Itinerary

In April 2011, I set off from Perth, Western Australia with grandiose plans to explore Europe for 2 years.

"2 Years?" my Dad said "You'll be back in 3 months. Europe is bloody expensive. You'll get bored of it."

The original plan included a 2 year working holiday visa for the UK. And completely obeying the Schengen Visa limitations of 90 days inside the zone, for every 180 days passed.

I wasn't completely sure where I was going to go, but I figured if I always thought 3 days ahead, I could keep myself open to changes depending on where I was and who I met (or the weather). The vague plan was to chase the sun, and head clockwise. 90 days in Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, France. Then head over to the UK for 90 days to explore England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Then, possibly skip over to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, etc.

Keeping in mind that I already had tours booked for Pamplona, Running of the Bulls, Oktoberfest, and Christmas. So somewhere in there I'd have to make sure I had enough days in my Schengen Visa to allow the tour trips.

But one thing you learn once you start travelling, is things don't always go to plan. Travel teaches you to be flexible, and adaptable. And trust me, things do go wrong, just take a look at my posts to read my story.

My itinerary has changed many times since I started back in April, 2011. Just to give you an idea, take a look at the number of major changes I have made to my plans over the course of the trip (and the frequency):

So you really do have to be willing to adapt. Setting out from your hometown, you never know what's going to happen, who you're going to meet, or what the weather will be like. Just roll with it, enjoy the moment, and be happy that you have the time and resources to chase your dreams.

You can also see Where I've Been.