For me, one of the most challenging parts of planning this trip has been deciding where to go and for how long. One of my big fears is that I'll miss something or not give myself enough time in a certain place. As much as it's nice to daydream about wandering the globe like some vagabond, at some point budget takes over and you have to book the airfare, or at least part of it. Commitment has been the toughest part!
So here it the first round itinerary, subject to synchronicity, magical interventions and my whim to wander the globe like the vagabond I am:
Portland: Jul 5th - 8th
Brooklyn: Jul 9th - 11th
Iceland: Jul 11th - July 17th
Paris/Amsterdam/London: Jul 17th - 25th
Copenhagen: Jul 25th - Jul 29th
Berlin: Jul 29th - Aug 3rd
Budapest: Aug 3rd - Aug 7th
Lisbon: Aug 7th - Aug 9th
Barcelona: Aug 9th - Aug 17th
Rome/Italy: Aug 17th - Aug 25th
Croatia: Aug 25th - Sept 8th
Kenya/Tanzania/Zanzibar: Sept 8th - Oct 6th
India (Mumbai, Jaipur): Oct 6th - Nov 3rd
Kuala Lumper: Nov 3rd - Nov 7th
Vietnam (Saigon) & Laos: Nov 7th - Dec 2nd
Japan (Tokyo): Dec 2nd - Dec 8th
Home Sweet Home San Francisco: Dec 7th (due to time change)
Unfortunately, I had to delete Galapagos Islands and Cuba from the list due to costs or difficulty in flight connections. But I am open to pleas to place them back on the map, so to speak.
Anything else you'd add/subtract/revise? Places, people or attractions to recommend? Please comment if so. I look forward to hearing from you!