I am thinking of taking a break from university, work for a year, and then leave with my backpack and travel as far as I can and for as long as I can with the money I save up by then.
I have always dreamed of doing that, and I feel that it would help me find myself.
Any tips?
I appreciate it.
~AM
I've done that many times in life. First time I did I was away 4 months in South America, the second time I did a tripe from India and the whole of Southeast Asia, I've done 6 weeks cross country in the US, I've been to east Europe. So I've seen a chunk of the world.
The thing is that when you backpack for a short period of time you remove yourself from the problems of the world. There is no stress, you don't have to think any further than to 3 days ahead. It is amazing and you should definitly do it. However there is a catch. No matter how you twist and turn it you will have to come back one day. Some people are lucky and stay for many, many years and others just a few months. But they all come back home. And they all have to find a job.
I'm an engineer and what I do is I take on a project lasting 6-9 months, save money and then go when the project is up. In 9 months I can save up around $20 000 if I live cheaply. How much do you think you can save up working as a waitress or some other minimum wage job? Traveling is an expensive hobby and you need money.
Travelling is good, if you have the time in the world to do so. But in your case, you are still in school finishing your bachelor degree in commerce. And travelling requires lots of money unless you dad is such a very rich man and can provide you everything that you will need to travel around the world in 60 days. I guess you are not that rich. Why not finish first your schooling and after which travel around the world, once you get to work in a company. That way you are now matured enough and can stand on your own two feet.
Right now at 20 years old where do you think your feet can take you? The Bahamas, South East Asia or South America or Africa? You might get lost or worst kidnap by militia that are stationed in those countries that you are about to travel. You do not have much in your pocket and tried to ransom you to your family. And if they do not give the money, they chopped off your head, and return your body in a sack. Cause of death---misadventure. So you both wasted your schooling and end up dead in one of those countries you dream of travelling. Try to conserve your energy for now at 20, after you done with your schooling then decide to travel around the world, not for now.
You should finish school, get a great paying job, save up, and when you know you have things under control you should travel. It seems fun to blow off all of your money on traveling when you're still young, but when your in the streets with nothing but a few empty wrappers, you begin to regret the choice you could have made between being successful then live in the moment, or just live in the moment.
I know what's it's like trying to find yourself. Trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do, so you want to travel and figure that out along the way.
I took a gap year after high school, it was the best decision that I ever made. However, I was only able to save money because I was still living at home. If you're at home, and you have supportive parents, then you should be able to save up enough money to travel. If not, you might be able to save up a little, but your living expenses are going to eat most of your money.
You are still young. You should finish your school and get your degree. Is like an insurance for your life. but you have been to working life yet which is way more challenging compare to the stress you have now because is more to reality. You are now avoiding from that. Keep moving and once you have success, you can start travelling.
Just complete your school and be a successful then you can travel every where, there will be no boundaries of age, parents or money. Off-course you could travel time to time and take break with your daily routine.
do what makes you happy. :D
