Away We Go (2009) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Burt and Verona decide to travel across the country after learning that Burt's parents are moving to Antwerp, Belgium just a month before their baby is due. Feeling unsupported by the impending relocation and realizing they need to find the right environment for their growing family, they use the opportunity to explore different cities and connect with friends and relatives while considering where they might settle down.

Foreshadowing: Early in the film, their discussion about wanting a supportive community for their child hints at the motivation behind their extensive search.

• road trip
• finding home
• starting family
• relocation

Burt is upset because his parents are relocating to Belgium merely a month before his first child is due, which he perceives as a lack of support during a critical time in their lives. The move represents a broader pattern of inadequate parenting figures in the film, as Burt and Verona are seeking stable, loving models for their own impending parenthood.

• Burt's parents
• Antwerp
• family support
• pregnancy

Burt is disturbed by the contentious and unpleasant dynamic between Allison's children and their parents, particularly the interaction between Lily and Lowell. The negative family atmosphere contrasts sharply with what Burt and Verona want to create for their own child, making them more determined to find a loving environment.

• Allison
• Phoenix
• family dynamics
• parenting

LN, Burt's childhood friend with unconventional parenting views, dismisses the stroller gift because she disagrees with traditional parenting norms. Her reaction creates tension and forces Burt and Verona to confront different perspectives on parenthood, highlighting the film's exploration of varied approaches to raising children.

• LN
• Madison
• stroller
• unconventional parenting

During a dance night at a bar in Montreal, Munch reveals to Burt that he is struggling with loss, though the specific details are not fully spelled out in the summary. This emotional moment creates a deeper bond between the friends and underscores the film's themes of coping with life's difficulties and the importance of support systems.

• Munch
• Montreal
• loss
• emotional bond

Courtney's wife has left him, leaving him to care for their young daughter alone. This situation mirrors the film's exploration of failed parenting relationships and adds to Burt's concern about what kind of parents they will be, while also showing the support the couple can provide to family in need.

• Courtney
• Miami
• divorce
• single father

After their cross-country journey observing various family situations and friendships, Burt and Verona realize they want to create a loving home in a familiar, serene environment. Verona's childhood home represents stability, nostalgia, and the comfort of familiar ground, making it the ideal place for them to begin their family.

• childhood home
• settling down
• family
• belonging

In Tucson, Verona's sister Grace encourages her to open up about their deceased parents. This conversation forces Verona to confront her past and emotional baggage, which is an important step in her character development as she prepares to become a parent herself.

• Grace
• Tucson
• parents
• emotional healing

They end up on a train due to a misunderstanding about Verona's pregnancy stage. The summary indicates there was confusion regarding how far along she was, which prevented them from flying as originally planned and led to their unintended train journey.

• train
• Wisconsin
• pregnancy
• travel mixup

In Montreal, Burt and Verona reunite with old college friends Tom and Munch and experience the warmth of genuine friendship. The welcoming atmosphere and sense of connection they feel there makes them briefly consider Montreal as a possible place to settle, though they ultimately choose otherwise.

• Montreal
• Tom
• Munch
• friendship
• potential home