*The Following guide is intended for real aspiring runaways and less oriented towards the budget backpacker.
My decision to run away from home wasn’t only motivated by my desire to travel. In fact, to be honest, much of it had to do with a growing depression surrounding school and life in general. Like many 16 year olds, I felt as though I didn’t fit in. And since school was the only life I knew, I felt depressed, hopeless and stuck.
Adding to this depression were my faltering grades. I had for most of my life prided myself on a strong academic career. When my calculator broke on the math section of the SAT’s I became totally distraught. It may sound ridiculous now, but at the time it was a huge personal failure. I felt as though I had really let myself down.
More, facilitating this downward spiral of depression were the drugs. I naively sought the comfort of drugs and alcohols in a desperate attempt to alleviate my suffering. Ironically, unbeknownst to me at the time, they only served to further my depression.
Frustrated, stagnant, depressed, hopeless, boredom, are all appropriate adjectives describing my state of mind.
I needed a something different.
I needed the freedom and chance to change that I believed only travel could offer.
I decided I would runaway and travel the world.
Perhaps you feel like I did or maybe you are experiencing a painful environment at home. Whatever the case, if you are desperate and seriously contemplating running away from home, you have come to the right guide. If you need someone to talk to, you can connect with me on Facebook and I will try to get back to you as soon as I can. Otherwise, this guide should help.
The first part of this guide will attempt to help you decide whether or not you should run away from home. Should you decide to run away, the second part will provide information on how to prepare. The third section will teach you exactly how to leave your house and get started on the road as a runaway. Finally, the last portion of this guide will teach you essential runaway skills, from sleeping on the street and eating for free to hitchhiking and jumping trains.
Disclaimer: The Runaway Guide does not condone or encourage literally running away from home if you are not an adult.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for so much helpful advise.
This is so motivating you are still on the run,I am thinking of running away soon …is there any advice that you want to give me? I have read things on the internet of what to take and also when to do it ,but i also want to know how life is when you actually run away.Annonomous xx
Hey,
I am not actually on the run anymore. While I am on the road, I am not avoiding police these days. When I was on the run for real though, life was hard. It was really intense and I despite all the adventures, I don’t think I would do it again.
What great insite. Thank you Leif for telling your story. You may help other in more ways than anyone can imagine.
xoxo
Aunt Trish
Hey :)
First of all I have to say I love your website. You’re my role model.
Second I was thinking of running away. Not sure /when/ hell it may not be for the next year or two. But maybe you should make a guide on that little extra protection? Being a girl that weighs less than 100 pounds, is only 5″2 and cannot protect herself for her life (which I guess would be a common problem on the run), this is virtually my only fear. Any suggestions?
Thanks and love the site again, me.
Hey thanks!! I just met a chinese canadian girl with the same stats. She is going all over the world over the next two years. As long as you don’t take chances you should be alright. Best,
Leif :)
i feel like running away some days, but this actually make me think; should i really run away? and the honest answer after i read this, was no. not really.
I might just be over-reacting.
so thanks, i’ve changed my mind.
ab xx
Wow, I’ve never seen a blog quite like this! I don’t even know what to say! Gosh, I thought I was alone on my feelings of escaping. I’ve had just little tastes of freedom. I’ve been traveling to Europe on my own since I was 15, but I need more! You just can’t trap a free spirit, not mine at least. I must break free. I feel being to be plugged into a puzzle piece because I will break..! Anyways, thank you for this section or blog altogether. I needed some guidance! I’ve looked through books and movies and documentaries but never have I heard, read or watched something on a person who has actually “escaped” and shares their experience and advice. And slowly but surely I will be free too.
I hear ya! Go for it again! Let me know if you ever need advice. Best, Leif :)
Medical conditions. Have you ever met a type one diabetic on the run? Just wondering, as I am diabetic myself, and can’t really imagine doing any of this without seriously getting sick. :(
Hey, no, I am sorry. I have no idea about how you would make that work.
hey, what`s the best season to set up a journey?
Definitely Spring.
do you ever wonder what would have happened if you didnt run away…
To be honest, I actually never have. It is such a big part of my life that I don’t think it could have happened any other way. I wonder though where or what I would be.
I`m 22,after 4 years be away from home for university.. now I came back to home,and i really depressed more befor 4 years ago,i want just leave home,i cant bear this situation ……..why i cant go home??? i`m a girl and really fear of sick people in society,if i`m hurt,what can i do????
Hey Donya,
Where are you from?
I would tell you to go travel and trust in the good in people.
Kids have been running away- successfully and not so for a REALLY long time. Instead of looking for a cause for their son’s need to flee- they are looking to blame. I think it’s reprehensible that they picked you. I’d chat with a few barracuda attorneys about suing for slander- this hurts your reputation and causes you to do damage control. Maybe someone will want to sue Fox’s butt off on a contingency. Be worth a try!
Blame the teens for running away not the info online they used to do it through research
thankyou Leif i finally found the courage to runaway from this place ^_^