Comments on: The Immature Traveler Returns: All Grown Up Now and Looking Back

By: Isaac

Isaac — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 17:03:41 +0000

And declining physical growth/potential/function. There is a point in your mid-thirties when even the organ banks start to have second thoughts if they want you. I empathize with the author’s observations so plan your trips accordingly with this in mind. One day the stairs may actually be too steep and the diet to exotic.

By: Mike Richard

Mike Richard — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 13:29:46 +0000

Sounds like somebunny needs a hug =(

By: Thomas

Thomas — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:38:34 +0000

Great post and SO true! After travelling for over two years and have to settle back into normality is a killer!

By: Good to be a Guava Again | Once A Traveler

Good to be a Guava Again | Once A Traveler — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:15:24 +0000

[…] still at the crossroads I discussed when I turned 30, and if this trip has taught me anything, it’s that no matter where I end up, I should make […]

By: Taylor Record

Taylor Record — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:06:06 +0000

Great article, Turner! I’m wrapping up a year long RTW trip, and I’m facing the same issues. It’s hard to consider settling down when you’ve had so much chaos and variety to look forward to on the road. Part of you worries that you’re missing out by not starting on a career track/finding love/investing in your future while the other half figures you’re missing out on a rapidly changing world by settling into arbitrary “adult” responsibilities. I couldn’t agree more that the social pressures of what every one else is doing have the biggest effect.

All thisâ€¦ and I’m only 23.

By: Turner

Turner — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:23:54 +0000

There’s always a hater. Thanks for reading, everyone!

By: Gareth

Gareth — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 19:11:35 +0000

@skip – not sure about that comment! You don’t need to stay in a country a long time to learn something, most people dont have the privilege of time.

By: skip

skip — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 04:00:26 +0000

What a load of crap. Traveling to gain experience and knowledge, backpacking Europe; To-do lists; bucket-lists. It’s all masturbation. Completely self-absorbed. What could you possibly learn bouncing around from one place to the next – figuring out how to ask for the bathroom in 2 or 3 different languages? It’s just an extension – or, rather – a slightly more exotic version of the cookie cutter lives all your Facebook friends are leading back home.

Your essay completely misses the point. Sure, travel. See the world. Heck, take your iPhone 4 (the number so important that it couldn’t be left out of the essay!) with you if you like. The point is not to go but to stay. STAY in Japan or Thailand or Bolivia or wherever and take the opportunity that you have as a wealthy foreigner to really learn a foreign culture and language. To REALLY see the world through new eyes.

If you fill yourself up with random bullshit, you’ll still be full of shit. And if you fill yourself up with emptiness, in the end you’ll still be empty.

By: Wftristan

Wftristan — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 13:42:57 +0000

I remember when i was due to turn 30 (just last week, cough cough)
I had a to do list consisting of tattoo’s body piercings, sky dives and facial hair.
then i had to totally re-assess life/career etc

got divorced/quit a high paying job in the city/ sold property..All in the same day.

Tristan

By: Samuel @ Backpacking Travel Blog

Samuel @ Backpacking Travel Blog — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 06:34:58 +0000

I recently turned 30 and I’m dealing with a lot of the issues you’ve mentioned in this article. It’s amazing how years pass at what appears to be the snap of fingers. I’m now considering what it is I want to do exactly overseas. Teaching English is not my passion and as you mention in the article is somewhat of a dead-end job.