Life was nice and easy in the US for Rachael and Josh. Then, Josh’s employers gave him the opportunity to work abroad – in Dakar, Senegal to be exact. Rachael being a freelance writer/photographer made the decision to move that much easier. So, they packed up their belongings, including two dogs and headed off to Africa, where they will reside for the next couple of years.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Girl, Guy, Globe | 4 comments |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: Africa, couples, cultural experiences, living abroad, photography, travel writing, United States

Some people like the white picket fence, the dog, the job and the kids lifestyle. No so for Chais and Shawna Meyer. They’re out to explore something others have been known to fear – the world outside their own comfort zones. Join them as they feast on the delicacies only found through travel and following a dream.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Full Course Travel | 4 comments |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: Asia, couples, living abroad, photography, United States, working abroad

Sometimes, you just have to follow your heart. This is exactly what Ann Hsu Kaufman did when her husband’s work took them from Washington D.C. to Kuala Lumpur. Her site invites you on a culinary journey around S.E. Asia, a view of their home life and the birth of their son (Gravy Baby). No, it’s not his real name. Now, back in Charleston, S. Carolina, her writings will continue to tantalize your taste buds.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Hop On The Gravy Train | 3 comments |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: Asia, couples, cultural experiences, food, living abroad, parenting, photography, United States

Matt and Tara Banker packed it in, or in reality, packed it up and moved to Beijing, China. After spending the last few years living/working there, they have created The Middle Kingdom to write about their experiences and help others who are choosing the same path. As Tara states: “Not in Kansas Anymore”.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | The Middle Kingdom | No comment |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: China, couples, cultural experiences, expat blog, expat life, living abroad

Hear the word ‘Shanghaied’ and thoughts of pirates, unsavory ship masters and blood money usually come to mind. Not so for Christina Gregor Hoheisel and her husband, Alex. Instead, they ‘kidnap’ each other for surprise trips to places unknown. Well, one of them always knows where they are going but they do take turns. Those types of surprises definitely makes life fun!

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Shanghaied Away | One comment |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: Asia, couples, cultural experiences, Europe, Game rules, North America, Oceania, Surprise travel, Unknown destinations

Claire van den Heever and Iain Manley decided to leave London and visit Shanghai. It took them 18 months, 39,000 kilometers, 20 countries and several bad hotels to complete the task. They are now on their return trip to Cape Town, South Africa, where they both call ‘home’.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Old World Wandering: A Travelogue | No comment |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: Africa, Asia, couples, Europe, India, long-term travel

Stan Diamond was an educator for most of his working life. But, it was his explorations and travels of the world that made his style of teaching unique. Now retired, he has begun to document his experiences – leading others down exciting paths they may not have chosen without his inspiration to guide them.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Off the Beaten Path | No comment |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: Africa, Asia, Central America, China, couples, cultural experiences, education, travel writer

What happens when you decide to move from Los Angeles, California to Shanghai, China? According to Tiffany and Mike: ‘an experience of a lifetime’! They relate their trials, tribulations and joys in a ‘week in review’ manner. They also include a Picture of the Day to bring it all together.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Shanghai Shangrila | One comment |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: China, couples, cultural experiences, living abroad, photography, United States, working abroad

Both Andrea and John were seasoned travelers when they met, and eventually married. They ‘settled down’, spending four years in one place. Wanderlust struck again and now they have embarked upon a round the world journey. They share their stories plus those of other travelers they have met along their way.

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | inspiringtravellers.com: Ideas from the road | One comment |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: Asia, Australia, couples, cultural experiences, Europe, expat life, North America, Round the world

Some years ago, a friend told Vicki Hatfield, “Don’t wait for when… Sometimes, when never comes.” Months later her friend passed away. But, Vicki embraced the advise and has been traveling ever since. That comment led to one of her inspirations, “I love the memories I have when I return home that I can wrap around me like a warm blanket on cold winter nights.”

© Gretchen for TravelBlogs, 2011. | Come With Me… | One comment |
Post categories: Blogs
Post tags: Canada, Caribbean, couples, Europe, female travellers, food, photography, United States