Now we have a plan! I spent most of yesterday in my pajamas sorting through places on maps, looking into various forms of transportation, and mixing up dates on the calendar to create a starting route.

Justin and I have fallen in love.  Not only with one another, but with New Zealand.  We have both dreamed of going to New Zealand for a long time.  In fact, it was where we really wanted to go on our honeymoon, but we went to Belize instead.  We could afford to go to Belize, while New Zealand has always seemed out of reach.

So out of reach that we spent the past several months discussing ways to get to New Zealand.  We even explored the possibility of crewing a yacht.  However, our transportation decision was made upon the discovery of reasonable air fare from London to New Zealand (as long as we leave on November 1st…I know we are missing Guy Fawkes Day in London Remember, remember the 5th of November).

The Recap

Where do we begin? -> Italy

Why? -> My brother is getting married in Italy

Any other Italian adventures? -> Yes – visiting the small town Bagnoli Del Trigno where my grandma was born…with my grandma and grandpa (AWESOME!!!) and hiking and enjoying Italy with our good friend Cup.  We end our time together in Padova where Cup will then live for a month (or a few years).  Padova is west of Venice. 

Once our Italian travel plans solidified we were left with the following question

• - “How do we get from Venice (around Oct 17/18) and end up in London by November 2nd so we can fly to New Zealand?”

Going to London the Long Way

I had everything sorted out, and had planned a wonderful path for us.  As I was attempting to book a series of flights on RyanAir it suddenly became apparent that I wasn’t fast enough. The flight from Barcelona to Madrid wasn’t 10 euros anymore. Now Justin and I would have to pay 95 euros per person.  A few of the other flights I wanted to book had also gone up in price as well.

Wait a minute! I spent a leisurely hour or so, selecting the flights and formulating a plan. Why did my plan fall through so quickly?

The only option was to redesign our plans, destinations, dates, and everything. We are backpacking. We do not have a specific place to be, so it doesn’t really matter where we go or how long we stay. I applied our flexibility to the problem. At the same time, I had to keep the time crunch in mind.

I found new hope upon finding the first flight we would take from Venice to Paris. Only 20 euros! Alright, this is good! Then I found another at the same price from Paris to Barcelona! Then Barcelona to Dublin at 20 euros again! Finally, Dublin to London, again for only 20 euros!

Just as I was realizing, that I had our “new transportation plan”, Justin (also on his computer) mention he had a cheap flight from Venice to Barcelona. I immediately responded by saying, “Great! But I figured all the flights out. I’ve got em! Only 20 euros a piece for all of our flights, but we need to book them right now.” Both of us still in our pajamas teamed up and booked all the cheap flights with RyanAir. That last click with the mouse was a victorious moment. I don’t think people realize that a couple can fly around Europe without spending a lot of money ($170 for all of our flights). Compared to purchasing rail passes, we have been able to save hundreds of dollars with our inexpensive flights.

Overall, I never imagined that Justin and I would ever have the opportunity to visit these cities. It doesn’t even seem real yet. We have already begun trying to brainstorm ways to afford to stay in each of these cities.

googlemaps

HELP US SLEEP AND EAT:

Do you have a friend or family member that lives in one of these cities? Could we crash on their couch for a night? Know of a great hostel in one of the cities we plan on visiting? Is their something we must see or do? Know of a good market to buy food to cook? How about a good place to eat vegetarian food? Any opportunities you know of to volunteer?

Let us know your ideas or advice for the places we plan on traveling to.

Tags | budget travel, friends, hostels, itinerary