Often times when you read a travel blog, the story starts with, “I decided to quit my job and backpack through (insert destination here)". While this immediately inspires, it’s a bit glossy. No one just makes a snap decision and takes off the next day, unless they can afford to, of course. The average person, or couple, with average income(s) goes through quite a journey, before their journey.
Thomas and I decided over a year ago that we wanted to travel through Central and South America for 6 months. We’re still here, at home, in Toronto Canada, but the light at the end of the tunnel is shining quite bright now. We’re 4 weeks away from beginning what we hope will be the trip of a lifetime. We often liken our path to get here to saving for a down payment for a house. Think, no leisure activities, no nights at the bar, or even so much as a restaurant…and forget about your daily dose of Tim Horton’s. These things have been rare and when they do happen, it’s often because I’ve whined like a 5 year old that I just can’t take it anymore.
It’s been a dry life, and considering this has been almost the entirety of our newly wed state…we’re a bit depleted to say the least. It’s led to fighting, stress, unhappiness, and boredom, but it also taught us a lot. It taught us about sacrifice, appreciating what you have no matter how little that may be, and how to value our money. It’s also tested our relationship in ways most newlyweds wouldn’t often encounter. Fortunately, we still love each other very much…a little too much if we’re being honest. We’re essentially attached at the hip.
Was it all worth it? We’re about to find out. April 2nd, 2018 is liftoff. We’ll be back packing the entirety of Central America, and the Pacific Coastline of South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina. I know, I know, no Brazil? It’s just too big and we don’t have enough time, or money, but we’ve promised ourselves to try to make to Rio if it’s at all possible. Are you ready? I know we are.
#travel #budget #toronto #journey #Colombia #Nicaragua #Ecuador #Panama #CostaRica #Peru #Chile #Argentina #Brazil