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[charlotte]

Hi everyone,

I did something pretty gutsy last week, I formally asked my company for a career break for 1 year so I can pursue some travel desires, really interested to visit South America and India but not necessarily in that order. This is after much consideration, pondering, a lot of procrastinating, talking to good friends and family and finally coming to a conclusion that in order to fulfill my life I need a chunk of time out to do that and see the world a bit more to keep me busy!

I have been investing all my energy in my career for now 8 years and I just need a break, time for me, re-charge my own personal batteries and experience people, places, new perspectives, possibly pursue some voluntary work and some interests I have in the outdoors, writing and cooking.

Now awaiting the formal answer, but I have taken the leap and are excited about my future travels!

Be interested to hear your views and any advice you have as I embark on my journey, excuse the pun.

Charlotte
Travelogue: http://www.travelpod.com/members/charlotte

[greekcypriot]

So Charlotte the time has come for you to make your dream come true and fullfill your batteries. I envy you in the first place, and I cannot wait to follow your trip. Both countries are fantastic.
I was ready to leave for a month to India in March but had to postpone it for some reasons, but both these countries are in my mind. I was to go on my own, but I believe in India you are going to need some company.

[charlotte]

hi ,
Thanks for the encouraging words that is exactly what I need at this stage. The question really I asked myself was 'why wouldn't I?'...

I also think I may look to do things along on the way in both countries, meet with people, I am fortunate to have friends in Mumbai and thought I could start there and meet them too. I also may hook up with a friend in the South America part too who goes out every year for the winter months away from rubbish UK weather, but who knows, early days yet and I am concentrating on just getting my formal approval back.

fingers crossed!

[greekcypriot]

Charlotte you are right about the weather in the UK. I have also friends around India and when the time comes I can bring you in touch.
When exactly are you planning to leave?
"Why wouldn't I?" ...copying from above. Yes, why not you? I believe nothing can stop you if you really want it.

[charlotte]

thanks, that sounds great idea.

I am thinking it would be from December this year, still awaiting the 'approval' etc, but my main decision would be where to go first India or South America. My feeling is I start in India and I can meet my friends I have in Mumbai and slowly get into the travel thing and culture that way, then head south in India.

All is yet to be thought through, but ideas or advice welcome ?

[greekcypriot]

If I were you I would pick India first. Let's see if other members suggest something else. In the meantime I am sure you are doing a lot of reading and planning at this moment. This is good because it feels as if you are already in the trip....travelling. Isn't it?
This is at least how I feel, -the moment I start planning the trip until the time comes for me to leave. The more you read and search places to see and ways to go....even contacting people there, the more excitement you get out of it.


I was planning my trip to India and even if I postponed it, the feeling I had from the planning and contacting people was as if I had accomplished half of it....if you get what I want to tell you.

[charlotte]

hey - just a quick update, i am still awaiting a formal decision it's been 4 weeks of torture frankly.

In the meantime I think the idea of the planning and reading to prepare is true. I have been contacting friends in India and talking to other travellers that have been to South America.

I need to do some 'basics' planning , how much money can I spend, what kind of flight do I book - round the world or individual, what do I want to achieve from my trip, when do I end my apartment rental and pack up my stuff etc etc.

if someone has any reference point for where to start, tips or a checklist that would be gratefully received!

meanwhile I just finished reading Eat, Love, Pray - a little indulgent on the part of the author, but memoirs of a lady who after getting separated just packed her stuff and traveled to find herself. Let's hope I can find myself too!

[50odd]

Hi Charlotte

As a way of beginning your research you could take a look at this website www.tour.tk. We met Sonya and Ali in Colombia, and while they did their trip on bicycles like us, they have created this fab website, with many resources. Including the cost of living by country, that might help you work out how much you will be spending, as well as equipment lists and a comprehensive links page to many other blogs (we are on there!).

Good luck


xx