I had a moment of clarity last week when I finally bit the bullet and bought my ticket to Tokyo. It was exciting but kind of nerve wracking: my big trip just went from theoretical to very, very real. I’m definitely, seriously, honest-to-god leaving the country on September 22nd and I don’t know when I’m coming back.
In honor of that, and because I’ve been fielding a lot of questions lately, both online and in real life, I thought I would take a moment to answer the most asked questions about my trip.
WHAT are you doing, you crazy girl?
I’ve never been an enthusiast of the working 9-5 for 40 years thing, so I’m trying to break out of that mold and pursue the things that make me most happy in life. Starting in September I’m going to be backpacking around the world for at least a year, depending on how long the money holds out. I’m going to be writing about my travels here and hopefully demonstrating how accessible and realistic budget world travel can be.
Crazy isn't that far off...
Where are you going?
My itinerary is in constant flux. I have a basic idea of what I want to do but I’m trying to be open to changes due to logistics, budget and serendipity.
That said, here is what I am currently planning:
- September 22- October 8- Japan (learning to like sushi and whirlwind tour of the major sites)
- October- China (Fulfilling my life long dream to hug a panda)
- November, December- Australia (visiting old friends, hopefully taking a road trip and trying not to get eaten by a shark)
From there I’m figuring on 5-6 months in South East Asia, than heading up to Turkey, Greece and the Balkans.
Obviously this is pretty vague. If you want a more up to date idea of where I am in the world please follow me on Twitter or Facebook.
What about your job?
For the past two years I’ve been working a 9-5 that can best be described as “not terrible.” I have absolutely no reservations about leaving something I don’t care about for the chance to pursue something I really DO care about. I will be giving up security and salary of course, but sitting in a windowless cubicle all day just isn’t worth it to me.
What I care most about, what I think I’m actually good at, is traveling and writing about my travels. It’s the only “job” I’ve ever had that I actually liked beyond getting a paycheck. It’s my hope that this trip won’t just be an extended career break, but a step towards a new career and style of living.
Wait a minute… You’re going alone?
This is by far the number one question I’m asked.
For the most part, yes! A friend is joining me for a couple of months in Australia, and I’m hoping to visit a lot of friends both old and new along the way. Other than that I will be primarily going it alone.
I have a dream, and I’m not going to sit around and wait until I meet someone who is crazy enough to want to do the exact same thing. I have a feeling I’d be waiting a long time. So if that means figuring out how to navigate the world on my own steam, I’m up to the challenge.
My solo photo taking skills need work though
Aren’t you scared?
I’m more excited than anything else but yes, sometimes I’m scared. However, I don’t see this as a good excuse not to go. I’m a big believer in the importance of doing things that scare you.
How can you afford this?
I’m not independently wealthy and I don’t have rich parents. I have college loans and an entry-level job like most any twenty-five year old. I am paying for this entire trip out of my own pocket. I’ve been saving for two years to make this dream a reality: mostly by living at home and putting away as much money as humanely possible (that was supposed to say humanly, but I’m leaving it as humanely- I think it’s more true).
While I’m abroad I’ll be trying to keep my living expenses as low as possible by staying in hostel dorms, eating street food and generally being a cheap bum. I’m estimating that I can travel for a year in this style for about 20K.
You can read more about how I saved for this trip here.
Well good for you, but why should I care?
Most of us (particularly in the US) have been told our entire lives that there is a specific life model we need to follow: go to school, get a job, get married, have kids, work work work, retire and THEN maybe if you are in good health and financially secure you can do some traveling.
Well I’m not buying it. There is no one size fits all path to a happy and fulfilled existence. I mean this is the most practical, least hippy-dippy way possible. Life is about choices: figuring out what you want, pursuing your passions, finding what makes you happy and than finding a realistic way to make it happen.
If for you that means working in a cubicle for the next 10 years than more power to you. But if you want an alternate option: a chance to travel, to learn about yourself and the world around you than you owe it to yourself to pursue that. And luckily, your twenties are a really awesome time to do that.
I’m hoping to demonstrate that extended travel in your twenties, whether it is a career break, a chance to work abroad or something entirely different, is a viable and even a responsible option. The world is there, waiting for you, if you’re willing to make it happen.
Me. Happiest.
Photo: CarbonNYC
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I agree with you 100% on so many things in this piece–so excited for you and can’t wait to follow your adventures around the world!
Christine´s last blog ..Travel isn’t always beautiful, but it’s always worth it
Thanks Christine! I can’t wait to get started.
Completely freaking awesome. Way to go!!
Andrew´s last blog ..Facing Phobos in Greece
thanks!
Congrats on making that step and for following through with your goal after saving for your RTW trip for so long!
Thanks Shannon! It has been a LONG wait.
Wow that is so exciting! I will be following you all the way…
Awesome! Glad to have you on board.
Steph, fantastic post. I absolutely feel the same way. When I got told to move on from a job I didn’t much care for in April, I made it a priority to turn my dreams of seeing some more of this world into action. Two months later and I have my SA-Aus-NZ-SE Asia-Japan ticket booked! I leave two days after you for Rio and plan likewise on being in Australia in December. Will be following as you start your RTW trip. Good luck.
Neat, sounds like we have similar itineraries! Good luck to you as well!
Good work on the long term saving, it’s the best way to set yourself up for travelling really. I think it’s becoming more common to go backpacking these days, especially with the internet being generally reliable worldwide to keep in touch and with the recession with less jobs, it’s bettter than sitting around waiting for another job at home
AdventureRob´s last blog ..Travel Story: My Date With An Australian Girl
yeah, sometimes I wonder if it’s crazy to quit my job in a recession, but I am hopeful things will have picked up by the time I head back stateside.
Awesome and good for you. I will definitely be following your blog. I am doing close to the same thing as you and will traveling to NZ in November and Australia in December as the beginning of my RTW year trip. It’ll be fun reading about your experiences.
Great to see so many other people out there with similar plans! Good luck!
See you in New Zealand!
Matt´s last blog ..Friday Travel Photo: Sicily, Italy
Excited!
SO excited for you!!
Hope we can meet up in SEA.
Adventurous Kate´s last blog ..Travelers’ Night In — Hotels and Hostels!
Thanks Kate! I really hope our paths cross down there.
Congratulations on buying that plane ticket. All that hard work will pay off. Can;t wait to hear more from your adventures.
Alouise´s last blog ..Road Trip Activities – List #8
Congratulations on everything. I’m sure you’ve been working hard for the past two years and come September it will all be worth it. I can’t wait to read all about your trip!
Joya´s last blog ..Three Travel Bites of the Week
Ticket booked!! Congrats, not long now!!
Ramblingsaffie´s last blog ..Odd or not
This is sooo exciting! I wish I had done something like this in my 20′s. While I have been able to travel quite a bit, I have never done a long term adventure like this. I encourage younger people to follow their passions because to some degree, I didn’t do that/get that chance. Good luck, and I will be eagerly following your adventures!
TryAnything Once Terri DM´s last blog ..Where to Next? – Bali
Thanks Terri, that seems to be a common reaction from a lot of the older people I meet. Makes me think I’m (hopefully) on the right track!
Good for you! I did a solo year of wandering back in 2008 and my only suggestion is to bring a gorilla tripod….its great to look back now and have photos of myself aren’t just pieces of my head against unknown scenery! You go girl!
thanks for the tip!
Good for you! It is liberating when you actually buy the ticket. It’s no longer a dream, it’s a reality! Hopefully we will meet on the road someday!
Thanks! It definitely put things in perspective: it’s all real now!
Congratulations! I’m in exactly the same boat as you (I’m 1 week into my year of backpacking) and agree with everything you said above. Looking forward to hearing about your travels!
week 1- that’s pretty exciting! best of luck to you as well!
Your decision to follow your desire to travel is the kind of decision that truly inspires others to find their own way in life as well. And over the course of your adventure you’ll now be exposed to a wealth of new opportunities that will change your life and which will help continue to motivate others.
Congratulations on taking that step!
Earl´s last blog ..Do I Need A Floating Camera Strap?
Thanks, I do see this as the first step along the road to something bigger and better than the life I have now.
We are inspired by your audacity. We will check in when we can and hope many people follow your lead to pursue what inspires them (no matter the risk!)
In the words of Thoreau “Live the life you’ve imagined.”
Safe Travels,
Walter
http://www.MillionDollarRoadTrip.com
twitter @MillionDollarRT
Thank you Walter, I really like that word “audacious.” waaay better than “brave.”
This post is perfect…I’m leaving for a trip in August, and I can’t count how many times I’ve gotten these exact same questions. I love the fact that the answers you have here are the EXACT same answers I give. I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks like this! Good luck with everything!
Kristen´s last blog ..Getting lost in the jungle…no big deal
Thanks Kristen- it really is the same questions over and over! I’m almost ready to go just so I can stop answering them
This is awesome – good luck & I hope you keep updating blog and/or twitter while you travel – I will live vicariously through you from my cubicle (until it’s my turn to jet set!)
Cassie´s last blog ..HDR PT 2
Thanks Cassie! I will definitely be chronicling everything in detail!
I hope I’m doing this someday too.
For now, I’ll live vicariously through you!
Candice´s last blog ..E-Book Review: Nomadic Matt’s “How to Teach English Overseas”
Happy to provide that service
“The world is there, waiting for you, if you’re willing to make it happen.”
Love that sentence. I took the same step at the end of January when I quit my job and decided to hit the travel trail as well. I’m currently in Greece for the summer, and not sure where I’m going next. Maybe Spain, Turkey, Southeast Asia, or Africa. That’s the beauty of having nowhere I have to be. Quitting my job was by far the best decision I’ve ever made, even though I absolutely loved the job. The freedom of traveling is unrivaled by anything else.
You’ll be grand on your own. Solo travel is my favourite travel- so much happens when you are totally open to what is around you. I’ve been traveling as a couple for the past two years and although my partner rocks as a co-traveler, I’ve noticed that the spontaneity level has severely decreased.
Happy travels!
MaryAnne´s last blog ..Decoding the Putonghua Parallel Universe
I really think it’s great more people in the US, who only speak one language are learning more languages and SEEING THE WORLD!
Americans are so insulated! Good for you for taking the adventure!
Did you basically just save up enough money and decided to just go?
Thnx,
Sam
Yakezie Lifestyle
Financial Samurai´s last blog ..West Coast Living – Yes It Really Is That Much Better-
Thanks Samurai, although I will add that a great deal of the Americans I know are bilingual at least.
I’ve been saving money and planning for almost two years now! It’s going to be good to see things some together.
Wow cool! I’m so excited for you. Have a nice trip!
I’ve said this a million times. I’m so excited for you. See you in Asia perhaps?
Michael´s last blog ..Week in Pictures- Summer in New York City
We’ll see… I don’t know if you heard but I’m kind of a BFD.
Sweet post! I love your perspective about not wanting to waste time waiting around to find someone to go with you. Good for you! I also am not a fan of the 9-to-5 thing…I hope to do some long-term travel someday, too!
Emily´s last blog ..Guest Post- Why I Wish I Traveled Long-Term in My 20s and 9 Reasons You Should
Thanks Emily. I am trying to be a proactive person! So far it’s working out pretty well.
You go girl! Good luck and best wishes! Live the dream for the rest of us who can’t do it
Leng | Globe Nomads´s last blog ..National Media Museum
Thanks Leng! doing my best…
It’s about time you did a FAQ!
Adam´s last blog ..Finding Design Inspiration in Marrakech- The Majorelle Gardens
inspired by yours, of course!
What a lovely and inspiring read
Good for you for taking it on and making it happen.. From working here seeing people come to Ecuador to travel for the first time it´s the stuff that you get told before you go that´s the hardest to figure out..
Handling a foriegn culture is easy after that! Hope it´s a great trip and I will follow you on the blog!
jon´s last blog ..Passion and Prose-People I’ve met here
Someone just recently sent me the link to your blog. I have only had time to read a few posts so far, but I love it! Even though I don’t know you, I’m so happy for you that you are taking this trip. I consider myself a “twenty something traveler” – I visited countries around the world through the study abroad program Semester at Sea, I am currently in China completing an internship, and I hope one day after college to take a trip similar to yours.
I see you are going to Japan – I was only there for five days but I LOVED it. Everyone is so nice, friendly and helpful. I saw Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto and Tokyo and I so wish I could have seen more. I would recommend all of those places, especially Kyoto.
Have a great trip!
Hi Sarah- glad to have you reading! Thanks for the Japan tips.
Just like you said … our life here in Kuwait is also a check list and i get criticized a lot if I spend the money I save on trips rather than save it for the next on the check list … but a years work of saving! I hope I can do it … for now am sticking to a month at a time trips
….. Good luck on your trips
q8travelbud´s last blog ..Quick Read- Wild Swans
a month is definitely a good chunk of time to see something!
very inspiring
nice to read about other people undertaking solo travel. i aim to do the same at the end of the year (Aus, NZ and north america). though i only have enough for half a year so may have to work.
good luck!
Good luck to you as well!
Well done on getting the $20k saved to do this now – you’re going to have an AMAZING time. Look forward to seeing the trip blog develop in the next month or so.
Thank you! Things are really taking off!
I’m so glad you’ve decided to come to China, the country that has captured my heart as cheesy as that sounds!!!
It really is an amazing place, but a heads up cuddling a Panda is gonna set you back 1000RMB.
I know, it’s a splurge. It’s a life dream though! Has to be done.
So, I just found your blog and realize I am commenting behind the times, but I just wanted to say I am so excited for you! I recently caught the travel bug after moving from Boston back home to Texas to take a “grown-up job.” Once I got here I quickly realized, kinda like you did, that the 9-5 life of being chained to a desk is So. Not. For. Me. I’m thinking of getting TEFL certified and taking off next June.
But anyway, I just wanted to say good luck in Tokyo when you go, and I can’t wait to read more about your adventures! It’s admirable, what you’re doing, and I hope to someday soon do the same.
Katie´s last blog ..Remember when…
Thank you Katie! glad to have you following along!
This post has many parallels with this post of mine: http://www.christineinspain.com/post/1017788801/times-magazine-ripped-off-my-idea
I’d love for you to read it and give me your thoughts. Sounds like an exciting and inspiring year ahead–I used to live in Greece so if you need travel advice (particularly budget-friendly), shoot your questions my way!
Thanks Christine- I will check it out.