Getting the right travel gear is a fun but challenging task. It’s challenging in that there are so many choices and so many questions you have to ask yourself. At least that’s what I’ve found so far in researching different gear – looking at all the options is fun, but can also be overwhelming.

Example 1: finding the right shoes. The challenge: What kind of shoes do you bring in a RTW trip to five different continents and over 10 different countries with varying seasons and climates when you can only fit two pairs in your bag? My ultimate answer (after much deliberation): hiking sandals. Given that many of the places that we will be visiting are in warmer weather climates, I wanted to be able to wear a breathable shoe that would prevent my feet from getting super sweaty and stinky when hiking the Amazon jungle or the hills of Thailand. Hence the sandal part. But I obviously also wanted to have a shoe that I will be comfortable walking in for long distances/periods of time. Hence the hiking part. So where does one find such a hybrid shoe?

Well, there are actually tons of different companies that sell tons of different models of a hiking sandal shoe. I went with Keen Footwear because their products were highly recommended by the Matador Network (a source I deem very trustworthy). And after much deliberation and hours of trying on different models (I kid you not, I am a very indecisive shopper, especially with shoes, and doubly especially when I’m by myself), I went with the Newport H2 sandal (see the Matador review here). Functional for adventure trekking, water-resistant, and most importantly, extremely comfortable, these shoes will be perfect for the trip! And if I get cold? I put on socks (despite the dorkiness factor). I’m stoked to put these shoes to the test.

And in addition to the Newports, a slightly nicer pair of flats and some grungy shower flip-flops should do the trick.

Example 2: finding the right bag. Packing will be a challenge in itself, especially given the fact that we’ve got a ton of equipment to bring and we need to be able to carry all of it with us for long periods of time. I know that just on the equipment side, my mom and I will already each be carrying a backpack of the necessary tools. So what about our personal stuff? We ideally want something with wheels, but something that could also go on our backs if we want it too. We ultimately found Eagle Creek’s Switchback Max 25, a beautiful creation of functionality, versatility and overall perfection. If we had a designed a bag to meet our needs, this would have been it. Not only does it have wheels, but it can be turned into a backpack (with a padded hip belt), AND it has a detachable day pack. It’s our dream bag, but it’s also really expensive – so we’ll see how this pans out.

Other items I’ve been looking at: Eagle Creek’s Travel Clutch, an essential for any woman traveler; SmartWool socks, known for their “woolology,” which attributes their temperature regulation, breathability and durability features to the type of wool used; clothing such as nylon pants, micro-fiber underwear and wrinkle-free items that wash and dry fast; and a scarf.

I’ll keep you posted on future gear purchases and planning. And if anyone has any recommendations or advice regarding helpful items, please share them!

As our departure draws near on May 25th, I find that I get asked three main questions – most men ask me “What does your husband think about you doing this?” Most women don’t really ask a question but rather state “I envy you, taking a trip like this with your daughter,” and when I told Erin these remarks she said that almost all of her friends ask her “How are you going to spend 3 months traveling with your mother?” But the most frequent question I get is “Are you afraid?”

I actually get asked that question a lot – “Are you afraid?” My first thought is to ask them “Afraid of what?”  If I think about it, that’s how I usually break it down in my mind. Afraid of the unknown? Afraid of going to foreign lands? Afraid of being away for 3 months? Afraid of missing work opportunities? Afraid of my daughter not finding a job when she returns to replace the job she’s leaving?

I guess I could answer yes – or at least a modified yes to just about all those questions – that is if I choose to focus on my fears. Of course there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t question the wisdom of what I am doing – taking a three month trip around the world working on a self funded documentary with a shoestring budget. But then I think about the some of the greatest rewards that I’ve had in my life and there wasn’t one that where there wasn’t some level of fear involved – whether conscious or sub-conscious.

My dad was a dreamer and a visionary – ahead of his time in most of his thoughts. When I was 22 years old and headed out to California to attend Brooks Institute, I was full of fears and worries even at such a young age. I was intending on driving across country from New Jersey because I knew that I would need a car when I got to California. But at the time, I owned an old VW bug that probably wouldn’t have made it to the state line. My dad told me to buy a new car that I’d be able to depend on. I replied – “How will I pay for it?” proceeded by a litany of other worries that were filling my head. He looked at me and said, “What’s the worst that could happen?” You’ll get a part time job – you’ll find a way to pay for it – don’t worry.  And he was absolutely right – I did find a way.

A few years ago when Erin was ready to depart for Santiago, Chile to study for a semester, I asked her if she was afraid. She paused and then said yes, a little. I told her that as much as it may not seem like it, many times I’ve been afraid but that the most rewarding things in my life have been also the most terrifying. I know right now she probably has a lot of her own trepidations and rightfully so.

But I hope that we’ll find strength in each other as we set out on this unknown journey, which will no doubt turn into an experience of a lifetime.