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Multi-year, around the world trip
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It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine

Started by Gary Arndt · 9 months ago

The worst financial problem I had to deal with on my trip (besides Wells Fargo sucking) was being in Australia at the wrong time. This is a chart of the Aussie dollar vs the US Dollar. I was there between the red lines. When I left, they decided to make things cheap aga ... Continue reading »

20 comments

  • Neil Duckett

    9 months ago

    Great post Gary, very motivational.
    reply
  • ndintenfass

    9 months ago

    Amen, brotha.
    reply
  • wandermom

    9 months ago

    Ah, except every Brit and Dutch high school student doesn't take a gap year. But taking time between school and 'starting real life' is certainly more encouraged in Europe than in the US. Absolutely agree with you that travel is educational.
    reply
  • Gary Arndt

    9 months ago

    The use of the word "every" in that case would be an example of hyperbole, as I do not actually believe that 100% of all British and Dutch go on a gap year trip. It only seems like it when you are on the road.
    reply
  • Brawnydt

    9 months ago

    Awesome post. As always you hit the nail directly on the head. Why the heck stick around for the bad times, and leave when things start to get good! The dollar is bad, but most of the worlds currency is even worse right now. If you are American, now is the time to travel! With the market and exchange rate fluctuations, if you play it right, it's like free money!

    If you don't mind, I'd love to link to your post on my site.
    reply
  • radbadnomad

    9 months ago

    Great post Gary! Im leaving on my RTW the beginning Apr, even though I haven't thought twice about leaving. Your post was very motivational. Thank You
    reply
  • theverydark1

    8 months ago

    Morning Gary, Ewen here. You are so right about America, everyone should go and spend some time wandering. Small town USA is a fabulous place. If you would like to meet some really kind friendly people, go to a small Mid-West American town.
    reply
  • croatia travel

    8 months ago

    Great news for Europeans coming to the U.S. or Canada but lousy news for anyone going the other way, especially Western Europe. What was already an expensive part of the world has become even pricier.
    reply
  • KD

    8 months ago

    It's all relative. I traveled in France in March when one Euro cost $US 1.51. Currently, one Euro is $US 1.33. That's almost a 12% drop in the value of the Euro vs. the US Dollar over the course of 7 months. I'm planning a trip back in a few weeks, and I'm looking forward to it even more due to the more favorable exchange rate.

    A side note to fellow US travelers who may be considering branching out. International airfare is looking far more reasonable these days when compared to the ballooning intra-US fares, too
    reply
  • Skip

    8 months ago

    Rock On! Excellent Post, couldn't agree more.
    reply
  • leah

    8 months ago

    I stumbled across your blog when I was googling travel blogs. Your site is great! I think it's so awesome that you gave up so much to travel! I love traveling and blogging about all of the places I've visited, and of course giving my opinions on all the places I go to. If you would like, check out my blog at www.leahomar.wordpress.com

    Great blog! I look forward to reading more.
    reply
  • Dobbs

    8 months ago

    New reader here is well and I am enjoying the site.

    Great posting and your point about foreigners believing they understand America from watching TV is spot on. I don't know how many times I have had to tell foreigners that America is not what you see on TV as well as you cannot stereotype the entire country due to one thing. America is too big and diverse to be stereotyped.
    reply
  • Maureen Francis

    8 months ago

    My years spent traveling are prized possessions. My life was enriched. After 8 years, I came home with a husband and now we have a 5 year old.

    Enjoy your journey
    reply
  • MikeC

    8 months ago

    you live the life many wish they could do. I thought I may be at the level one day. I got married and there's more to risk currently. Maybe I should have taken the risk a few years ago. I should have. But I don't look at it as the end. I still got some good years ahead of me. All I want to say, I really do envy you right now and that is the right way of thinking.
    reply
  • Francoise

    8 months ago

    Another new reader chiming in...Great article (and web site!) and the topic couldn't be more "à propos".

    I agree with Gary. If you feel you have to "wait for the right time", it will only become more difficult to leave. There's no time like the present!
    reply
  • shaene

    8 months ago

    Excellent point about going now. I'm going to have a few more people take a look at this post, as it drives home what I've been saying for a long time.
    reply
  • Melissa R

    8 months ago

    you should come to costa rica! you would love it, especially the cocos island where theres millions of beautiful underwater biodiversity!
    reply
  • Gary Arndt

    8 months ago

    My 2009-10 trip will be through Latin America.
    reply
  • Wendy-Escape From NY

    8 months ago

    Gary,
    This is the best thing I've read since the financial system in the U.S. imploded. And your good advice is free :^)
    reply
  • marta

    6 months ago

    over here in the UK the situation is not either any better and the pound does not seem it will do any better soon. my partner has been just made redundant and we feel this is the best time to go off traveling the world which will do in only few weeks
    reply

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