Real life: Vagabonding a distant dream

[Anna]

Hello,

As some of you know, I traveled around Asia, Australia, and Africa for 7/8 months, and got back in February. Taking a year off before college and traveling was possibly the best decision of my life. I have many fond memories of travel buddies, romances, breathtaking views, and amazing experiences.

But now I'm back. In the real world. I'm taking a couple of classes at a local college, and then I'll be starting university full time in the fall. Dorms and all. I wish I was still vagabonding. Sure, I'm excited about college, but I miss traveling so much. And I don't see when I can possibly do the same sort of trip again. College is 4 years; maybe a little bit of traveling over the summer, maybe some study abroad, but that's it. Then afterwards, I'll pretty much be broke and in debt and looking for a job. Then who knows when I'll get to go on a RTW trip again. My little sister has expressed interest in eventually traveling long term with me, but it'll be years and years and years before that can happen. All I know is that a trip like this will happen someday again in my lifetime.

Until then, all I can do is dream about it. And enjoy the 'real world'. 

[Anthony]

Hey, it's all about the ride.I'm sure this is far from the end of your travels, and even if it is you've always got the memory of what you've done. Best of luck to you in your scholastic endeavors, though.

[Gobi]

Take it from me: the four years pass pretty quickly. I just graduated in May, and I'll be leaving on my vagabonding trip in June after planning for years. I got the travel bug pretty soon after I started college, but since I had some scholarships and had already started college, I decided to go ahead and finish before trying to do any extensive traveling. This let me save up a bit over the past few years and get a better idea of what I wanted to do. Also, while I'm sure this isn't the case for everyone, I feel a lot more mature and ready to travel than I did four years ago. My best advice would be to use this time to prepare for your next trip and save a bit of funding. And keep the travel bug strong by reading Web sites like this one!

[Greg]

Hey Anna,

I read your blog while you were away so I know its in your blood (along with whatever made you sick, haha)

Don't give up. I didn't start until I was 29/30, so you are far more educated now than I was then.  Look for adventure in the "real world" and when you're ready to hit the trail again I guarantee it will be there waiting for you. 

[Anna]

Huh? 

[Greg]

Sorry Anna, I said "huh?" because someone had left a bogus off-topic post. When I deleted their account, it removed their message but left mine. It wasn't for you.   

How are things going now days?  I'm back home as well until I hit a magic number in my bank account. Strange feeling not to have a ship date waiting for me...hmmmm.....think we will survive?

[moonwire]

been home for a month now after 8 months in asia. there are no jobs, everything is crazy expensive and there's snow. seriously wondering what i'm doing here. hope the feeling will pass, a job will be found so another adventure will be awaiting me. good luck!

[Greg]

Moonwire, I know the feeling.

Might be easier just to pull the plug and find a job abroad!