[nickd2001]

There's a half-way house for this. For someone that doesn't have a family, its possible to e:g work on a ski resort for the winter making minimum wage plus possibly tips depending on the job, live simply, basically drain your savings but slower than you otherwise would. Then go travelling in the summer with a bit of camping, sleeping in car etc. I've done that, had some savings but hadn't earned silly money, and didn't drain the savings too badly. Was single at the time. Would've been cheaper to do that as a couple with both working and some shared resources. I think someone that had, say $10k saved, might be able to do this. Thats enough for expensive car repair or other unforeseen cost. (OK , healthcare can be in issue in the US, in which case might need more. Also student loans. So YMMV). Reason for this post? Just to show people that don't think they can, that maybe they can actually have a period of freedom and adventure and reflection. Lots of people here on HN seem burned out and not very happy. There's an escape route of sorts , you needn't be very rich to do it, working in tech at all probably gives you an opportunity to save. I'm super glad I did it, looking back now as a parent with far less freedom and energy and commitments to just take off and explore. EDIT - an old Japanese car that is fuel efficient but you can sleep in counts for a lot here. As does having some skills in cheap nutrition - though rice, pasta, beans, porridge (oatmeal), fresh fruit & veg, eggs, tinned fish pretty much does the job.