Posted by Jason
Upon hearing the announcement that Karbo and I quit our jobs to travel the world, our friends and families have shown tons of support, making the whole process a lot less stressful, and further validates that we made the right decision. Some have even told me they are jealous about our trip, wishing that they can do the same thing. Well, Don't be jealous. Because if we can do it, you can probably do it too!
We all have responsibilities - kids, mortgage, pets, and oh ya, how can I forget, careers, to keep us grounded at home. So to leave everything behind and take off for an extensive period of time seems kind of...irresponsible. However, with careful planning, help from family and friends, a change of lifestyle, and a strong network that will help you with the job search when you return, you too can turn the dream of a RTW trip into reality.
We don't have kids so I can't really speak for the moms and pops out there, but there are couples who backpack with their children. Check out www.travelingcanucks.com. While I do imagine it being very difficult, and I don't know if Karbo and I would ever be able to do it, it's definitely not impossible.
I am a home owner and have been renting out my apartment for a while now. Luckily I have easy going, low maintenance tenants. My mom helps manage my apartment while I'm abroad, and when she needs professional advice she will consult our family friends who are real estate agents and property managers. I've also read travel blogs where owners sold their homes before going on their RTW trip, which is what the Naumans did in http://naumans2b.blogspot.ca/?m=1
According to Karbo, Dino (her Cavie) is the hardest part about leaving, and I'm certain all pet owners can relate Our amazing families have agreed to look after Dino while we are gone. In order to ensure Dino gets the attention Cavaliers notoriously need, we made sure that the future in-laws are on the same page and communicate to tag team the little bugger with lots of love.
Upon hearing the announcement that Karbo and I quit our jobs to travel the world, our friends and families have shown tons of support, making the whole process a lot less stressful, and further validates that we made the right decision. Some have even told me they are jealous about our trip, wishing that they can do the same thing. Well, Don't be jealous. Because if we can do it, you can probably do it too!
We all have responsibilities - kids, mortgage, pets, and oh ya, how can I forget, careers, to keep us grounded at home. So to leave everything behind and take off for an extensive period of time seems kind of...irresponsible. However, with careful planning, help from family and friends, a change of lifestyle, and a strong network that will help you with the job search when you return, you too can turn the dream of a RTW trip into reality.
We don't have kids so I can't really speak for the moms and pops out there, but there are couples who backpack with their children. Check out www.travelingcanucks.com. While I do imagine it being very difficult, and I don't know if Karbo and I would ever be able to do it, it's definitely not impossible.
I am a home owner and have been renting out my apartment for a while now. Luckily I have easy going, low maintenance tenants. My mom helps manage my apartment while I'm abroad, and when she needs professional advice she will consult our family friends who are real estate agents and property managers. I've also read travel blogs where owners sold their homes before going on their RTW trip, which is what the Naumans did in http://naumans2b.blogspot.ca/?m=1
According to Karbo, Dino (her Cavie) is the hardest part about leaving, and I'm certain all pet owners can relate Our amazing families have agreed to look after Dino while we are gone. In order to ensure Dino gets the attention Cavaliers notoriously need, we made sure that the future in-laws are on the same page and communicate to tag team the little bugger with lots of love.
Pressing the pause button on our careers took lots of courage (see Karbo's blog on Giving Notice). However, once we realized we're about to embark on a life-changing journey and good jobs will always be there later if we look hard enough, we booked our tickets and there was no turning back!
Oh, and how did we save up for a year-long trip? We stopped eating out as much, stopped buying coffee and anything else we don't need, and basically became frugal bums for a year in order to meet our savings budget. It's amazing how much money you can save if you stay disciplined, make a conscious effort to do it and have a RTW trip to save up for!
While we were still deciding whether or not to go on this trip, Karbo brought up a good point: There will always be reasons to NOT go on this trip, but we must remind ourselves to focus on the many many reasons why we SHOULD do it.
Oh, and how did we save up for a year-long trip? We stopped eating out as much, stopped buying coffee and anything else we don't need, and basically became frugal bums for a year in order to meet our savings budget. It's amazing how much money you can save if you stay disciplined, make a conscious effort to do it and have a RTW trip to save up for!
While we were still deciding whether or not to go on this trip, Karbo brought up a good point: There will always be reasons to NOT go on this trip, but we must remind ourselves to focus on the many many reasons why we SHOULD do it.