Dream about escaping to an endless summer tropical paradise? Wish you could spend more quality time with your soul mate? Want to add some spice to your relationship by shaking up your predictable routine?
Andrea & Dale decided to see what would really happen if they turned those fantasies into reality by travelling together in the South Pacific, Australia/ New Zealand, and S.E. Asia for 14 months. It was too late for their honeymoon (they've been married for 6 years) and too early for retirement- nevertheless they quit their jobs, rented their house, and left the rate race behind to experience a different way of life.
Andrea had travelled independently for short stints (4 months in Europe, driving across America, etc), but Dale hadn't and they had never spent more than three weeks travelling together. Knowing that it would take time to break old habits and change their lives, they worked like dogs for two years saving money so that they could enjoy their freedom for as long as their funds would hold out.
Latest Update
Reflections on the Terrorist Attacks
While their thoughts are with those they love back home, Andrea and Dale will not be cutting short their travel plans. To stop because of fear would not seem right.
Follow the Journey
Krazy Kuta
Once a surfers' Mecca, Kuta is now overwhelmed with tourists, traffic, and hawkers, a paradise lost. For a nice change of pace, check out Ubud and the Gili Islands.
Our 10 day Sabah Saga
Flexibility in an itinerary is very handy, especially when you throw in Dengue Fever, a scratched cornea, a cold, and toenails falling off!
Palau: Our Pacific Paradise
It's not always the place, often it's the people that bring the best memories. Palau offered both in large helpings.
Layovers: The Philippines, Guam, Brunei
A mix-up leads to a free night in Guam, while guerilla action shortens Andrea and Dale's stay in the Philippines.
Sailing the Whitsundays
Self-skippering a 35-foot sailboat though the Whitsunday Islands means making your own decisions. The toughest one turned out to be which bottles of wine should accompany dinner.
The Red Center
Driving through the outback surpassed Andrea and Dale's expectations. It was not just the destination but also the experience that made their journey rewarding.
Subie, Sand, Sun, Surfing, & Sipping
10,000 miles in just 55 days in a faded yellow Subaru and still there's so much more to see in Australia. Oz is definitely a place to come back to.
Adrenalin Activities
Queenstown is the "Adrenalin Capital of the World". If these activities don't get your blood pumping, you must be dead!
Milford Sound
Kayaking was a beautiful way to experience Fiordland. Andrea and Dale were also treated to a crisp, sunny morning in one of the wettest places on earth.
The Abel Tasman Trail
What began as a beautiful trek transformed into a gruelling endeavour. Heavy packs, blisters and sand flies make this a trek to look back on and smile...one day.
New Zealand: the 'working stiff' tour
If New Zealand's awesome scenery isn't enough to make you want to go, what about finding out the contents of a savoury, or purchasing a set of possum fur nipple warmers?
Bula Fiji!
The friendliness and hospitality of the Fijian people. Even heavy rain and choppy seas couldn't wash away the smiles from Andrea and Dale's faces.
South Pacific Paradise
Outrageous prices led to creative ways to get the most bang for the buck. But French Polynesia is a great place to relax and find picture postcard beaches.
Harley Highways
1700 miles on a Harley from Portland through redwoods, wine country and big Sur, find Andrea and Dale in LA with too much stuff in their packs.
