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Since we both love lists, tables, and spreadsheets we actually had a somewhat methodical way of coming up with our destinations. We used a white board (kind of embarrassing actually) to list each continent with cities we wanted to visit. In case you're wondering, Australia/New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and South America were on our list. Then we created a table listing each destination with average temperatures by month. Crossing off destinations with poor weather basically gave us our draft list....well that and the fact that we really wanted to go to Asia and I HAD to see the Tour De France. Thus Asia and Europe won out. And finally, we changed stuff based on input from friends and family.
When we first started planning we were thinking about traveling for 2 months. Once we actually started mapping it out we ended up with a 4 1/2 month itinerary. I know - crazy!! We just figured that we probably won't get an opportunity like this again so we should make the most of it. :)
So here it is....the final plan. Asia is pretty much locked down. Europe may change slightly since train travel allows more flexibility.
Apr 20: Our journey begins!
Apr 21 - 27: Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Kinosaki)
Apr 28 - May 1: Beijing
May 2 - 5: Shanghai
May 6 - 9: Hong Kong
May 10 - 25: Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue/Hoi An, Nha Trang/Mui Ne, Ho Chi Min)
May 26 - Jun 1: Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap)
Jun 2 - 3: Bangkok
Jun 4 - 16: Bali
Jun 17 - Jul 6: Italy (Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast)
Jul 7 - 20: Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Pamplona)
July 21 - 31: France (Bordeaux, Paris, Provence, South of France)
Aug 1 - 14: Spain (Seville, Southern Coast, Ibiza, Barcelona)
Aug 15 - 25: Croatia/Prague/Budapest (Not sure we'll do all this)
Aug 26 - Sep 3: Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Countryside)
Oh and yes we split up Spain because we're meeting peeps in Italy and had to run with the bulls and see Tour de France!!
That's it....we're hoping that many of you can meet up with us!!
Hey Sejal and Darsh, I have to admit that I'm completely surprised that Ireland made the list after you looked at destinations and crossed off places with 'poor weather'..... you do know about the weather in Ireland, right!!!! So THRILLED you guys are still coming this way and what a way to finish up the trip. Really look forward to seeing you and by then, hearing about ALL your adventures. Have a total blast, it will be the trip of a life time. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI am so so so excited for you guys. A trip of a lifetime. I will eagerly await blog posts so i can keep up with your travels! we'll have to compare notes on Japan when you get back! big hugs - love jenn & Jeff
ReplyDeletegreen with envy... it sounds awesome. we should have done this too. i'm gonna try to meet up with you on the shainghai leg. :-)
ReplyDeleteNo Greece!?!?!?! :)
ReplyDeleteYou will both have an amazing time, I'm sure. Please document and share as much as you can!
Peter - No Greece only because we've already been there! But it really is one of our favorite places....we considered going back for this trip....we might!
ReplyDeleteArcadia - Come to Shanghai!
Fiona - Can't wait to see you!
Jenn - xoxo
I think I knew you went, but forget.... early onset Alzheimer's here.
ReplyDeleteI'm giggling..seriously giggling about your Japan comments. Especially about being thin, fashionable and with great skin. Everyone has told me how amazing the shopping and food are there - which leaves me in a dilemma because how am i going to fit into any clothes when i'm stuffing my face? :) ha ha .... love reading about your travels buddy! you guys sound like you are having the time of your life! Beijing was at one time very unclean. When i was going there almost every other month in the late 90's there was so much smog and pollution that everytime i came into the hotel from being outside i would have to change into clean clothes because i reeked of pollution! i never saw one sunny day the entire time i was in beijing. so much has changed....
ReplyDeletejenn - yes it boggles my mind about the girls and how thin they are. i am extremely jealous! :) we are having a great time. yikes! yes beijing wasn't that bad in terms of the pollution. darsh also thought that it was much better than the time he was there 15 years ago. we miss you all!!
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