On the Road

Like Hemingway, you can be part of another "Lost Generation" http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmcnab/

Move to another part of the world for the weather, the culture, the cheap weed – but don’t go just because you can’t get your life together at home.

So there you are – the weather sucks, everything’s too expensive, you’re bored of everyone that you know and you find yourself staring wistfully at the travel section of the bookshop, wondering if there’s a way to go abroad and stay there…

The good news is that millions upon millions of people around the world manage to make a new life for themselves abroad, whether in order to send money back to loved ones, escape persecution or, like you, to enjoy a better standard of living.

The difference is that whilst most people will emigrate to a country where they can earn more money, most Western travelers will be looking for cheaper places to live where their savings can stretch a bit further. Not that you need to be looking at early retirement to relocate but then you need to think about finding work abroad also. check out 101 work abroad ideas for some inspiration.

Although you may be dog shit sick of where you come from, it’s important not to burn any bridges. If you get ill, broke or unexpectedly homesick after 6 months away then it’s nice to have friends, family, maybe even an employer to come home to.

It might seem a distant prospect as you’re packing your bags but the likelihood is that your home country isn’t quite as bad as it seems right now. It’s an old cliché but you really do take your problems with you so be realistic about what a move abroad is offering you.

Move to another part of the world for the weather, the culture, the cheap weed – but don’t go just because you can’t get your life together at home. It could end up being ten times worse abroad.

Want to meet other road junkies?
Come to the Road Junky Sahara Retreat Feb 6-11 2012 to hang out with 30 other travelers to meditate, make yoga, tell stories and dance under the full moon in the desert.

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