Alison and Chris in Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Lisbon, Portugal
“What if we quit our jobs, eloped, and traveled around the world for a year?”
This question seemed like pure fantasy at first, a way of mentally putting off the inevitable return to work after an overdue and too short vacation. It was the week of Christmas 2002, and we were spending the holidays alone as a couple for the first time, breaking the tradition of visiting each others’ parents and instead escaping for a private, budget travel getaway in Vancouver, British Columbia. The idea of taking a year off started as a game, but the more we played it through, the more practical it became. Soon we were penciling out budgets on bar napkins, ducking into bookstores to study atlases and plotting itineraries in coffee shops. By vacation’s end we had a financial plan for the year ahead, a destination wish list, and a new spark in our relationship, ignited by our secret getaway plan.
From March 2004 to March 2005, we travelled for a full year, visiting twenty-seven countries across six continents in 365 days. It was the best decision we ever made.
Ten years later, we hit the road again, traveling across Mediterranean Europe and Morocco from March to July 2014.
In 2015 we’re bound for Southeast Asia and South America. Follow our journey at www.yearlonghoneymoon.com.
Chris & Alison Dennis
Dear Honeymooners,
Thanks for this outstanding blog spot. It’s organized in a way that invites exploration with easy transfer from text to images. Your design is almost as beautiful as the luminous Madrid Airport. Love and kisses from Mama/School Mom
Dear Chris and Alison,
Thank you for letting us share this new adventure. You should feel very privileged for being able of doing this. Enjoy!! Hopefully you can extend your trip in South America and come to Ecuador again… Cheers!
What a great idea. I am so envious! I know you will have a wonderful trip and wish you both lots of fantastic experiences.
Jane,
Did you get a post card yet? Some are on their way!
Chris
Chris,
i have just read the second postcard. What a time you are having! The mother in me wants to know what happened to your foot. Having had foot surgery two years ago I know how much it affects you under the normal circumstances. Hope it is ok.
Keep sharing your adventures with me, OK?
Jane,
I will continue to share adventures, both here and by post card. Another one is in the works.
As to my foot…I have been suffering gout for a few years now. I inherited weak kidneys from my father, who also suffered this painful, intermittent form of arthritis. Before leaving the US I started a new form of treatment. My pain in Spain has shown the first limits of the treatment.
Better but not perfect,
Chris
Have a wonderful trip! Maybe we can get together when you return to Bennington.
Sue,
Let’s plan on dining together. We rented a car a couple of times last year, or perhaps we can lure you and Bob to Bennington. North Bennington has a couple of lovely spots. We suggest Pangea Lounge. You can think it over for a couple of months: http://vermontfinedining.com
Best from Casablanca,
Chris
I can live vicariously through you two.
Chris,
Sounds great! We can stay with my parents in Wilmington and meet you in Bennington. Looks like you are having fun! We leave for Spain in just over 3 weeks=can’t wait! My first trip to Europe.
Take care.
Sue
Friends –
We are sending you love and good cheer on your adventures. We’ll take care of the neighborhood – and be ready for you upon your return. In the meantime, know that we’re raising a glass to you both during this special time and wishing you all the best.
Hugs,
Ky and Nate
Not quite understanding this site yet…but I think the Idea of India in Feb is mighty fine. Thanks for the postcard informing of the trip and website to follow the action. I shall poke around more to figure out the site, and hopefully find out where Chrispy is in the world!
Steve R.
Chris and Allison,
So sorry to have lost contact. My mom sent the card you sent to her and I looked up your site. Quite an adventure to say the least. And I look forward to seeing more.
I’m on my own adventure now as head (Prime Bishop)of the Polish National Catholic Church in the United States and Canada. It’s an adventure all the same, but the views aren’t quite as good.
I’ll keep checking back to see what you’re up to.
Most Rev. Anthony & Carol Mikovsky
Anthony and Carol!
Thanks to your mom for getting us back in touch. Congratulations on your bigger and bigger adventure as a spiritual leader.
I’ll send a private e-mail soon to get some greater detail.
Best,
Chris
I’m inspired, Chris. What a long, long way from van trips with Mavis.
Kristin,
It’s a pleasure to welcome you as a reader and I’m glad this site is proving an inspiration.
You’re right that we’re a long way from high desert, but I still love traveling that country as much as I love being in Thailand.
Best,
Chris