A few days ago, I wrote a post about inspiring globetrotters. I had a chance to “meet” one of them online who accepted to share her experience of long time traveler, with the Roots Travelers community.

But first, let me introduce Lauren, globetrotter and travel writer, from Never Ending Footsteps.

Photo Never Ending Footsteps

Lauren left England in 2011 for a 1 year round trip. This journey turned out to be the beginning of a new lifestyle. Never ending forward, exploring the world.

Lauren already visited 40 countries in all continents, discovering fantastic places and people. And she is determined to explore the 153 left! Audacious, Lauren chose her own way of life a few years back, jumping into adventure:

In 2006, I decided to make a change. I decided to create a life that I didn’t want to escape from — I decided to invest in my happiness. I knew I wanted to travel long-term, I just didn’t know how.

Lauren, When exactly did you start your round trip? Did you have a job? 

I left to travel in July 2011 when I was 23 years old. At the time, I only had a part-time job at a supermarket but did occasional extra work at my University Physics department. I did originally set off alone but I met my boyfriend four months into my trip. We’ve now been travelling together for almost two years!

According to your experience, when would you recommend to plan a round trip: before your 1st job or a few years after?

I can only speak for myself, but I think it’s great to travel after graduation and before getting a full-time job. I saved for five years before leaving so that I would have enough money to sustain myself for a few years, but had I decided to get a full-time job straight after University, I fear I might have ended up investing too much time in it and putting off travel for a while…

What questions should we avoid to ask ourselves before making a round the world tour?

I don’t think there are any questions you should avoid asking yourself.

With a step back and your experience, what would be your main argument to ask your boss (if you had one) to take a year off to make a round trip?

That it would make me happy and that I’d quit anyway if they said no?

Do you have a mentor, a “serial around the world traveler” inspiring you?

I read a lot of travel blogs, which help keep me inspired and give me a very long list of places to visit in the future!

There are for sure many memorable moments in your journey. But what was one of your Best Life Moment traveling around the world?

Probably the night I spent camping in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. One of the best things I’ve ever done and a truly magical experience

What’s your most valuable skill that helped you achieve your round trip/ long term travels?

With a Father who works in banking, I have always been great with my finances so it wasn’t hard to give up treats in order to save money. It’s a lot easier to say no to a £5 cup of coffee when you know it’s a night’s accommodation in Thailand

How did you finance your journey when starting traveling?…And now?

Originally, I saved up for five years before leaving and sold everything I owned in order to finance my travels. I now work online as a freelance travel writer, which funds my travels entirely.

Where are your 5 favorite places so far around the world?

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Boracay, The Philippines

Taipei, Taiwan

Istanbul, Turkey

Kampot, Cambodia

I hope you enjoyed Lauren’s advices! I sincerely invite you to check her blog Never Ending Footsteps http://www.neverendingfootsteps.com and Like her Facebook page to follow her journey. You will enjoy stunning outdoors pictures, Ends of the earth places and much more advices to travel around the world.

Lauren’s next step is to explore deeper the American continent. If you have some recommendations of “must” see in these countries: Vancouvers (Canada), Mexico, Cuba, Belize, Guatemala, Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica or Panama, please give your advices to Lauren in the comment box bellow.

What do you think of Lauren’s adventure? Would you dare to jumpstart a new life as she did? What is your main fear that stops you from more traveling? Start the discussion in the comment box bellow and don’t forget to vote on the top of this post! Thanks for reading and a big thanks to Lauren for sharing with us!