How can I travel the world?

Question

So I'm 19 and basically just graduated high school. I know many people don't agree with my decision but I'm not planning to go to college and after exploring the world a bit I'll jump into a career. My only issue is that I don't know how to go about exploring the world. I know there's the military, peace core, and obviously study abroad for students. But I wanted to know if those are my only options besides up and leavin.

I could just wait till I'm older and save money to take trips but honestly I want to do it while I'm young for a few reasons. #1 I COULD BE DEAD. #2 Life happens and i might have to sacrifice what i want for kids or a wife or something you know?

Answer 1

There are many ways you can begin traveling the world and I'm all for it - when I was 17 I traveled then again when I was 23.

Best move I ever made - my brother thought I was mad to give up a good job at age 23 to coast off around the world - I believe it taught me more than any degree could ever give me!

For most of these you need some funds for your flight - but they can usually offer a discounted flight too!

See the links below:

Answer 2

Save up enough money for a ticket to Europe and once there make as many local friends as possible. They can help you find under-the-table jobs. It is also possible to just travel on very little money once you are there as long as you are creative when it comes to what constitutes a meal (cheese and crackers are a cheap dinner.) I spent 3 weeks traveling   through all of Europe at 19 and found that train travel is cheap as well as hostels. When you are ready for the rest of world I would go to Spain and find a way to Africa from there.  

Answer 3

You put in a really great suggestion in there - the Peace Corps.  Every person that I have known that has done it said that it was the best thing they ever did.  And most of them have traveled a *lot* since then!

I completely understand what you are saying about taking the opportunity while you can.  Plus, if you're not looking at college as something that you want right now, it's not something that you should do (yet?).  Just like traveling, you have to have your eyes open during the experience to get the most out of it.

Have fun!  Make a blog or something - I want to hear about your adventures :)

Answer 4

It's the Peace Corps dummy, and it's a highly competitive program that's not going to take just a high school grad. It's not even going to take all college grads. And study abroad... sure but usually only if you're in college, and even though some programs allow high school grads to apply, usually they only accept the type of student who would get into most colleges. Looks like you're going to have to open up that piggy bank and sell your kidney for the rest.