What does it take to quit your life and start a new?

I went out on the town tonight and met a gorgeous Australian woman. She quit her job and purchased a one year round-the-world ticket and just began her journey. New York City is her first stop lucky me!, followed by a month in Canada and 5 months backpacking through South America, etc.

I’ve been considering doing the same for the past year. She’s inspired me mainly because she’s a few years younger than me not because I want to run away with her. I’m 33. She’s 29. I don’t really know what’s holding me back. I don’t really have any long term commitments here. I have a steady job. Decent pay. Medical benefits. I don’t currently have any ailments for which I’d be dependent on the medical benefits.

Has anyone here ever backpacked or gone a really really really long trip away from home? Has anyone here ever quit and began a new life? What does it take (besides huge cahonas)?