What we learned along the way...

The last few months we have been reflecting on our backpacking adventure. In 14 weeks we traveled to 5 new countries, tried exotic foods, attempted new hobbies, and created lifelong friendships. We changed a lot along the way and grew as individuals, a couple, and as travelers.

“One of my biggest takeaways from the trip was adaptability. I learned that ‘plans’ often evolve or change completely and that that’s ok. I learned to be open to new experiences and enjoy the ride. Often, opportunities that we stumbled upon far exceeded our original plan. I learned to be ok with changing on the fly and to control my emotions when we hit a bump in the road. At the end of the day... we always made it to our destination no matter how uncomfortable the journey. Plus... those are often the stories that are the most fun to tell everyone when you get home...” -Tatum

“I LEARNED THAT MY FIANCÉ IS DA BOMB!” -Corbin

“Some things that you read about before you travel, like haggling, seem so simple. That is not always the case. I thought I would be amazing at haggling, it turns out, I was not. It is uncomfortable and seems somewhat silly to haggle for $2 dollars over a few banana outfits, but when that is the way of life, it is expected and can be a lot of fun. I learned to always... always... no really, ALWAYS have a snack handy for Tatum... being 'hangry' is a very real thing. My favorite thing I learned is that people are usually kind, generous and willing to help others. A smile and a laugh go such a long way with people even if they can’t understand you. Laughing at yourself and your mistakes makes everyone smile. The cultures we experienced really showed us what happiness and genuine smiles from strangers look like.” -The real Corbin

Ok ok... enough of this serious talk! Now to the fun stuff... we decided it would be fun to share with you our total travel hours and a list of our favorite things along the road! Enjoy...

With Love,

Boots Abroad

Favorites...

Tatums Corbins

Waterfall Kuang Si Falls, Laos Kawasan Falls, Philippines

Food Som Tom (Papaya Salad) Khao Soi (Spicy noodle soup)

Temple River temples, Ninh Binh Vietnam Mountain Temple, Chiang Dao Thailand

Beach Coron Lagoons, Philippines Moalboal Beach, Philippines

Bar River Bar, Vang Vieng Laos River Bars, Vang Vieng, Laos

Travel Day Day 1 River Boat, Laos Slow Boat, Laos

Animal Electric Clam, Philippines Mandarin Fish, Philippines

Dive Moalboal Reef Dive, Philippines Wreck Dive, Philippines

Hike Vang Vieng Viewpoint, Laos Pai Canyon, Thailand

“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life -and travel- leaves marks on you” -Anthony Bourdain