Step 3: Visit the people you love the most before you go

I'm just returned from 11 days in southwestern AZ to visit my parents. So. Hot. There.

My son flew in for the first few days to join me. Admittedly, when it's 114 degrees outside it's a little tough to come up with things to do. Still, we managed to have a really nice visit. Mom and Dad hadn't seen Tim since he was a Sophomore in high school and he just graduated from college. They finally got to see the muscle-bound, deep-voiced and confident young man my little boy has grown to become. I am looking forward to spending time with other loved ones and my 'found family' before I go adventuring this Fall. I'll be gone for an unknown length of time and will be so far away!

I'm still learning about all the stuff I need to know to keep in touch with them all while I am far away. I have set up a WhatsApp! account for direct contact people, plus this site and blog for folks just wanting to check in, see where I am or follow along on this adventure of a lifetime.

I've learned that US based cellular carriers really do not have international plans for long-term international travelers. Travel beyond Canada and Mexico isn't covered by most and if it is it costs a premium and has a lot of limitations, loopholes, and fees that could really bury you if you aren't tracking your use carefully. I'm not earning any income now, just living off a monthly annuity based on the amount of my non-retirement savings (divided by the number of months until I can access retirement income). I left my expensive Verizon plan for a discount carrier that uses Verizon's network - so far, Visible has been great in terms of cell coverage and hot spot strength. I'm tempted to just keep paying for the line even when I'm overseas so I can retain my number. I've had the same one for years. I plan to buy local SIM cards in each country to get the best data prices, so my number will change every few weeks or months. I also plan to remember to send post cards to some people, simply because I know they like to get them.

Matt and I both hope that friends, past colleagues and loved ones will consider staying or meeting up with us should they find themselves abroad and in our vicinity! Saying "Hello again!" is so much better than saying goodbye!