Over the last two years, we have run an interview series from time to time called the Traveler Spotlight. In the most recent iteration of the series, we interviewed travel writers who were either about to depart on their trip, mid-way through their journey, or at home after exploring the world. All of the traveler's responded to the same set of questions depending on where they are in their adventure (before, during, or after) to highlight the varied planning and travel styles that each individual or couple bring to the same topic, and how they evolve on the road.
Since a substantial period of time has passed since this last batch of interviews. It is now time to follow up with the travelers who were just beginning their journey or already underway to see how their views have changed along the way. With that, we are also interviewing new traveler writers who are about to undertake their own journey in a few months, and will continue to follow their adventures with two more interviews down the road as well.
Jaime from Breakaway Backpacker is breaking away from everything to go backpack the world. He is in his mid-20s and lived in Texas his whole life but only recently began his RTW undertaking in Central America on March 1st. Prior to the trip he has worked since he was 15 and done very little international travel and is now sold everything and is off to see the world for up to two years.
I recently got a chance to talk to Jaime about his new journey and get an insight into his hopes and fears of the process as well of how it is going so far.
Where all do you want to go and how long do you think you'll be gone?
I hope what I saved allows me to travel for 2 years. As for where I don't not know exactly what countries I will be visiting. Instead I set up as areas of the world I am going to explore. Those include Central America, Mexico, Europe, The Middle East, India & South East Asia.
How did you decide upon your route? Do you have any special events that requires you to be somewhere on a certain date?
I want to do them in the order listed above, that flows very well and will require less airfare. For the next 2 years I only have 4 certain dates I will need to be somewhere at a certain time. That includes my Brothers wedding in Cancun, Mexico on June 11, my best friends wedding in Houston, TX on July 2, Gay Pride in Amsterdam on Aug. 4-7, and La Tomatina in Spain on Aug. 31. I have my itinerary set to be able to make it to all those events with out hindering my RTW trip.
How much did you planning on budgeting?
I am going to try and do $30/day for everywhere I am going except Europe. I wanted to spend 4 months in Europe but to save money will only be doing 2 months and giving myself a budget of $50-$70/day.
How did you go about saving for that, any special techniques?
I did several things and outlined them in greater detail at these two blog posts here and here
What experience are you looking forward to the most in your travels?
I just want to see it... I want to see the world go round and by that I mean just see other cultures. I want to experience what other countries have to offer and give back if I can.
Are you going to travel with anyone or meet up with people along the way?
Nope I am going alone.
How did you inform your job that you are leaving to go travel? Will you return there when you finish the trip?
I just handed them my 2 weeks notice (2 weeks before my departure date). Then they asked me where I was going and I told them I was going to travel the world for 2 years. They were shocked, but excited for me. As for returning... HELL NO!!! I hated that place.
What inspired you to go off and see the world?
After my little incident described here, I really realized that life is too short to not be happy. I learned from that mistake took care of it and set out to do what would make me happy. I knew it was too travel the world, so I let that consume me and made it happen.
What kind of travels and durations have you traveled previously?
Before this I had only done a few vacations (NYC, LA, Hawaii) and all for 8 days or less. This is my frist time ever backpacking.
Are you traveling on any packaged tours, RTW airfare, or specialty packages while away?
I think that is the worst thing anyone can do. It is so much cheaper to find tickets from what points you will need to be connected a few months before you need it. I was able to find a one-way tickets from Houston, TX to San Jose, Costa Rica for $195. Just search and you will find deals.
Are you revisiting any destinations you have previously traveled on your journey?
I haven't done much traveling so the answer to that is nope. Its going to be all new for me.
What are your biggest fears regarding long term travel?
I fear getting lonely the most. I know everyone says you are going alone but you won't be alone, but it still scare the shit out of me.
Do you have any personal goals to achieve from the trip?
Nope no goals... just going to live life and enjoy it.
Any final comments for those about to head out or are on their trip presently?
All I can say is if you can dream it you can make it happen. Just go for it... don't ever let fear hold you back!!!
Thanks to Jaime from Breakaway Backpacker for the great interview! Follow his journey over at his site and see where he ends up next over the course of the next two years! As for the traveler spotlight, we've exhausted all of our interviewees from this batch up the update and will be catching up with everyone in the future to see how their trips have finished or are progressing! If you are a travel blogger and wish to be interviewed, comment below or e-mail us and we can feature you in the series!
0 comments:
Post a Comment