The Entree before the Main Course

Last year, I had an incredible opportunity tossed into my lap.

My best friend's husband called me up and and after some pleasant small talk, he cut to the chase. He was organising a surprise Christmas present for her. She has been desperately wanting to explore Europe for many years but he had no interest. Been there, done that. 

I'd travelled quite extensively in my younger years (I'm in my mid-forties now) so he no doubt knew she'd be in safe hands. He offered to fly me over for free if I was willing to accompany her. 

After picking my jaw up off the floor, I responded with an emphatic 'hell yes!' A girls trip without the husbands and kids? I'm in!

I caught up with her a few times over the next couple of months and said nothing of these secret plans... despite having had my passport renewed and the flights confirmed and ready, sitting in my inbox. I had to keep it a secret until Christmas morning, when I received an ear-splitting phone call after she had received her tickets.

Then the enthusiastic, gleeful organisation started. Our return flights allowed us two and a half weeks (we live in Sydney, Australia) so we chose London, Paris, Amsterdam and Venice as our locations to visit.

We had an absolute blast! We ate our way through four countries. We shopped to our heart's content. We navigated the public transport and drank way to many Aperol Spritzes. We fumbled our way through customs with dodgy passport chips, got done at least once for overweight luggage and accidently included a large expensive water globe in our carry-on luggage that was confiscated at the baggage check. The postage cost more than the item itself.

So when I got home and the memories faded, the travel bug I had in my mid twenties  resurfaced with a vengeance and was pulling me toward making more memories... this time, with the hubby and kids.

I'm planning a big trip for at least five weeks and will be very transparent about costs, spending money etc. I'm very frugal by nature - my husband would agree! I tend to put a lot of planning into things but I'm always on a mission to get the best bang for our collective buck. 

My next post will detail our itinerary.