Interview with Jaime from Breakaway Backpacker

Jaime is a 20-something backpacker from Houston, Texas that decided it was time to breakaway from his corporate job after going through some life changing events. If you are thinking about quitting your job as well to travel around the world, and could use some guidance. His website is the perfect place to find out more about pre-trip thoughts and planning.

Starting the 1st of March, 2011 he will leave for a 2 year trip around the world. You can stay in touch with Jaime through his website Breakaway Backpacker, Twitter or his Facebook page.

Please tell us about Jaime?

I would have to say Jaime is a very unique man who knows that everything that has happened in his life has led him to who he is today. I try to enjoy life to the fullest even though along the way I tend to blow things out of proportion and am sometimes too dramatic. In the end it’s who I am though.

What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome before you booked your ticket?

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was that it was not how I planned it. My original plan was to leave around the end of July, but I just couldn’t take it anymore at my job. I knew I wouldn’t make it until the end of July so I had to do something about it. I started searching for tickets to Central America (also not part of the plan), when I found a one-way ticket to San Jose, Costa Rica for only $195 I stared at the screen for an hour and then just said fuck it. I booked the ticket changed all my plans and now I am glad I did.

Where are you planning on going, and for how long?

I plan on being gone for about 2 years. Through out that period of time I do not know exactly where I will be going; I just have a sense of direction. I will start by spending 3.5 months in Central America. I will then make my way to Cancun for my brothers wedding on June 11. From there come home (Houston) for my best friends wedding on July 2. I will then take off to Europe and spend about 2 months there before heading off through the Middle East, India and South East Asia on a very slow schedule. I have no reason to come home so I will be taking my time.

Is there a country that you would never consider visiting?

Hmmm I have never thought about countries I would NEVER visit. I would love to visit every country in the world as long as it can be done safely. I haven’t travelled much, but I love that every country has its story and I think the best way to learn some of it is by going there.

Karnak Temple in Egypt by John Thomas

Which places are you most looking forward to visit?

Egypt & Australia!!! I have been fascinated by these two countries since I was a little kid. I know they couldn’t be more different from each other but I can not wait to visit them. The funny thing is Australia isn’t even on my itinerary. The reason it is not is because I don’t just want to visit Australia I actually want to live there.

I have been thinking that maybe at the end of my RTW trip I can get a one year working visa and live there for a year. It would be a dream come true. As for Egypt, I have been following the news closely with everything going on. I am hoping that by the time I get to that part of the world I could spend 3-6 months in Egypt and get to explore it all. I would also love to live in Cairo for a few months.

If you could travel with any person in the world, who would that be?

I know everyone may think I am crazy since I can pick any person in the world, but the truth is I would pick Kelly Clarkson. I think anyone that knows me knows how obsessed I am with her and I am not ashamed.

Which Languages would you like to be fluent in?

I’m already fluent in English and Spanish so I think I would go with Chinese. It would be interesting, because it is completely different then what I already know.

If you could wake up tomorrow anywhere in the world, where would that be?

Cairo, Egypt

Everyone should travel because….

It opens your eyes to new things and new possibilities.