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.
Robyn says
Ahhhh so happy for you! I hope you’ll be posting photos of your travels on Insta. I loved following along on your last trip. I’m moving to Florida too! After living in Ca my whole life I’m excited about that adventure! Ha that’s as adventurous as I get!
jennasuedesign says
Awesome, maybe I’ll see you there next year! 🙂
Jeannine @ The Concrete Cottage says
I adored following along last time, and was even a little bummed when you came back sooner than I expected you would (even though I also adore your home decor too)! So excited for you guys and for those of us who get to tag along here! I know it’ll be fabulous and I wish you all the best in the world!!
Lu says
Yay… Safe and happy travels!
Erin A. says
Came for the decor, stayed for the lovely person behind it. 🙂 Good for you guys, traveling together is amazing! Have a safe and beautiful trip. When you’re back, Florida will be lucky to have you! I live just south of St Pete, in Sarasota, and the area could certainly use some fresh style. Do you think you’d ever consider hosting DIY workshops for any of your smaller projects? I would love to attend something like that.
jennasuedesign says
Heard great things about Sarasota and can’t wait to visit next year! xo
Cara from NC says
I’m so happy for you! I’ve followed your blog for a long time and loved following your travels through Asia. Excited for your new chapter. All the best.
Cristi says
All good news for me! Wishing you the best Of good vibes for your trip! You have to come to Ecuador, galápagos islands are unique
jennasuedesign says
We would love to someday!
Amy says
Just beautiful. Enjoy ?
Dawn says
Jenna,
1. Thank you for replying to my email regarding contractors for our rental home!
2. Good for you two! My husband and I have shared 40+ years of travel adventures and highly endorse it 🙂
3. Just returned from a three week trip to Argentina! You’ll love Patagonia! Mendoza was a little “meh”.
4. Would it seem terribly peculiar, odd, old fashioned to state that I love that Luke is always clean shaven even while traveling through Asia?
5. Have a wonderful trip and I will enjoy whatever posts you are able to put together!
Be safe!
jennasuedesign says
Thanks so much Dawn — love that you and your husband also share the same passion for travel! Not sure if we’ll make it down that far south for this trip but we’ll definitely do a southern South America trip at some point!
Jane says
So exciting! I look forward to following along on your travels. Stay safe and have fun!
Jane
Brie says
So excited for you! I hope you have many wonderful adventures … and I do hope you’ll post about them — I loved reading about your earlier travels! Best wishes for safe travels and many wonderful, memorable experiences!!! 🙂
Holly says
This is so great! Wow! Look forward to seeing you back in January!
Rebecca says
Wow. I’m surprised but not surprised? I am so glad you found Lucas to share your experiences with and I’m really looking forward to hearing from him on occasion on the blog. I don’t doubt he really is one special guy. Y’all be safe on your journey and make some wonderful memories together. I am curious…is there any particular reason you’re going back to Florida? Unfortunately, I hadn’t found your blog at that time but I know you lived there when you started your blog didn’t you?
jennasuedesign says
Thank you for the kind words Rebecca! Florida is ideal for the type of real estate investing we’re looking to do (it just doesn’t make sense to stay in CA for that), plus we love the weather and beaches! Tampa is a few hours away from Jacksonville, which is where i lived and where my sister lives now so I’ll get to see her more often.
Rebecca says
Sounds like a plan. I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow.
Cindy says
JennaSue,
Im so happy for you two but yet am so disappointed for my own selfish reason! I love how you do houses. Loved how you decorated, your style and mostly admired your bravery. I have followed your travels and will continue. I want to wish you both the best and if you ever need to do some consulting, please contact me.
Cindy
Ashley says
I’m a new follower of your Instagram and blog but will definitely stick around for travel updates! As I’m not in a position to do it myself, I’ll be living vicariously through you ? Congratulations on your decision and many prayers for safe travels!
Marilyn says
Happy for you both!! Long time reader of your blog and love both the décor and travel so I’m VERY happy for you and Lucas!! Just keep us posted!! Safe travels and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Live your dreams, you only go around once!!