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Hi Brad,
Just my opinion, but I think there are two ways you could approach this. First, though, hold on to the dream.

1)
You've just graduated and landed in the worst recession since the 1930's. You look at your degree and there's nothing out there. Put the degree aside for a while. Any job, washing dishes, delivering pizzas, anything (long as it's legal) that pays something. If you are achieving a little, the "lot" will slowly take care of itself. It also shows a prospective employer that you're not just hanging around waiting for it to drop in your lap (it won't), but are willing to get your hands dirty and work.

Bit by bit pay off that debt. It may take a few years, but hold onto your dream. No debt behind you, gives you more freedom.

2)
The other way out is to declare personal bankruptcy. You will end up with nothing and a black mark on you. Put your backpack on (that you stowed, full of stuff somewhere unaccountable) and hit the road. Have an address somewhere (parents, relatives) for basic legal and passport reasons.

On the road, it will be tough (even dangerous). But, you can work on one day cash jobs. Menial ones, to get some money in your pocket for the next stage of the journey. I've cleaned out ovens that they make dog food in, picked grapes, swept floors, ran a photocopier, washed dishes, unloaded semi-trucks, short order cook, and other things when traveling (back home I was a contract IBM mainframe Operations Anaylst and operator at the time). Usually I ran out of money on a trip and did whatever was there.

It can be done and for me it taught me a lot. The main thing, you are not limited to what that piece of paper says.

Whatever you do, don't walk out on the debt (in most countries that's a crime - eventually).

In both cases you will learn things and later on in life, be glad you did.

Hello everyone. New guy here. First a little about myself. My name is Brad and I am recent college grad. Turning 23 in May. A good friend of mine started planning his RTW and I started to get interested. Now it's the only thing I want to do. He bought an expensive video camera to take with him as he plans to make a little documentary kind of thing out of the whole experience. Should be very interesting.

Anyway, we have a very rough outline of what we want to do. We also know that we do not want to buy a RTW ticket because we do not want to be tied down to an itinerary. Mainly what I'm looking for is a cost estimate, a reality check if needed and some basic tips to help us along the way.

Currently I am a bit over $10k CND in debt and do not have a job. I'm looking, but it's pretty difficult. Fortunately about the debt I can report low income every 6 months and the government will pay the interest for me.

Note we are not venturing into Europe as to keep costs low(er).

Here is our very basic agenda:
November 2013      -  New Zealand
December 2013      -  Asia
January 2014         -  Asia
February 2014       -  Asia
March 2014           -  Asia
April 2014             -  Africa
May 2014             -  Africa
June 2014            -  South America
July 2014             -  South America
August 2014         -  South America
September 2014   -  Caribbean
October 2014    -  Mexico

I was looking at some average daily expenses on another website and tallied them up for all the different possible countries we may or may not be in. It came out to about $7500 although I feel that is not nearly enough. Also not too sure what to expect for flights as they change frequently. I get updates on the cost to go to NZ and it's at about $1300 right now.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Brad

Hello Everyone!

I'm a student of sociology at sarah lawrence college and am doing a research paper on backpacking and backpacking culture. As part of my research I'm conducting a survey, and would be grateful if as many backpackers as possible would fill it out.

It should only take about 5-10 minutes! I constructed it on surveymonkey for convenience, and it's in two parts(feel free to do one or the other, but preferably both):

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L6KBTJJ

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LZY2MFD

Thank you so much!!
Mary Kauffman 

This topic has been moved to Europe.

http://startbackpacking.com/forums/index.php?topic=2030.0

Does Anyone know how I could get work on an organic farm in Spain I've been looking it up online but can't seem to get anywhere with it?

Thanks appreciate the input I think I'll try to get the Tetnus and Hep A&B shots!

The folks at Gobi Gear set me up with an extra couple of Hoborolls, so I'm going to gift them to readers!

Deadline is February 28, 2013. Just like my Facebook page and/or subscribe to email updates on my blog (http://www.vagabondinglife.com). Couldn't be easier!

Here's the scoop and a review:
http://www.startbackpacking.com/travel/hoboroll/

If you have no idea what a 'Hoboroll' is, go check out the review. I've learned to like this thing a lot after carrying it around for a while.

Good luck!

True, just don't let them talk you into rabies shots. Totally unnecessary and expensive. The private travel doctors here are unfortunately clueless and only err on the side of caution and clinic profit.

Most of the biggies that are highly recommended (tetanus/hep A,B) are good for 10 years, typhoid capsules vaccinate you for 5 years. We have different mixes in the U.S. than in Europe (surprise) so check with doc about how long they are good for.

The hepatitis vaccinations need to be spaced out -- allow yourself lots of time. A lot of travelers wait until the last minute then end up having to get their last shots abroad while on their trip.

Here are some suggestions for Thailand / Southeast Asia. You don't need Yellow Fever protection for Asia, really only Africa and South America.
http://www.thailandtips.info/thailand-vaccinations/

That would depend on the infections you've had the jab for, usually the protection stays with you your whole life, but you have to take into account that the viruses can mutate, and you will not be protected against these new viruses, you're best off consulting a doctor, once you know the destinations you wish to visit of course.

I think I got some of these shots when I was a kid because I asked my mom and she said that I did. So is there a expiration dates on these vaccines or am I good?