Morgie's Travels 

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   And away we go....

Well, it was a struggle to give up this incredible view but the boxes are packed, everything is in storage and  cases packed, ready to start the 13 month journey before I return to Aussie shores - at least that's the plan.

 

Of course, not everything is planned out to the fine detail yet (where would be the fun in that?) but certain milestone dates are set and everything else will fit around them. The first 5 weeks will be pretty hectic and are all set up, as you can see in the stage one map on this page. As I'm writing this I am already 3 weeks in, on the Anthem of the Seas in the middle of the Atlantic - more info on that later.

 

One of the main things to sort out as I started the journey was health and travel insurance. The challenges I faced in researching this were extensive. When you look to include the US from a health Insurance persepective quotes can become extremely expensive, especially when you are over 60. Add to that a lot of annual Insurance policies only allow for a certain amount of time away at any one time within those 12 months, typically 3 months.

 

After a lot of hunting around I eventually settled on Southern Cross Travel Insurance. They provide a comprehensive medical and travel insurance policy, including cruise cover, for $6.71 a day. About the price of 2 cups of coffee a day for total peace of mind. 

The first step in the journey on the 1st October was a flight to Atlanta in Georgia, USA, via San Francisco. I chose United Airlines and booked via the Virgin Velocity site.

 

One of the great benefits of being flexible with travel is the ability to secure flights much more cheaply. The flight from Sydney to Atlanta in Economy cost me 56,000 velocity points and $48. The next flight on to London a week later was evn cheaper, at 27,000 point and $52. It pays to store those air miles points up ready for travel like this. 

 

Another travel hack I use is my Amex platinum card, issued by Westpac and linked to my Velocity frequent flyer. I use the Amex card like a charge card to pay for everything I can on my day to day expenses, with each dollar earning me additional velocity points. This approach means that in any typical month I earn on average around 12,000 additional points.  I pay the balance off each month before interest is due, so in effect, flying becomes 'free'

 

At the suggestion of my good friend Walter Schweiger, I chose a companion to travel with me over the next 12 months. Meet Momma and Aussie Stu the Roo (Stu for short) who was named through a little competition in the WhatsApp messenger group that accompanies this web site. Expect to see Momma and Stu appearing in random pics around the world.

 

If you want to be added to the Whatsapp group for quick updates, travel pics etc then use the form on the contacts page to reach out with your phone details, and I'll add you to the group :)

 

 The flight to Atlanta was uneventful, I ended up with empty seats next to me on both flights sohad plenty of space to stretch out and relax. I give United 8/10 for service, leg space and the on board entertainment choices. They will be my go to choice for travel in the future too.

 

The rest of the first week was spent with very good friends in Georgia, where I relaxed, repacked for the travel ahead over the next 4 weeks, leaving a bunch of stuff behind for when I returned. The next blog will cover off the next leg of the journey... come back to read at your leisure :)