I'm considering being a drifter

Sam, I feel the same way

 

The story of the guy who went to Ireland with only a few bucks and now everything is great is a wonderful story, but I also suspect that for every nice story there are some hard luck stories as well.

Another thing to consider is that there is stuff you can pull off when you are in your 20's that you might have a harder time with if you are older. One issue is health and energy. Another is that people tend to be more receptive to young people drifting around. Lots of people see it being a cool thing for young people to drift, whereas if you are middle-aged, you're often just considered a bum by the same people.

Getting visas may be a problem. For some countries, you get an automatic (short) tourist visa. Drifting around with no cash would probably mean overstaying a visa, and there can be some consequences for that.

I really don't think I know what you should do. Maybe you could sign up for food stamps and medicaid, get a tent and follow the rainbow family around for a while.

Maybe you could go to an international commune.

There's something appealing to being out on the road, but on the other hand, traveling around with no money, with no one to rely on, it's easy enough to find yourself shit out of luck.

I hope that whatever you choose to do it works out.

Wishing you the best brother

 

You get over it pretty quick. The language thing can be a little isolating, but it's not hard to find a few expats to hang out with, and they're usually pretty tightly nit.

I didn't like Thailand for the 10 days I was there, but I only saw Bangkok and Koh Samui. Most people seem to really like Northern Thailand. Gorgeous mountain ranges and cooler weather. My friend on here lives in Koh Tao and loves it.

The more remote you get, the more you'll find knowledge of English to be an asset. I've been offered two jobs I was completely under-qualified for here in Cambodia. You can communicate anything you need by pointing and hand signals, but make sure they're not fluent first, or else you might come off kind of like a dick.

It's a lot harder to work in a place like India. Next place I move is one of three countries. Columbia, Burma, or Bhutan.

I've also got an airline ticket back to the states on the 2nd I need to push back like ten months.

The worlds a big place, and at about 25, I thought I'd seen enough of the US for a while.

 

Being surrounded by people I couldn't communicate with was the loneliest time of my life.

If you're outgoing enough, go for it.

 

You wouldn't be the only white dude around, not by a longshot. You're not the first to think of escaping.

Haha.. It's true that many Japanese like western culture, and most decent looking, socially capable white guys could get laid over there (like anywhere), but that doesn't mean they're going to be jumping your bones just cause you're from the west. Again, lots of people have thought of escape before.

And I don't know how long you spent in Thailand or how much you know about the culture, but unless you're Thai, the Thai people care a great deal where you come from; indeed, they are probably the most racist people I have encountered. Not hateful, but the color of your skin and your origins determines their level of respect for you. Burmese, for example, are on par with dogs as far as most Thais are concerned.

Not that Thailand isn't a great country to escape to. It really is a wonderful place, and no matter what you're looking for, chances are pretty good you can find it here.

 

Move North to Alaska ----> Get a job in the bush and save $20,000 -------> Go stay somewhere for a year.

 

Hey darling...if you can watch the movie "Vagabond". Get in touch Sam Stoned.

 

it's much easier and less stress is involved if you go with a bit of money. not so you can stay at holiday inn every night, but so you can pay for food and supplies, and other unforeseen events like paying your way out of giving a blowjob to a gay drifter with a knife to your throat.
or at least go with something set up. a job or home for the first leg of the journey, or a car, motorbike, whatever. it's nice to have a little comfort blanket when you go to a new place.

i went to europe a couple times, i found it was too busy.. too many people doing exactly what you are. it's just as enriching to stay on your own continent - empty highways and pristine wilderness and no language barrier.
though i've heard you can live like a goddamn king in thailand for pocket change. india seems pretty cool as well.
and remember that getting there is sometimes the best part. i would look at other options besides air travel. nothing puts me in a bigger stink of a mood than having to fly commercially.