With the exception of a summer road trip to Vancouver, I really didn’t travel at all this year. Seattle is amazing during the summer and I had just moved to Queen Anne, so I really didn’t see a need to leave town. Now that the days are only about 12 minutes long, I’m itching to go south.
My last trip outside North America was to New Zealand in September 2006.
Since the end of summer a few things have happened.
- I have finally completed my vaccination series. At the time of this post, it takes 7 months to get a series of 3 shots for Hepatitis B. You can fast-track it, but it costs more money. The time to get vaccinated is well before you need to go on a trip. I highly recommend visiting a local Passport Health. They track all the infectious diseases on the planet and always have the shots or pills you’ll need. It may cost more than your general practitioner, but it far more complete and their information is always updated.
- The US Dollar tanked this summer. This made travel expensive for us Americans. When oil was $140 a barrel, plane ticket prices were unreal. Now that deflation has kicked in, the price of oil is diving. The US Dollar is gaining strength as the rest of the world slips into a deeper recession. With the exception of Japan, travel should be a lot cheaper in 2009.
On paper it seems like the perfect recipe for travel. A self-employed, fully-vaccinated single guy with savings in US Dollars. (As tempting as those 15% yields were a few years ago, I am so glad I did not put my money in Iceland CDs.)
The only thing is, I have never traveled alone. I’ve traveled with family, friends and girlfriends, but never by myself. I suppose I could reach out to GAP Adventures again, but I really would like to plan my own trip from start to finish. Will I go anywhere? Where would I go? Stay tuned.
Travel alone! it’s the best way to meet people. I did Europe that way and had tons of fun meeting locals as well as fellow travelers.
besides, you’re cute I’m sure you won’t be alone for long
**blushing**