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Although Henry David Thoreau never traveled very far outside of New England, he promoted an uncommon view of wealth that is essential to vagabonding. Considering all material possessions beyond basic necessities to be an obstacle to true living, he espoused the idea that wealth is found not in what you own but in how you spend your time. "A man is rich," he wrote in Walden, "in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone."

Learn to treasure your worst experiences as gripping (if traumatic) new chapters in the epic novel that is your life.

The goal of preparation, then, is not knowing exactly where you'll go but being confident nonetheless that you'll get there. This means that your attitude will be more important than your itinerary, and that the simple willingness to improvise is more vital, in the long run, than research.

Conversely, be sure to carry photos of yourself, your hometown, and your family to show to people on the road.