A few years ago, my best friend sent me a card to cheer me up when I was going through a tough time. It said ‘the world is your oyster’. And it really is!
Pretty much anyone who has known me for more than 20 minutes knows that I plan to take a 12-month career break in 2023. Travelling the world, I intend on doing a fair bit of hiking, and also want to be as green as possible. So as much as possible is overland.
Here are my current thoughts?
- Leg 1 – Coventry (where I currently live) to Moscow. Leaving the UK to go through Belgium, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and then into Russia.
- Leg 2 – The trans-Mongolian train: I’ve been dreaming about this journey for years. I’ll be taking the famous train from Moscow to Beijing, China. I’ll break up my journey to explore Lake Baikal and the Mongolian Outback.
- Leg 3 – China to Nepal: I’ve been to China a few times, but only for work. This is my chance to get under the skin and see what this country offers. Before boarding the highest trainline in the world to Tibet, and onward to Nepal.
- Leg 4 – The Mountains: I plan to spend two months here in the Himalayas. Exploring the Everest and Annapurna regions.
- Leg 5 – New Zealand: My first flight will take me to New Zealand.
- Leg 6 – The South Pacific: Hoping to do some sailing around this most beautiful part of the word.
- Leg 7 – South America: This is what its all leading up to. I plan to spend six months here. I’ve spent some time in South America already – but the melting pot of landscapes is calling me back…
So for the next few years I’ll be getting ready. Exploring possible routes, saving money and trying to get myself in the best possible shape (which will take every ounce of will I have!) I read if you write your goals down, you’re more likely to achieve them. And if you tell someone, you have to make them happen. Getting under the skin of a place interests me; the people, the music, the sites, and of course the food – the culture.
So can you help me?
- Have you been to any of these places, please tell me your suggestions.
- Are you travelling solo in your mid-thirties? Any tips?
Before I set off, I have a fair bit of saving up to do. Also, if i’m going to hike the Himalayas… and jump on to top bunks in hostels, I need to get in physical shape too. That’s what I’ll be focusing on first.
The Travelling Gooseberry 