Updated// Single 26yr Old Male Seeks Life/Travel Advice and Regrets before Travelling The Globe

J6 on 28/06/2016 - 15:54
Last edited 29/06/2016 - 19:59

Im a single 26yr old male with 50k. I wish to travel the world for an undetermined amount of time. Please give me advice.

I currently work fulltime as a high school teacher and live with my parents. My life has become extremely comfortable and routine.

At the end of this year, ive decided I will leave aus with an open ticket, probably in the direction of south east asia as a starting point and then onto India.

My goal is to become bilingual (unsure on language) and start making some travel related videos.

My parents dont want me to do this. They want to me keep saving money so I can put a deposit on a house in my capital city. There argument is that ill be able to live comfortable when im 40 and then I can travel and do what i want. This isnt happening. My parents have never been overseas before so their views are different from mine.

If you have any advice, can you pass it on to me? it doesnt have to be travel related but would love some from some of the older wiser people on here who have been in my position or wanted to be in my position before. Do you have any regrets or something that you think i should do?

Ideally id love to travel for a while then land a job somewhere. Then just live off my earnings. My goal isnt to spend 50k in a year.

TL:DR
Single Young Male Seeks life/travel Advice before Travelling The Globe
*Has 50k
*No kids
*Will take a good camera and pack very lightly
Please give me life advice.

Update: I have been overseas numerous times and backpacked around Asia/Europe/north America already on shorter trips (a few months at most).

Many older people on here are saying "yes do it, plenty of time to buy a house and settle down later. While many people who are closer to my ages are saying "go for a few months but invest/save your money for your financial future". I can see both sides as its statistically harder to buy a house now in many capital cities than it was 20 years ago.

The dilemma that is constantly playing over and over in my head is that if i go overseas and come back after X amount of months/years with $XXk gone, i wont be able to live my parents and save that amount of money again so affording a house will be difficult. As for those who say to invest, Id love to invest some money in a property but i wouldnt be able to cover the repayments even with someone renting.

I will be going overseas for an extended period of time. I think about it everyday. I just want to do it wisely.

Travel

Comments

  • onetwothreefour on 29/06/2016 - 09:27

    I'm 34 have 3 kids and just bought my first house. I traveled for a couple of years when I was 22 and I wish I had of done it for longer and visited more countries as it was the best time of my life. I try to go overseas once a year now which is great but it's not the same.

    I would recommend that anyone should go traveling while you can, don't even consider not going, you will not regret it.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 16:40

      thank you for the advice!

  • jagolombago on 29/06/2016 - 09:46

    Man, it's funny - just this morning I Google'd 'business, buy a house or travel the world'…

    I'm just about to turn 27 in July and I'm saving away for a deposit on a build thinking about starting towards the end of the year but honestly, I'm scared that when I do that, things will become a lot harder (which is a given). I've travelled a handful of times much like yourself and I know I'm not done with it. When I think about it, what I enjoyed most about it in the past was the feeling of uncertainty knowing I was going back to well who knows. I just got a promotion in work and thats what's allowed me to think about the house a bit more seriously but tbh, I don't really enjoy the job, and it's nothing to do with what I studied at Uni. I'm just unsure if I'll be able to get another job. The only other issue I'm facing, I started a small business last year and although it it not my sole income, it's something I've always dreamt of doing, so tbh I'm just struggling to find the balance between the 3…like which one and which order. The business doesn't make much money, but it is still something I will always be doing. Probably doesn't make sense but yeh, I guess I can somewhat relate to what you're going through. I'm single and I don't have kids. All my closest friends live back home in Scotland.

    • Jay.
    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 16:45

      i am in a very similar situation. i got made permanent at my work, slight pay increase, got a few more responsibilities which turned into "really good time to get a loan that your permanent now" which makes sense.

  • Duram on 29/06/2016 - 09:58
    +2

    Do it. Can't wait for the "Housing is so expensive and life isn't fair post" when you get back :D. BTW You can do both it doesn't have to be one or the other.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 16:46

      ill be sure to make another forum topic about it.

  • snacky09 on 29/06/2016 - 10:00
    +1

    I say do it ! I left Australia when I was 25 with the intent to travel and live and work in the UK for a year or two. I stayed 5 and don't regret my decision for one minute. The only regret I do have is that I didn't make more use of my time and travel even more !!

    I now have a house and a mortgage which is actually almost paid off. I have two kids and we have travelled now several times as a family. My children have visited 8 countries and the oldest is 10.

    Travel gives you something money cannot buy. For me there are two types of people in this world, travellers and non travellers.

    Now when we travel we stay in nice hotels and move a little slower with the kids. Hostels were great fun back in the day and I travelled for 6 months on my own at one point. During that 6 months I spent 2 days actually on my own!!

    Would I spend the whole $50K, probably not. I would hold some back - however I say travel. My one piece of advice, if you do travel just be prepared for your friends and family to not be interested in any of the wonderful stories you will have. Their lives will be exactly the same as you left them but your view on the world will be different.

    Enjoy !!

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:00

      haha yes the amount of times when someone uses the "well when i was overseas" and everybody rolls theirs eyes. Unless im in the story, its not exciting! ha

  • Haters.Inc on 29/06/2016 - 10:17
    +7

    Leaving this thread open in a Chrome tab at work is very risky

    http://imgur.com/lNOQN2R

    "Single 26yr Old Male Seeking…"

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 16:46
      +1

      "we have already had to speak to you once about this…"

  • bargrin on 29/06/2016 - 10:17

    I would look at the oneworld round world fare, the continent one.

    I did it 9 years ago for $4k, you set your destinations in order and have 12 months to complete any day you want as long as seats avaliable

    This was my trip

    Sydney - San Fran - cancun - chicago - nyc - london - cairo - Barcelona - london - Bejing - Hong Kong - Mumbai - Tokyo - Perth - Cairns - Melbourne

    Plus after 4 months traveling I paused trip in Hong Kong took a budget Air asia flight home, worked for 3 months then went back and picked up flights again in Hong Kong, then came back on Perth leg, worked for 3 months then finished off Aus flights.

    That was back in the day when taxes and fuel charges not high so ticket cost $4k all up. Now i think it be close to $6k.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:01

      yeah round the worls fares can be cost effective if you have a 12 months plan. Id like to leave mine more open. Like i might found a cool job early on. Anyway thank you for the advice!

  • [Deactivated] on 29/06/2016 - 10:36

    Do it.

    But not for too long. 50K capital is hard earned and capital is leverage. Consider how long you took to save up that money. You should at least spend it twice as slowly (at least). If it were me, I would set aside 10K and maximize it. After its spent. I'm done.

    Not sure if you intend to be working during your travels. I find that if I'm in a certain place for too long not being productive I will be completely bored out of my mind.

    If I were you I would travel for half a year or a year.

    Not sure what kind of experiences you would like. To me, waking up and enjoying a particular scenery only counts as an experience on the first day.
    After awhile, most locales within a particular region starts to look the same.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:12

      yeah as i said in the forum post, i want to work while travelling.

  • coota1268 on 29/06/2016 - 10:37
    +1

    I'll chip in a different perspective. This is what I am planning/doing:

    I'm in a niche employment market in rural Aus (i.e not many jobs going). If I quit to travel the world, there is a strong chance I wouldn't see another job for 8-12 months. Instead I am doing this:

    • Saving $100 per week into a travel fund (= ~$5k p/y)
    • Saving all my annual leave and using it for one big 4 week holiday per year (I'm lucky that I can use TIL for other days off throughout the year).
    • I'm 24 currently, so I'm planning to visit most of the major countries by the time I'm 30.

    This way, I keep my job and a solid income but also get to travel regularly. I'm also looking into unpaid leave, so that I can take 6 months off, but still have a job when I come back.

    Best of luck.

    EDIT: Just a few more things to think about.

    • Don't blow your 50k, limit yourself to 10k.
    • If I were you, i'd start with a small (<1 Month trip and see how you feel after that).
    • A 1 year holiday doesn't only cost 10k (or w/e you choose to spend), it also costs you in lost imcome (i.e 60k), so consider that before giving it all away
    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:13

      i cant wait that long! thats just me thought, thank you for the advice!

  • josepet on 29/06/2016 - 10:47
    -1

    Learn spanish as it will be helpful when It becomes the most spoken language in the World. Visiting South America is also very interesting.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:14
      +1

      id love to learn it! for amount of countries that speak it and it may be the easiest to pick up from english IMO.

      • josepet on 02/07/2016 - 20:56

        It is an interesting language, but as you see, haters are everywhere as I got negative vote for no reason xdd

  • kiwibayer on 29/06/2016 - 11:04
    +2

    Hey Mate,

    I left Germany when I was 24, moved to NZ for 8 years which was awesome.
    Then moved to the Philippines for a year and after that finally to oz.

    It hasn't been easy at times and the idea of moving back is always there, but then every time I visit my home country I can see how I'm not fitting in anymore and how their world views don't match up with mine.
    It's strange.

    Anyways, I'm now on a very comfortable salary, more than would I could have earned back home. Can afford to travel as much as I want and got soo many stories to tell that an evening with friends is never boring.
    On my travel found my partner who loves traveling as much as I do … definitely a bonus

    here my advice:

    • don't listen to your parents :p they grew up in a different economy / different times
    • listen to your gut in any sticky situations
    • try to see the places where you're finding work
    • go have a good party with your friends, some of them will go, some of them will stick. But trust me new ones will come
    • don't listen to others while you're traveling too much. most of them are stuck in their day to day live too.
    • don't buy things you don't need when you're traveling … just makes it harder to move
    • try new things wherever you are, new cultural dance you got no idea about give it a try, not singing? go to a karaoke bar.
    • start new, nobody knows you nobody knows the stupid things you've done

    • stay in contact with the people you love and that are close to you …

    • finally: enjoy your trip, make friends … get some stories that you can tell others …

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:37

      thank you for the tips! its decided! ill go!

  • cambooooo on 29/06/2016 - 11:15
    +1

    I created an account just to reply to this!

    I'm 27, and now living back at home again after coming back from a year in Latin America (check out my blog if you're interested in seeing where I went - www.camstravels.com).

    I say do it. In my opinion exploring the planet we all live on is the most enriching experience you'll ever have. I've spent most of my twenties (and almost all of my money) doing it. And now I'm saving for another trip. I'll admit I've been lucky in having a good job at a good company that let me take a year as unpaid leave, so it was an easier decision for me to make. But a friend of mine just came back from 2 years away and found a job pretty quickly once he was home. I don't think you'd have a problem getting a job again if you're a teacher.

    Pack light and have a blast! Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:37

      cool blog cam! ive been inspired by all the responses and ill go!

  • Blottski on 29/06/2016 - 11:20
    +2

    I'm against the norm here. hate travelling. Especially alone.

    Have to do it for work every year. Always nice to see new places but then I remember home (where I live anywhere) is miles better.

    I like my peace and quiet. (live 50 mins out of Adelaide) Each to their own though. It's just not my favourite thing in the world to do.

    One thing I will suggest. Always pat down your pockets to check you still have your phone and wallet (only put them in your front pockets). Also. be very careful about leaving your credit card in a taxi after paying. (did that in my most recent trip) had to survive without any money for 48 hours from London to Australia. (I've never been so happy to eat plane food in my life).

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:38

      thank you for the advice! i love being alone, sometimes.

      • Blottski on 03/07/2016 - 20:01

        trust me.. I like being alone too. But when I was in the US I went to Universal Studios.

        I found experiencing it by myself was boring and unexciting. Something like that you need someone to share the experience with.

        • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 23:23

          Yeah when I backpacked some states in the US, I also visited universal studios. I met a French guy in my hostel and we went together.

  • ajlazuardi on 29/06/2016 - 11:31
    +3

    First off I want to say that you're doing the right thing.

    I took about a year to travel around the world, doing volunteer trips here and there around South East Asia, South Africa and Mexico several years ago. Cost me a fortune but there is one thing that travelling gives you.

    Perspective.

    When you look at how other people in other countries live, how they make do without, what they believe to be important, you start realizing you've been living in a box made out of your own perceptions all this time, and that box gets destroyed as you meet those people.

    So, from one globetrotter to another, here are a few tips I'd like to give:

    • Don't bother with a point-and-shoot. Get a good smartphone instead. It'll take pictures as good if not better than a PnS (unless you're going for those AU$1000 PnS in which case you might as well get a DSLR).
    • One thing that saved my life is an all-in-one universal powerpoint adapter. I don't know where to get one in AU as I got it in Changi Airport In Singapore, but damn it's bloody handy. This is what one looks like: https://travelshop.ie/product/universal-adaptor
    • One thing that saved everyone else's life is a powerboard that goes well with your universal adapter. Sure its a bit bulky, but try and find a compact one. Trust me on this one - you'll attract so many friends around the world when they see some empty slots on your powerboard.
    • Airfare - speaking as an Ex-Travel Agent in Australia, There are ways to make your RTW airfare far cheaper. Go to one of the Flight Centre brands and ask for a Swissair Airfare - It gives you 5 destinations around the world, provided that the middle portions are within Europe and that you're ok to stopover multiple times in Zurich, Switzerland.
    • Accommodation - AirBnB is your friend if you want your own dwelling, Hostels are your friend if you want to make friends. Bear in mind that if you do stay in hostels, take all precautions on security. A mate of mine had his wallet stolen in Cape Town when we stayed in a hostel and placed his bag on his bed.
    • As a general rule of thumb, it is almost always better for you to exchange your money locally in that country. Avoid Currency exchanges in airports like the plague, regardless of where you are.
    • Budget - First take 10% off your total budget and set it aside as "EMERGENCY FUNDS" - you never know what you need to do in your travels and that 10% will go a long way to cover unplanned shit. Then take out any transport costs (airfares, etc.), then with the remainder divide it by the amount of days you will be travelling. Clump those "per day" expenses into the number of days you want to spend in a country. You'll get a general sense of what you can spend per day in both accommodation and expenses. Some countries you'll live like a king, whereas others you'll find that you'll scrape by. Just.
    • One final advice that MANY travellers don't think about - VISAS. Make sure you have Visas for all countries that you wanna travel into. AU has a lot of places that are open to you, but be wary of weird countries that you either need a visa for / pay a shitty fee to get out of the Airport (Looking at you, Santiago/Lima!)

    I think that's all I can think of for now mate - all the best and if you have any questions feel free to shoot it through.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:42

      thank you for the advice!

  • piggyfund on 29/06/2016 - 11:36
    +2

    Go go go! there is no reason why you can not combine work with your travel. You are a teacher! under 31 you have a lot of options for visas, learning a 2nd language it helps if you are living there but not always. Worst case just come back, live back with the family and get a job in AU again. Go go go!!! you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I know avid travellers that have been no where since having kids. Plenty of people travel with kids but it is a different type of travel.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:46
      +1

      thanks piggyfund! im going for sure!

  • [Deactivated] on 29/06/2016 - 12:05
    +1

    '08 to '10 I traveled Los Angeles then Central and South America for 1.5 years on $55K budget.

    I had an absolute ball.

    No Regrets other than I didn't buy enough 'souvenirs' in Colombia.

    All up I have traveled to over 30 countries, Still have about 150 on the list.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:47

      55k over 18 months! i dont plan on spending mine that quite but im assuming you didnt work and did all the fun stuff?

  • [Deactivated] on 29/06/2016 - 12:06

    Boring people would neg your comments.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:47

      theres a few on here mate.

  • cicada001 on 29/06/2016 - 12:47

    As a person just over 60 who has been to over 50 countries I urge you to go travelling - I left age 26 after a major health scare and haven't stopped since and don't plan to - if there is any chance you could get yourself a small investment property that is positively geared or at least neutral it does mean you're in the housing ladder if that's what you want - Travelling has a wonderful way of opening your eyes to things you didn't even know about - I wish I had a job that wasn't so specialised so I could have tried to work overseas for while - I'm taking some time off next year to spend a couple of months in Europe and the US. You will meet so many wonderful people - would also urge you to get all your police checks and stuff before you go and apply for a green card lottery just for the hell of it - ENJOY

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:48

      im lucky that i have a pretty universally recognised job! ill go for sure! thank you for the advice!

  • [Deactivated] on 29/06/2016 - 13:01
    +3

    I honestly think this is something you will regret not doing or watering down, in the future. How much of a difference will it really make if you pay off your mortgage at 45 or 50? I left for a working holiday after finishing high-school, had airfares pre-paid and $5000 saved, came back after a year with a decent chunk of it. Everyone warned me a gap year would ruin my life (and my parents did not believe I was actually going until I showed them my ticket), but this has yet to happen.

    I personally wouldn't take a DSLR on such a long trip, I'd get/take a mirror less - more compact, but also amazing images.

    Spend money on experiences, not things/souvenirs. Eat like a local (in as well as out - foreign supermarkets are great fun!). Stay in hostels, air bnb, couch surf etc (it's a great way to meet other travellers/locals). Try to use the language, etc.

    Maybe there is some kind of compromise you could come to where you invest a portion for your eventual return ($30 000 is still a very healthy travel fund).

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:49

      thanks for the advice! ill keep some saving aside jsut to make my parents happy.

  • JakDac on 29/06/2016 - 13:09

    Many Americans came and worked overseas at a young age liked it and stayed even getting citizenship. Many are finding out via FATCA that the US is the ONLY Westernised country to tax citizens abroad. Thus they have to file every year with a tax professional that knows BOTH systems approx $500-$1000. When they go to pull out Super after decades they owe the US tax AND on their house sale. Used to be free to give up citizenship now $2350 US. Years ago only 200 denounced now approx 5000 a year are denouncing. US citizens have to file all accounts with aggravate over 10K to the JUSTICE department each year.The US treaty that could help the Super only be taxed in Australia has not been revised for 23 YEARS. The now citizens of Australia writing to the Treasurer get the answer / when we get to it we will look at this / TWENTY THREE YEARS ??

    Check http://isaacbrocksociety.ca/fatca-and-australia/

    Sometimes some unexplained things can happen when fate plays its hand

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:51
      +1

      sorry but i dont understand what this has to do with anything?

  • lainey13 on 29/06/2016 - 13:11

    If you died in 5 years time would you be unhappy because you spent the last few years travelling without a house, or be unhappy because you died part-owning a house and never went anywhere?

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 17:51

      im happy! but id prefer an adventure over a house! at least i do right now.

  • twilsoncrow on 29/06/2016 - 13:21
    +1

    Write yourself a couple of letters to your future self say in 2021.

    Talk about what your life if you had travelled and the experiences you think you could have the good and the bad I,pacts and what happened when you returned

    Then
    Another letter if you stayed home and kept on working.

    That might help you work out your decision.

    Do not regret anything grab this amazing opportunity you have and travel.

    Are you a primary school or high school teacher?

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 21:30

      cool idea, im a high school teacher so im happy to teach adults too. I tossed up being primary and have worked with younger kids too so im easy. Im happy with any type of work really

  • twilsoncrow on 29/06/2016 - 13:23

    Ok just went back and reread your post. What subjects do you teach? Thinking of the connections to your travel and job and tax deductions

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 21:30

      thanks heaps! i teach HPE, science and maths.

  • whimsy on 29/06/2016 - 13:32

    go for it…..rather than regret it when you're older and have more commitments.
    or, get an even more flexible job and travel for 3 months at a time, come back to rest and recharge then head off again. best of both worlds this way.
    we find that after being out of our comfort zone for 3-4 weeks, we're happy to come back to routine and not live out of a suitcase.
    tip - get travel insurance before you set off
    tip - arrange the credit or debit card that does not charge international ATM fees - 28 degrees credit card is good, citibank platinum debit card is good for overseas ATM withdrawals.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 21:31

      great thanks! finding a job that flexible cant be kinda difficult though!

  • SkMed on 29/06/2016 - 13:45
    +5

    DO IT DO IT DO IT!!

    I did exactly that at the same age (now almost 29) I traveled for 18 months on only 30K and went to about 50 countries.
    www.instagram.com/SkareMedia

    I sold pretty much everything I had. Took photos along the way, won multiple photo competitions when I returned, and I am still now selling those images and making money from that…
    Actually one set of photos was just published on the Daily Mail yesterday!:
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-366351…

    I can HIGHLY recommend putting together a project 365 if you plan to travel and want to make good use of your pcamer for at least a year. It literally changed my life.
    http://365.skaremedia.com/

    26 is the perfect age to travel, you can still be up for spontaneous nights out on the town yet have (should have) the life skills to not be a dick, be respectful and really make the most of things. And since you've already worked you shouldnt find it hard to find a job when you return as you have industry experience and have done your travels.

    Im still traveling occasionally, but at 29 I don't think I could handle 18 months non stop on the road again. I only go for 2-3 month trips max now, I have more commitments etc. In short, if you don't do it now you never will.

    If you happen to be in Melbourne I could meet up with you for a beer if you have any more Qs.

    • scraggers on 29/06/2016 - 15:40
      +3

      Amazing photos dude.

      • SkMed on 29/06/2016 - 16:25
        +2

        Cheers :)

    • [Deactivated] on 29/06/2016 - 22:25

      awesome photos and inspiring story!

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 21:34

      awesome photos! How does that work with sites like the daily mail? they ask you to use the photos and pay you a fee? or is it more promotion for you?

  • bajillionaire on 29/06/2016 - 13:55

    No one gets to the end of their life and says "I wish I had worked more".

    • Duram on 29/06/2016 - 14:01
      +1

      True but I can imagine a few going "ZOMGGG I CAN'T AFFORD HEATINGGGG / RENT ITS THE GOVERNMENTS FAULT ZOMGGGG"

    • watwatwat on 29/06/2016 - 14:27

      I've met people in their 50s that have no saving and say exactly this. They wished they had worked and saved more when they were young so they could have been more carefree now.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 21:34

      very true!

  • fenric on 29/06/2016 - 14:04
    +1

    Tip to save you a few hundred bucks. Get a 28 Degrees Mastercard as your travel credit card and a Citibank Visa Debit Plus card as your cash withdrawal card.
    Both are free, do not charge you currency conversion fees or foreign transaction fees and give good exchange rates.
    Will save you hundreds in the long run.
    Heaps of information on Whirlpool about them if you are interested.
    Make sure you apply early as they can take quite a few weeks to arrive and activate.

    • montorola on 29/06/2016 - 21:28

      Great tip, and solid combination of cards.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 21:35

      i already own a 28degrees but ill be sure to get a city bank too. thanks.

  • starspawn on 29/06/2016 - 14:07

    South America, South America, South America!!! Literally go there and spend 6 months from south to north or vice versa! I've never been but I know from so many close friends that it is a magical and fulfilling place.

    Learn spanish! (One of the best languages you could learn) Go work there in wildlife refuge centers (have heard amazing reports about this)

    Go travel and go hard! One of my best friends lived of 10K for around 15 months (did it with just a carry on backpack)

    I lived in the UK for 2 years and saw a fair bit of Europe, one of the best life experiences I could have ever had. Since then I have been to Japan, Thailand, Hawaii, North America, Mexico & a little of Central America.

    • J6 on 04/07/2016 - 20:16

      awesome, thanks!

  • fredcoy on 29/06/2016 - 14:10
    +2

    As an Ozbargain, my advice is to open a credit card that covers all travel insurance (ANZ offering one like this) before you go and you'll never regret.

    If you're into religion maybe India/Bhutan, if martial arts maybe China. Mandarin is definitely the language you should learn (look at Kevin Rudd haha).

    Your trip doesnt sound like travelling, it's more like migrating to some where else as you want to learn a language! Good luck!

    • fenric on 29/06/2016 - 22:13
      +1

      I looked into credit card travel insurance, but none of them will cover more than 3 months overseas without retuning to Australia.
      Happy to be corrected if someone knows of one though :)
      WorldNomads do pretty good insurance for backpackers, but it has been a while since I used them last.

    • J6 on 04/07/2016 - 20:17

      mine covers 6 months. decent but i think thats the longest you can get.

  • twilsoncrow on 29/06/2016 - 14:17

    I agree with the learn Spanish. So many places you can use it. Love South America and Central America.

    Happy to help out with any questions u have about either

    • J6 on 04/07/2016 - 20:18

      thanks!

  • cytotoxic on 29/06/2016 - 14:17
    +3

    Just don't be one of those Gen Y'ers that spend all their money travelling then complain about housing affordability and generational inequality when they decide to buy a first home. Your parents have a point about setting yourself up in life first then travelling later

    • [Deactivated] on 29/06/2016 - 15:36
      +1

      Sigh, yeah yeah, those bloody youngins! In gen Y's parent's days (1970-80) it took 4.5 - 5.2 years of every cent from a mean full time wage to buy a median priced house. Now (2015), it will take 14.6 years of every cent from a mean full time wage to buy a median priced house. I know this because I bothered to work it out once. Are you really trying to deny the increasing unaffordability of the housing market? Or that wages have stagnated since the 70's, whilst inflation has run rampant?

      • Mumbles on 29/06/2016 - 16:05
        +2

        Too true. In the old days everybody would talk about "inflation" and "interest rates". The solution was simple but it worked. When inflation rises then the interest rate would be increased. Its funny how interest rates have remained low. How's a gen Y supposed to save when their savings are being eroded by inflation?

    • J6 on 29/06/2016 - 16:14
      +1

      yeah my parents point is very valid as it is much harder to save and purchase a house than it was 20 years ago and my parents realise that. Thats only my opinion so you cant get angry about it.

      My opinion was also influence by actual facts and housing reports.

  • mightyfes on 29/06/2016 - 14:32

    Travel as much as you can, the best investments are your memories. The future of real estate is somewhat uncertain anyway if you're lucky you'll have saved up again by the time the housing bubble bursts :D

  • squirellwing on 29/06/2016 - 15:33

    You're a teacher - you can probably land a language teaching job if you're travelling to non-English speaking country (most asia, south america, my friend even did teaching gig in Spain).

    It's probably a good middle ground between "Travelling the world" and your parent's "You're wasting your time and money".

    • J6 on 04/07/2016 - 20:21

      yeah, i guess its a very selective occupation that i should be using to my advantage.

  • Mumbles on 29/06/2016 - 15:45
    +2

    Theres heaps of freedom and you should consider taking advantage of it.

    26 years old. Not financially encumbered. No responsibilities to a partner or dependents. Your parents are fit, healthy and not requiring your care.

    When will be a better time to adventure?

    Asia is huge. There's the silk road, Himalayas, Tibet, golden triangle, plains of Mongolia, etc. Go nuts, you can't see it all.

    Don't worry about the neg voters. Follow your passion. At the very worse listen to those that have already been there and done that.

    • J6 on 04/07/2016 - 20:19

      yes, there are none here how have taken a long backpacking trip and regretted it, but plenty who didnt and do regret it.

  • rgr on 29/06/2016 - 17:11
    +1

    just do it dude, life is this strange shit that can surprise you sometimes can something as small as meeting a person can change your entire trajectory. budget 10k or something and then keep the rest as an emergency fund to survive once you come back, because i can guarantee you if you leave your job and keep your bridges there's still no guarantee you'll get it back.

    • J6 on 04/07/2016 - 20:21

      thanks for the advice

  • ozmian on 29/06/2016 - 18:03

    an ex-coworker is doing something similar to this, he made a spreadsheet that may interest you: http://www.nateliason.com/runway-calculator/ .. it has a Cost of Living calculator for various cities built in too.

    some other self-employed friends are doing this too from thailand I believe. depending if you can make money while away (online or other..) you can often come back with more money than just staying home living in Australia.

    • J6 on 04/07/2016 - 20:22

      thanks, i just now need to work out a way to make money online.

  • Plug on 29/06/2016 - 18:06

    If you think you won't be able to cover mortgage repayments even with someone renting ask yourself whether you're looking at property too close to the centre of the city of your choice. How much do the prices drop when you move out by 40k or so? Doable if you've got a decent train link.

  • John on 29/06/2016 - 18:06
    +2

    At 26, even if travelling did not work out for you its not going to be the end of the day. If I were you I will definitely do it. But be smart.. there's still opportunity to make a fortune whilst travelling. Create blog/vlog. Use your video making / photo skill (or develop one quickly). Even if it doesn't generate income, you will have heaps of portfolio on your belt.

    But don't be completely ignorant as well. Have backup plan if you have to return. I'd say a 6 months worth of living cost is something you should save up to allow for you to find work and settle back when/if you return for good.

    PS: I'm at my 30s and wished I had done what you are planning to do when I was a lot younger. But in hindsight, I have wife and kids that I love a lot that I might not have at this age had I pursued travelling. So… whichever case, there's always a good side to it.

  • easternbluecut on 29/06/2016 - 18:10

    Working holiday visas and a quick TESOL certification (yes I realise you are already an teacher but TESOL can be a different style of teaching and for a few hundred I'd definitely say it is worth it). I spent the better part of 10 years travelling and working although part of that was also in Australia. I put strict limits on myself as far as how I was going to do it and I don't regret it in the slightest. I recommend spending time outside of major cities. Go get your hands dirty. Talk to anyone and everyone. Always say yes to an experience. At your age you can easily travel without putting a dint in your savings. feel free to message me if you want more specifics but overall just enjoy life after all you only get one.

  • Keeegs on 29/06/2016 - 18:14
    +4

    Do it.

    I'm 28 now and I'm stuck.

    I wish I am in your situation because I'll take the travelling option in a heartbeat.

    • J6 on 29/06/2016 - 20:05

      stuck how so?

      • Keeegs on 30/06/2016 - 11:56

        Got a mortgage, can't just up and go as I like.

        Got a few life expenses down the road, so once again can't up and go :\

  • mrluke on 29/06/2016 - 19:55

    You will spend more than 25k in 2 years unless you work. Go to London and work and see Europe in your time off, you might come back with more than you left with… And you can only do that before 30 unless you have a UK passport.

    • J6 on 29/06/2016 - 20:05

      i plan to work. Ideally id like to work every couple months for a couple of months, live cheaply, save and move on when im ready. Id love to just scape my savings and work for everything else. I know that wont always be possible so im trying to work things out as best as possible. Thanks for the suggestion!

  • snivy on 29/06/2016 - 19:57

    Speaking from personal experience, if you ever plan to come back to Australia and find a job, make sure you can explain your gap year. It'd be really good if you can find teaching jobs during your travel, that way there's always something in your resume.

    I haven't lived in a city for more than 2 years in the past decade or so, I speak multiple languages now and my best friends live in different continents. I just came back to Australia last year, was pretty lucky to have landed a job, though I must admit that my friends here who took a very different path have already climbed up the corporate ladder and sometimes I wonder if I was wrong to have too much fun travelling.

    • J6 on 29/06/2016 - 20:02

      THIS! this is what im scared of. Many of my friends are married/havings kids/already bought a house. They are 25-28 btw.

      How old are you now? do you find it difficult to save? What is your career?
      only say if you dont mind.

      • snivy on 29/06/2016 - 20:16
        +1

        I'll PM you :)

      • compound on 02/07/2016 - 00:34
        -1

        I bet you they're happy lol

  • Thatbargainhunter on 29/06/2016 - 20:07
    +1

    Do it.
    While I now have a very good job etc. I am pretty asset poor for someone 30 years old. Why? because I spent it all travelling in my 20's. As far as I am concerned, I am the richest of any of my mates. I would not trade the experiences for millions of dollars in wealth.

  • VeeVee on 29/06/2016 - 20:46
    +7

    I'm a single 28yo female, earning 65k a year and living with my parents. The best thing I did in life and never will regret is that I saved most my money and bought a house, which I've paid off recently. The market doubled in price over the last few years in my area. I look back and I'm so glad that I wasn't like my other friends that went on holidays.

    My advice, save & save!

    • Marcsie on 30/06/2016 - 09:39
      +2

      I bet you have an Asian background, so what do you do for fun then ? :)

      • VeeVee on 30/06/2016 - 14:09
        +1

        Greek background. I go out for coffee, walk my dogs, go for a drive, site seeing, out for dinner once a week…and of course hunt for bargains!

    • fredcoy on 30/06/2016 - 12:55
      +1

      Envy you! It's so lucky to have family support.
      I've learnt to live by myself and I figured out it will take time to save for a house when renting on your own. I love saving and I found out there's plenty of fun saving money. Most of my spare time is to spend on learning new skills (DIY stuff) so I could somehow save on labour when the bad day comes.

      • VeeVee on 30/06/2016 - 14:13

        Yes I am lucky, but its give and take.. Once my parents are older I will need to give them the support back in a way. Your on the right track! I spend my free time researching DYI stuff. Has saved me a lot of money with my rental property.

  • FatBlanket on 29/06/2016 - 20:58

    Live for today!!! Suffer tomorrow!! You'll only be young once. Then you will be old for a very long time. And boy does being old and poor suck.

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