Baht-a Bing Baht-a Boom

Our Thailand baht is in & we are just days from flying to Bangkok. We ordered our currency from Bank of America online. You just need to sign in online (existing members) and type in foreign currency order and you can select from many different countries. The whole process takes about 5 minutes and there is a $7.50 charge. They overnighted our Baht from LA and it was shipped through FedEx in a secured bag. So I would recommend this process if you're gonna be going out of country and want to avoid ATM fees. I just might have to order some Vietnam Dong while I'm at it.

 -Dusty

Small Details

Things to do before your trip:

• Get your Passport:new $140/renew $110 (keep in mind the 6 month validity rule)
• Enroll your passport info in STEP-for travel alerts & warning when abroad 
• Update Vaccinations:we received oral typhoid vaccine, MMR, HEPA, TDAP *check with health department for recommended vaccines based on the location you are visiting
• Scan documents, email them to yourself &/or store on USB incase of emergencies ex. passport, license, medical documents, health insurance 
• Purchase travel insurance: we used World Nomads $412 for a couple (3 month coverage)
• Call your banks to let them know you will be traveling international & know ATM & foreign transaction fees
• Book accommodations for your first couple days to get settled & acclimated to your new surroundings
• Give contact information & outline of trip to close family members

TBT: 5 favorite cities we have visited thus far

in no particular order...

San Francisco

Being so San Fran in Union Square

On a ferry going to Alcatraz Island

Golden Gate Bridge (we biked across the bridge)

Visited Santa Cruz while in SF, only 1.5 hours away

why: Best friends live there, GOOD food, good vibes, good views, you can walk everywhere, good workout up them hills, love it so much went there twice in a year

San Diego

Pacific Beach, CA

Solana Beach, CA

why: city meets the beach vibe, really GOOD food (burgers & seafood), friendly people, SUNSHINE, we were almost going to move there 

New York

Top of the Rock

Romancin' in Central Park

Time Square Lovin'
(a traveling photographer snapped a few shots for us which easily became our favorite pics together, especially in the middle of Times Square at 1 in the morning)

Grand Central Station
*won't forget the moment when we turned the corner & saw the tiffany blue ceilings amongst the hustle & bustle, it took my breath away, it was like a scene out of a movie, very magical

why: the city makes you feel alive, rush of energy,the best pizza, fun & fashion, street style,  picturesque views, historic, subway rides, we want to go back ASAP!

Try: We went to a cool bar in the East Village called "Pickle Backs" and took shots of whiskey chased by house made pickle juice. Sounds weird but soooo good.

Lake Tahoe

Morning skate around South Lake Tahoe

Visited Reno while in Lake Tahoe, an hour drive away

On a steam boat taking in the views

why: beautiful majestic views of snow mountains & the lake, quaint, relaxing, good memories double date with Aimee's parents

Seattle

Miss our little apartment in Kirkland

Kerry Park-our favorite

Norms Eatery
*a dog friendly bar where we liked to go & stalk dogs

why: first BIG city we lived in & fell in love with city life, gorgeous summers, lush, Seahawks energy, Pikes Market, diverse food, grunge, rock & roll & badassery

What are your favorite cities you have visited?
Maybe it will be our next trip!

What We're Packing

Once we decided to do a backpacking trip the shopping began immediately! We, well mostly Aimee, started to do research on backpacks, shoes, gadgets, & packing lists for Southeast Asia.  We started to price out items & wanted to get the best deals. We mostly shopped around & made most of our purchases at REI and on Amazon. 

Tip: Read reviews, test out items in store, & then check online to see if there is a better deal.  

This is what we are packing...

Deuter Backpacks (REI.com)

Aimee:40 + SL-$179

Dusty:50 + 15 Act Zero-$189

*We went to REI flagship in DT Seattle and tried on these backpacks.  They first measured us & recommended a variety of backpacks that would fit the best (petite & a long back).  They stuffed the backpack for us (20lbs & 40lbs) & we walked around the store with them on. We liked the fit, breathablility, & style. 

Tip: Sign up for REI membership ($20) for discounts & coupons.  We got 20% off on one item for being members! The membership never expires & is a one time fee.

Shoes & Slippers

Aimee- Keen Voyageur Mid Hiking Boot original $120 deal: $90 x Keen Newport H2 Sandal original $99 deal: $70 on amazon.com  x Havaianas $20 from Nordstrom

Dusty- Keen Koven Mid $100 x volcom slippers $30 from surf shop

*Like the backpacks, we went to REI & tried on shoes & tested them out. REI even has hiking trails inside the store.We really liked the feel of Keens, no need to break in, breathable, good support for arch. We actually found the best deal on amazon.com  

Tip: With Keens & most hiking boots go up 1/2 size for the right fit.

Money holders

-RFID Money Belt $16.50 REI.com
*It blocks access to personal data stored on embedded micro chips.
-REI RFID Travel Wallet Combo Pack  gifted 
*Includes a bifold wallet and a neck wallet with detachable cord
-Handwoven Oaxaca Wristlet gifted (Thanks Emma:)

Day backpacks & packing cubes

-REI Convertible Stuff tote bag/backpack gifted
-REI Stuff Travel Daypack $29.50
*Day packs perfect for trips to market & the beach!
-REI Expandable Packing cube set $29.50
*keep backpack organized & accessible 
-Laundry bag
-Waterproof iphone protector from Santa

First Aid Kit

-Adventure Medical Kits Smart Travel REI (Thanks Shar & Jake:)
*Fully loaded kit with bandages, pain medication, wipes, ointment, thermometer, dressings, medical instruments, medical book & more! 
-MISC-sunblock, repel bug spray, toilet tissue, seat covers, hand sanitizer, mace, ear plugs, eye drops

Gadgets

-Canon underwater camera
-Fujifilm Instax Max Mini 8 Kit-$130 amazon.com (w/ film and case)
-Kindle
-Samsung Tablet
-GoPro
-locks for day trips

Leisure

-Cressi Snorkels with travel bag gifted from amazon.com

*We are planning to spend a lot of time near the water, we are super excited to have these on hand instead of having to rent them each time. We'll be saving $$$ (Thanks brothers!)

-Cacala Turkish Towels with face towel $20-25 each amazon.com

*Turkish towels are fast drying, soft, & stylish for travel 

  

Planning a backpacking trip is not cheap! We spent months researching & collecting our pieces trying to get good deals. We are thankful for our family members who also contributed to our trip with travel gear & amazon gift certificates.  

The best thing about this backpacking trip haul is that it will come in handy for future adventures & fit well with our 

Hawaii life:)

Diving In

WE ARE 2 WEEKS AWAY FROM STARTING AN EPIC JOURNEY!

We are officially ready, Ms. Aimee is all finished

teaching in the Sunflower Room and Dusty is wrapping up,

or more literally rolling up things at the Sushi Bar. 

It has been a great time reconnecting and being around all

our friends and family in Washington state. We will be

flying into Bangkok, Thailand in just 2 weeks. So time to

DIVE IN!

Countdown

Countdown is on!

We are weeks away from our much anticipated, once in a lifetime, now or never, life changing adventure! 

We are in the process of checking off final preparations before our trip like vaccinations, money transfers, accommodations when we arrive, packing, letter of resignations, taxes...the list goes on! Our brains hurt haha!

Tips & suggestions! We are open to any international travel tips & Southeast Asia recommendations ex. Food, hotels/hostels, things to do & see. We appreciate it!

-A & D