Not at all. The cost of an around-the-world trip is roughly the difference between buying a nice new car and a used Honda Civic. Traveling isnīt free, but it costs less to live on the road than it does at home, with a bit of discipline..

Well, once it's in the blood, I don't think wanderlust ever truly leaves you. For the time being, I am happily living between Austin and Albuquerque and visiting other American places as I can for a year or more..

Well, sort of. There is an amazing community of travelers, from all over the world - Romania, Australia, Japan, Mexico, UK, and others. We tend to congregate on buses, trains and in hotels of low cost -- gringo trails, hippy trails, call them what you will. Fascinating places to be.

Youīd think that would be one product that would be tailored to my trip. Turns out no. You can only buy RTW tickets 12 months out. Since I plan to spend a good amount of time in South America, thereīs no good reason. Plus, you have to say exactly where youīre planning to go! Ack!!

Hell no. Those bastards are heavy, and we are all about traveling light. For a while, I traveled with a PDA and foldable keyboard, but in the end settled on an external hard drive, plus my camera, camping gear, and a few changes of clothes. That even feels like a lot, when itīs all riding on your back.

Like everything else that isnīt on my back, I had to leave it. In the final three months before I left, I worked on some side consulting contracts and made wine. Go DīVine Wine McKinney! That was a good time, I tell ya.

A tough one, because I know they read this. Um, it depends? Any of you friends are welcome to meet up with me along the way, and family, you know the deal. I may pop back into the US mid-trip, if airline gods so decide..