Comments on: Everyone Says I’m Running Away

By: Reckless

Reckless — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:27:02 +0000

Hey Man,

What you do is LIVING! Most people don’t even know what that is, they simply exist and there is a huge difference. I personally think God created us because before us there was nobody to appreciate what he made. We were put here to see it all! I wrote a little piece about living: check it out if you get a sec. http://recklessnobo.blogspot.com/2012/01/good-life-reflections-of-at-cont.html

By: NomadicMatt

NomadicMatt — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:14:37 +0000

I used my savings to fund my first trip around the world.

As for the other part, I can’t speak to his feelings.

By: Chrissy Travels

Chrissy Travels — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:28:20 +0000

Great post and great writing! I ran away 17 months ago. I always admitted that I was running away. I never denied myself that. I just couldn’t stand the reality of my life anymore and running away brought me the peace, happiness and contentment I was craving. If running away is what it is, then I am a better person for doing it. I embrace it and will beg, borrow and deal to continue.

Good luck and happy travels!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:56:16 +0000

Matt,

I was directed to this website by my fiance who just informed me that he wants to drop everything and travel for at least a year. We are supposed to get married in four months and he just dropped this bomb on me.

I really see what you are saying, and I do see the allure of the lifestyle. But what about for people like me who aren’t particularly good writers or candid bloggers? How could I possibly feed myself if I were to lead a nomadic lifestyle? And most importantly, how do I get past the fact that it really does feel like he is running away from me? He informed me he is going with or without me. Can you defend his sudden urge to become a nomad at this time, or do you think that he is running away from me?

By: kiwi888

kiwi888 — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:16:03 +0000

People, in all their condescending arrogance, can’t handle anything too different. I’d love a monolithic dome house, not a square one. I like alternative schooling and learning methods instead of brick & mortar. That gets me plenty of unwanted advice and derision, esp from people who claim to love me most!

I notice my fellow Americans have big brains in their big heads, yet have the smallest minds. If you do things they wouldn’t do, something must be wrong with you. They believe their religion is the right one. Their habits are the normal ones. Seriously, when I was a kid, I thought I’d grow up and small minded people would magically be gone (die off). But people pass on their numbskull ideas to offspring, unfortunately. It’s hard to be surrounded by zombies. But keep doin’ what you’re doin’ and you eventually find like minded people! As a single mom with two boys (one severely disabled), I’m just now finding my way to my real self…..and it feels good.

G’day

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:30:16 +0000

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
— Saint Augustine

I believe you travel for the sake of living life to the fullest.

Though, I suppose we cannot stereotype all travelers as either living or escaping. I also believe you can do both simultaneously. There is always the possibility that someone travels to escape from their problems, such as running away from debt or relationship problems. I know because I have met some on my journeys.

Good article.

By: Lulu

Lulu — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:55:45 +0000

my dream. i need to escape from the beginning of my conventional life before society sucks me in. only 16 but waiting for the exact right time. great article, inspired me even more. love x

By: Lane

Lane — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:05:24 +0000

I’m late to the game, as this is the first post that I’ve read but, I’m now bookmarking the site. A few observations:
1) I don’t think its an American thing to box people in. Perhaps more of a “western” ideal? My better half is British and said she left England because Americans are actually less likely to restrict you.
2) There are those of us walking a fine line between the boxes. I ponder if I could lead a nomadic lifestyle but, I also want “home”. Six trips a year sounds reasonable to me. I get a “sampler” and still go home to my dogs in the end.

I look forward to more thought-provoking posts.
Keep wandering,
Lane

By: Jay Kane

Jay Kane — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:08:30 +0000

I’ve heard this once or twice myself. Don’t mind the naysayers and live your life. I personally enjoy renting vacation homes through sites like HereStay.com over stayin in hotels or hostels, just so I can experience the locale just like a local would.

By: Wandering crouton

Wandering crouton — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:08:42 +0000

My husband & I, 47 & 53 respectively, were made redundant 2 years ago from ‘respectable’ careers in the UK civil service. He thought I was mad when I suggested that we let the house and go travelling around the world….but I was very determined….
Our daughters had both left home 9 months later, so after some house renovation to make it lettable, we bought RTW tickets and haven’t looked back since. I am writing this in New Zealand whilst planning the next leg of the trip to South East Asia.
Husband still has some work ethic Calvinistic pangs occasionally, but when I point out the alternative; being employed by box-ticking mindless bureaucrats, staring at a wall, to service a mortgage? And would we even get jobs now? Sure it is sometimes tough ‘on the road’, especially when money is tight, but how much more of life one experiences! We have already seen & done so much, and met so many interesting people.
Travel broadens you, and YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD! I plan to carry on until they carry me off.