I would have always thought that I would be ready for this moment. Months of thinking and dreaming about it have finally come to an end, and now we find we are very excited but a bit apprehensive. Planning a year-long trip is not as easy as we thought, and it seems like we could have made a new “to do” list every day. Finally, we arrived at a point where there seems like there is nothing else you can do, and you have to give in that you are leaving for a year. Packing has been a huge part of our life for the last few months, constantly thinking about what you can bring and what will match with what. We have made more trips to REI in the last few weeks then we have in our whole lives.
And the final verdict is in.
Things for a year.....
A dining table full of our possessions is what you are looking at. This is all we are taking for the year. It is crazy to realize that when you break it down, you really don’t need too much. We have managed to cram all that we will need in two bags that are carry-on size (or close enough to it).
Getting this all in our bags and getting the house ready for our departure signals the start of our adventure. I cannot wait to get underway and start enjoying the experience of being on the road.
Cartagena tomorrow.
– Joe
shoefry 
Good work on the light packing! Have a safe flight!
I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think you are totally overpacking. For instance, I can clearly see the Kristen took seven rubber bands, when she clearly only needs four.
Way to bog yourself down, guys.
Well, you know Kristen researched how many rubber bands it would take to subdue a Gorilla… And I am not talking about the furry ones.
Also, why the hell are you taking a dining room table with you too? They have those in South America, you know. Did you even do any research?
Did you pack your Shamwow? You never know when you will need it!
Haha! So true! Well, we didn’t pack the Shamwow specifically, but we each packed a super absorbent camping towel. They have already come in handy!
I’m going to follow this blog b/c i want to see all the places you go to. Buena Suerte! (good luck!)