In reality, this round the world trip started almost 20 years ago, in 2005. Happygal and I were traveling in South America for 2 months. We met a couple that had taken a round the world trip (RTWT) for their honeymoon. That cemented the idea that something crazy is possible. We both had the travel bug already having had our own solo adventures before we met. I think getting together was a catalyst for even bigger and crazier adventures.
Our first round the world trip in 2011
It took us 6 years to travel the world a reality, but we did it! In our early 30’s we took a year break from “normal” life and went on a yearlong, 20 country adventure. You’d think that would get our travel bug in control, but alas, it just ignited a lifestyle of travel. Since then we’ve had two kids, grown our careers, accumulated more wealth, moved countless times, both within the SF Bay Area, and recently moved to San Diego. Through all that, we’ve been lucky to travel with the girls to more than 8 countries, and a lot of All Inclusive vacations.
This RTWT is different from the last one. I think I feel more scared, more excited (maybe I felt the same level and I can’t remember?).
Back then, we had negative net worth, no house, no kids, demanding but not established careers, younger parents, and really not a lot of responsibility except for maintaining a strong community of friends. Now in my early 40s, I feel like we have everything to lose. We are lucky to have healthy kids, a house we love, established careers, a positive net worth, older parents, and a growing community in our new home in San Diego.
However, we also have two wonderful little girls, excited to learn, grow, and travel the world. These bundles of joy are young only once, and I feel like they are at the perfect age (9 and 11) with a blend of innocence, joy of learning, independence, while also wanting to spend time with us parents. Speaking to older parents and empty nesters, this window is short and it will go away faster than we can say around the world trip.
Why Travel the World Now?
With demanding careers, suburban America, the daily routine of drop offs/pick ups, team sports, we felt it was important to take a break from life and spend some extended quality time with our daughters. We’re lucky we are able to even think about making something like this happen and that is “relatively” easy to do. I don’t take that for granted.
The other reason we’re taking this trip now, is because if not now, when. My brother recently passed away and it reminded me of the importance of living life to the fullest. He showed me that in the last few months of his time, he was really enjoying life and made the best of it.
Happygal’s career has also shown us that life is precious (she’s an MD) and can’t be taken for granted. Countless cases have gone through her desk. Like an early 40s mom of 2 with metastatic cancer, or a dad of 3 with a brain tumor. The 5 regrets of the dying article is one we appreciate. It has allowed us to make some crazy decisions easier, like this one! Traveling with our kids has always been our dream, so why wait?!
Making Dreams Possible
I hope that through our adventure to travel the world, we’re able to inspire others to follow their dreams, whatever they are. It’s scary, it seems impossible, you’ll have a lot of naysayers. But if you write it down, create a plan, you can make it happen. As we talk about this trip, it sounds like we’re just planning it now. However, it’s been years in the making.
I’ve been inspired by blogs and articles from theglobaltrip.com, wondering earl, ourrichjourney, millennialrevolution and of course, our dear friends sitfortheroad. Besides sitfortheroad, I had a difficult time finding blogs from a multicultural immigrant family living in suburban America with careers making this crazy jump. As we prepare to leave in a few months, I’m so excited, and I hope you follow the journey with us (and who knows, maybe even join us!!). You can follow our new instagram @ourhappylife.co and subscribe to our newsletter to follow along:
We don’t leave until December, but we’re getting ready for the adventure!
First stop: Thailand!
To do:
- Buy tickets (Check!)
- Renting out the house (in process)
- Everything else (not started)
Remember, it’s never too late to chase your dreams. With a little planning and a lot of courage, anything is possible!
Love it! Have fun, happyguy & fam!! Come visit us in Kenya. 👍
Best,
Matt Williams
You’ve got this! It’s a crazy idea – but all good ideas start off a little crazy. As scary as it is to go, it is scarier not to take the time with your kids and miss the chance.