As word spreads around the office that I’m leaving, I’m getting two different types of responses. Some people start asking about my finances, while others tell me its a great idea.

Over the past few days, I’ve been asked if: I’m independently wealthy, a trust-fund kid, just inherited some money, or just how can I afford such a trip. Although I think the questions are kind of ridiculous, I just tell them the truth: “No, we’ve just been working and saving for the last couple years.” I usually reiterate that Asia is cheap, Joylani and I have been saving our two incomes for two years, and I don’t have a mortgage or big expenses. Its pretty simple, but for some reason, these people think you must be rich to travel.
Other people tell me that I’m smart or wise, for taking the time to travel while I can. They say its a great plan, because I’ll have my whole life to work. And while I may have more money and financial security to travel later, kids and career will tie me down. It seems that there’s a correlation between peoples’ age and the extend to which they think our trip is a good idea. This trip has been inspired and supported by people older and wiser than us, who have told us to travel while we can, not to put it off, and enjoy it.