The Plan

Travel was always an intriguing and enticing prospect that, due to the nature of best-laid plans, eluded us for quite some time. It’s not that we didn’t travel much; our families being spread across the planet presented ample opportunities. So to correct the original statement, travel on our terms, without destinations and schedules and worries of home and work, eluded us.

Like so many plans, it started with a conversation some three or four years ago. We don’t remember exactly where or when this conversation occurred, but the notion was seductive enough to stay with us for some time. We scribbled notes about where we’d like to go – countries, cities, regions – and even made a list of pros and cons. We kept circling back to the fact that we would move closer to home one day, and somehow, we wanted to incorporate this in our move. We started researching, and we did a lot of it (perhaps too much of it), which took us through books and websites and talking to people, and the more we read and heard, the stronger the urge grew to pack up and discover more of the world.

Finally in September of 2016, after considering everything, we began preparing ourselves to leave New Orleans. We decided to leave at the end of January 2017, in order to give us enough time to handover our work responsibilities and have plenty of time to wrap things up. Our first three stops were already decided, Texas to see our friends, Canada to be with Vivek’s family and Zambia to see Shweta’s family and brand new nephew!

The route, as we had originally planned. Of course – schedules, budget constraints, and even our own preferences, will almost guarantee us not sticking to it.

A few sites from our research that have been inspiring and invaluable resources:

Travel Independent
Start Backpacking
Project Visa
Budget Your Trip
WikiTravel

We will add country-specific information in individual posts. Looking forward to taking you along.

16 Comments Add yours

  1. Mama says:

    Best wishes Vivek n Shweta!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Alma says:

    When will you be in Spain, Norway and Sri Lanka?

    We will be in Norway this June/July and during the Norway trip we are going to Alicante, Spain. Then sometime next year we will be in Sri Lanka for Eivind’s step beothsr’s wedding.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Vivek Barve says:

      We plan on being in Spain probably around mid to late July, and Norway is looking more like August. It’ll be great to see u guys if possible. Email me y’alls dates n we’ll see what we can manage. Madrid’s definitely on the list. Sri Lanka will probably be toward Oct/Nov this year.

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  3. Alma says:

    Oh and you have to go to Madrid. I like it a lot better than Barcelona.

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  4. Pradeep Oke says:

    Great! Vivek and Shweta it’s a great idea and courageous too! Wish you the best! Hope to see you when you are here!
    Pradeep Mama

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Shweta Dewan says:

      Thank you, Pradeep Mama. We look forward to seeing you when we get to India. Dates are still a bit variable, but we should have a better idea soon.

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  5. nutan honap says:

    what a brave decision vivek and shweta , kudos to you two for that . Would love to follow your journey and remember you have a home in uk . Looking forward to welcoming you two . nutanmawashi x

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    1. Vivek Barve says:

      Thanks Nutan Mavshi, will let you know how our plans are coming together.

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    2. Shweta Dewan says:

      Thank you! Glad you are following us. We hope to see you when we make our way there.

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  6. Tracy Percle says:

    I am loving this……I hope you guys have a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to see the rest of your story! I miss your faces and your laughs!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Vivek Barve says:

      I miss you too!!! Glad you are enjoying this. We’re in Cape town now, thats why the internet. Actually met with Wojtek and went by the office here, it’s quite nice.

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    2. Shweta Dewan says:

      Percolaaatttoorrr! Miss you lots! Hope all is well with you guys. We are a bit behind on keeping you guys up to date, but attribute it to African Standard Time 🙂

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  7. funjabiguy says:

    This is really inspiring guys! Takes a lot of courage to take a step like this in your lives, but was fascinating to hear more about it when we met in Jo’burg! I look foward to reading more of your stories and may you continue to have great fun!!!!

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  8. Erin says:

    I can’t believe I have only stumbled on this now!!! What an amazing adventure… not sure where you are now but I hope you’re loving it. If you’re at all coming through london you better be in touch!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Shweta Dewan says:

      Eriiinn! Hiiii! We are quite behind in updating the blog but have now actually just made it to London! I’d love to see you! Will message you so we can make a plan!

      Like

  9. Gauri Jog says:

    As long as you come to the Bay, it’s all good! 😉 Miss you two! ❤

    Like

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