Each and every year the Evalesco family collectively goes on hundreds of holidays, and 2019 was no exception. To whet your appetite for the experiences you could enjoy, if you set your mind to it, some of the places our clients and team have travelled to include Fiji, Thailand, Norway, Italy, Broome, Cairns, Spain, Portugal, Wales, Hamilton Island, Fraser Island, Perisher Valley, Tasmania, Queenstown, South Africa, Italy, England, Japan and Hong Kong to name but a few.

Our team regularly hear stories from our clients that are about adventure, experiences and true down time, and we thought it might be nice to share some of them with you. One client of ours, Sarah, has built up something of a reputation for being an explorer and real adventurer.

Sarah’s adviser Marshall mentioned in a team meeting recently that he loves getting an email from Sarah as she always identifies her future travel plans in the footer of her email.  That’s certainly one way we can keep track of Sarah, but the other is through the savings plan she has in place to fund her travel passions. Marshall explained to us that it is really important to put money aside for short term “fun” goals, but these should not be at the expense of sacrificing your long-term investments. Sarah has consistently balanced the short term fun, with the long term plans of making work optional.

In speaking with Sarah, she mentioned that 2019 has been all about planning for an adventure like no other.  Her adventure of choice is one of the world’s most difficult mountain excursions and involves a trek through Bhutan known as the Snowman Trek. The trek appealed to Sarah as it offered a good balance between connecting with nature, see the majestic Himalayas and push your body to its limits.

“Less than 50% of people who start the Snowman Trek finish it, and more people have summited Everest than completed this challenge.” Sarah told us. The Lonely Planet describes the Snowman Trek as one of the most difficult treks of the world.

It was no other than Sarah’s parents who told her about the trek after they recently visited Bhutan.

“I think they had twinges of regret for having shared the idea, as my departure came closer and their nerves kicked in! Bless, they followed my itinerary on a daily basis and were thrilled to hear my voice at the end of it!”

We asked Sarah why she chose this trek and she said, “the personal challenge aspect appealed… there’s no better feeling once you complete something that pushes you out of your comfort zone!”

Over 28 days she visited Bhutan’s most remote villages and communities. During these inspiring experiences and the physical challenge of the endeavour, this trek expanded both Sarah’s mind and body. It was shocking to hear that Sarah was injured in the very early days of the trek. What she thought was just a simple rolled ankle, turned out to be a broken ankle that was only confirmed once she got back home. “That’s one crazy treatment plan I undertook!” We couldn’t imagine trekking for a day with a broken ankle, let alone trekking for nearly 26 days, “if you’re going to do something, give it everything you’ve got!” says Sarah.

The best part of the trek for Sarah was that she was “off the grid; the scenery was spectacular and the people absolutely gorgeous! There’s something pretty special about waking up in areas so remote that you’re the first (other than the snow leopards) to leave prints in the snow. Bhutan is a fascinating country… such an intriguing culture!”

Whilst preparing herself mentally and physically Sarah used this opportunity to fundraise for SANE, the UK’s leading mental health charity as she wanted to “help those that are struggling every day, find their happy. It’s an emotion we all deserve to feel”. The Evalesco team have shown their support for Sarah’s charity and if you would like to donate click  HERE

We can’t imagine another location topping this experience, but Sarah still has more adventures to conquer. When we asked where to next, she said, “there’s so much world to see… and part of what I love about travel is the planning and dreaming about what’s to come! The Antarctic is high on the wish-list, although the Snowman Trek made me realise that adventure holidays need to take priority while my legs are still willing! I relocated to London 12 months ago so maybe 2020 needs to capitalise on Europe being so close… Iceland, Scandinavia, Croatia… so many fabulous choices!”

All those locations sound like a great idea. We look forward to seeing where Sarah’s adventure takes her next.

If you wish to talk to one of our advisers about how to budget for your next holiday call us today 9232 6800.

HOW WE HELPED IN PARTICULAR

SHARE OUR INSIGHTS

NEWSLETTER

Evalesco Financial Services Level 17, 20 Bond Street Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9232 6800