I'm thrilled to announce that once again I'll be hosting the DC location of Meet, Plan, Go! We had so much fun last year that we're coming back, bigger and better than ever.

On October 18, 2011, dreamers and experienced travel veterans alike will gather in 17 cities across North America to learn more about career breaks and extended travel. The idea is to:

* MEET inspirational speakers and like-minded travelers in your area.
* Get motivation, contacts and resources necessary to PLAN the trip of a lifetime.
* And start taking concrete steps forward to get ready to GO!

I'll admit it, I love it when travelers get together to swap stories. It's exhilarating and motivating, and it's the main reason I help organize monthly #DCTravelTweetup events and try to attend TBEX each year. Travelers have an infectious enthusiasm and we love to share tips on how to get the best deals, give advice on finding the best-kept secret spots, and inspire others to get out and go.

But what do you do with all that excitement when you're not sure how to make your travel dreams a reality?

If you've been bitten by the travel bug but remain in a state of overwhelm about how to make it happen, do we have the event for you. It doesn't matter whether you want to ditch it all and become a digital nomad, take a career sabbatical to recharge your batteries, or just find a way to work more travel into your existing lifestyle. You'll get valuable advice at Meet, Plan, Go! At every event will be individuals who have fulfilled their own dreams of traveling around the world, or are currently in the planning stages. Their real-life stories include an understanding of the unique challenges that all long-term travelers must overcome in order to claim their freedom on the road. They want to share their experiences and inspire you to live your dream.

last year's dynamic DC panel

Meet, Plan, Go! is happening simultaneously in 17 locations, so if you can't make it to DC there might be another one somewhere near you. Each city's host brings their own flavor and experiences to the event. I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with this wonderful group of people last year, and look forward to adding some new Kickass Hosts to the group. Get to know the fabulous folks who will be hosting in 2011.

OK, are you jazzed?? So now what?

Online registration will be available in the coming months, but in the meantime stay updated on the latest happenings by following MPG on Facebook and signing up for the Career Break newsletter. In the Twitterverse, follow @CareerBreakHQs and brand-new @MeetPlanGo and watch the hashtag #meetplango.

RELATED LINKS:
* a recap of last year's DC event
* New York Times article about Meet, Plan, Go!
* follow Meet, Plan, Go! on Facebook
* sign up for the Career Break newsletter
* meet 2011 MPG hosts