7 reasons to trip around the world (lonely planet)

Lonely planet online guide

• Gap year :
  school’s out for ever, so now it’s time to see what the world can teach you. It might be the year that makes you work out what you really want to do at university or it might be the year that makes you forget high school. Volunteering or beach-bumming, no matter what you do a year off could be the best education you get.

• Break-up :
  Rather than checking themselves into Heartbreak Hotel, many of the broken-ups hit the road to shake the blues. And why the hell not when there’s a chance to meet someone else (and be able to send postcards back to an ex)?
• Midlife crisis :
  There’s nothing like heading into another culture to work out what your life’s all about – plus it’s more rewarding than buying a sportscar. Whether you rekindle old interests, meet people who challenge your beliefs or just let yourself be lost for a year, travel will tell you what’s important in life. Just try to do it while avoiding a comb-over or plastic surgery.
• Redundancy package :
  In case you haven’t heard, redundancy is the new employment. Take that package and look for somewhere to get more Bangkok for your buck. Who knows? You could switch that career as a consultant for one sailing yachts.
• Retirement :
  Many travellers are choosing to give the grandchildren the slip by emigrating. After all, they’ve spent long enough looking after their own kids and deserve the break. It’s a great chance to tick off the bucket list and enjoy everything you’ve been working your whole life for.
• Compassion :
  Think for a moment about the way places you’ve been stay to really stay with you. Whether it’s recent floods in Brazil or Greece’s economic woes, these disasters are more real if you’ve been there. And you’ll learn more about the resilience and spirit of people regardless of where they’re from.
  
• Just Because :
  Do you really need a justifiable reason? It could just be that you always wanted to see the Greek Islands or that you want to taste yum cha in Hong Kong, but whatever’s raised your travel appetite, you’ll never regret booking a round-the-world ticket and heading off. Inspirational, escape or just dirty old fun, whatever reason you take a RTW trip for you’re bound to be surprised by what you discover on your journey – about the world and yourself.