blog. I am happy you enjoy it and glad you will be coming back for more. About my bf it was a tough decision to make, but one I know I am happy with. If you need anything let me know… Im always happy to help out my readers.

  17. Congrats on two years of blogging and to many, many more 🙂 I am so glad that you started this blog, without it our paths would’ve never crossed! XOXO
    Dani | Globetrottergirls recently posted..What I Wonder When I Wonder: I Think A Podcast Saved My Life (plus a chance to win $300)

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Thanks Dani so much… and I know right if I had never started this blogs so many things would be different and I honestly don’t even think I’d be traveling. So happy our paths have crossed twice so far and hopefully many more to come!!!

  18. Jaime. Just wanted to say I peeked through a couple of your older posts and I had to just repost this here:

    You were talking about your “State of my Breakaway” or something and there’s a section on your emotions…

    “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?”

    Just want to say, look how far you are in two years–and you’ve met your prince charming!
    Anyway, I adore you and let’s talk again soon.

    Love,
    Lisa

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Oh wow Lisa, wow I have forgotten all about that post. I just reread it and how crazy. I don’t even know what to think… I mean it’s crazy how time flies and how with time I have become so comfortable with the life I am living. Oh & as for my Prince Charming… yes I found him & even though I am leaving him I have a feeling it won’t be the end. I adore you too & miss you tons.

  19. Congratulations Jaime on two years on the road!! Keep rocking it!!

    Your big giveaway is perfect, I’ve been eyeing both of these ebooks. As you know next year I’m starting my world adventures in Japan. I’m jumping right in – I have the will power and dedication to travel long-term – but lack practical advice on how to make this dream a reality. Earl’s “How to Live a Life of Travel” in particular would help me understand how to earn an income to keep on traveling forever. Then I can see the pyramids and blog from the beaches of Egypt just like you 😉

    Cheers Jaime, here’s to the next two years (be they traveling or back home).
    Patricia GW recently posted..7/29 This Week in Photos

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Thanks Pat, ahh so good to hear you will be starting your adventure very soon. I can’t wait to read all about it. Thanks for entering the contest & oh yes you must visit Egypt if you live a life of travel. Cheers to the amazing futures we have planned!!!

  20. Finally trying to catch up on the blog and wanted to say congrats man, you are a travel and blogging inspiration to Julia & I!
    Scott recently posted..The Secret Escapes of South Africa

    • Jaime Davila says:

      It’s all good Scott, thanks for the kind words. Hope the two of you continue to enjoy your amazing trip around the world as well.

  21. Big congrats on hitting the 2 year mark! I love reading your blog, you make me laugh loads.we’ve been in some many countries at the same time, sooner or later we’ll catch up.

    Cheers
    Lynne

    BTW India has got under my skin too, despite the rats!

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Thank you very much Lynne and so happy you enjoy reading my blog & hope our paths cross soon. That would be so cool!!! Oh & India… for some reason I can’t stop thinking about her.

  22. Have I really been reading and watching you grow for two years now? Seems like just the other day you hadn’t even started your trip yet.

    Congratulations and keep it up! =D
    David | ORD To Anywhere recently posted..It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye

  23. Yet another big milestone for you, congratulations!
    Ayngelina recently posted..Torn between two worlds

  24. Primo FELICIDADES! can’t believe its been 2 years blogging and on the road for more than a year! I have to say I’m very happy and proud for you and of you. Some of my friends have been reading your blog and asked me if all our family is as crazy as you and me are? and well I think we all are jajaja in our different crazy ways but you and me are different and I love that! I am so proud of you and how brave you have been not only to travel but let yourself go and learn so much about yourself and all these different countries and cultures. Well I love you and we’ll keep in touch.

    in regards to the contest well I have to say I want to be entered 😀

    You know i’m a traveler but not like you … I do it from time to time and wait for opportunities however that kinda kills the adventurer in me. As spontaneous as I am I’m not going to lie I love my travels but they have turned out to be so planned in some sense that I would like to learn how to “Live a life of Travel” and just go! I know that no age is too old to start or continue to travel and I want to be able to do that! I am learning so much from the blog and can take as much advice and knowledge as i can get! Love ya again! and thanks for the opportunity!

    • Jaime Davila says:

      EEeeee gracias PRIMA, I know I can’t believe I have been blogging for 2 years. It’s been an amazing 2 years and I love it & don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I’m glad you share my blog with your friends and ja yes you & I are the crazy ones, but a good crazy and that is good. It makes me so happy to hear you are proud of me, it really means a lot to hear that from a family member. I love that you entered the contest. I know you love to travel and know we are in different places in our lives, but know that if you wanted to do what I am doing you really could. Brenda en serio que it’s amazing even if it’s planned travel or not travel is travel so it’s the same. We’ll see who my friends pick as the winners. I love you too & of course will keep in touch.

  25. Kathy Vennell says:

    Congratulations Jaime!! We your friends are truly blessed being able to live the dream through you. Your blogs have been incredibly honest, open, full of adventure, information and more. You take so much time helping others through your online contact answering our questions and giving encouragement. I’m not sure how you find the time, lol.

    I can’t wait to buy your coffee table book of pictures. I love reading your blog and facebook entries. And thank you for all your encouragement and answers to my questions. You have shown me that traveling the world is possible for all of us……Maybe I should have made Playa del Carmen, Mexico my last stop not my first because I can’t seem to leave here. I love it!

    And a special thank you for taking the time to meet me while you stopped here in Playa. It was a pleasure. Keep up the great blog!

    • Jaime Davila says:

      Thank you so much Kathy seriously I am also blessed to have friends like you and the many readers that I have as well. I love that I can share my adventures and people read them. That is one of the most amazing feelings in the world and helping any of you is just a small portion of the work I do and am always happy to help. I do plan on putting together a coffee table book of pictures I have taken, but not sure if anyone would want to buy it…lol. I’ll let you know if and when I do. I am glad I was able to meet you in Playa and am happy you are happy. That is all that matters so if you stay in Playa the rest of your life it’s still amazing because you are happy. If you wanna travel let me know and you know I will be more than happy to help you.

  26. amigo felicidades por esta maravillosa aventura ya se te extraña por el pueblo

  27. Patricia GW says:

    Ahhh Jaime, thank you so much ♥ Please give your Egyptian friends big hugs from me. I’m so thankful!

  28. People like you give people like us the confidence to believe it can be done. SO although you are thanking everyone here … I think we should thank you. Congrats!
    Montecristo Travels recently posted..The Story of Moby – The Traveling Dog’s BFF

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