After a few phone calls to friends and family, we lined up a dog sitter for the year abroad. Tip: if you're planning a trip around the world I recommend a simple contract, paying your dogsitter and having a plan B should something come up while you're on the road.

On Monday, July 11th Adam gave notice. It's becoming very real! While it is an exciting step towards our trip around the world the magnitude can be a bit overwhelming. Tip: if you're planning a trip around the world prepare to keep yourself busy with trip planning details...there are plenty!

After a little researching a website called best time to go.com we mapped out the year on a google calendar. This way, we could adjust how long to stay in each place and figure out which season we will be on which continent. Tip: if you're planning a trip around the world this can be overwhelming. First step, decide where you want to go. Second step, start plotting it out. You will have many question marks in your mind but it will come together step by step.

As we prepare to leave, we are enjoying Midtown Atlanta to its fullest. We will miss it. Even if life is "perfect" and better than you could dream, it doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of an opportunity to roll the dice and see what the world has to offer. Tip: if you're planning a trip around the world, don't let how good you have it detour you from taking risks and possibly discovering even better!

A quick email and $20 later we have our Australian visas. This is one of those things to get crossed off your mile long list. Tip: if you're planning a trip around the world make sure to get visas for China, India and Vietnam.

Chelsea's wonderful Mom has agreed to take care of all our mail for the year. There are so many small details like this to take care of start a list and tackle the high priorities first. Tip: if you're planning a trip around the world mail services can be really expensive. Find a friend or family member who you trust to help out! Then, send them post cards to thank them!

Friends Scott and Stacy who traveled RTW came by to share some great advice. The information they shared is priceless. Tip: if you're planning a trip around the world find people in your community who can share their experiences!

Chelsea came home from work on lunch, looked at Adam and said, "We should quit our jobs and travel the world for a year."

We got our first "Trusted Housesitters" opportunity in Australia. This means we will get to stay for free in someone's home for two weeks while we care for their poodle named Pepsi. Tip: if you're planning a RTW trip make sure to look into this site. It's especially helpful in Australia and throughout Europe.

Adam and I got our Hep A+B, tetanus/whooping cough and typhoid vaccinations as well as prescriptions for malaria pills and TONS of information from Toni at Peachtree Travel Clinic. Tip: if you are planning a RTW trip make sure to check your local grocery store pharmacy to see if they can give you the vaccinations at a fraction of the cost!

In no time at all we had a for sale sign in the front yard.