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

    • J6 on 29/06/2016 - 21:10

      i dont know how i feel about what you just said. so be young and have fun, spend my money then be old and poor which sucks? haha

  • LurvinOZB on 29/06/2016 - 21:12
    +1

    At your age, I would do it.

    You don't need to spend the $50k or whatever savings u have, travel light and if ya not a princess, you can stretch your budget and work your way traveling around. Research what qualifications you need to be an English teacher for countries like Japan, Thailand and China, get the certs and aim to stay semi long term (say 6-8 months) at 3-4 key countries where the cultures are diverse. fInd a teaching job there and have fun along the way learning and living like a local.

    The possibilities are endless, who knows you might meet the one who will become your partner for life, and you get to enrich yourself with cultures, open your mind to what the world brings, experience up front how people less fortunate than us here are living it out with bare(ly) essentials and be a lot more appreciative with what we have in this golden country, and who know you might even meet the right people and get into business and earn shit loads of money!

    I'm in my late thirties with a mortgage, so I have got the next 20 odd years to repay the loan. Plenty of time here, and since retirement age ain't till 60+, there's still a good 5-8 years to earn money for that nice caravan for a retired grey nomad lifestyle.

    Good luck!

    • watwatwat on 30/06/2016 - 09:01

      Just because other people don't save money and most don't retire until 60, it doesn't mean everyone has to work that long.

      • LurvinOZB on 30/06/2016 - 14:37

        so whats the retirement/ preservation age and where is your source of funding coming from if you think "everyone dont have to work that long"? getting handouts from centrelink?

        point being? doh …

        • watwatwat on 30/06/2016 - 14:56

          Source of income would be dividends and interest.

        • LurvinOZB on 30/06/2016 - 15:12
          +1

          @watwatwat: good for you malc

    • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:20

      yeah, this forums has helped me realise that there are an indefinite number of possibilities especially with my career choice.

  • jason101 on 29/06/2016 - 23:00
    +4

    I wouldn't dwell so much on the money but more on the current freedom you have to enjoy your time in any way you choose. I'm now (suddenly) in my late 30's. Basically have a nice home, wife, kids, responsible job, business and everything is ticking along nicely. I'm probably that guy your parents want you to be, albeit a slightly fatter version. I think I have a reasonably satisfying life - but the one thing I don't have any control over is my time. My days are dictated by the life choices I've made. I'm continually telling my 20something PA to visit that far away place because one day her time will not be her own. It's really true that you just don't appreciate what you've got until you don't have it anymore. Time without commitment is the most precious commodity you currently control. Would I change anything in my life today? Probably not. Would I travel more if I could wind the clock back to the days of living at home as a single guy with limited commitments - definitely yes.

    • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:22
      +1

      haha you probably are! thats what my parents want. Ive decided that I will definitely go overseas with the help of numerous replies including your own.

  • surfer16 on 29/06/2016 - 23:07
    +2

    Hi Ronnie,

    Great topic, really exciting. I did it sort of in the opposite way, I came from Europe to Australia and NZ when I was 23, now I'm 30. I travelled alot here and in Asia but also worked in lots of different places so had a good income - and I guess I came at the right time with the recession in Europe at that time, though I would have had a government job.
    Now I just go on jaunts when I can. I look back on some of the things I did and think I was so brave to just dive in, but i'm really glad I did.

    I think travelling hard out for a full year might be tough, I reckon stopping in one place for a few weeks at least now and again to volunteer or work is a great way to experience a culture. Lots of European countries offer working holiday visas to Aussies, and you can make a little money as you go. I reckon endeavour to live frugally, there are lots of articles on how you can navigate the globe on low cost carriers, and this can certainly be achieved.

    Lots of ppl can offer advice, but really you have to just follow your gut, but I think you are right to go, you are only 25 once.
    Just be safe and sensible which is basically what your parents are saying.

    I think on the camera front - go small unless you are an avid photographer, some of my best photos were taken on my phone. If you go for 3 monhs or 2 years it doesn't matter , I think coming back sooner is by no means a failure, but the hum drum you describe is something that some ppl never shake!

    One last word of advice I read in a travel book once that always rings true for me - pack everything you need, all prepared and set to go - then take half the clothes and twice the money.
    Always half the clothes you think you'll need!

    All the best!!

    • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:29

      Thanks for the reply surfer, yeah i dont plan on hoping constantly between countries for 1 year, id like to spend maybe 4-6 months in india, then travel around south east asia until i found a nice place or a good job opportunity. I really would not like to be tied down and have to be at any certain place or leave at any certain time. My gut feeling has been to go and it has for a long time. I just wanted ozbargainers general consensus was as my parents (probably the two most influential people in my life) is completely different to me. So i started to question if this is a bad idea or not.

      I do a bit of photography now, nothing serious but just as a hobby. Id like to bring my DSLR but ill have to see and make some important decisions like that soon.

      Ill be only taking a carry on backpack. my backpack carries only essentials. thanks again for the advice.

  • h4zey on 29/06/2016 - 23:35

    well you tell a story to your kid/grand kid in future, would you like the story to sound like this, daddy/grandpa used to work very hard and this is what i have, or this, daddy/grandpa went to this, this and that and saw this this and that, the world is bla bla bla..

    • watwatwat on 30/06/2016 - 09:08

      I'd probably want to hear what a tonne of people already hear, in that their parents worked really hard too give themselves and their kids the financial foundation for a great life. Wasting all your money and not working when going doesn't sound humble to me.

      • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:30

        I dont think traveling the globe will be wasting money and ill definitely be working along the way.

    • maximum on 30/06/2016 - 13:47
      +2

      I can tell you my kids are not interested in my old people's stories of where I went when I was younger. The most interesting stories from my travels pre kids are not family friendly anyway. They much prefer the stories of our overseas travels together (twice a year on average) which are possible because we started in the housing market in our early 20's.
      I have travelled more now than most of my friends who started traveling earlier - they cannot afford to travel now as they are paying off mortgages - and I have and had the advantage of going with the people I love the most so we share those memories.

      • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:31

        thats fantastic that you can still go with your family.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2016 - 12:21

        As a kid I loved hearing about my parents/grandparents adventures in their youth - it was a different time and there seemed to be less rules - I still enjoy the parents' tales, and now I'm older there is sometimes extra information lol!

  • Cyphar on 30/06/2016 - 00:13
    +3

    You only live once. Don't waste it shackled to a mortgage you can barely afford when you still have your parents to fall back on. See the world

    • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:31

      thank you for the advice!

  • francis.tks on 30/06/2016 - 00:54
    +1

    Just food for thought, if you are planning to work overseas can consider Singapore. Pay here is alright and you can probably travel around neighbouring countries during your leave. Australia is just far from everywhere else. Anyway, from my personal experience pay here can be competitive when compared to oz and with the same exchange rate currently. Taxes here, are really nothing compared to Australia. But 2+ years here do get me thinking if I would like to give up my quality of living for a better savings here. I am 26 too.

    • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:35

      are you teaching in singapore? you want to give up your quality of life in singapore for better savings in aus?

  • PAOK11 on 30/06/2016 - 01:00
    -1

    I have the exact same money as you & am the exact same age. Wake up to yourself listen to your parents buy a property rent it out go traveling. I have no idea how much traveling costs because I have to save my money but im sure you dont need $50,000 to travel the world

    • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:37

      no i dont need 50k to see the world. I might spend 10k and work in many countries too. I also cant seem to find anywhere that will have a positive gearing.

      • PAOK11 on 04/07/2016 - 10:14

        Mmmmm depends on how much your borrowing capacity is. With the body corporate these days its hard to be in the positive 100%

    • Thenarrator on 04/07/2016 - 20:40

      "Buy a property rent it out go travelling" whats wrong with this/.?

      • PAOK11 on 05/07/2016 - 16:39

        OP wants to not have to pay a cent once he owns the property & has the tenant in the property. Which is my understanding of positive gearing

  • Starcraftmazter on 30/06/2016 - 01:17
    +2

    Don't bother with property, it's in a massive bubble with very unfavourable demographics ahead.

    Do whatever you want to do m8

    • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:37

      i hope so! do you own a property?

  • ceebee on 30/06/2016 - 01:48
    +1

    I'm in my 30s, and female. Seconding the people who said you should be an ESL teacher overseas. I think it's hard to get into Japan or Korea now (too popular) but there are lots of other places that are looking for ESL teachers, such as China and Taiwan. Learning Mandarin would give you such a competitive edge when you come back to Australia, especially as a teacher (you could become a language teacher), and you could still put away money if you're working. I know people who saved a ton of money this way.

    I'd travel for a bit first, then try and do that. You should do it, because what's the alternative? The status quo? You already know it isn't working for you, and is making you unhappy. Life's too short to live with regrets, and even if you come back in a bit and it's harder to get a job, I still think it's worth it. You won't be unemployed forever.

    I've traveled a lot, and lived in the US for a while (and will be living there again soon) but always wanted to live in Japan or Singapore for a year or so, and just never managed to. (Lots of personal stuff). I always regret it in the back of my mind. It's great to immerse yourself in another culture so fully, and I feel like it really helps one become a more well-rounded person. Best of luck to you.

  • trieup on 30/06/2016 - 08:43
    +1

    Do it mate. You can start saving/doing business at year 30. Oversea experience will help you growth rich faster.

    • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 16:37

      i hope so! so travelling is kind of like a life investment?

  • robertbruce on 30/06/2016 - 09:13

    there he goes, round an' round in circles, where he stops no-body knows - i bet your parents are proud of you, i bet your tune would change if they sold the house and went on a lap or two…

    • J6 on 30/06/2016 - 09:16

      im not sure what youre getting at?

      Im not ungrateful that they let me live with them. They are selling their house, its the reason i cant come back and live with them if everything goes bottom up.

      • robertbruce on 30/06/2016 - 09:21
        -2

        i am sure your parents would prefer you to buy somewhere to live before looking to travel. You had your gap year didn't you? Didn't you realise that travelling is just going around in circles. People are people wherever you go. The best campspot you will find is in your own backyard!

        • J6 on 30/06/2016 - 09:46

          No, I've been overseas on holidays but never had a gap year.

      • brainactive on 30/06/2016 - 09:50
        +4

        Many people go travelling with the hope that it will give them perspective and in turn direction in life. For some this may happen. For others, they just end up going around in circles - avoiding the reality of their directionless life and justifying their inaction to change it by the delusion that travel is the answer to their problems. Might be worth thinking about this objectively and asking yourself why you want to go away for so long. The answer will be different for everyone.

        • robertbruce on 30/06/2016 - 12:29
          +1

          well put BA…

          Most people don't realise we are all ready traveling, it is the journey of "eternity". It took so long for us to get here. When we leave we won't be back.

          Being here now is eternity's 'take a knee', take five, go gently, make love, make a home, make your time ripples now, for all time, there is a long time to go after here…

        • piggyfund on 03/07/2016 - 13:04

          He won't know til he goes though. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I met some people who were back in AU within 3 years as they got too homesick

  • crob on 30/06/2016 - 09:23

    do it, just make sure you keep some money aside when you get back, in asia i recommend once every 2 weeks or so book your self into a mid range hotel, $20-$40 a night, hostel are fun, but you can begin to burnout after a while

  • Duram on 30/06/2016 - 09:47
    +5

    People make out travelling is some life altering, magical and life fulfilling experience what they don't realise its just another trap in the consumerist world we live in "Explore, go, live, learn but make sure you keep our airlines and hotels churning along'.

    How first world of us to go and look @ poor people live to feel better and more fulfilled lol. Not that I don't travel or am completely against it just the BS people spout about it is sickening.

    • Thenarrator on 04/07/2016 - 20:42

      speak english please. i really had trouble understanding your sentences.

      • Duram on 04/07/2016 - 22:33

        Sorry sir.

  • ESEMCE on 30/06/2016 - 10:00
    +1

    Take $10k and set it aside for your travels.
    Invest the remaining $40k that can go toward a house deposit in the near future.

    $10k should be heaps if you travel lean and find work where you can, you'll easily stretch that cash for months especially in 3rd world countries..

  • cloudy on 30/06/2016 - 10:53
    +2

    Do what you want to do.

    I have friends (were all 30) whom travelled or used their money on stuff like they like (parties and crap) who say they had the timeof their lives, but do wish they saved more like myself so they could be in a house. I also think back about how much travel I could have done. But in the end, we're all happy people, in our own ways.

    In life, we can't have it all, we all do things our own way and I say you so what you would like, you won't regret it as much as doing what other people tell you to do.

  • Stoffel on 30/06/2016 - 11:31
    +1

    Each to their own.

    I'm 31 and have been working overseas since I was 23. I have been lucky in my line of work that I have been able to work overseas while still saving as much (or more) as I would if I had stayed at home. During this time I've done a fair amount of travelling and exploring.

    Personally I value financial security far more than personal experiences. I got married two years ago and we have a young one on the way. Life happens and as you get older you will start to realise the value of money. The sooner you start saving and investing, the better.

    A good friend of mine has been a perpetual traveller pretty much since we left high school. He doesn't seem too worried about money and lives month to month while getting by on not much. Good for him, but there's no way I could live that lifestyle.

    If I was you, at 26, my focus would be on saving money. I would only go if the trip was going to be cash positive. What about getting a post as a teacher at an overseas international school? I've heard the salaries in Singapore are very good.

  • monstermash on 30/06/2016 - 11:58

    Dont know if it'll help the OP but I was sort of the guy who didnt do much traveling in my 20s. I started full time work after post graduation around 24-25 and I have been in the industry for last 10-12 years. I did use up all my annual leave every year but I didnt take a gap year or years of for traveling. I do regret not having done that, especially after hearing other people's accounts. I regret not atleast doing a working holiday sort of gig.

    On the flip side however, I was able to break into the Sydney property market around 6 years ago and together with my wife's income now , we were able to buy a house and still keep the investments. We do also go out on 1-2 week trips every 6 months work permitting.

    I guess my point is if you do decided to stay make sure you invest anywhere you can afford or see fit. It'll definitely seem worth it 5-10 years down the line.

  • acersaurus on 30/06/2016 - 12:56
    +5

    In 2012 I quit my professional job when I was 25 to go overseas and travel extensively. It was great, but I got sick of travelling eventually and came back after 4 months.

    When I was back, I realised the industry I was in had declined. I tried extremely hard to look for work for 2.5 years, getting the odd contract here and there to get me by but I only worked 20% of the time in that 2.5 years. As I was struggling, I pursued a masters degree in a different area, but couldn't get into that field either (though I got close) - no doubt the gaps on my resume didn't help. It was even hard to get unskilled work as I was overqualified.

    Eventually I got back into my original industry when it recovered, but I paid a very heavy price overall, my salary is far lower than it would have been had I worked consistently. I am way off having a house deposit, I'm 29.

    You're a school teacher, you get stacks of holidays, so why not use that time to travel. That said maybe your industry will hold up better than mine did, but you're taking a risk and if it goes badly it can really suck.

    • Thenarrator on 04/07/2016 - 20:45

      may I ask what was your profession and which other industry did you try to get into?

  • Johhny 2 balls on 30/06/2016 - 13:45
    +2

    I'm 39 year old male teacher and have done well for myself financially as well as travelled heaps including working in great overseas international schools that pay well in locations that are great fun, Forget 'teaching English' somewhere you have a real teaching qualification that has great earning potential abroad.

    First consideration
    you can earn income here from an investment and pay little to no tax, use that to your full advantage. You can also earn income abroad and bank it big time particularly if you earn US dollars in a developing country where living costs are really low.

    Second consideration
    What to invest in ?

    Either of these two things keep it simple
    And seek the services of a financial planner

    A property within 10km of a major CBD in Australia try to get a 2 bedroom even if it's a dump and near a train station and shopping centre.

    OR

    Shares in a few companies in different industries that have a solid track record of low debt and good dividends.

    Third consideration

    Your parents. No matter what you do they will support you parents have inbuilt catastrophic child life outcome systems.
    That is they want you to buy a 3 Bed house with a picket fence marry some boring girl who they like not you and have 3 grandkids for them. Not do something that they are scared of, like what you are about to do, which they think translates to move to Thailand and marry a woman of the night who will land you in jail.

    The truth is life moves fast you can do it all, as described above, (Don't marry the lady of the night)

    Step one
    Google international schools go to their recruitment pages ring them and send them your C.V even if they are not currently hiring.

    Step two
    Go apply for a loan whilst you have an income history and hit real estate websites

    Good luck hope it all goes well.

  • wongsun on 30/06/2016 - 14:11
    +3

    My two cents.

    Like I say with most things…I think a balanced approach is the best way.

    Go travelling but before you go buy a cheap apartment/unit/town house in an easy to rent area for say $300,000 putting down a 30k deposit. You will need to allow approx. $9.5K for stamp duty and gov fees. If you do your research and buy well you shouldn't have issues renting it out. I would then lock in the loan for three years on a fixed rate of say 4.09% pa interest only. Assuming you can get $300 per week or more rent, you should be able to cover your holding costs (body corp, interest, repair etc) and may even make a bit of money.

    Then go travelling and enjoy yourself with the knowledge you have got your foot in the property market back home and have somewhere to stay when you get back. You will have less money to spend on your travels but by the end of the year you should still have over $20K or more to spend if you save well. That will get you a lot of travelling in south east asia.

    • Thenarrator on 04/07/2016 - 20:48

      he locked himself in a property but then what happens when he comes back? he wouldve got a massive debt to pay, rent may go down, interest rate may rise, he may have lower salary then.. he will be forced to sell his property .. you can win 2 sides of the same coin.

      • wongsun on 05/07/2016 - 14:51

        A mortgage of less than $280,000 is not that large. He may be able to live there and rent a room if he is really struggling to meet the repayments. I imagine that would only be the case if he did not have a job. Don't need a huge salary to support this size loan.

        If he is forced to sell, assuming he has bought well, we will likely make money anyway.

        A more likely scenario than the ones that you have listed is, what if he doesn't do anything and property prices continue to rise???

        • Thenarrator on 05/07/2016 - 19:19

          property prices continuing to rise is less than likely.

  • cookie2 on 30/06/2016 - 18:40

    unlike most times i comment on ozb, I haven't even looked at other peoples comments or opinions though I'm sure most would agree with me.
    have you ever heard of anyone who regretted travelling the world when they are young enough to get the most out of it? NO. BECAUSE NOBODY THAT DOES IT EVER REGRETS IT. We have 1 life (if you believe what I do), live it the way your heart crys out for, and if you think about it every day, then you will cherish everyday that you go and do it! To be practicle, work out the ways you can save while travelling such as HelpX accomodation etc and put aside a certain amount you will keep here for your return, whatever you end up doing! People that save money will continue to save money, so dont worry about the home deposit being harder if you cant live with your parents etc, it will be harder. but still possible.
    enjoy your life now, dont wait! Goodluck. I'd love to know about your travels once you get going too!

  • Ryugen on 30/06/2016 - 19:02
    +1

    I left home on a back packing trip about three years ago, went through Asia and settled in China teaching ESL and travelling internal China returning a year ago. My original idea was back packing around the world and seeing as much as I can before my funds ran out and starting afresh when I got back. Ended up getting married in China to the partner I was traveling with (we are both Chinese) and returning to Australia to settle down and commence life.

    Few tips I guess, you can decide if they are relevant.

    I'm not sure how experience focused the teaching job market is however it is currently improbable that I will get a job in my original field of work. I left with too little experience under my belt and my experiences are sort of outdated. Just keep in mind that when you return, however X years you have taken off for a gap year will make getting a job significantly harder.

    The fact that you list 'taking a good camera' with you as if it's an important aspect of your travels is….interesting. Do you have previous photography / videography experience? If not, learning on the go will be boring and you might drop it sooner than you realized. You will have so much more to think about on top of trying to learn a piece of software / filming techniques (many people are going to read this and be thinking 'wtf he isn't being spielberg'. But if the contents crap then no one will want to watch it and I assume he wants viewers for some Youtube income / stardom). My advice is to just get a solid action cam as the image/video quality they put out is very nice. If after a bit of travel you feel like better equipment will benefit your situation, purchase a DSLR on the road. IF you start in Asia, a trip to Taiwan/South Korea/Japan solves that problem. This means you travel light (DSLRs are bricks) and saves money you mightn't need to spend up front.

    In terms of your starting location, South East Asia is the logical choice as it is the cheapest flight out and the closest foreign country. I believe this is a trap and a very bad starting area for a round the world back pack. The biggest reason is because it's too cheap. You might be thinking 'guys on crack cheap is good'. No, knowing how to spend money is good, cheap is a convenience. I recommend starting out in Europe/South America where costs are higher. This means the same amount of money will buy less and will really teach you luxuries vs necessities. When everything is cheap, it's easy to go 'Shizz this is only $1AUD might as well, not gonna make a difference'.

    Bilingual? No offence but unless you are a genius, becoming bilingual in a second language is not something you do in your spare time while traveling. You might learn the tourist version of a second language and be able to live off of it but bilingual takes years of hard work and dedication. Take Japanese for example. You could learn the Hiragana and Katakana in probably a few weeks, then start learning basic phrases for travel. To actually know the language enough to be considered Bilingual you must learn Kanji which is traditional Chinese with Japanese intonation. Not to mention all the grammar involved. I consider my wife pretty fluent in German as she can converse fairly easily and graduated university there but that took her 6 years of hard work every day and she still considers her self no where near native fluent. I don't mean to say you shouldnt, learning a second language does wonders to your mind and is the best skill one can pick up but I want you to be realistic. You have to be prepared and dedicated to a second language, doubly so if not in a fixed and comfortable environment. I met a German in a hostel in Japan that spoke English, German, Korean, Japanese and he was starting to learn Chinese…..he was early 20s.

    Income while on the move, plenty if you are brave, are a good bullshiter with a wide range of experiences. European side, hospitality is going to be your best bet at random bits of income. Bar, restaurant work, hell even doing work for the hostel you are staying in for free stay. In Asia, as mentioned above teaching English can actually be quite lucrative. I did my teaching in China so I can only comment on the teaching environment there. Unless you look like what you picture a male from hitler Germany looks like, it will be difficult getting a teaching job at a English school/government school. I'm of Chinese descent, been in Aus 21 years, but as soon as they found out I was Chinese didn't want know another thing about me. In China, many of the English schools targeting children are more about how their teachers look rather than their English/teaching skills. Surprisingly amount of teachers were from eastern Europe/Russia and speak dreadful English but they look the part so game on. I got lucky and managed to get my name out there as a private tutor. I first taught the children of my wifes family friends. Word got out I actually spoke English and could teach and I had a healthy schedule. I was making more than average wage for a Chinese person working about 3hrs a day. This meant my partner and I could travel China and live there without dipping into our funds.

    Few things that I thought might be relevant to your situation. I'm not going to tell you should go or shouldn't go. If you have your heart already decided then there is no point. Just be prepared as best as you can for what might happen on the trip AND what will happen after your return. Who knows, maybe you land yourself a Latvian beauty and live your life happily in Scandinavia / UK. Good luck in whatever you decide upon.

    Why Latvian? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-11493157

    • Thenarrator on 04/07/2016 - 20:52
      +1

      May I ask what role did you work as before and after you left for your trip?

      • Ryugen on 05/07/2016 - 10:11

        Marketing pre, travel agent post.

    • GourmetFoodie on 13/07/2016 - 16:41

      Great advice.

  • matt777 on 30/06/2016 - 19:42
    +2

    Sounds like these movies
    Walter Mitty- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0359950/
    Hector and the Search for Happiness- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1626146/

    Good on ya mate.Enjoy

    Great movies to watch btw

  • RdWarrior on 30/06/2016 - 22:09
    +4

    I did 1000 days travelling. (and then another 10 months in Canada :)

    http://moby.nzpunter.com/category/1000-day-holiday/

    Had 100k saved at 25.
    put a deposit on a house for my parents ( -15k after 1st home owner rebate)
    2006-2008 ~60 countries, 3 times around the world?
    end of 2009.. bank balance: $1500

    Slow travel is cheaper.

    'Why not' is an awesome way to travel. Or Say yes more..

    avail yourself of short term travellers planning. :)

    Believe in the inherent goodness of humans. People are truly amazing.

    Dont give hand outs (begging), give a hand up.. buy from many vendors, at a fair price.

    Also believe in your gut instinct: i someone gives you a wonky vibe, too much attention. etc.. mentally put a little red flag on their head..
    keep an eye on how it develops, or extricate yourself if need be. you learn to read people really well.

    Eat everything!
    If you're eating something, and it tastes good, but something isn't quite right.. spit it out. :)

    The longer you go, the weirder you get.

    Carry completely useless items.. or fun random things. toys to interact with kids when you dont speak the language etc.

    Facebook was only starting to take off halfway through. tablets didnt exist, smartphones didnt either..
    internet cafes were what you had to do.

    Disconnecting was amazing! No one actually cares, where you are and what you're doing.
    Since the wifi/tablet/smartphone revolution, hostels are much more anti social. I dont have a solution to this one. Self control?
    use google photos to auto backup on wifi.. and dont even think about it.. if someone wants to look they can. Facebook is for when you are bored at work.. not on the road.. :)

    3 months in is the hardest. (missing home etc).
    Writing people emails that they receive at work on Monday mornings is the best for getting replies!

    If i was to do it again:
    I would do 3-6 months in a region, travelling slowly.
    Ideally: then if you can pick up teaching contracts for a semester or 2 back home
    rinse and repeat..
    The reason for this, it keeps you grounded, it maintains relationships.

    I got back from travel and everyone had babies etc. no problem, the boring ones got replaced with new friends.

    Amazing times, and still have plenty of amazing friends that i met along the way.

    Standard rule: when you visit people you met while both travelling: They're in their routine life, and its not going to be as fun.. apart from when it is :)

    Travel insurance! GET IT, know your policy.
    If you hurt yourself while under the influence: no cover. (under the influence is very open to interpretation)
    sober up prior, dont admit under the influence.

    If you're not licensed to ride a motorbike in Aus, youre not covered to ride one anywhere.

    Know what countries have reciprocal health care.

    If you love asia.. go to africa! awesome continent to travel solo. epic epic epic! (easy and friendly!)
    go north to south… (so you dont get tainted/jaded by the racism in South africa)
    I hitch hiked Tanzania to Cape town :)

    Wow.. havent had a detailed thought dump on my travels in a while!

    • useruser on 30/06/2016 - 23:10
      +1

      Great feedback, and sounds like you had an amazing experience!

    • 1mmy1mmy on 01/07/2016 - 07:46

      Yes! Slow travel is so much cheaper! And you get to know a place better so your whole trip doesn't blur into one long bus ride etc. It's a luxury that many people can't afford because they have to get back to jobs etc..

  • w3b3d1g1 on 30/06/2016 - 22:31

    Diving licence!

  • useruser on 30/06/2016 - 23:05

    Heaps of great feedback already so I won't gabber on too much. Agree with not purchasing an open ticket, just wing it, don't rely on trip adviser, look for more local and relevant info, definitely learn some lingo and try to get off the beaten path sometimes, don't spend all your cash, don't change too much currency in advance and avoid places like travelex or ATM's etc. etc.

    I left my travelling late, though I always thought I'd be the first of my friends I actually didn't go until I was 33. I've stuck around SE Asia because I find it affordable, accessible, easy to get by and I personally just love the look and feel of the places here (Yes I'm living here now).

    So first thing I think is that there's never any regret at travelling later on, it's always good! The world is changing rapidly and in 10 years it will be different to how it is now, but you'll always find interesting places to visit and have great experiences. Don't feel that you absolutely must do it now, trust me it's ok to travel later. That being said you never know what is around the corner, you may not be in such a position in ten years time, so if you are really that passionate about it then for sure, follow your dream!

    Life advise. Hmm. Ok — DO NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH THE FIRST GIRL YOU MEET! hahah I see it all the time, it's easy to happen, you're feeling great because you're travelling, you get swept up in the charm of it all.. Take your time and just don't fall in love with the first girl you meet overseas :-)

    Another thing I see a lot of is people trying to learn to ride a bike for the first time in countries that are renown for motorcycle accidents and general road dangers. Learn to do it at home, in safety, and then you can enjoy riding/driving confidently. I've ridden across half of Thailand, squeezing between buses in Bangkok peak hour or riding to the peaks of the highest mountains, it's awesome.

    For work you can always get board and food in exchange for working the bar or whatever, and teaching English is popular, but just check your visa requirements/status.

    I would also suggest to anyone wanting to maintain a professional career, always try to keep an eye on your qualifications and experience. If need be do some little courses, keep a diary of what you're reading or whatever to show that even though you've been travelling you are still engaged with your chosen occupation.

    Hope you have a great time!

  • Lucky13 on 01/07/2016 - 01:35

    Definitely travel if its what you want to do, dont worry about buying a house personally youve got plenty of time to worry about that when youre old and have nothing else better to do. Definitely travel while youre young if thats what youre interested in doing. You could travel around for a while but you could also do a working holiday while youre OS. UK has a 2 year working holiday visa and you can stay longer than 2 years if the workplace that hired you wants you to stay. Other countries have 1 year working holiday visas from memory. You could also teach english overseas with a TESOL certificate but you might not need that if youre actually a teacher Im not sure. Anyway personally Id do it if I was you, you wont regret it

    Linkys:

    http://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-careers/work-options…
    https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Ente/Work
    http://www.statravel.com.au/work-overseas.htm
    http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/05/wanna-live-and-work-ove…

  • AmericanDad on 01/07/2016 - 01:41

    I had the same dilemma as you, except that I have no money (hahaha).

    The one advice that I treasure: when you look back, you will regret more on things that you did not do, than things that you have done.

    You are 26. On an average living age of 80, you have 54 years to live. Pension age is 67 (or something like that?), so you will have MANY years to work and get a property. And settle down and all that jazz.

    Just imagine when you are 40 year old, not having done this, will you feel happy living in that property you bought? If yes, then don't do it. If no, then do it. Its simple!

    Most of the times, we know what we desire and what we want to do, but we are just too afraid to take the leap.

    I have taken my leap, and I have no idea what my future beholds, but I can say that I am extremely happy.

    Safe travels!

    Greetings from Norway :)

  • pwrusr-com on 01/07/2016 - 02:06

    Leave $40Ks behind (maybe deposit in low risk savings account?).

    Jump on a plane w/$10Ks and go to <some non-english/1st world place you'd reckon it'll be exciting to have a life> (say Germany, Switzerland or similar).

    Once you make it (ie. fluency on a 2nd language + dual citizenship/permanency), choose where you'd rather be/what to do w/extra $40Ks.

  • 1mmy1mmy on 01/07/2016 - 07:43

    I have lived in the UK for a year on a holiday visa and spent 6 months travelling and not working around the Americas. I don't regret either choice… but I know what you mean - sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I'd bought a house before the market exploded.

    I'm also a teacher and I have found jobs from overseas - you can do Skype interviews. So I'd recommend, at the end of your trip, hanging out somewhere exotic and cheap until you have a job lined up. Australia is a very expensive place!

    If you want to spend a long time away don't go to North America or Western Europe. You will be blown away at how far that money will get you in parts of Africa, Asia and Central and South America. You could even learn a language!

    It can get lonely - even if you're surrounded by travellers - because it's quite transient. Pop in to see friends around the world if you have any.

    Make sure you have travel insurance. I think my insurance for the Americas was 500 for 6 months. That seemed like a lot, but it is 100% necessary. Getting injured o/s could cripple you if you don't have insurance. (Also your camera sound exxy).

  • mrdk on 01/07/2016 - 08:26
    +2

    Hey man this is the advice i give to my friends who ask for it.

    The question you should ask yourself is what do you want in life?

    Everyone in life has their down dreams and priorities. Some people long to travel, some a family, some want security and stability. I myself am lead to believe that i just like learning and experiencing new things and so it is evident through my personality, my work and how i interact with people around it.

    Its actually not hard to ask yourself what you want to do. All you do is think of the question and the answer will just come. And whatever you answer just ask why to that answer. Sooner or later you get an answer where you dont know why but just because. This is where you should be heading.

    Now that you know your direction, you need to understand that in life you cant just get everything you want all at once.

    Think about things that you dont want now but may want in the future. Plan for those things as well as you head towards your direction.

    The people around you uch as your parents may not understand why you may do things. But that is easily fix but telling them how exactly how you feel. By allowing people to understand you better through good communication allows you to achieve your goals more effectively.

    Never disregard good advice when you hear it but only accept it if you have a good foundation of knowlesgw to be able to defend that piece of advice yourself. Be prepared to answer any questions from sceptics or else keep those ideas to yourself until you find enough information to accept or reject it. And ddont ever think that what someone else wants in life is what should head towards.

    As you travel on your way you may encounter unexpected things. The only thing to remember is that in the end it will be ok because you have your roadmap in your head heading towards what you want and not what other people want. The path may be unclear or undefined but as you head towards the right direction it will become easier to navigate.

    Try to understand why you do certain things and so self reflection is always a must to self improvement. Try and learn from the mistakes of the past to help better plan your future but always remember that you are always experiencing the present. There is a unfinite wealth of knowledge around you that you can learn from to help you guide your way. Read realiable texts and learn from other people but always be weary of other peoples opinions. Separate opinion from fact and make your own decision based on what you think is right. If you are wrong then it is ok because you will learn something new. Never be afraid to reshift a position based on new information.

    Finally understand that your personality is shaped by the sum of all interactions around you. If take a moment to think about that then you realise that it is everything and everyone around you that makes you who you are. Use this thought so you are mindful of situations and people who may lead you towards negative consequences or conversely be around around people who you can learn positive experiences from.

    Finally no one has all the answers and no one will know what your answers are. Life is just a journey to find that answer yourself.

  • Kangal on 01/07/2016 - 10:04
    +4

    @Ronniefromdashore

    Okay, 95% of the comments seem to be "do it".
    But you seem to be a rational thinker, so let's summarise the reasons that have been brought up to "do not" for your help and clarity.

    • You might travel with a friend or partner, who's just annoying and not fit for you to travel with
    • You probably won't change your life/attitude just by travelling
    • 80% of the time you will be bored, or chasing necessities like laundry
    • You might travel alone, feel lonely/isolated, and be vulnerable
    • You can't drink/get drunk out of fear of doing something bad or someone taking advantage of you
    • Career wise it might not look well on your resume/paper
    • Financially you might use up $30K on travels, $35K lost wages, $5K on lost-investment returns, $5K on-going expenses back in Oz (Maybe ~$70K hit in the year)
    • Your property might get stolen (the photos!)
    • There will be many temptations you will have to forgo whilst on the trip because of the financial burden
    • Some temptations to forgo because they're items you don't want to lug around with you
    • You might get injured (health care/language barrier)
    • You can lose your passport, be arrested, or "stuck"
    • Kidnapping/terrorism (rare but remember the documentary called Hostel)

    I have some opinions and recommendations, but I will keep it clean from here.
    I am in a similar situation to you, just to give my credibility.

    I will update this post for you if people put up other negative aspects for travelling.

    • Thenarrator on 04/07/2016 - 21:04

      i second this. I also like to enlighten the other side of things because there are always pros and cons to every situation. Nothing is perfect. So good on you to highlight this out.

      • Kangal on 05/07/2016 - 08:59

        Thank you.
        I just wished it had more +1/ or something to put it on the first page.
        I'm afraid the OP won't read it getting buried under the many comments that say "do it".

        I'm not saying "don't do it", I just want to help shed light on the other side of things.
        That if/when they do travel they could make arrangements to minimise said disadvantages.

  • RdWarrior on 01/07/2016 - 10:10
    +3

    As my travel doctor said to me (old guy I had never met before)

    In 3 months time youre gonna be in asia and want to stick it in something…. I suggest you dont

    In 6 months time youre gonna be in inda and really want to stick it in something…. I really suggest you dont

    In 9 months time youre gonna be in africa and really really want to stick it in something…. I really really suggest you dont

    funnily enough I ended up in hospital at after leaving africa for South america.. and they thought I had aids because my blood was so farked. :)

    They hadn't dealt with Falciparum/cerebral Malaria before :)

    • Kangal on 01/07/2016 - 12:11
      +1

      No love for Europe, North America, or South America ?

  • Kimorio on 01/07/2016 - 10:38

    Follow Nomadic Matt. He has all these tips in his blog after he quit his job, sold his things and went traveling around the world on $50/day
    http://www.nomadicmatt.com/

  • ejd711 on 01/07/2016 - 10:41
    +4

    I did the responsible thing and bought a unit early in my 20s with the deposit being money I had saved up for travel. I'm now 35 and still hanker for a year of travel and can't manage to make it happen with the additional townhouse I bought and my career. I don't even have kids or a partner to consider in the mix.I have managed to travel many times, but never for long enough to get to know a place or really consolidate my language skills. Also regret not making use of the various working holiday maker visas as now over 30 it is extremely hard to get the right to work anywhere in Europe particularly.

    I'd give up my unit, despite the solid financial position it has given me, to have traveled and worked overseas.

    Still applying for work overseas but it is a whole different ballgame to employment in Australia in my field (public health) where you barely get a look in without a medical degree or doctorate.

    I'd go for it in a heart beat. I'd do a few months in Asia, make a year based in the UK teaching and travel around Europe, then head for South America if it was me!

    • Lucky13 on 01/07/2016 - 15:19
      +1

      You could teach English overseas. You can do this at any age. I guess you want work in the public health area, but a period teaching doesnt necessarily have to be a negative on your resume it could be a positive - http://www.statravel.com.au/love-tefl.htm

  • Redflanders on 01/07/2016 - 11:12
    +7

    Mate just go for it. I'm 32 and have bugger all savings left but I've been to about 40 countries and wouldn't trade it in a million years. We lived and worked in London for a few years, were deckhands on the French canals for one glorious summer, had a summer running holiday programs for a Mongolian orphanage, as well as backpacking all over Asia, Europe and a few bits of Africa.

    My girlfriend and I are at the age where the majority of our friends are married, have mortgages and kids. There seems to be the rush and pressure to do all those things. Who says you need those things now?

    If we wanted to buy where we live (which is a suburb we love for it's bars, music and food) we'd either live in a shoebox flat or need a million dollar mortgage for a house. We are happily renting, who cares if you own a house at 25 or 40?

    Life's meant to be lived mate, go live it

  • Modman on 01/07/2016 - 20:19

    When I was 24 I travelled to Europe for 5 months. It was the best experience. Unfortunately, I got the travel bug and spent the next 4 years saving up and then went back to Europe for 7 months with the intention of staying much longer. I don't regret going the second time but I do regret how long I went for and how much money I spent. It was at a time when house prices were cheap and there was plenty of work (Late 90's). If I had listened to my Father, I could have bought a house and not have such a large mortgage as I do now.

    By all means, go for it, but don't travel aimlessly and don't spend all your money. The most difficult part is coming home and getting back into a routine, so I suggest working as a teacher whilst you are overseas. Finally, it will change you perspective on life for the better. Good luck and safe travelling!

  • abh_gup on 01/07/2016 - 22:39

    My suggestion is not 'DO NOT' to travel, just defer it by ~2 years.

    Save up, buy a house, with a loan with linked offset account.
    Pay off a bit extra in the offset till it holds extra repayments equivalent to approx 1+ years (being time you are on travel).
    Rent it out. Talk to parents or a property manager to look after it while you are away.
    Rent to tenants just before you intend travelling (neutrally gear this property at this initial stage; talk to a financial planner about this, as starting tax slab for marginal tax rate for non residents will be 32.5% with no tax-free threshold… however this can also be timed so that you are not a non resident given the ATO's 183 day rule).

    Having worked for 2-3 odd years and having made extra 1+ years repayments to the offset account, book your travel.
    That is, after the approx 2 years, travel maximum for a period of 360 days (being up to, 180 days to be safe, in each financial year, say departing 3rd Jan and returning 28th December, to reduce tax consequences from rental income during 2 financial years while travelling).
    The likely gains are: value of property over 2 years is an unrealized profit (especially if you reside here again then even on sale the Capital gains tax will be nil), save on interest and even prior investing (given compounding rates on money over 2 years, money spent = money lost forever), have at least one less worry on return from travel, build an equity to take out another loan if required, your parents will be happier (knowing you set yourself up well before going overseas), personal tax in Australia can be brought down to Nil = Win for all.

    Risks I can see:
    Property prices fluctuate, but professionals and timing correctly can help, as market movement in rates is inevitable.
    Personal life goals may change.
    You might party a tad bit less when 28 rather than 26 :)

  • compound on 02/07/2016 - 00:32

    I'm going to tell you not to do it because I'm sick of reading everyone boasting and telling you to do it.

    You're going to risk your life, end up in hospital and possibly die. You're going to look into the eyes of a bunch of kids who haven't eaten or have been forced by their parents to beg to f off. It will make you realise how cruel the world is and how small you are in the whole scheme of things. You're definitely going to get scammed, tricked and milked (not like it's not happening here anyways).

    At times you will stay up awaking thinking wtf am I doing here and other times you will be craving for that steak with mushroom sauce at home. The conundrum with 'real' travelling is that you might be so changed by your experiences that it'll be difficult to come back to your old life. Your friends will appear as interesting as a cardboard box and that night out in local town will never have the same buzz and excitement that you had whilst travelling. You will come home depressed if you've had a good time.

    Hell, you might even reconsider a career change, life change, sex change, wife change. When back home everything will appear much more expensive (especially coming from Asia) and you'll be wondering why you're paying so much in taxes as well as paying for $4 for water and that 50c for that bloody tomato sauce.

    Basically travelling will force you to question who you are, your society and every tidbit in between life and death. It might wake you up and make you realise how brainwashed everyone can be -

    If you think you are prepared for it then dive away, otherwise, just stay inside this box society has crafted for you and live in ignorant bliss following the line that has been drawn for you till your dying days.

  • Ion on 02/07/2016 - 12:05
    +2

    I recommend you find a job that allows travelling. That way you can get paid to travel!

    I personally joined Schlumberger 4 years ago as a Field Engineer. Had a ball of a time. Awesome pay and you get to see some amazing places in your time off. Obviously, in the O&G downturn, it will be impossible to get hired now, however it something to consider for the future.

    Sure, you may end up in places where you might not have preferred going (i.e Iraq) and you will work silly hours (12-16 hours/day) but you will get paid a shit ton more.

    • Thenarrator on 04/07/2016 - 21:12

      Same industry, do you believe a job that allows travelling such as yours is the same as that the OP travelling the world on a working holiday visa?

  • geordie10 on 02/07/2016 - 12:40
    +1

    Dude, you can achieve both and not have to spend hardly anything if your smart and good with finances. The fact that you have a career in education and a bachelors degree I'm assuming makes you a prime target for Asian overseas institutions looking for native English speakers to teach English. Research a site called DavesESL Cafe and you will learn how you can get paid, housed, become bilingual and experience another culture. If I where you that would be my choice.

    Myself, 25, savings, partner and stable career.

    Good luck!

  • mrluke on 02/07/2016 - 12:59
    +2

    The best advice is don't let anyone else tell you how to live your life.. just do what you want to do.

  • RefusdClassification on 02/07/2016 - 23:46
    +1

    This thread is wonderfully insightful. By reading it I have discovered that:

    1. Australian are all wealthy and have never had to deal with adversity.

    2. All Australians care about are overseas travel and housing.

    • J6 on 02/07/2016 - 23:54
      +1

      it truly is a first world problem, should i buy a house with my sum of money or backpack over the world.

      I care for my family too, i just think that it will be better long term if i experience the globe first hand. If i don't, then i can/will unfortunately remain ignorant.

    • natman on 04/07/2016 - 11:56

      "All Australians care about are overseas travel and housing". I agree Thaal, that sums up the whole thread.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2016 - 12:48
        +1

        Um… I wonder if it's because the OP posted asking about overseas travel and housing… LOL?!

      • natman on 04/07/2016 - 13:06

        good point :P

  • myfuturej on 03/07/2016 - 08:25
    +2

    I'm now in my 30s, married with kids. I spent a decade travelling the world, teaching English (and Maths) to fund my lifestyle, while enrolling in language school for the convenience of visa. There's a part of me that regrets this. Compared to most people my age, I have no super, cannot afford a home loan deposit, no career to speak of, and had to go back to the uni just to start one. But with young kids right now, we can't even afford any kind of travel. The travelling was fun, at least it was fun at first, that's how I met my partner, but after a while, it was more tiring and uncomfortable.

  • Bastun on 03/07/2016 - 12:46
    +1

    Come to vietnam, our language uses alphabet so it's not hard to learn, the cost of living is relatively cheap and you can earn cash by teaching English. There is a huge demand for english teachers in vietnam.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2016 - 14:53

      how much is the pay, equivalent to australian dollars?

  • Jikx on 03/07/2016 - 12:58
    -1

    Go overseas for 5 years, live the good life, go out every day, liver dead, seeing the world, burn through all your savings.
    Come home, everyone has moved on, no-one wants to go out and party anymore.
    Everyone has kids, a home, reaching management positions at work, wearing fancy suits.
    You're back at home with your parents.
    No savings.
    No suits.
    Spend 3-6 months looking for a job.
    Spend another 5 years with parents before being able to move out.
    If you're lucky, you find a partner who's bothered to save - problem solved.
    If you're not, you're reaching early 40s, balding, no partner, no house, no future, starting to smell like over-ripe cheese………..

    Just kidding!
    Go have fun for a year or two. No longer :)

  • piggyfund on 03/07/2016 - 13:13
    +2

    You can do what I did and buy a house now and rent it out even a small apartment (if it is possible). I lived overseas while tenants paid my mortgage and I used the money I earned overseas/working holiday to save or further my travels. 5 years later I married my spouse I met overseas (we are both from AU living abroad) travelled to nearly 70 countries and most of my house is paid off. I got job offers within 3 weeks of coming back to AU and feel no regrets. My friends on the other hand are in the same position they were years ago, it's groundhog day for them, they get away once a year (if lucky) and spend the whole last week of their holiday fretting about going back to work. Now I'm back in AU I feel like I've fallen in the same rat race that is the reality for most people. This type of life can wait. You're not missing out on much by staying!!!!

  • UFO on 03/07/2016 - 17:59
    +3

    Looks like I'll be bucking the trend here, but I advise you DON'T spend the money overseas.

    You've done well to have $50k cash saved at 26. That's VERY hard to do from zero.
    I'm 40yo now, and yes I traveled a little when I was younger.
    You don't have to go full tilt and travel for a full year.

    There's no reason you can't travel during work sabbaticals (being a school teacher means you DO have windows of leave that'll allow that every single year).

    Do you know how hard it is to save $50k? (well that's kind of rhetorical because you've done it… but it gets harder mate. Much harder as life goes on).

    Don't take a year off work and then trudge through life like 'its all over' afterwards.
    Travel every year for the rest of your life!
    Invest that money (property, shares whatever… speak to a good financial planner).
    You should be able to continue to build that nest egg, working full time, and still traveling where you want to go.
    One year do SE Asia.
    The next to China.
    The next to Europe… and keep hitting Europe, seeing different parts.
    One year you might share it with friends or someone special.
    The next you might be on your own again, who knows!

    But you're looking at it all wrong… seeing it as a "must do it now or never" scenario. And it doesnt have to be like that.
    I had an equivalent amount of money at your age. Spent it mostly on cars and some travel. No regrets.
    But I didnt stop work to do it.

    3 kids and a wife later I have terrific memories, but its far from "over".
    You can still travel later.
    The 20's are a terrific time, no commitments and no worries. But if you aren't careful, too much carefree will put you in a bigger hole in your 30's and 40's…. and beyond.

    You've started awesome. That's great.
    But don't stop work.
    You can do both and still have terrific experiences.

    I can't tell you much I suggest you don't stop work. Dont listen to the "just do it" crowd.
    It's so hard to start from zero (or near zero) later on.
    That $50k now will grow to something much more meaningful in the next 10 years… AND you'll still be able to travel in that 10 year period. Just not all in one hit. You're too young to understand exactly what I'm talking about… but trust me mate, as much as life changes from 18 to 25, it changes soooooo much more from 25 to 30, then 30 to 40 omg.

    KEEP WORKING!!!!!!

    • J6 on 03/07/2016 - 18:26
      +2

      dad, is that you? haha

      I dont actually want to spend 50k, i just have that amount of money. I might spend a chunk (10k) and try to work to cover my travelling costs.

      • UFO on 04/07/2016 - 11:12
        -1

        I'm sorry to sound like your dad :).

        But remember, you aren't just spending $10k… that's a false economy.

        It's also the lost income from teaching here in Australia. Whatever work you do while traveling may offset that amount to a small degree (let's be honest, it won't be even close to what you are earning here and overseas accom and food will be far more than living at home with parents), but your real cost in traveling for the full year will be far more than that $10k when you allow for lost income over that period.

        When you compare your real situation by the time you come back, you'll have lost a year's income, most likely have credit card debit, have less super paid to you (your government employer has avoided paying you whatever rate you are currently getting… which is far more than 9% I imagine), and a student loan debt that has only gotten bigger because indexation has hit an amount not touched for a year.

        That year long holiday will cost you 5 to 10 times more than that $10k figure you have in your head.

        Advice still stands bud… KEEP WORKING and holiday every year ;).

        • imurgod on 04/07/2016 - 15:45

          Listen to this person. They make a LOT of sense!

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