37 female from UK, thinking about selling my house and travelling the world

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Title: 37-Year-Old Woman from the UK Contemplates Selling Her Home to Travel the World

Body:
A personal reflection on choosing freedom over stability

Today I’m sharing a snapshot of my life and a significant question I’m weighing: is it possible to sell the house I own outright and spend my years exploring the world instead?

A bit of context might help. I’m 37, female, and I spent my teenage years, twenties, and early thirties entangled in addiction. Through a series of family losses, I ended up with a house that I own outright. I have no children, very few close friends, and I’m not currently employed. I’m enrolled with the Open University, pursuing a degree with an unclear path forward.

Ownership of a home, while a source of gratitude, feels like a burden to me. The property is a concrete box that I don’t feel emotionally connected to, and I would much rather rent so I can call someone to fix issues as they arise and maintain the flexibility to move. I have no plans to start a family, and everyday I resent that money tied up in this house could be used to live life more fully and explore the world.

There are family members I could stay with if needed, which adds a layer of security to considering a drastic shift. I’m in the early stages of planning and would need to research practicalities such as insurance, vaccines, visas, and related logistics.

Possible destinations I’m considering include:
– Tokyo
– Various locations in Australia and New Zealand
– Hawaii
– Mexico (in part to connect with friends in the US and Canada)
– A selection of U.S. states: Texas, Florida, Virginia, New York
– Canadian cities: Toronto, Vancouver
– Washington state and Montana
– Iceland or Greenland as potential add-ons

I’m seeking input from strangers online to gauge how others might respond to this idea. My reaction to feedback will play a role in my decision. One path I’m weighing is to pursue a degree first, which would likely push me into my early 40s, or to travel first and pursue the degree afterward. Given my current employability challenges, I feel I could arrange work or alternatives as needed.

If you have thoughts, advice, or questions about selling a home to travel, financing such a plan, or balancing education with long-term travel, I’d appreciate hearing them. This is a highly personal decision, and I’m hoping to gather perspectives to inform my next steps.