As many of you know I did continue to travel when we were saving to pay off our mortgage but often it was a worldwide trip every 2 years.
Don't get me wrong, that was still amazing and we were blessed we could afford to do so.
I returned a few times to Southern Africa. Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia are amazing countries.
In those days I would never have thought of a day when I could have a travel challenge as clearing the mortgage was the most important thing. Looking beyond that seemed pointless.
We have been mortgage free for almost 2 years now. It is a great feeling and it was so worth the frugal times we had.
The frugal lifestyle has been modified now. We are still striving to save on the things that don't matter to afford our travel dreams.
And of course I can now dream about my travel future, and my blogging name SFT really does make sense. I am well aware that life is not my dress rehearsal and in the words of my favourite film it is important to get 'busy living'. That explains the goal being before I'm 50 so I get on with it! Even if I don't achieve it.
I feel incredibly lucky to be able to afford my travel goal. It's what I always wanted to be able to do in life. Already I feel rich with travel memories but I want to have as many more whilst I still can....
So as well as Morocco in October we are also going away in December this year to Vietnam, Laos and Thailand:
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HERE'S THE PLAN:
First we will fly to Vietnam-Explore Hanoi's old quarters then travel to Halong Bay.
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We then return to Hanoi to catch a plane to Laos.
Our next adventure is to Luang Prabang, home to some of the most beautiful Buddhist temples.
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We then travel by boat along the Mekong River through Laos to Northern Thailand.
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Here we visit Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Hopefully visiting the Elephant Orphanage in Lampang..
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Then we head by train to the Thai capital of Bangkok.
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Vietnam is country 57 and since we are not seeing as much as we would wish we plan to return one day.
Laos is country 58 and the main reason for this trip as it's been a mystery destination for a while.
Thailand won't count towards this challenge but who cares...it's such a beautiful country we are so looking forward to going back.
Which of these countries would you wish to go to?
Or if you have done so what was it like?
Sft x
Wow, sound like so much fun! Your itinerary looks like a good one. These are all places that we would love to see some day. We will enjoy looking at your beautiful pictures when you post about your travels there.
ReplyDeletewww.travelwithkevinandruth.com
Hi Ruth
DeleteYes it will be great fun! I love a variety of activities-scenery, animals and water travel are some of my favourites.
I'm sure we will take so many photos. You know what it is like-a photo around every corner!
Sft x
I haven't been to any of them and all of them appeal to me. How fun!
ReplyDeleteHi CC
DeleteI am expecting Vietnam to be very set up for tourists. I'm expecting lots of shopping opportunities there! Laos I think will be more 'real' as not many people visit there. It will be wonderful to explore more of Thailand too.
Of course my predictions could be completely wrong! That's what is so wonderful about travel don't you think? The surprises!
Sft x
My OH was always interested in the Vietnam war (if he had been American he would have been the right age for the draft) as he loves military history. Ive always dreamed of taking him to Vietnam one day. However as we are planning to move from the UK back to my home country of New Zealand, thats kind of on the back burner while we get the house fixed up to sell.
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to reading about your trip.
:o)
Hi Kiwijo
DeleteVietnam is an incredibly interesting country. I think most of the military history is further south from where we are going. Maybe a good reason to go back.
You have some wonderful plans for the future too. Where in New Zealand will you settle?
Sft x
HI SFT
ReplyDeleteNeither of these places interest me - don't like hot, don't like crowds! - but your itinerary sounds great, and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!
xx
Hi Judy
DeleteI hope they won't be that hot. We have chosen this time of year specially-it is more like Spring/Autumn. Mr Sft can't handle the heat.
I expect the cities will be crowded so we will enjoy all the countryside.
We hope to have a wonderful time.
Sft x
I have visited Thailand and would love to return. Vietnam looks amazing so I think I would put it on my list of places I would like to visit. I look forward to hearing about Laos, too.
ReplyDeleteThailand is such an interesting country. I hope to revisit and do a trip down the River Kwai on a rice barge. Vietnam was brilliant and we would love to return again. Laos was an incredible, peaceful place, so beautiful. Looking forward to blogging all about it.
DeleteLooks like a great trip! Question - do you travel on your own or as part of a group in each place? Have a wonderful time
ReplyDeleteHi SAK
DeleteIt really depends where we go. We enjoy independent travel in Europe and English speaking countries. For South East Asia we went with an Adventure Travel company that showed us so much in the time we were there.
Sft x