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Couple to visit most of planet on 424 day tour
Darren and Sandy Van Soye, a couple from Southern California, have started on a global adventure to raise awareness about world geography and make the subject more accessible to children. Visiting fifty countries on six continents in 424 days, they will share the journey with more than 700 classrooms representing 50,000 students."Our dream is to educate children about geography and world cultures so we've planned the ultimate trek around the world to do just that," said Sandy Van Soye.
Chronicling the journey on their TrekkingthePlanet web site, they were inspired to plan the year+ trip after experiencing first-hand the positive impact of a previous family journey around the globe. Traveling a total of 12 legs by rail, bus, air and ship, they plan to see some of the most remote and unspoiled places in the world, by visiting sites of cultural and natural significance, to instill a greater awareness and curiosity about Earth geography in as many people as possible.
To make efficient use of their time and set an eco-friendly travel example, several legs of the journey will be traveled using Princess cruise ships.
"We wanted to use cruise ships as part of our travel method because they offer an efficient way to reach all the different stops on our voyage while minimizing our global footprint," said Sandy in a statement.
Their full at-sea travel itinerary incorporates five different Princess Cruises voyages, totaling 96 days sea. Both the first and last legs of their journey, plus three legs in between, will be aboard a Princess cruise ship.
"We frequently hear stories from travelers who cruise to accomplish a goal – from celebrating milestones with family members to crossing something off their bucket list," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "Sandy and Darren are a great example of how cruise travel can be both relaxing and rewarding. We're inspired by their story and we're honored they've chosen Princess to help them achieve their trekking goals."
Their full 424-day itinerary is available on their web site, where they will be journaling their trip and fans can also follow them on Facebook.
The Van Soyes will complete their global journey in March 2013.
Flickr photo by epitomized1
Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Antarctica, Ecotourism, Cruises, Middle East, Central America, Caribbean
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Karen Feb 15th 2012 7:01PM
Princess Cruises might be turning off the cruise ships in port, but cruising is far from being a green enterprise. Far be it from me to criticize a great travel plan, but this rationale seems a bit of a stretch. Have they actually calculated their carbon footprint comparing cruising to other options or travel?
SandraB Feb 16th 2012 7:43PM
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dickn2000b Feb 16th 2012 12:08PM
Wasn't this already done...and better by Phileas Fogg way back in 1873? It only took him 80 days.
Nila Feb 17th 2012 9:16AM
Have to say, this idea of educating children sounds a little far-fetched. Seems more like a nice bit of PR for them and Princess. Travelling by cruise ship eco-friendly? Really it's all relative but the most responsible travel is on your doorstep not a 424 day itinerary. Come on now, doing it for the kids?