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Am I giving it all up??

I am giving up my well paid job, house, friends, family etc to travel the world!!

16 years ago, August 20th 2007 No: 101 Msg: #18229 Delete Edit

deleted_45665
deleted_45665

d Posts: 9

Mikey M;

Where are you planning on going when you leave (I am presuming the UK)? I'm curious as to how people who make this decision decide to go to certain places, and not others. Obviously, both financial and safety considerations are paramount, but do you have an itinerary in mind, and how did you choose that one over others? I'm not stalking you, I promise, just really interested in the process, and what factors make certain places preferable to one than others... Reply to this

16 years ago, August 20th 2007 No: 102 Msg: #18232 Delete Edit

stewfox
stewart smith

N Posts: 20

lolarun, i assume you wont be taken your son away from any schooling now that would be selfish Reply to this

16 years ago, August 20th 2007 No: 103 Msg: #18233 Delete Edit

Ali
Ali Watters

B Posts: 5,200

Stewart: Depends how highly you rate the education system... there is a lot to be said for an education on the road. But - I guess this is a different discussion! - feel free to start one Reply to this

16 years ago, August 20th 2007 No: 104 Msg: #18234 Delete Edit

stewfox
stewart smith

N Posts: 20

It doesnt 'matter' if the parents dont rate it at all, they have no right to take a child out of education, heaven forbid they wait 3 or 4 yrs

Reply to this

16 years ago, August 20th 2007 No: 105 Msg: #18252 Delete Edit

Mikey M
Mike Meggiato

B Posts: 325

Lola are you stalking me..........just went onto face book and youve poked me............lol, to be honest Lolarun/Melinda i had basci idea in my head of places i wanted to see before i die and possibly wouldn't see unless i was undertaking an extensive trip, i then started researching and saving cash and when i worked out which (im leaving from the UK i forgot to say) RTW= round the world ticket i wanted i then factored in time and where flights could take me and how many flights i could get within the ticket and how much feasible overlanding i could do. Regards financial security i know i can come back and live at my mum or dads for a while till i get back on my feet and im not fussed on career as i work in Insurance and plan to do anything but once i finish traveling. Safety i think is really down to common sense, don't go down dark alleys showing off all your worldly goods and that goes for anywhere in the world, have injections and get insurance...............im a firm believer in fate and if im meant to be hit by a bus then it will happen in the UK or anywhere really. Pensions are not worth nothing these days so i intend to invest in property when i get back and it looks likely the is a world slow down coming on the markets etc so even more reason to go and then come back and pay a reasonable price for property instead of over inflated.

Most places im going to have been added to my trip as side jaunts to my main places to visit, for example i wanted to go to matchu pitchu and then from cusco i fly to do a 4 amazon trek, originally i wanted to go to the US and found the flights i was entitled to for the US i could use in Central America and thus Central could added to North and South Americas and it just gradually built up and then i researched more and saw what was possible and worked out time frames and took some places out and came up with a rough plan..............however like anything in life it is subject to change as i will see where the flow takes me.......................hope that helped..........................feel free to ask anymore😊 Reply to this

16 years ago, August 20th 2007 No: 106 Msg: #18259 Delete Edit

TinyTiger
Caroline Joyce

N Posts: 7

Hello Lolarun,

Just logged on!

I'd say one of my favourite places in the world is Tibet. The spiritual connection was amazing. You have to go there to believe it and experience it. I realise that it may not be everyone's cup of tea but there is something quite special flying past Everest en route to one of the most spiritual destinations in the world. The sky is the most amazing blue too - being on top of the world!

On a racier note, I absolutely loved South America. Ask me for my favourite of all the countries within this wonderful continent, and I will truly struggle. There is such vast diversity, it's hard to know where to begin. I came back from Colombia and Venezuela in May and have to say I loved Colombia for its people. Despite all the scare stories, it would be criminal for any true discerning traveller not to go there. Peru is also a gem. I also loved Patagonia.....I could go on and on and on!!!!
and of course there is all the fine wine and salsa - you have to go!

TT ;-))

Reply to this

16 years ago, August 21st 2007 No: 107 Msg: #18289 Delete Edit

visahlp
Visa Help

N Posts: 10

hello,
they say that it's better to regret the things you've done than the things you haven't done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that's quite true. only imagine, that in 15-20 years you'll tell your kids that you gave up everything,challenged your fortune. it's like the story from movie!!!!!!!!
that's great. Reply to this

16 years ago, August 21st 2007 No: 108 Msg: #18299 Delete Edit

deleted_45665
deleted_45665

d Posts: 9

Hi All;
To respond to stewfox, I would never pull my son from school, as Canada actually has a pretty great education system, and I'm not a certified teacher, so home schooling is out (life experience notwithstanding...) For this reason, my husband and I are considering having my son join us for several months in the summer as well as some holidays. We have also considered postponing our trip if necessary, as my responsibility for my son's welfare is the top priority, however much I'd like to make such a major change in my own life right now. I could wait for a year or two, which would likely place us into an even better situation financially, to take the trip down the road.

That being said, having shared custody does give me somewhat more freedom than single parents, or parents with sole custody, who may not have that option. Right now, we're in the stage of trying to consider all of the pros and cons of the various decisions available to us, and that's one of the reasons that this site has been of great assistance so far. So thank you everyone for your feedback, and for sharing your thoughts.

Cheers,

Lolarun

Reply to this

16 years ago, August 22nd 2007 No: 109 Msg: #18324 Delete Edit

deleted_45665
deleted_45665

d Posts: 9

Tiny Tiger;

I loved your insights on travelling to Tibet and South America. We're considering South America in our plans, as well as Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Africa. The whole world is open to us right now, and South America definitely has it's advantages as a starting point, since we could travel there by land first, and then fly across the atlantic to other destinations once we felt we'd had our fill (I think it's unlikely for one to have one's fill when travelling, but the point is to see a number of places, and then, hopefully, to return to those where we feel a sense of connectedness).

I'm having trouble focusing at work, now that I've begun the mental preparations...Travel is truly addictive.

Thanks for the tips,

Lolarun Reply to this

16 years ago, August 22nd 2007 No: 110 Msg: #18337 Delete Edit

stewfox
stewart smith

N Posts: 20

To Lorarun,

To lolarun.

My statement was a rather pompous kind of middle age, middle England thing and I guess that’s what im trying to ‘avoid’. It’s the same way I always give reasons why I cant rather then why I can.

This is from a guy years and years ago that spent 8 hrs out at sea on a lio trying to get to Peacock Island of Bend dorm (I didn’t make it) ok I was a bit tipsy when I set off. Same guy who went on a home stay back in 1984 in Malaysia and had running water for toilet paper but they still watched Dallas , surreal

Posted while back unfortunately girl friend now has cancer , the prognosis is very good but with 8 weeks of radio therapy coming up it will put us back at least a year

We going back to the Maldives on Sunday just for a week, the last time in May neither of us wanted to come back

I’ve also accepted a offer on my house and with one house we will be able to save

Watch this space we will go !

Ill try and not post any more middle age statements
Reply to this

16 years ago, August 22nd 2007 No: 111 Msg: #18357 Delete Edit

TinyTiger
Caroline Joyce

N Posts: 7

Hello Lol,

I can believe you can't concentrate on your work now! You have some very exciting times ahead. I'm truly envious and wish I could do it all over again.

I really loved S America, so much so that I was thinking of moving to Argentina for a year to teach English and learn the language. Machu Picchu is a must. The Rio Carnival is amazing. Torres Del Paine is unlike any National Park I have ever seen. It's a complete wilderness with wild horses roaming everywhere and a trek up to the towers of paine also has to be done. The scenery at Fitzroy National Park (Arg) is also breathtaking as is the scenery in Bariloche from the top of the ski lift.

I intend to go back to Nepal over Xmas where I volunteered for 6 months in 2004, from there, I want to fly to Bhutan. I have an invitation to go there from a good contact in Nepal. Visitor visas to Bhutan are limited so I need to make the most of it.

Back to more recommendations for you. My favourite parts of SE Asia was, Laos (Luang Prabang is just fantastic) take a trip down the Mekong river. Cambodia (Siem Reap) I liked Angkor Wat but preferred the ruins of Tah Prohm. I'm sure you've read up lots on these countries already, so it's hard to know what to add. Again, the people always play an important part in my travels and you won't find nicer than the Loatian people.

Hope this helps!

TT 😊 Reply to this

16 years ago, August 22nd 2007 No: 112 Msg: #18363 Delete Edit

Mikey M
Mike Meggiato

B Posts: 325

TT the work concentration thing is so true.........i can not concentrate and i want to finish work now........lol................only 128 days till i leave the uk😊 Reply to this

16 years ago, August 23rd 2007 No: 113 Msg: #18381 Delete Edit

TinyTiger
Caroline Joyce

N Posts: 7

Lolarun,

That time will go by in a flash!

TT Reply to this

16 years ago, August 23rd 2007 No: 114 Msg: #18407 Delete Edit

deleted_45665
deleted_45665

d Posts: 9

TT

Thank you again for your great recommendations, you're certainly an intrepid traveller, and I wish you well on your exciting plans. I hope you post your travels, so that we can read about some of your adventures. For inspiration, I've been reading Rough Guide - First Time Around the World, and there are a number of great suggestions on how to travel on the cheap. I've also been reading Matt Harding's travel journals online (from "Where the Hell is Matt?") and find his insights to be humorous and informative, but he pulls no punches about the downside of world travel, either.

Laos sounds wonderful, so am going to start doing some research on it, as well as South America. The more research I do, the more difficult it is to narrow down the choices, they just keep expanding!

Lolarun Reply to this

16 years ago, August 23rd 2007 No: 115 Msg: #18408 Delete Edit

deleted_45665
deleted_45665

d Posts: 9

Hi Stewfox;

I'm sorry to hear about your girlfriend's illness, but wish you both the best in continuing with your travels. Congratulations on your house sale! That's one more thing you can cross off your pre-travel "to do" list. And have fun on your trip to the Maldives. I hope you write about them when you return, as this is one part of the world with which I'm not at all familiar, although it appears that alot of Europeans go there for holidays. Am very curious...

Take care,

Lolarun Reply to this

16 years ago, August 27th 2007 No: 116 Msg: #18509 Delete Edit

deleted_46183
deleted_46183

d Posts: 3

Sounds like a great idea!!! Go for it... great way to work out where to settle also. We, well certainly I, always dream of living in places like Australia yet havent even been there... Not sure how big your family and friend network is but I find communication to be so important. There are many sites out there that help these days - having a blog on this site is cool too, a great way of keeping in contact - you can never over communicate, i guess being a teacher you know that!!! Have a good trip. Enjoy.

Reply to this

16 years ago, August 28th 2007 No: 117 Msg: #18623 Delete Edit

Keri lou
Kerry Blakemore

N Posts: 24

Mikey M, we're not far behind you, only 132 days until we leave the UK for South America and we can't wait!!!! Just like you Lolarun, we can't concentrate on work or anything else for that matter. Our minds are totally focused on travelling and finding out as much as possible before hand. We spend all our waking time talking about what we want to do and see and where our travels may take us and who we will meet along the way. It's so exciting especially starting off in a part of the world that neither of us has experineced yet.
I have had some great responses from this site, many privately which have all been reassuring as well as very informative and I hope to keep in touch with many along our way.

In response to the debate about travelling with a child, being a Deputy Headteacher myself I can see so many benefits as long as you go about it the right way. Of course pulling a kid in and out of the standard education system is totally unfair. But allowing a child to gain such rich and diverse experiences whilst travelling is an education that most children will never get the opportunity to experince. Being nearly 31 when we start our travels, we have discussed the possibility of eventually wanting to have children as we are planning to travel indefinately or until we find a country we want to settle in. We have both agreed that wanting to have a child would definately not stop us from travelling for long and that we would find a way of making things work.

Good Luck Lolarun Reply to this

16 years ago, August 29th 2007 No: 118 Msg: #18655 Delete Edit

Ellen Around the World
Ellen

B Posts: 102

Keri Lou & Lolarun - good luck!

I'm now 3 weeks away from travelling indefinitely. I've struggled for some time now with the concept of settling with the socially accepted norm (career, wealth etc) versus - what I really want - which is to instead build a wealth of experiences and adventures. A difficult choice when my friends are moving forward in leaps and bounds in their careers, buying houses, getting married, having children. But I haven't doubted this for a second yet! I've effectively 'retired' from the corporate world at age 29 to hit the road. I'm deliriously happy. Might see you in South America!! E Reply to this

16 years ago, August 29th 2007 No: 119 Msg: #18664 Delete Edit

Keri lou
Kerry Blakemore

N Posts: 24

Definately keep in touch Ellen and if our paths cross then great!! Enjoy your retirement!! Reply to this

16 years ago, August 30th 2007 No: 120 Msg: #18693 Delete Edit

Stephen Paul
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

B Posts: 90

I've been following this post for awhile, its definitely generated some great thoughts and responses. I really had nothing to add, until 2 days ago.

I am also 30 years old and saving money to travel the world, but specifically chile. Im obsessed with travelling through Chile for a year, and the rest of the world for another year. As time has gone on, I think that well- maybe I should just save more money and retire in Chile, taking my 3-4 weeks vacations there each year and buy land and a house, etc..

Lately Ive been a bit unsure and depressed thinking that I said 3 years ago it would only be 3 years until I quit my job, yet here I am thinking maybe in 2-3 more years I should quit.

Then 2 days ago I was dealt the ultimate blow- I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. Part of me is the same, but part of me is very frightened. I will know in a week after it is removed in sugery if it's invasive or superficial requiring no additional surgery.

Many possibilties exist- best case scenario it is removed succeessfully, and I require a scope exam every 3 months to make sure it doesnt recour, as bladder cancers tend to do.
Worst case scenario is an advanced tumor requiring radiation, chemotherapy and more surgeries and scans.
I could also face the reality of having my bladder removed and having another one reconstructed- and having a urine bag for the rest of my life.

The question in the back of my mind isnt all these medical things or if I will live or die- The question I keep coming back to is, "How am I going to arrange my year in Chile around these problems?"

Im very active in the outdoors, will backpacking ever be as much of a reality for me as it was before I got this cancer?

I remember not one month ago thinking things needed to change, and if nothing else I have my health. Next thing I know I have cancer. Me, not a broken bone or surgery in my life, backpacking above 3000 meters for years, travelling the world alone with plans of grandeur--- all now just dreams instead of actual plans.

a month ago my response to this post would have been, "dont be too hasty, save as much money as you can and be realistic about how long you can spend abroad and how much money you will need".

Now? Sieze the Day makes more sense than ever, and not one person should take for granted their option to travel. For me, at this point in time- the possibility of carrying out the dreams I had are now on hold.

You will have no regrets!! Reply to this