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Explore More in 2016: Travel Plans

written by cassy

After switching from pencil to pen in my calendar, I figured it’s finally time to update y’all on my 2016 travel plans. I encourage everyone to explore more in 2016! I sure will be. And I’m here to brag about it (just a little bit). If you find yourself near me geographically this year, please do reach out. I would love to meet up across the globe. My personal New Years resolution is to spread more love and kindness.

Travel Plans

2016: 5 new countries, 2 relocations, and a full-fledged commitment to Away We Stray.

First, the big news: I’m backpacking through China and Taiwan! I’ve been salivating about how close I am to seeing The Great Wall, and I finally have my plans roughly sketched out for a 8-week-long backpacking trip through mainland China. (Including climbing Mt. Hua!) How cool is that? So stoked. I’ll be blogging a few sample itineraries for China as well as Taiwan, so be on the lookout for that.

Here’s the scoop on my my Asianic Adventures:

January

Nagano Snow Monkeys!

February

Kyoto, Japan
Osaka, Japan
Hiroshima, Japan

March

12373318_10153190094797611_8460374992834530042_n Although I still have these plans in pencil, I am too excited not to share it! I just might finally be able to return to the country that blessed me with my travel bug. I’ve been salivating over returning to South Korea since I left in 2008. I am so happy for the opportunity to return!

April

At the top of my list: Climb Mt. Huashan

Chengdu, China
Shanghai, China
Xi’an, China
Hong Kong
Taipei, Taiwan

May

Heading back to the Hawaiian Islands…flash back to hanging with my sister on Maui

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After China (and Taiwan, potentially Korea) I’ll be headed for that beach bum life in Oahu. Two of my friends are getting hitched on the big island, and they slid an invitation my way….(what were they thinking inviting a hobo into their life? I don’t know either). Expect lots of beach posts and hiking excursions for 4-5 weeks, early summer.

Following my Asianic and Hawaiian excursion, get excited for a fun-filled summer in the U.S.A. If I didn’t return home at least once a year, I am pretty sure my mother would hunt me down, Liam-Neilsen-style. So I packed a few months of stateside adventure into the summer months.

June/July

Fremont Troll

After returning back to the PNW for a few weeks, you can read blogs about all the hidden gems of the North East. While I will be spending the majority of my time in the greater Seattle area, I have already penciled in hiking trips to the Ape Caves, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Si, as well as numerous weekend excursions to Portland Oregon, Vancouver B.C. and the San Juan Islands. Expect lots!!

August

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Road trip!!! Through: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington

My personal favorite festival to annouce I’ll be attending: The Burning Man Festival. Letting my freak flag fly this year!!!

Road Trip to Burning Man Festival on Roadtrippers

September

Thailand Islands!

Sorry Momma, but after I get my fill of the hippie-lifestyle stateside, I’ll be jet-setting abroad yet again. I have my heart set to take another teaching position, this time in Thailand. I’m going to head out in September to acclimate *cough, party, cough* before beginning the new school year in late October.

That’s it, folks! I still have a few months left to plan- but I’m sure Thailand will have so much to explore that I can be spontaneous for the remainder of the year.

Where are you headed in 2016? Let me know if our paths might coincide below, or if you have any travel tips that I could use while I’m jet-setting around. Thanks everyone!

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