House-partying in our college days.
One day in 2012, Ben had a somewhat life-changing idea. “Why don’t we start saving money, so that in a couple years we can take time off to travel full time for awhile?” I had just quit my first “real job” out of college, a job that I had dreamed of for most of my life. A job that my classmates would have killed for, a job that made me an emotional wreck and completely miserable to be around (producing a TV morning news show, in case you were wondering). I was totally lost; I had that moment that a lot of Millenials seem to have: I did everything right, I followed my dreams, and they didn’t work out–now what? So when Ben suggested that one day we could become global nomads, I grabbed tight onto that idea and as soon as I found another job, I started putting all of my extra dollars in savings.
Fast forward to 2014. At the beginning of this year, Ben and I were newly engaged and had been saving money for nearly two years. It seemed obvious that if we were ever going to take off and travel the world, post-wedding was the time to do it. So, we bought one-way tickets to New Zealand, and I spent just as much time this year daydreaming about traveling as I did planning our wedding.
“That was fun! Let’s go to New Zealand!” PC: Megan Newton Photography
In September, we got married. The wedding and the weeks surrounding it are a complete blur. We were surrounded by family and friends, emotions were at an all-time high, and a great time was had by all. Our honeymoon in Portugal was not just a wonderful time to decompress and reconnect as a couple–it was also one of my favorite trips I’ve ever been on (expect posts on that soon). Unbelievably, that trip was the first time Ben and I had traveled together, just the two of us without family or friends. We survived with our new marriage intact, so the second we got home, we started preparing for “the big trip.” We’ve spent the last two months getting my name changed, renewing passports, arranging our finances and just generally getting our “regular” lives ready to be put on hold for awhile.
And now, here we are. We have two days left at work. Less than a month left in Colorado before we take off into the unknown. I spent most of my life dreaming of faraway places, believing that a nomadic lifestyle was reserved for trust-fund babies or rich retirees. But with a lot of hard work, it’s not just in reach, it’s about to happen for us. We spent two years putting all our extra income in savings, thanks to Ben’s crazy idea, and in less than a month we’ll start living off of that money. Maybe we’ll burn through all of it, or maybe we’ll get tired of the road and come home before it’s gone. We’ve never had this much freedom, so it’s hard to say how things will turn out, but I think I’m ready for that kind of uncertainty.
It has been a challenge, letting go of that dream I had in college to be the next Lisa Ling. I need to find out what makes me tick, what sets me on fire, and I hope I can find that passion somewhere on the road. Beyond that, I have no expectations. I’m ready to fall in love with the world!
Jenna, so well said! I am so excited for you both! It’s beautiful to read your words and see something similar in my own life. Though we are fortunate to enjoy our professions, we have also been saving for two years and in late 2015 we’ll be setting out to travel full time for a while…to go find a deeper part of ourselves, to have meaningful experiences, to reframe our context, to take advantage of this single opportunity we have to roam the planet. I hope your journey is extraordinary! I’ll be following along and sending you the very best!! Your handwork has paid off. I am confident it will be more meaningful than you can imagine!
Thank you so much, Megan! I’m so excited for you and Shelly. Ben and I will be eager to reconnect with you two and hear about your adventures someday…maybe we’ll cross paths out there!
Hi to Jenna & Ben.
I am Laura’s aunt from PA and saw your post and tried to send an email earlier today to “travel along” on your great adventure. I admire both of you for taking your dream and making it a reality. I have always been interested in this country and also learning about other countries and cultures. I can only imagine what “kind of ride” you are going to have! Again, I admire what you two are going to do and would look forward to following you around the world! May God be with you as you live your dream!
Be well!
Diane
Thank you, Diane! We’ll check our emails and add you to the email update subscriber list. We look forward to sharing our adventures with you!
I can’t wait to follow this, Jenna. You and Ben be safe, take lots of pictures, and taste every food and drink possible. Please update us often! Sending my prayers and thoughts with you both as you go for it.
LEANNA! Thanks for following along. Miss you! xo
Such a great post Jenna! I can definitely relate in many ways 🙂 If you guys pass through Wellington do let us know would be great to meet up! You guys are gonna love New Zealand 🙂
Happy Holiday!
Jenna (from Stoked for Saturday)
Thanks Jenna! Will do, for sure!
So glad I found your blog. I let go of my dream career last year, moved to Colorado and we are planning on hitting the road full time in about 5 years. I can sympathize with having to let go of previous dreams and discover new ones a place at a time.
Wow, good for you! It’s always hard to make those sacrifices but so worth it eventually. I hope you’re finding Colorado fun! Summertime there is great.