Lost/Confused Traveler

by Fatima N.
(Omaha, NE)

I am 25yrs old, single and for mostly all my life I've been wanting to travel. However, the circumstances in my life has delayed that adventure. Right now, I am working full time at a job that expects longevity, but I'm trying to survive, pay bills, or deal with a seperation; that to me seems like I'm making excuses. I'm afraid and don't know where to start - how do I leave when my financial circumstances are shaky, and I don't know what to do with this job, if I decide to leave. Help, I am seeking advice and a deeper meaning to my true course in life a traveler at heart? Thank you.

Answer:

You're faced with the same dilemma many of us have already faced - how to make a lifelong travel dream come true when there's little money and plenty of fear. The good news is that you're not alone, and most of us have gone through this before.

First, the money. Of course you need money to travel, and the best way to get it is to save it before you leave. My friend Lisa Lubin addresses this very issue in her recent post, How Could You Afford a Round the World Trip? This will get you started. Another source of hugely helpful information for the first-time traveler is Stephanie Lee's excellent book, The Art of Solo Travel, released a couple of weeks ago.

The next thing I'd do is post your question on one of the two major global travel forums, Lonely Planet Thorn Tree and BootsNAll. Both have several categories in which your question might fit and with thousands of members, you'll find support and advice. You'll also find helpful tips on my money saving travel tips page.

Now, the job. This is a hard one and I can't give you any personal coaching or advice but I can say that many travelers I met during three years of non-stop travel (myself included) had left a career behind, with some trepidation. My own decision wasn't easy - I had a fabulous job with long-term stability and an excellent salary. My friends, family and colleagues thought I was insane. But I needed to travel so off I went. I didn't regret it. That doesn't mean there aren't exceptions, but for me, living my dream was the best thing I ever did. You're much younger than I was, so you'd have better chances of finding a new job when you return. So - should you quit your job to travel? Either way, it's YOUR decision, and a very personal one.

One last personal observation, culled from experience: traveling takes you towards things, not away from them. If running away from a situation is in any way part of your plan, remember - wherever you go, you'll be taking yourself along!