This will be a “learn as we go" process so this section will continually be updated until we return in July.

A trip of a lifetime -to travel Europe for three months. It started as a random conversation with friends Scott and Kristi. “What if we went to Italy and stayed for three months?” Well, this silly idea began to grow and now it is a reality. Here is how we did it and tips for your next trip, wherever that may be.

First: Pick your destinations, length of stay, travel dates, and the necessary budget. Once that is determined, consider booking your flights to and from your point of entry and exit locations as flights can be more expensive at the last minute. We picked London for both.

Second: Create an itenerary. Ours was very loose as we had some idea of where we wanted to go, when, and what we wanted to do, but still had flexibility, even at the last minute. Keith enjoys the planning and I enjoy the logistics. It works for us as we both have a role, but help each other as needed.

Budget: determine a budget and/or spending plan and then add extra for unknowns. Consider all the ways you can spend money, including fun events, gifts, uber transportation, in country costs and exchange rates, etc.

Prep work: What will you need in each country, appropriate clothing for each climate, insurance requirements, type of housing you want and what is available, international driver's licenses, medical needs. Include Visa and entry requirements for each country.

Packing: As usual, we pack light with a carry-on suitcase and a backpack for each of us. Clothing needs to be variable and versatile so we pack based on layers. Several light things can take the same space as a large sweatshirt, but also be multi-purpose as weather changes.

Essentials: Medication and vitamins - it was recommended by other travelers to bring a full supply of vitamins as the brands are a bit different and may not be what your body is used to. Vitamins don't have to be in their original container, but medications do. So if you take 5-6 types of vitamins, think about the space they will take up for the length of your stay. We consolidated as much as we could in ziploc bags. A lesson learned - I had a small plastic container with a vitamin powder and it was flagged everytime we went through airport security - they thought it was a liquid. I had an extra ziploc so the bottle was tossed and the powder put in a ziploc. Problem solved.

Suitcases: We upgraded our suitcases this year to hard shelled, expandible, and lockable. We carry on as often as we can, but in some places, it will be easier to check them. When that's the case, we will expand them and add items from our backpacks, making the pack a little lighter. Be sure to check the luggage requirements for each of your destinations as size and weight requirements can be different from the States.

Purchases: We plan to pack our in-country memento purchases in the suitcase until we have enough that can be shipped home. Instead of bringing back goodies for our loved ones, we plan to send postcards from each destination. More to come on how this works.

Personal item preferences: We brought small containers of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc. Most AirBnB's (and hotels) provide these but in case they don't, we have something.

Eating habits: Consider what your normal eating habits are in a given day and can they be easily transferred or transported. We brought items such as protein bars, and protein powder. They help maintain our normal eating habits until we can determine where to resupply in country. Eating out every meal can be expensive and challenging. A three week vacation may gain you a few pounds, but several months can do waistline damage if you're not careful. We like to eat out when we want to, and not always have to.

Security for Backpacks: When traveling anywhere, especially foreign countries, it is important to consider how to secure your important items or valuables. Backpacks are always the preferred method, so we found some ways to make them more safe and durable. Take a thin, flexible cutting board, found in any kitchen store, and cut it to the size of the bottom of your backpack so it's a snug fit. If someone tries to cut the bottom of your bag, it will hit the plastic and only cut the fabric. Your items are less likely to fall out, giving you some time to protect them. Make sure your backpack has pockets that are against your back. We always try to have our wallet (or important itmes like ID and credit card) in a front pants pocket, or in a bra. Another option is to wear clothing (shirt, vest, jacket, etc.) that have pockets on the inside. They are less likely to get picked if they are hidden from view. If you prefer to carry a fanny pack, make sure it is leather, including the strap. They are not easily cut and can be carried around your waist, or over your shoulder and around your neck, and under a jacket or sweater.

Security Tags: This trip we invested in security tags and put them in our suitcases and backpacks. If they are stolen, we may be able to track them for quick retrieval. We also wanted the option of watching our bags when they are checked luggage so we knew if they were going to land with us. Make sure you activate them while you are home and test them so you are familiar with how to quickly use them if needed.

Travel books: Keith does a lot of research and uses a number of resources to learn about our destinations. If you use books, once you have made a decision on your destination, consider taking the pages out of the book that you need. It's less weight and bulk. If tearing a book a part isn't your style, consider scanning, or photographing them for easy access. Or purchase the book electronically and tag your locations.

Electronics: Take the time to make sure you have what you need for electronics. We carry a battery pack the size of a cell phone and an extra cord. It has been used several times when a phone battery gets low from using it all day for directions, mapping, etc. We do a lot of walking and don't want to be in an unknown location when the phone starts to die. Yes, we have two phones, but charging one and using the other is a good plan. Also check your cellular plan to ensure you have what you need. Some cell providers will charge extra for phone calls and out of network searches, but texting is usually always free.

Apps: Load helpful and country specific apps before you leave home to make sure they will meet your needs. Most lodging locations will provide wifi, but it can get expensive if you need to use the local network and it isn't supported by your cellular provider. App suggestions are language interpreter, money conversion, step counter, weather, transportation (Uber, Bolt) and a local community app for easy directions. We used CityMapper in London and it was amazing as it gave you not only directions but which bus, train, or subway to take and when from point A to Z. It works in many countries and is very useful. If you're just walking, your normal map app may be just fine. What's App is a texting app and is common in most foreign countries, including the USA. Be aware, some apps you normally text with may not work.

Important links: If you use a laptop at home, be sure important links are also available on a tablet or cell phone. Laptops are heavy and not necessary if you can avoid them. We use Google Drive and have all our links loaded there, as well as anything else you use on a regular basis.

Credit cards and cash: It is wise to have both, including a second or third credit card in case one is compromised. You may not need to have a large balance requirement as you can often pay them down when you need to via your banking app.

Jetlag: Our landing point was London so we planned for a few days to rest and acclimate to the time changes. It gave us time to see some of the sites but also nap when we needed.

We selected the countries and cities we wanted to visit but with lots of wiggle room for travel and housing. If we don't like a spot, we want to move on with minimal impact.

London: My first lesson learned, make sure you know what type of home you selected. I inadvertantly missed that the first Airbnb was a shared residence. Not too big a deal as we were either gone or sleeping. Second lesson learned, when in London, double check where the train lines are. Our Airbnb was right next to them and it was super noisy all day and well into the night. Our only saving grace was we were so tired, we could sleep through most of it. I am normally so careful about making these selections, but this one got past me.