in early December 2024 I gave my notice of resignation at work to take effect on May 31st, 2025. In 2021 I signed up for a deferred salary arrangement. The flexibility to resign and yet have just shy of four years of my 80% salary made me feel that this was something that I could afford to do.
I have always wanted to take time to travel and hike interesting places around the world. As I turn 50 in September of 2025, this acted as an impetus to make a change and use this milestone as a reason to take a gap year.
I have started doing some planning for the year ahead. Nothing is entirely solid but I am trying to work through plans using ChatGTP to help figure out plans of what to do. Currently my plan is below.
2025 Travel Plans
June 22–July 27: Eastern Europe
• Start the journey in Bucharest, Romania, a city filled with history and culture.
• Explore Bulgaria, including:
• Hiking the Rila Mountain Trail.
• Visiting Sofia and the charming city of Plovdiv.
• Spend 3 weeks hiking the High Scardus Trail in North Macedonia.
July 27–August 10: Montenegro
• Take the scenic train ride from Bijelo Polje to Stari Bar.
• Enjoy hiking in Lovćen National Park.
• Visit the coastal gems of Kotor and Budva.
• Wrap up with adventures in Durmitor National Park and Lake Skadar.
August 10–August 24: Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary
• Explore cultural and historical landmarks in these beautiful countries.
• Return to Bucharest on August 24.
Late August–Early September: Sweden
• Hike the Kungsleden Trail (10 days) from Abisko to Nikkaluokta, a remote and stunning Arctic adventure.
Late September–October: Turkey (Lycian Way)
• Dedicate 30 days to hiking the Lycian Way, a scenic trail along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
October–November: Turkey
• Explore the vibrant city of Istanbul.
• Visit the unique landscapes of Cappadocia.
• Discover more cultural and historical gems across Turkey.
2026 Travel Plans
January–March: South America (Brazil, Patagonia)
• Trek to the summit of Monte Roraima (6–8 days).
• Embark on the Pico da Bandeira Trek in Caparaó National Park, Brazil.
• Hike in Patagonia, including:
• Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
• El Chaltén and Tierra del Fuego in Argentina.
March–April: South America (Bolivia, Peru, Colombia)
• Experience the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
• Hike the colorful Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) in Peru.
• Explore Colombia with:
• The Cocora Valley hike.
• The Ciudad Perdida (Lost City Trek).
• Visit major South American capitals:
• Buenos Aires (Argentina).
• La Paz (Bolivia).
• Lima (Peru).
• Bogotá (Colombia).
The itinerary is obviously loose, particularly as it gets farther out. I will be curious to build on these plans in the months ahead. My hope is to use this blog to build my plans and the to record my travels.
BorealHiker 