Originally Posted by
eigenvector
I live on Vancouver Island. I see middle-aged European couples and families come here, rent a van or RV and spend 2 months cruising the Island and the coast of BC. This is normal for them; they go to a different country every year and spend 2 months. This is not even remotely imaginable for a non-retired person in North America..
I'd say that that isn't imaginable for a European either. I had 20 days of vacation pro anno when I lived in Europe. Sure high seniority in generous places such a Germany and France may give you 25 or even 30 days. You cannot assemble 2 months out of that.
These long term tourists come from all over the World. I met younger Americans doing a year long tour through Oz or around the planet. It does happen. And yes, you usually have to sacrifice parts of the career.