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Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning Photos

As another unforgettable year draws to a close—this marks our second full year as full-time travelers!—we've circled the globe. Rather than listing every destination, this recap highlights our favorite 2011 photos, from Central America to Thailand, with stops in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.

January 2011

As shared in our 2010 year-end post, we began 2011 at Lake Yojoa in Honduras, the only guests at our hotel—a perfectly laid-back start.

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more January highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: January (Honduras & Nicaragua).

February 2011

We soon headed to Nicaragua, instantly falling in love. This photo from Masaya, near Granada—one of the country's top cities—captures the charm. Horse-drawn buggies remain a popular transport option alongside modern vehicles.

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more February highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: February (Nicaragua & Costa Rica).

March 2011

After relaxing in Costa Rica, we explored Panama, captivated by Panama City's Casco Viejo (see our photo post). We skipped buying a Panama hat but couldn't resist photographing them—Panamanians exude style!

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more March highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: March (Costa Rica, Panama & Germany).

April 2011

Transitioning from six months in Central America to Germany's majestic castles was a thrilling contrast—the essence of nomadic life! We marked our first year on the road (check our one-year travel costs).

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more April highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: April (Germany, Austria & Italy).

May 2011

Spring took us through Germany, Austria, Tuscany's romantic countryside, fine wines, welcoming locals—but Italy's pizza stole the show as May's highlight.

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more May highlights, including Jess with 'aliens' in Spain, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: May (Italy & Spain).

June 2011

We took our first cruise, hit 400 days on the road, and discovered potential 'home' in Lisbon, Portugal—laid-back, sunny, historic, beach-filled, SF-like charm. Three magical weeks ensued (minus one hilarious scare).

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more June highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: June (Spain, Corsica, Portugal).

July 2011

Flying to Toronto launched our North American phase. Six weeks house-sitting near Ottawa meant quaint villages, sunset bike rides, jacuzzi evenings, and microbrews with friendly neighbors.

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more July highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: July (Canada).

August 2011

An epic month: Montreal, Quebec, Boston, then our NYC2NOLA road trip via New York, Philly, DC to New Orleans. The road's freedom thrilled, but NYC's magic shone brightest.

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more August highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: August (Canada & USA).

September 2011

After 4,000+ miles and four weeks, we reached vibrant New Orleans—style, music, zest for life unmatched. We considered months here; hit 500 days en route to Chicago.

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more September highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: September (U.S. Road Trip).

October 2011

We jetted to Southeast Asia, starting in Thailand. Crystal blue waters were a welcome relief after chilly Chicago and Colorado.

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more October highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: October (Chicago, Colorado & Thailand).

November 2011

Based in Chiang Mai, we bus-and-boated through northern Laos—simpler than Thailand, rich in Buddhist culture amid countless monks.

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more November highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: November (Thailand & Laos).

December 2011

Hitting 600 days was a milestone! We settled in Chiang Mai for a month of rest: Christmas with friends, hikes, elephants, veggie feasts, Thai culture immersion.

Reflecting on 2011: Our Second Year of Full-Time Travel in Stunning PhotosFor more December highlights, see our Facebook album Best of 2011: December (Laos & Thailand).

Tourist Attraction
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