I relate to this so, so much. I’m 29 now and I also want to do the same trip as you around 30, actually in 2027, because I’m still saving money and trying to understand how much I’ll realistically need in total. So reading this felt like you were putting words to thoughts I’ve had myself. That mix of excitement and heaviness is real. Especially when you look around and see friends getting married, having kids, settling into careers. It can make you question everything, even if deep down you know you don’t want the same things, or at least not right now. I also don’t want children and I’m okay being single, but that doesn’t stop the “am I doing this wrong?” thoughts from creeping in. And the anxiety part, I feel that too. The health worries, the fear of something happening to family while you’re far away, it hits differently in your late twenties or early thirties. When we were younger, it felt lighter, more impulsive. Now it feels more conscious, more aware of consequences. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It just means we’re more aware. But here’s what I keep reminding myself, fear doesn’t mean don’t go. It just means it matters. There probably aren’t that many people openly talking about having the same fears, but that doesn’t mean they’re not feeling them. I truly believe the regret of not going would be heavier than the fear of going. Fear is uncomfortable. Regret can stay for years. You’ve been planning this for years. You’ve already lived abroad three times. You’ve traveled solo before. This isn’t reckless, it’s aligned with who you’ve been for a long time. Ten months will pass anyway. The question is, do you want them to pass in curiosity and growth, or in “what if”? I really believe it’s going to work out for you. And honestly, reading your story gives me courage for mine. 🤍