Here's a clip from a recent thread on The Lonely Planet (Gap Year & Around the World Teavel) Forum I responded to:

Seeking thoughts, advice and wisdom for long term travel
Hello everyone,

I'm 39 year old and still haven't shaken the travel bug. I've backpacked across Europe and South East Asia at separate points in my life but I still feel I'm not done exploring. I'm considering packing it all in and taking off until the money runs dry (possibly 18 months if I'm lucky). My concerns are the following and would appreciate any advice you can offer:

1. Family- I don't have any kids and only a collection of ex-girlfreinds but I am exremely close to my immediate family. My parents are getting up there in age and if something were to happen to them I don't if I could forgive myself for not being there.

2. Returning to work after a long break. I am a little concerned of the perception employers may have of a 40 year old man with an extended gap from the last job. I am curious as to what type of reception you received from prospective employers especially from older travelers like myself getting back in to the workforce. I have a MBA and tons of experience in my field but it still leaves me a bit uneasy due to the uncertainty.
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AND MY RESPONSE:

I think once you’ve gotten the travel bug, it is a permanent inflicted ailment for which there is no recovery.

Companies should acknowledge world travel as an invaluable life experience. I would add it to your resume. You learn skills at becoming a self reliant, confident and an independent thinking individual.

My first trip abroad was when I was 16. I spent a summer in Singapore. Backpacked across Europe alone at 18, and have since taken 2 solo trips around the world with numerous one month jaunts in between. I made a mistake and got married and was miserable with the whole normal life. I had bouts of being satisfied with my travel and being home, but the bug has always come back.



At 52, I’m back at it. I’ve sold everything I own, and of course I too worry about what will happen when the funds run out. Luckily, I have a skill set where I can easily find work. In the past, I worked in retirement communities and I saw couples scrimp and save their entire lives so they could travel when they retired. Invariably one would die, or the other would be inflicted with a disease so they never got to travel. Sure they had the funds to live in this beautiful retirement community but they never got to see the world.

My father died at 50 of a massive heart attack. These two things made a big impression on me and how I live my life today. I may be a bag lady in my 70’s, but boy will I have the memories and some wild stories to share! Do it now, life is truly too short! One you have a good career, you’ll buy a house, get in debt, have children, and then in becomes increasing difficult to fulfill those travel desires.

My only regret is I have never had someone to share my travel lifestyle with!