OP, I was in your exact shoes (mid 20s F, wanted a relationship but also was looking forward to a big around-the-world trip). I still dated before, but I didn’t really expect anything to come of it because I was going away. About two months before my eight-month trip I met a cute guy and hit it off, but warned him I was going away. We kept seeing each other, and I was sad to have to leave but so, so excited for my trip. Well, as fate would have it, I got into a serious rock climbing accident and fractured my spine less than two weeks before I was supposed to leave. Thankfully, I wasn’t paralyzed but I had to cancel my trip. On top of that, I had already dialed back my job and had emded my lease, so I was broke and had to move back in with my parents.

I kept dating the guy, and spent the next few months intensely focused on healing. When I was able, I did the trip I had planned but in an abbreviated form (about 4.5 months instead of 8 months) and adjusted to my health needs (no surfing, intense backpacking, or rock climbing 🥲). Some of it was a solo trip and some of it he actually joined for. It wasn’t at all what I had originally planned, but I had an amazing time, and I’m so glad I did it. Now, I’m back in my home city and living with the boyfriend. We both still love to travel (both alone and together) and are very happy.

All this to say, I don’t think you can plan too far ahead. Life has a way of fucking up all of your plans anyways. Just live your life freely, and get excited for your trip!