Is it possible to go on a 4-month trip leaving your company behind? 

Yes! I did it.

It's 5 a.m., still jet-lagged and freezing in my living room (it's really cold!!), I'll tell you about my experience.

I decided to go away for the entire fall a little over a year ago. A hybrid trip with my family in Portugal, my friend in Thailand, my partner in Bali, and a month and a half solo in the Philippines. 

There  first step was to choose the right time of year and ask permission from my team (especially my manager Séverine). I chose the period from September to mid-January because it is a period more focused on sales (approaching Christmas) and less on development which is under my responsibility.

The second step was to discuss it with my partner. We had been separated for almost 3 months and we knew that Keeping in touch would be a challenge (thanks to Yoga with Adriene on YouTube for allowing us to do a daily activity together remotely). And finally, and most importantly, was talking about it with my newly adult children. 

In Asia, I met a lot of young people but practically no one in my age group and even fewer women with a business and children. It was "challenging" but it allowed me to recognize the path traveled. At 20, just like the young people I met, I traveled to prove something to myself, to cut family ties, to experience strong emotions.... At 45, it's only for pure pleasure! ❤️

So here is my list of the important things that I have remembered.

1. Get rid of the guilt. 
2. Accept right away that there will be a price to pay. 
3. Travel light. A simple backpack is enough.
4. Smile a lot and at everyone.
5. Keep a routine, no matter what it is.
6. Be organized. Personally, I love exploring, so I created to-do lists by region by reading blogs. This way, I could pick and choose from my lists in the morning, depending on what I wanted to do that day.
7. For guesthouses, stick to your budget, always read reviews (the most recent ones) before choosing, and book with "free cancellation." Plans can change often, and that's fine. "Go with the flow"!
8. For plane tickets, For internal flights, buy one-way tickets only, the goal is to always keep flexibility, especially in the middle of the rainy season!
9. Learn to ride a scooter. Max 60 km per day.
10. Get it out of your head right now that you're coming back grown and transformed; it puts unnecessary pressure. Be in the present moment.
11. Stay amazed and aware of your luck.

Nb: Living in Asia ultimately cost me less than living in Montreal.

Looking forward to seeing you again!

Anne

Belle et rebelle is a women's fashion boutique where you'll discover Quebec designer clothing, locally made jewelry , and unique accessories . It's the perfect place if you're looking for an independent boutique in Montreal that focuses on local fashion , slow fashion, and female entrepreneurship . Whether you're looking for comfortable and stylish clothing, original gift ideas, or ethical and sustainable pieces, our boutique on Saint-Hubert Street is a must-see in Montreal.