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Old 03-25-2017, 11:00 AM   #1
 
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Default Hi guys, back after a long time

I can't believe its been 10 years since I joined this forum and started researching to travel. It didn't' happen 10 years ago, but I just turned 30 and am finding myself in the unique position to pack up and take off from my life for an indefinite period of time. Assuming of course, I can convince the ex boyfriend to keep the cat for a while. So, I'm diving back in, I'm giving myself 5 months to save and plan and then I'm walking out the door with just what I can carry on my back.

So, any sage wisdom on where to start traveling in the fall, how things have changed in the backpacking world in the last few years that I've been out of the loop, any new gear to buy or avoid, or hell, any advice at all are welcomed.

Thanks everybody. I look forward to picking all of your brains, and then to keeping you updated on my adventures now that I'm finally making it happen.
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Old 03-25-2017, 01:56 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by Manders View Post
I can't believe its been 10 years since I joined this forum and started researching to travel. It didn't' happen 10 years ago, but I just turned 30 and am finding myself in the unique position to pack up and take off from my life for an indefinite period of time. Assuming of course, I can convince the ex boyfriend to keep the cat for a while. So, I'm diving back in, I'm giving myself 5 months to save and plan and then I'm walking out the door with just what I can carry on my back.

So, any sage wisdom on where to start traveling in the fall, how things have changed in the backpacking world in the last few years that I've been out of the loop, any new gear to buy or avoid, or hell, any advice at all are welcomed.

Thanks everybody. I look forward to picking all of your brains, and then to keeping you updated on my adventures now that I'm finally making it happen.
Welcome back, Manders! Sorry to hear that you never embarked on your journey. You MUST go this time so if the ex can't take the cat, maybe a friend or family can babysit el gato for a few weeks/months.

The only thing that I can see that has changed are travel restrictions depending on where you're going, so be sure to check before you take off. Most countries will dig deep into your travel plans if you don't have a return ticket home within the typical tourist travel limit of 90 days so be careful about that if you don't want to be put on the next plane back to your city of origin.

Also, with technology, border patrol/customs in many countries are doing thorough searches for drugs, contraband, and even searching through phone/laptops/hard drives and so forth.

Gear remains the same as it always has with the exception of mobile phones/apps to help with anything and everything.

At 30, I would make it happen... no exceptions. Otherwise, a career move will get you stuck in the same spot for years.

Where do you want to go?
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Old 03-29-2017, 10:12 PM   #3
 
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Sorry for the slow reply.

Where do I want to go? therein lies the problem, I want to go everywhere. I have this idealistic notion that I can save up 8 grand start in Indonesia and work my way through Asia, then India, hit Africa, then work my way up through Europe.

I want to see Nepal, and Morocco, Paris, and Prague, Ethiopia and the Congo..... as you can see, I'm having a little trouble narrowing it down.

What I do know is this, I've got 2 grand saved now, I want to leave in August or September, I think I can save at least 8 grand between now and then, and I want to see as much of the world as I can before the money runs out.

Is it too much?
Am I crazy?
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Old 03-30-2017, 08:11 PM   #4
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Sorry for the slow reply.

Where do I want to go? therein lies the problem, I want to go everywhere. I have this idealistic notion that I can save up 8 grand start in Indonesia and work my way through Asia, then India, hit Africa, then work my way up through Europe.

I want to see Nepal, and Morocco, Paris, and Prague, Ethiopia and the Congo..... as you can see, I'm having a little trouble narrowing it down.

What I do know is this, I've got 2 grand saved now, I want to leave in August or September, I think I can save at least 8 grand between now and then, and I want to see as much of the world as I can before the money runs out.

Is it too much?
Am I crazy?

It does sound doable, but it will depend on your discipline. Many of those countries are cheap so it's just airfare to really worry about.

Maybe you can put together a backup plan with half the countries so if you only save half or 3/4 as much, you can still hit some of those and get a good taste of the backpacking life. You will want to do venture out again as soon as you get back so don't worry if you can't visit all the countries on your list this time around.

The first trip always motivates travelers to start saving faster for the second trip, and that trip usually comes with little procrastination compared to the first one.

I'd say that you're within reach of a Sept goal!

Make sure you join us on our Facebook group
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Old 03-30-2017, 10:05 PM   #5
 
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a member actually added me to the FB group just yesterday. I'm so excited to hear that it's all feasible. I'm glad I have such a great resource, you guys really are an inspiration. :D

Brace yourselves for a million and one questions as I go along! lol
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Old 04-02-2017, 12:51 PM   #6
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a member actually added me to the FB group just yesterday. I'm so excited to hear that it's all feasible. I'm glad I have such a great resource, you guys really are an inspiration. :D

Brace yourselves for a million and one questions as I go along! lol
I see that Marc added you. Cool!

We'll be ready for your questions so ask away!
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