So, my 2009 trip got cancelled, not by Contiki though. The day I put my down payment, my best friend called me to give me the great news of her engagement and upcoming wedding. Since I have to travel to the US from PR for all the wedding festivities, I had to cancel my dream vacation.

I have decided not to let anything get in the way and am making early plans (to get saving) for my dream vacation in 2010! I plan on taking the London to Rome tour.

That stinks about your vacation. I hope she is a really good friend! One of the reasons I did a contiki rather than going alone was I had to be back for my friends wedding that I was in. He was the only one I would cut a vacation short for. It was a good decision in the end though for both reasons. I hope you got your deposit back at least!!

Next year I am going on an around the world trip starting in August and going until late 2011. Kind of enjoying my freedom after 6 years of undergraduate and graduate school. The final length is dependent on how my stocks go though. I think my finances right now will be enough for Asia from Japan into China and down to Indonesia, then India and Nepal, and South America. I would like to add Central America and some Eastern Europe on there too if I can raise more though!

I've been saving since last September

I did the 21 day European Experiance tour in 07 and had a fantastic time. Next year I'll either be doing a month in the states or another trip to Europe. So far the options are:

States - Northern Escape + Eastern Discovery with a stopover in San Fransisco
Europe - Simply Italy + Spotlight on Greece as well as exploring Spain and France by myself (on Busabout network).

The final decision will prob be based on exchange rates and the whether the actual tour dates match up.

For the year of the Tiger Feb 2010 a Tiger safari in Ranthambore, Pench , Kanha,Bandhavgarh national park India via SEA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65DpgHIxeQ4

I know there is no way I am able to take off more than 7 days next year seeing as I had to beg, plead, and cry for 2 weeks this year, so I am either doing the Southern Ireland tour or the Egypt tour. I'm leaning heavily towards the Ireland tour though.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeremy:
That stinks about your vacation. I hope she is a really good friend!

She is...she is my BEST FRIEND! So, I figured Europe will still be there next year. I would have never forgave myself if I missed the most important day in her life. So...it was an easy choice. But now, more than ever...I am determined to make my trip happen!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Dreamin of the World Diva:
I know there is no way I am able to take off more than 7 days next year seeing as I had to beg, plead, and cry for 2 weeks this year,

Beg...beg again next year!! LOL
Either trip u r considering I am sure will be wonderful!

quote:

Originally posted by Jeremy:
Next year I am going on an around the world trip starting in August and going until late 2011. Kind of enjoying my freedom after 6 years of undergraduate and graduate school. The final length is dependent on how my stocks go though. I think my finances right now will be enough for Asia from Japan into China and down to Indonesia, then India and Nepal, and South America. I would like to add Central America and some Eastern Europe on there too if I can raise more though!

I've been saving since last September

Jeremy, your upcoming travels are my dream! I wish after I graduated I had taken time for traveling before getting into the work routine. Have a blast!!!
PS. your blog is GREAT!!!

I agree with Maria, Jeremy! Do it now, while you're young and able! I am planning on taking some time off before graduate school, spending about 3 months in Europe. I hope to do the European Contrasts tour and then spend the rest of the summer in Greece with a friend who lives there in the summers. So many peope think I'm nuts, but the memories and experiences will be worth their weight in gold!

Hey thanks! I really don't want to work, so I am going to just take the gap year and enjoy. I know once I get a job I wont get more than 2-3 weeks off a year for a long time, so I need to do it now. Right now I have enough saved to get me through down to Thailand and entering Malaysia from Japan. Most people think I am nuts but then think it is an awesome idea. That's awesome you're going to be in Europe all summer Danni. I tried to do that after finishing my undergrad but didn't have enough money and had other reasons to come back after my tour. My trip has evolved from the idea of a 4 months with a tour from China to Indonesia now to an outright adventure after I saw how much cheaper it is to go alone in that region. I am blogging about it at www.livingthedreamrtw.blogspot.com which is all in the preparation phase right now, of course.

Hi all this year I am planning to go to Canada, last year my friend went their with her family and she described every thing so beautifully that I also want to go to Canada. She loves that place they were staying in Montreal estate and enjoyed a lot.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeremy:
I am blogging about it at www.livingthedreamrtw.blogspot.com which is all in the preparation phase right now, of course.

Jeremy...again, I LOVE your blog!!! You are inspiring me to create one of my own. I love how prepared and organized you are. I have actually now realized of a lot of things I need to research for my trip next year. :P

I can already tell that you are going to have the time of your life! Definitely do this before you start working. I only get 18 days a year for vacation. For my trip, I am taking my 2 personal days, all my vacation days and might have to use a few sick days just in case. (I will of course coordinate this with my supervisor. I am lucky enough to be able to use these w/ prev coordination). You are not nuts. I wish I had been as smart before I began work. Now its the same routine over and over! Go for it!!!

2010 is the year for friends!

This year my best Candian friend that I met on Contiki is coming to Australia to visit me :-) So I just have to repay her with a visit!

So in 2010 I have the following planned;

Canada! Toronto, Niagra Falls, Ottawa and Montreal to visit friend I have met travelling and see a little piece of Canada!

USA! An old friend from High school in Florida is getting married, so I am going back to see everyone and RELAX - Southern style!

Also heading to California to visit my best friend who will be studying there for a year!

And also to England!

Phew, so much planned already!

Jeremy's blog had a few pics of my 'home' in Florida! I cannot wait to go back!

Praha ALWAYS has the best trips planned......

quote:

Originally posted by marilourdes23:
Jeremy...again, I LOVE your blog!!! You are inspiring me to create one of my own. I love how prepared and organized you are. I have actually now realized of a lot of things I need to research for my trip next year. :P

Thanks again! I am trying to put together a comprehensive guide for people planning their own trips. Can't say I have found one that covers every piece of information I am looking for. I am toying with the idea of getting an HD camcorder [if I have the money] to make a documentary type video of the trip to sell as well.

Melsie, you have a great list of things to go see! I am going to Toronto and Niagara Falls later this year, I was young the last time I went and barely remember. It should be a lot of fun! I've been to Florida many times, too many fun things to do there.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeremy:
That's awesome you're going to be in Europe all summer Danni.

Thanks! I'm psyched. Maria may join me for the European Contrasts tour, then I'll go on to Greece. My best friend is from a village in northern Greece 3 minutes from the beach and she goes back every summer, so I'll go stay with her.