22 Countries in 14 Months

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Turquoise Compass

It is still hard to believe that my 14 months of full-time travel has come to an end. My sabbatical was beyond what I expected and I had honestly no idea where my year off would take me. When I started my year off the only thing I knew for sure was that I would somehow find a way to make it to #1 Hawaii, #2 Australia, and #3 Puerto Rico. These places have always been my dream bucket list turquoise destinations. I can finally say I made it to the three places I have always dreamed about. Other than that, I had no specific “plan” of what I wanted to do/where I wanted to go with my time off. I did not anticipate visiting all of the places I ended up. My journey somehow just took me there and everyday I am amazed and blessed.

I made it to 22 countries (34 provinces/states/countries) in 14 months:

Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Ontario)
United States (North Carolina, Maine, Nevada, California, Florida and Hawaii )

Dominican Republic
Puerto Rico
Australia
New Zealand
Cuba
France
Monaco
Switzerland
Italy
Vatican City
Greece
Albania
Croatia
Montenegro
Germany
Czech Republic
Slovenia
Netherlands
Belgium
England

My favorite part of traveling for 14 months was that I planned all of my trips last minute, sometimes even days before departure. I never really knew where I would go next, where I would stay, how I would get around, or for how long I would stay there. I managed to just wing it, while visiting some of the world’s most incredible destinations. Part of the excitement was planning weeks or days before I would depart, which landed me in 34 different destinations (countries/states/provinces) along the way. I traveled mostly by backpacking, staying in youth hotels, and taking local transportation which allowed me to stretch my limited saved funds. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I don’t regret anything. I only wish I could have brought all of my loved ones with me to the unique places I visited!

37 thoughts on “22 Countries in 14 Months”

ywwp on October 7, 2014 at 6:22 am said:

Your shoes have roller skates. Your hands have wings. Your shoulders are packed with a rocket. No one can follow you.

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- Turquoise Compass on October 7, 2014 at 7:01 pm said:
  
  That’s an awesome quote! I love it! I just might use your comment in a future post! Awesome! 🙂
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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maverickbird on October 7, 2014 at 6:25 am said:

Wow

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- Turquoise Compass on October 7, 2014 at 7:01 pm said:
  
  Yes, I am thinking the same thing.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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dianaroggenbuckebrown on October 7, 2014 at 7:46 am said:

What an amazing experience, I have loved following your adventures on your blog 😀😀😀

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- Turquoise Compass on October 7, 2014 at 7:03 pm said:
  
  Yes indeed it has been! Thanks so much. Is there a particular place you loved reading about the most?
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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  - dianaroggenbuckebrown on October 8, 2014 at 7:17 am said:
    
    I guess I especially liked reading about your time down under, but then I might just be bias lol
    
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  - Turquoise Compass on October 8, 2014 at 7:28 pm said:
    
    haha I miss my time down under. It’s one of my favorite countries! In my top 5! Oh how I miss it! Dreaming again!
    
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The Nomad Lads on October 7, 2014 at 8:11 am said:

This is exactly what I want to read right now 🙂

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- Turquoise Compass on October 7, 2014 at 7:04 pm said:
  
  Does it inspire you? Or does it make you think I am crazy?
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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  - The Nomad Lads on October 7, 2014 at 7:10 pm said:
    
    It inspires me!
    
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  - Turquoise Compass on October 7, 2014 at 7:13 pm said:
    
    Looking back, I think I am slightly insane, but it is only those who do the crazy (outside of the everyday box) who accomplish their dreams.
    
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  - The Nomad Lads on October 7, 2014 at 9:47 pm said:
    
    Of course. I said to a friend today “it’s a shame not everyone travels” then thought “Actual, that makes us that travel individuals” . If you’re crazy then so am I. But it’s a great boat to be in.
    
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  - Turquoise Compass on October 8, 2014 at 7:35 am said:
    
    Yes, we are all in the same boat! The one heading for the unknown!
    
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The Nomad Lads on October 7, 2014 at 8:18 am said:

Reblogged this on The Nomad Lads and commented:
What a pleasant read!

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Jonna on October 7, 2014 at 9:38 am said:

I love the photos… so much. Glad you enjoyed Europe 🙂

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- Turquoise Compass on October 7, 2014 at 7:05 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoy them. I enjoy taking them. I have so much fun showcasing the places I visit! I think I have fallen in love with every place for a different reason.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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UnrestingSea on October 7, 2014 at 8:13 pm said:

What an accomplishment. That is amazing! Congrats to the best 14 months ever!

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- Turquoise Compass on October 8, 2014 at 7:35 am said:
  
  Thanks so much! It was amazing!
  
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silalahirfan on October 8, 2014 at 2:19 am said:

Truly amazing. It’s been really great following you on WordPress. I mean you gonna look back after the whole journey in years ahead and said “wow i actually traveled to these places.” Also there’s this quote “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Thanks for sharing your journey!

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- Turquoise Compass on October 8, 2014 at 7:42 am said:
  
  Thanks again for your support and comments. I’m glad you have enjoyed reading about my adventures, and they are far from over! I have those memories with me forever! Love the quote! Keep the comments coming! Get any more planned for your Europe trip? Any trips before Europe?
  
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worldjourneysdiscover on October 8, 2014 at 8:08 am said:

and now?

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- Turquoise Compass on October 8, 2014 at 7:31 pm said:
  
  I’m back teaching in Canada, but I will be traveling locally & within Canada, and highlighting my city. Finally, I will have time to write about my past adventures prior to my year off. The journey is far from over. I am hoping to go abroad again in March and planning for another big move for next summer. I’ll keep that hush hush for now! Always planning!
  What about you?
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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AndreaOnVacation on October 8, 2014 at 2:22 pm said:

You went on quite the journey! Congrats on actively seeking your traveling dream! What are you going to do next?

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- Turquoise Compass on October 8, 2014 at 7:43 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much! I appreciate your visit and your supportive comment! I’ve followed you on social media!
  Right now I am back in Canada for the time being–back to teaching! I am hoping to go abroad again in March and planning some possible big moves for next summer! The planning is exciting. After 14 months of full time travels I am happy to be in one place longer than a couple weeks.
  What about you? Tell me more about your story!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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AndreaOnVacation on October 8, 2014 at 2:23 pm said:

Wow, you went on quite the journey! Congratulations on actively seeking your traveling dreams! So what is next on the agenda?

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- Turquoise Compass on October 8, 2014 at 7:44 pm said:
  
  I’m tempted to head back to the Caribbean right now (especially since it’s so close to Canada).
  
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mihrank on October 9, 2014 at 12:27 am said:

wow – amazing introduction of details for such beautiful experience!

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- Turquoise Compass on October 9, 2014 at 5:57 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much! It was once in a lifetime for me.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Sarah Moore on October 9, 2014 at 7:07 pm said:

I have yet to do Europe! My husband has done it, but said he’ll do it again with me :). Jessica, you have to play Traveler’s IQ Challenge — if you haven’t already! I bet you’d ace it! I’m addicted. It keeps me on my toes, when I’m not traveling. Here’s the link: http://www.travelpod.com/traveler-iq

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- Turquoise Compass on October 9, 2014 at 8:15 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much for the link! I’ll give it a go! You will love Europe when you make it there!
  Jessica
  
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LK on October 13, 2014 at 11:35 am said:

Growing up in Hawaii, we are very much part of the United States (although maybe the parenthesis after Florida was misplaced).

Either way, extraordinary journey! Inspiriting 🙂

xxLK

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- Turquoise Compass on October 16, 2014 at 10:37 am said:
  
  Hi LK,
  
  Thanks for your visit and for your comment. Yes, the parenthesis after Florida was misplaced, oops. However, I do have a hard time ‘lumping’ Hawaii in with the United States. It truly is a world of its own with its one of a kind culture separate from the U.S. mentality in a lot of ways. Even though it has been deemed a U.S. state, I feel that Hawaii deserves its own category. You must feel that way being from there? I love it there!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Cammal aka Brown Boy on October 20, 2014 at 2:27 am said:

Wow.. Congrats for having the courage to do this! It must be wonderful to have seen so many things and people throughout your travels.. 🙂

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- Turquoise Compass on October 20, 2014 at 6:50 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much! It was an amazing experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better time backpacking around the world.
  
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