Well, we are just a few days from our Saturday morning departure to our first stop, Guatemala. Everything is ready to go except for trying to tie up a few loose ends. We signed our updated last will and testament today! I always say “attention to detail”. Hoping to maximize our time while reducing the stress of travel, I have put in over 250 hours of time in the last 16 months for this trip. In the beginning, I literally brought out a globe and visualized a route that looked interesting and typically trended towards less developed countries. They tend to be far cheaper and more interesting and exciting. For general research about a particular country or city, I have primarily used the internet to gather information from travel sites like TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet and WikiTravel. The public forums have been extremely helpful as travelers will post specific information about private hires for transportation or good ideas for itineraries. Another great source of information has been searching blogs for people that have travelled around the world. They post some fascinating information and ideas. Really, you can find just about anything. In the last month I have gained access to Victor Ashe’s (the former Ambassador to Poland) extensive library of travel books (he has been to over 100 countries) and they have been excellent for a broader overview of a countries history, politics, festivals and things not to miss. In the last year I have talked by Skype to over 10 countries to confirm reservations or ask questions. It's a small world now. Deciding what to pack and take on this trip has been a large task. Just about anyone who has traveled around the world will advise you to limit your bags. So, we settled on a carry-on piece of luggage that will double as a backpack, the Tortuga Pack. We each have packed 20 lbs. of stuff. I have been impressed with Carla’s resourcefulness in her limited wardrobe, but she is convinced this will make for a better trip. Carrying a light load will save us money on checked luggage. Upon arrivals it will make it easier to bypass the luggage carousel and head straight to our destination. Packing and unpacking will be easy and quick. Of course we will have to do more laundry runs, but on past journeys we have enjoyed spending a few hours in laundromats. You will meet interesting locals and tourists from around the world and enjoy some great conversations. I have attached a short video below showing how we have packed. Until next time, Flourish, my friends Doug
36 Comments
Amy Anthony(Harpole)
9/27/2016 11:31:01 pm
So, I am very inspired to pack my bag and join you! What kind of backpack is it? Safe and special travels my friends, love you much!
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Susan Marie Gonzalez
9/27/2016 11:46:26 pm
Enjoyed your post and video. We're going to miss you! Praying for a great adventure that will lead you closer to God than ever! It's going to be grand!! Look forward to future blogs and pictures. Love you!! Safe travels.
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Susan Marie Gonzalez
9/27/2016 11:47:22 pm
Enjoyed your post and video. We're going to miss you! Praying for a great adventure that will lead you closer to God than ever! It's going to be grand!! Looking forward to future blogs and pictures. Love you!! Safe travels.
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Mark Cairns
9/28/2016 12:07:12 am
Praying for safe travels. Let the journey begin. Let's Trump it up.......
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Marguerite Shaw
9/28/2016 02:53:54 am
Great job packing!
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John Platillero
9/28/2016 05:22:39 am
Great idea to video the packing...SUPER impressed that Carla fit all her stuff in a single pack as well. I pray for safety and wonderful memories that strengthen your bond with each other.
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Virginia Wrar
9/28/2016 06:17:46 am
It's finally here! I'm impressed with your strategic packing. Doug it looks like all your research for this trip is going to really pay off. I am thrilled for you both and can't wait to read about your adventures around the world. I hope it's a trip of a lifetime filled with many fun memories and surprise divine appointments.
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Karen Cudzilo
9/28/2016 07:30:42 am
We love packing cubes! No flip flops or bathing suit?
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Doug Harris
9/28/2016 08:54:27 am
No flip flogs. We'll buy some in Fiji. But, yes, forgot we have a bathing suit.
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Travis Bullington
9/28/2016 07:45:06 am
Who makes that bag? It looks pretty awesome!
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Edd Hancock
9/28/2016 08:04:14 am
I am totally amazed by your packing video. It embarrasses me thinking about all we take to Africa. I'm looking forward to following you guys around the world.
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Russ Smith
9/28/2016 04:12:29 pm
Heading to Acadia on October 7th. Looking forward to a week in Maine. Hope you have a great trip
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Edd Hancock
9/28/2016 08:04:26 am
I am totally amazed by your packing video. It embarrasses me thinking about all we take to Africa. I'm looking forward to following you guys around the world.
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Douglas Harris
9/28/2016 08:51:59 am
Have a wonderful trip Edd. You guys deserve it.
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Edd Hancock
9/28/2016 08:05:28 am
I am totally amazed by your packing video. It embarrasses me thinking about all we take to Africa. I'm looking forward to following you guys around the world.
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Kay Good
9/28/2016 08:25:28 am
Thank for allowing us to be part of your exciting journey! Godspeed!
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Susan Treibly
9/28/2016 08:28:38 am
Carla and Doug,
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Susan Treibly
9/28/2016 08:28:55 am
Carla and Doug,
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Mindy Sontag
9/28/2016 08:50:00 am
Doug, how exciting for you and your wife to take off on this travel adventure! We had friends who took a year off after they got married and traveled around the world. You should check out their blog from that trip as it has lots of helpful tips for the world traveler. Derek and Shanna love to travel, and have found the most cost effective ways to do so, and like you realize the merits of less developed countries. Go to www.oneyearonearth.com to read more about their travels. Bond Voyage!
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Jenny Herchenrider
9/28/2016 09:00:45 am
This is amazing! I'm so happy you guys get to do this, and we look forward to following your travels! You might even become part of our homeschool geography lessons ;). One question- souvenirs? Do you just not plan to buy anything, or will you just ship them home?
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Joan Whiteside
9/28/2016 10:25:19 am
Amazing! Thanks for sharing! We need to show this video to our short term mission trip members--proof that they don't need a checked bag for a 1 week trip!! I'll be praying for you all. I know it will be a wonderful time together, and also the trip of a lifetime!! So glad I can be part of it!
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Diane Dagnan
9/28/2016 10:31:33 am
Impressed with your packing. We purchased Tortuga for Holly and Stu for Christmas. Stu says it is great for travel and packing! Praying for safe travels. Have a wonderful time! D
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Rhoni Standefer
9/28/2016 10:37:07 am
Amazing packing! I hope your adventure is full of wonderful experiences. Wish I was going along!!!
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Rhoni Standefer
9/28/2016 10:37:30 am
Amazing packing! I hope your adventure is full of wonderful experiences. Wish I was going along!!!
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Ken
9/28/2016 10:39:45 am
You pack like MacGyver! I hope you guys have a safe and wonderful trip!
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Terry Hill
9/28/2016 01:49:49 pm
What was your gizmo that gives access to phone & internet in all countries???
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Linda Morgan
9/28/2016 05:29:38 pm
I am so impressed, especially with you Carla.
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KMac
9/28/2016 07:16:17 pm
Bon voyage! Have a great trip...can't wait to live vicariously through you all. Tell Cole and Eli they can call me if they need anything.
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Anne Cox
9/28/2016 09:09:13 pm
Excited to see the fascinating places and people on your adventure. Safe travels!
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Barbara linton
9/29/2016 08:36:40 am
Hey neighbor !
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Dave Sagraves
9/29/2016 09:49:31 am
Doug, I look forward to following you and Carla around the globe.
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Scott Lenning
9/29/2016 10:35:13 am
Looking forward to following you thought this journey.
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Brenda Robinson
9/29/2016 10:10:15 pm
I am so excited for you all. I pray that God's traveling grace and mercy will be with you. Can't wait to see pics and posts from your travels.
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Anne Park
10/1/2016 01:58:42 pm
You two are so impressive! The packing job is mind boggling! Your planning and making this dream a reality, is truly inspiring! Looking forward to tagging along. Safe travels!
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Sheryl McCormick
10/1/2016 06:36:58 pm
Maybe I should try to limit my packing to twenty pounds just to see what is most important to me to have when I'm away from home.
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Fred & Jean Russell
10/2/2016 12:19:44 pm
The Video was great--very informative! Doug & Carla have a wonderful trip "Around The World". Keep Safe.
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AuthorsDoug & Carla Harris. We are a generally inquisitive couple who have a genuine love of (1) God's creation, and (2) meeting the people in His creation. Read these posts too!
January 2017
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