On August 14th, 2015, I published a post that changed the course of this blog and the direction of my life forever.
“In two days I’ll be on a plane to Asia and life will never be the same … I bought a one way ticket to Bangkok to leave this life behind and start over.”
Today’s announcement is strangely similar, yet different in so many ways.
In two days, I’ll be on a plane to South America with a one way ticket to Rio. But this time I’ll have someone by my side… and this trip is not about starting over—it’s about the start of our own great adventure, together.
When I returned home from Asia to sell my house, I never thought I’d stay. I couldn’t wait to get back to a nomadic lifestyle, waking up to new places and people every day. But there was someone I had met along the way who would change those plans.
Lucas was moving to San Francisco to settle down, and as difficult as the decision was to stay with him in California, I knew I’d never be able to walk away from this connection we had.
That connection grew into love, and the beginning of a life together in the city. He found a great career, and I decided to fully pursue real estate with the purchase of my first flip.
But there was something missing. A void had been left in the absence of travel, and it was growing by the day. A piece of me was gone, and nothing could replace it. I couldn’t look at those old photos, relive the memories or even talk about my time abroad without mourning the loss of the path I didn’t take.
Some part of Lucas felt the same, and he was also re-evaluating his career path and life plans.
After many long conversations, we both knew what we needed to do.
It was because of a risk we both took in 2015—him leaving his career to backpack overseas for several months and me walking away from a marriage to do the same—that ended up being the best decision of our lives, and the one that brought us together. There was no hesitation, it was time to make that same decision again.
A couple months ago, Lucas quit his job and a we booked a flight to Rio, where we’ll begin our backpacking trip through South America and Europe for the next seven months.
Just as we each did during our own travels throughout Southeast Asia, we have very little booked or planned because it’s all about the journey, not the destination. We’ll follow our internal compass and let our encounters lead the way.
At the end of this year, we plan to return home for the holidays before packing up and moving to Florida in January. We’ll settle in Tampa/St. Petersburg and start our own real estate company, investing through rehabbing, selling and renting homes. We’ve both put a lot of time and thought into this decision and are prepared to fully commit ourselves to this business.
That leads us to the future of this blog. I can’t make any promises about what to expect over the next several months while we’re traveling, but I can say that I will focus on raising the bar for my videos/vlogging (the next one is coming soon!)
There will still be blog updates, but they may not be as lengthy as they were during my last travels—it’s tough to predict right now. Lucas has also shown interest in contributing with his own posts from time to time, coming from a different perspective of transitioning from the corporate world to self employment, which some of you may be able to relate to.
I know many of you only read this blog for the home décor content, and I understand if you
decide to check out until that resumes next January—I’m expecting it to come back bigger than ever once there are two of us working at it full time! But for those of you who stuck around and enjoyed following my first solo journey, there’s a lot more where that came from. And it’s never going away, as we have both vowed to make travel a priority for the rest of our lives.
There are still many unknowns ahead, but we’ve learned that is where the magic happens… in following your heart and letting the universe guide you to where you’re meant to be. Each day is precious and tomorrow is not guaranteed, so there’s no time to waste.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all—and our adventure begins now.
maria says
Jenna que tengas un bonito viaje, claro que aquí estaremos al pendiente de tus post o si posteas hasta enero aquí al menos yo aquí estare, super fan de tu trabajo y fotos y forma de pensar.
Ojala posteen acerca de self employment.
Enjoy!
jennasuedesign says
Muchas gracias, agradezco su apoyo!
Brenda says
Hey! I don’t comment that much, I’m those silent readers. I’m from Argentina, but currently I live in Germany. If you need any tip in Buenos Aires o any other city, I would please to help.
Linda Grubbs says
Wowsa! That took me by surprise! Although I’ll miss the decorating part I’m very excited to follow your new adventure! Blessing to you and Lucas….wishing you safe travels! God speed.
Clarissa says
I’m so jealous! My great adventure was moving to the UK almost 2 years ago, and I’d say the best part about living here is being able to leave and travel 5+ weeks out of the year! Once you have the travel bug, there’s no such thing as too much time. I hope you get as much as you can out of these next seven months!
Joanne says
I think that a good number of your loyal followers (myself included) have come to care about you as a person and have your best interests in our hearts. Whether that’s with a paintbrush in your hand or a pack on your back, we’ll be following along and wishing you well
jennasuedesign says
Thanks so much Joanne, it’s so great to have your support!
Naomi W says
I am so excited for your next adventure. I wish I was still young and carefree and could do something like this. Keep us up to date on your travels
Stacy says
You are awe inspiring! I’ve been following for a while and I look at the rooms you design and I’m floored. Just when I think I’ve seen everything you can do, you inspire me again. I love your work and when you went to Southeast Asia I really thought I’d miss seeing what you were working on next, but I really loved checking in on you to see what happened next. . .you inspired me again by your stories and photos. I love seeing your designs and waiting for the big reveal, but you inspire me by doing what most of us would consider terrifying. I can’t wait to see where you take us now. Enjoy the adventure!
jennasuedesign says
That means so much to me Stacy! xo
Bridget Whitted says
Wow, just wow. How fantastic! Enjoy yourselves.
Jean Eckles says
Here for the decor, but staying for the travel!! Love the mix of both! Thanks for allowing us to follow along on ALL of your adventures!
Anne Boychuk says
All the best on your new adventures. I look forward to reading about your travels. Have a safe journey!
Leanne says
I’m personally psyched for this because I’ve grown to be so inspired by your travel blogging that I bought a DSLR for my own adventures! Can’t wait to learn more from you!
Rita says
I am so excited to see your journey in this blog and live vicariously through you a bit. You are such an inspiration with how you live and seem so humble. Be safe and have fun!
Trisha says
Good news, have an amazing time! Can’t wait to read/follow!!! Safe travels…
Erin says
Save travels and be free!
Stephanie says
Hi Jenna,
I will be praying for safe travels for you and Lucas. May you both find the peace and love that only He can give us each day. Thank you for sharing your life and work with us!