I know what you mean by how much of traveling has ignited that flame for travel. None of my friend's understand how much travel has changed me. All they can do it sit back and do typical things. Good with your traveling...

- Will

omg... what a freaking coincidence. I'm signed up with netflix so every couple of days I get a new movie. Guess which one came in the mail today? "Australia"! lol... That's awesome.

Crazy enough, I've met most of these friends through myspace or facebook. As apprehensive as I was at first, I convinced myself to be receptive to meeting people online that I clicked with and before I knew it, I was hopping on a plane to Jersey to hang out with my new friends for nearly a week. Of course, not just anyone. I felt people out, we all spoke and connected for months, many are artists like I was at the time so by the time I made the decision to make the trip solo, I felt safe. I was 20 years old at the time and it opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. I saw Chicago and NYC the same way, in the company of online friends I got to stay with. I guess my new network to meet friendly people is through Matador, especially because people are so heartily dedicated to travel here. So far I'm loving this site!

I wish I could've found Matador and you just a little sooner. I'm desperate to travel to Australia and NZ... I would've loved to join you on your trip to Australia. We would've faced the outback together. :) Since you're traveling overseas alone, I do recommend for you to keep your eyes open. No need to be afraid but certainly be on defense. We foreigners stick out like a sore thumb so we become easy targets, unfortunately. :/

How long are you going for? (I'm so jealous! lol.)

I saw your post "how to leave it all behind" and I can totally agree with you. I've been admiring all of these wonderfully brave people on this site that have dropped everything and traveled, and wondering how I can bring myself to do it as well. It's so tough to take that leap! I hope that you were able to muster up the courage and jump in... I'm still working on mine.

Oh and how did your solo trip to Aussie go? I don't fear traveling alone, but I do fear traveling alone to other countries. How was it?

Hope to keep in touch. :)