BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello, my name is Ben - I'm an actor living in London, but really I live most of my time in the corporate wasteland. I turned 30 this year and got my first incline that I'm not really on course with my life - I've had some sucess as an actor, but in reality have spent a lot of time temping in offices to pay the bills, while "living" for the occasioanl acting job. Next thing I know, my 20's have shot by and I'm into my 30's. I feel tired and fed up with struggling and need a serious time out.

So I've decided to do just that, and drop myself way out of my comfort zone in the hope I'll grow spiritually and psychologically. I'm not going to find what i need on a "normal" holiday, but I think by putting myself in a situation where I can prove to myself that I can do it. What better way than a solo trip?

Planning to go to SE Asia later this year, volunteer, trek, see what happens - but I've never travelled alone. At the same time I feel that solo travel is what I need. The total freedom to go where I want and be accountable to no-one. It's that razor edge of fear/ excitement and since making the decision to I've felt more alive than I have in years. No waiting for agents to call, no offices, no London acting world. Just to see what happens.

I'm completely terrified of course, scared that I'll be lonely/ not be able to cope all that stuff...not totally sure I can do it, but I'm going to.

But if anyone has any advice for me I'd really appreciate it! Has anyone been in a simialr position? Gone and travelled having missed the 20's travelling thing?

Best wishes,

Ben

Hi Ben,

I spent most of my 20s.. heck all of my 20s either studying or working.. I've only done short trips here and there, longest for about 40 days (Africa and Europe).

Now that I'm 30, I feel that I'm taking more risks as well. Long-term travelling in the cards? Perhaps but in a different sort of sense. I'm just ready to live elsewhere at this time of my life!

The good thing about travelling in SEA is that it's rather easy to make travel buddies along the way, so you're never truly alone, unless you choose to.

There are plenty of threads by travellers in similar positions, take a look.. It definitely helps to know that you're not the only one out there lusting to get out and taking a risk! Good luck!

Benakin,

Sounds like you're definitely at a crossroads. Changing your perspective can help, and there's no better way to do that in my opinion than to chuck it all in back home and head out on the road. Good luck!

Hi Ben,

I'm in a bit of a similar situation in that I'm turning 30 this year as well and heading to Asia with no plans and no timeline at the end of the year. But I've been lucky to do a lot of travelling and also working abroad in my 20s as well.

I'm living in London too and while I love it here I'm anxious for a change and for something a bit more challenging. Not sure what's on the cards for me but it's always been my dream to travel without any plans and I'm looking forward to what Asia and beyond hold for me.

Meeting other travellers is pretty easy and if you plan to volunteer or stop to work you'll meet a lot of locals too.

Good luck with your travels, see you out there!
Kirsty

Thanks for replying! Encouragement was just what I needed, I'm dead excited about this trip.

Cheers guys

Ben x

Go for it! Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

If you don't go, you will be rewarded with a lifetime of regret and what-ifs.