Part Four: A Year of Wanderlust: Marriage and a World Tour

In the spirit of bold beginnings, my husband and I made a life-changing decision shortly after tying the knot: we quit our jobs and took a year off to travel the world. It was a leap of faith, a shared dream we decided to bring to life before the routines of careers and responsibilities could tie us down. With backpacks, open hearts, and a long list of destinations, we set off on what would become the most transformative adventure of our lives.

Over the course of a year, we visited 24 countries, immersing ourselves in diverse cultures, forming lifelong connections, and creating unforgettable memories. From riding elephants in Thailand to sleeping under the stars in the Moroccan Sahara, each moment added a unique chapter to the story of our journey together.

Starting the Adventure: Fiji and Beyond

Our journey began on the idyllic islands of Fiji, where we quickly learned the unpredictable nature of travel. The lush landscapes and turquoise waters were stunning, but the local mosquitoes were relentless. Despite the bites, we found camaraderie with fellow travelers and later reconnected with some of them in Dublin, Ireland, where they were living.

From there, we explored New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes, just missing the devastating Christchurch earthquake by a week. We tried our first Airbnb, a concept still novel at the time, and discovered a new way to travel that felt personal and intimate.

Cultural Immersion and Awe-Inspiring Experiences

One of the most enriching aspects of our trip was immersing ourselves in local cultures. In Thailand, we rode elephants and marveled at the intricate beauty of ancient temples. Vietnam offered the serene, otherworldly charm of Halong Bay, where we cruised through emerald waters dotted with limestone karsts.

In Indonesia, we visited Yogyakarta and explored the majestic Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Each destination offered a glimpse into history and spirituality, reminding us of the incredible diversity of human experience.

Our time in Korea was deeply personal. We spent a month reconnecting with my Korean roots, visiting family, and exploring the vibrant streets of Seoul. This was more than a cultural stop—it was a homecoming that strengthened my connection to my heritage and reminded me of the importance of staying connected to one’s roots.

Adventures Under the Stars

In Morocco, we rode camels into the heart of the Sahara Desert and spent the night sleeping under the stars. The silence of the desert, punctuated only by the occasional gust of wind, was both humbling and awe-inspiring. We shared stories and laughter with fellow travelers around a campfire and a hookah, forging bonds that transcended language and cultural barriers.

France offered a different kind of tranquility. We spent three uninterrupted weeks in Buisson, a small village near Avignon. It was a time to slow down, savor long meals, and immerse ourselves in the rhythms of rural French life. This quiet interlude provided a counterbalance to the fast-paced explorations of other parts of our journey.

Cruising Through History

We ended our trip with a Mediterranean cruise, visiting Croatia, Turkey, and Italy. The blend of ancient history and stunning landscapes left us in awe. Walking through the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey and visiting the very place where the Virgin Mary was said to have once lived was an unforgettable experience, evoking a deep sense of wonder and connection to the past.

The trip also gave us the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends who joined us for parts of the journey. My brother, who happened to be on a similar trip that year, met us in Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, and Korea, while my in-laws spent time with us in France. Even my parents met us in Thailand, and we traveled through Thailand, Vietnam, and Korea together. These shared moments added depth to our adventure, reminding us of the joy of building memories with loved ones.

A Return to the Familiar

Upon returning to the United States, we embarked on a road trip from the East Coast to California. It was a fitting conclusion to our journey—a way to reconnect with our home country and process all we had experienced. From small-town diners to sprawling national parks, the road trip was a reminder that adventure can be found in your own backyard.

Lessons from the Road

Traveling the world for a year taught us more than we could have imagined. It deepened our appreciation for the beauty of diversity and the universal nature of human connection. We learned to navigate unfamiliar situations, adapt to unexpected challenges, and find joy in the simplest moments—a sunset, a shared meal, or a conversation with a stranger.

This experience also shaped how I approach both life and business. Travel has a way of expanding your perspective, teaching you to see challenges as opportunities and reminding you of the value of empathy and understanding. These lessons continue to influence the way I work with clients, solve problems, and build relationships.

A Personal Note

Hi, I’m Alyx—a mom, wife, and the proud owner of Chabot Business Solutions. Taking a year to travel the world with my husband was one of the most rewarding decisions we’ve ever made. It wasn’t always easy, but every moment, every challenge, and every triumph added richness to our lives.

If you’re thinking about taking a leap—whether it’s traveling, starting a business, or pursuing a dream—I’d love to chat. Let’s grab coffee or tea and share stories about what inspires us and where the journey might take us next.