When I told people I was going to go travel for a year in Central and South America by myself, the conversation often went like this:
– Them: “I would love to do something like that.”
– Me: “You should do it.”
– Them: “I can’t.”
I have news for everyone. You really can.
Don’t get me wrong; it’s not an easy thing to do, especially if you have “things” and “responsibilities”. But in the end, you can eliminate most of them or realize they don’t necessarily have to hold you back.
For most people, it takes a lot of preparation, both mentally and tactically, to quit your job and leave the country for an extended period of time. Luckily, there are many resources to help you do it. These are some of my favorite and most helpful books. You can purchase the books through my Amazon Affiliate links by clicking on the book image. If you prefer not to use affiliate links, you can of course search for the books yourself. Better yet, same some cash and go to the library.
Mental
The hardest step is convincing yourself you can do it.
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Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts
One of the first books I read when trying to figure out how to make this happen. Amazing advice on how to overcome your fears to get yourself on the road and how to make the best of the time you have on the road. |
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The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris
No, I haven’t figured out my muse, but the “lifestyle design” concepts in here are brilliant. There are lots of good resources listed here too. That’s how I heard about Rolf Potts. I also regularly read the blog. |
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The Kindness of Strangers, a collection of essays published by Lonely Planet with foreward by the Dalai Lama
I read this later in the planning stages, and it was incredibly moving (and reassuring) to read essays written by both established and previously unpublished authors about how they were saved from dire situations or just simply moved by people they met along their travels. |
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The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
This book is not a guide to travel but more about the role of travel in people’s lives. It contains stories related to the role travel played in the lives of known artists and writers. These stories all help illustrate some interesting observations about life. |
Tactical
Once you know you can do it and are ready to do it, then you make it happen.
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The Pratical Nomad: How To Travel Around the World by Edward Hasbrouck
This is literally an encyclopedia of information from transportation and travel documents to packing and budgeting. Lists a ton of additional resources for a range of interests: volunteering, working abroad, cultural studies by region, accommodations, destination research, GLBT, families, and the list goes on. |
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A Journey of One’s Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler by Thalia Zepatos
Great advice for women. Things you probably wouldn’t think about. Stories from her travels are woven into the advice to make it an interesting read. |
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Lonely Planet South America On a Shoestring
Helped me put together a budget, figure out my route, and note interesting places along the way. |
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The Rough Guide to Central America on a Budget
Ditto above. I’m picky about the organization and presentation of travel guides, and I find Lonely Planet and Rough Guides to fit my style the best. |
