The last time I left home for more than two weeks was Global, an experience that changed my life and set me on my travel journey. At that time I was a student with no real responsibilities. I had medical insurance through my parents, my mail was delivered to their house, and they were able to pay my credit card bills from my checking account. Since then I have traveled with family and friends, with Intrepid and independently… but never for more than two weeks.

Now my bags are packed and I am ready to go. While I pride myself on packing light (my record = 6 bottles of wine and a week’s worth of work clothes in a carry-on pre 9/11), this time I am stumped. How does one travel for two months with a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc. in one backpack??? Despite removing flip flops, leggings, a long-sleeve shirt and some TP rolls, my main pack is still filled to the gills.

I am by turns terrified, excited, anxious and ready.

• I worry that something will go wrong with all of my financial arrangements and my credit rating will tank. All credit cards are on auto-pay and I think (hope?) all of the other bills are set up correctly. What if my deposits do not come through as expected?
• I worry that I will be allergic to the campfire smoke
• I worry that I will not be able to sleep in a tent and/or that I will keep my tent-mate awake
• I dream of seeing a silverback
• I dream of feeling the peace that I find at the ocean
• I hope to find some clarity regarding my vocation

“Merry Christmas to my saints and guardian angels

Who protect me as I roam

All the faces and the places that were home.”

~ Jimmy Buffet