“Let’s plan a trip around the world” seems like such an easy thing to say, rolls off the tongue really! In hindsight we kind of threw that around like a feeler, test the waters, see if it resonated. Some people thought it was a great idea, some thought it was crazy. I think we wavered somewhere between both these sentiments for some time. But life has a funny way of forcing you to make decisions. Of putting things into perspective. Things happen that make you take stock and say, ok, what is most important. You really look at your life and consider the dreams you’ve been storing up until you ask yourself, what am I storing these up for? Why am I not trying to make them reality?
So, we took a leap and said, let’s do it! Let’s make this dream of seeing the world happen. And this is where our story begins – that first step into the unknown, towards excitement and fear. There is no e-book to purchase on how to take time off of work and out of your life to travel the world (note to self…write that e-book!). It was just us figuring out logistics, finances, schooling, locations, insurance, health, vaccinations, accommodations, travel……the list goes on!!
We hope to share our experiences and failures with all of this and more as we move through the trip. We are, in some sense, your typical Canadian family, but we also have challenges that we factor into our plans as well. Our blog will serve as a journal for us to look back on but we also hope that we can share our stories and lessons so anyone reading who is interested in trying something similar may find elements of value for their own planning!
So, in a few short days the adventure begins as we go wheels up to our first destination of Paris, France. There will be bumps and bruises along the way but there will also be spectacular experiences that we never even considered. All in all, regardless of how the trip goes, we will have learned so much and be better for having taken the chance. As I write blog posts, it will likely come through how much I love words and how i appreciate the way others can capture thoughts into words that speak to me. A quote I love and I feel like could be a mantra for this journey is “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear”. So we take that step…to find out just what is on the other side.
Cheers,
Julie
I love this idea! Travelling the world as a family! I teach grade three at Westwood Primary in Cornwall. Have a wonderful adventure! Fantastic memories are agog to be made! I can’t wait to follow your posts!
Look forward to following you guys on this greta adventure !!!
looking forward to living vicariously through your travel-blog, safe travels MacDougall family!
Looking forward to reading about your adventure. All the best.
Awesome Shawn and Julie that this is all coming together and you are off! Am so excited for you and looking forward to following your blog. Safe travels and hope you enjoy every minute.
Looking forward to following your adventures. What an amazing opportunity for all of you. Have fun and be safe.
Best wishes for a safe and healthy journey. May each day result in amazing memories for all. Eve picked a great first stop!
Oh this is so exciting….travel safe. I can’t wait to follow this adventure.
This is awesome – it has really come together! Looking forward to following your journey. Safe travels and have an amazing time!!
Enjoy your adventure to the max! Looking forward to following your blog and your various destinations. Safe travels.
What an amazing adventure lies ahead! You will not only take and learn, you will surely leave positive vibes wherever you go. Have a wonderful time and come home safely! Love you lots! God bless you!
Safe travels and enjoy every minute!!!
Can’t wait to read more! Safe travels!
Praying for safe travels and enjoy the time together. What an adventure to do as a family!
Best wishes for an amazing journey!
This sounds amazing! Safe travels! This gets me thinking, I definitely need to travel the world more!
This is awesome! Looking forward to following your grand adventure!
Congratulations on grabbing life and living for the present! Safe journey and looking forward to being an armchair tourist to your adventure!
Julie and Shawn, have the most amazing time with your little ones! What an adventure awaits. I am so glad you are taking this step through the fear. Looking forward to following your progress.
Safe travels!
Amber
Congratulations MacDougall Family!! What an exciting adventure you are heading on. Looking forward to following your travel-blog. Safe travels and enjoy every minute.
Safe travels guys!.Soak it all in!.I look forward to living through your adventure with you!✈️