Celebrating my 75th Birthday with a Life-Changing Journey

My main interest is indigenous people, animals, flora.

So, it's not the modern world. That would also exclude most cities, and a greater part of your travel would be off the beaten path. That might be too strenous for a 75 y.o. lady, but, not neccessarily, if you're are in good health (which sounds like you are).
Organized package tours wouldn't give you much of interesting material for a book. So, I'd expect you're also an experienced traveller and feel comforable with individual travel and doing things on your own.

One carry-on sized bag is a good idea. You don't need to take too much stuff with you. You can buy things and you can have you clothes washed in a laundry. I assume the "bag" will be a backpack, max 45 l.

There is no question in your topic, so, I'm not sure what exactly you'd like to hear.
Anyway, your plan sounds great. Good luck.

I once met a Canadian couple in their late 70s who had liquidated their assets, "put all their affairs in place", said goodbye to their hometown, friends and family and were travelling where and when they wished. They intended to spend their remaining years having a ball and I was impressed by their approach to their final phase of life.

I know many will argue against the idea (what if you become ill, the worry of your children etc,) but it is a personal choice and I approved.

Whatever you choose, I wish you the most wonderful trip of your life. Go for it girl, and have a ball!

Dave

utilizing the equity in my home ................... Your choice but I would be very wary of such an approach and having seen self funded writers struggle the best you can hope for is some great trip notes. Publishers from my experience are without mercy, that is of course unless you are already published.

Regardless you tread your own path, enjoy the trip it sounds great.

I completely concur with V20091.

"Using the equity in my home" means that you still have to pay back someone who will hold the mortgage on your home. I think it is a foolish thing to do at your age.

Another concurrence. With the US housing market on its way down the drain, first of all credit is tight, and second, you might wind up owing more than the place is worth.

What you want to do is use your home to generate income while you're on the road, i.e. rent it out. You'll need a real estate agent or property manager to make sure your tenants aren't gutting the place, and of course on-line banking so you can access funds as needed.

The Long Haul & RTW branches might help you on the logistics and bureaucracy. If you own your home free and clear, be very wary of encumbering it with an equity loan or whatever in the current economic climate. You never know when you might be in sudden need of a place to return to.

Geritaran...Paulo Cuelo advises in "The Alchemist" to live your dreams without fear. The naysayers will always be out there to discourage those who dream, but the one that can jump the abyss without fear will soar. I say...the best of luck to you.

I hope you find a compatable travel partner and enjoy your life-changing journey.

I am not dashing the dreams , just a look from an outsiders view. We have or had or still probably have a system where you can draw down on the loan and make no repayments untill the house is sold either due to moving or death if that is your path so be it.

Since a week the banks in my country are obligated to mention in their advertorials that " borrowing money costs money". I thought everybody knew that. Whatever choices you make they will have consequences. Maybe selling the house and looking for a rental is the safest. However prices aren't that good at the moment. But you are the one who needs to look at the options.
If you don't do it now, when will you do it? Circumstances will never be ideal. If your family ( husband, children) supports you in your dream they will also help you if things go bad providing they have the means.( but don't burden them with your problems).
Make sure you take good health insurance and take care of yourself along the way. Make your dream came true!!!!! (maybe a smaller version instead of the whole world in one time). Good luck

#6
Live your dream..... you'd better do.

Although different age group - has anybody seen Revolutionary Road, or read the book?