"If word of this gets around, won't people in the developing countries start to expect things - even from those of us who aren't wealthy? Won't this ruin travel for everyone?"

When I first heard this concern, which was voiced separately by two intelligent, accomplished people who I respect immensely, my immediate reaction was to be flattered that they saw Backpack Nation as so powerful an idea. My second thought: People in the poorer countries already see Westerners as immensely wealthy. The word is out! In villages and remote areas where the local people once tended toward shy, curious, friendly, generous, they are sometimes more demanding, less friendly, less generous. People in the developing countries have indeed learned that Westerners in fact do have a wealth of material blessings and opportunities that are not universally available. They have had time to think this over. Imagine that a relative of yours won the lottery but refused to share, or shared grudgingly with you. You might understand for a while, but your rich relative would not be welcomed to waltz in and out of your house forever. My final thought: A failure to share our blessings will wind up being a bigger threat to the future of travel than Backpack Nation will ever be.

"What if I can pay my own travel expenses?"

Several people have mentioned that they could pay all or part of the $10,000 travel expenses, which would make it feasible for Backpack Nation to send out more ambassadors sooner. I think this is a great idea, and reflects perfectly the spirit behind Backpack Nation. But I don't want this to be a determining factor. I'd like anyone who applies to know that his or her essay will be as carefully considered as any other person's essay, regardless of economic status.

"How will you guard against cheats - people working scams just to get the $10,000 or the $20,000?"

I have faith that this mission will attract people who will do it justice, and that the selection process will weed out the others. When Backpack Nation grows much larger, sure, some people may be tempted to abuse it - but those abuses will be infinitesimal in comparison to the current abuses of foreign aid and international relations programs.

"Isn't $10,000 too much for the ambassador's expenses?"

I don't think so. I want an ambassador to have the flexibility to move around, to circle the globe if he or she so chooses, and airfare alone can easily eat up $3,000. If someone's going to be gone six months to a year, $10,000 will disappear awfully darned quickly. In 1988-89 I spent $5,500 during my 14-week "Take Me With You" trip, and it was by no means luxurious. I do not envision an ambassadorship as a crushing hardship. And being obsessed with every single dollar - what fun is that? I think $10,000 is certainly enough, but not excessive. But, yes, several people have raised this question, and I am flexible... We'll see what sort of model develops down the road. The model of 100 Friends (www.100friends.com) has caused me to do much thinking.

"Is it o.k. if I travel with my wife if she pays her own expenses?"

My bias is toward solo travel - I find that people are more open to new experiences and new people when they're traveling alone. Traveling with a partner can certainly be great fun, but whenever I team up with someone, I find that I spend a lot of time managing the relationship, making compromises, and learning more about the partner than about the people and places I'm seeing. And it would be a shame to have a perfectly good ambassadorship tarnished or cut short by a failed travel partnership. But, really, my main concern is that goodwill is spread and good stories are generated - and if you think you'll be a better ambassador with a partner, I think that's how you should do it.

"Have you considered a different name for the organization?"

Many people say they love the name Backpack Nation, but a few have suggested that the word "backpacker" has a negative connotation, conjures up images of a rowdy younger crowd, and leaves out older travelers. I don't associate negative connotations to "backpacker" - the word thrills me. And I don't envision this endeavor as exclusive to young people. Lots of us geezers believe we have gained a little wisdom and insight along with our aches and wrinkles, and I envision Backpack Nation as a way to handoff some of that. In the places where ambassadors will be traveling, and on the limited budgets with which they'll be dealing, a backpack will most often be the luggage of choice. People often talk about the difference between travelers and tourists; I try not to indulge in this line of conversation, as we're all pretty much the same in the eyes of locals, but when I'm sizing up strangers on the road it's impossible not to notice their luggage.

"How will you raise all the money?"

I am confident that an enormous number of people in the world will be inspired by the idea of Backpack Nation, and that their instinctive response will be to contribute whatever they can. My strategy is to do whatever I can to bring the existence of Backpack Nation to people's attention and let them do what comes naturally. If you are inspired by this project, please support it. Obviously this project will go nowhere without money, and, at this point, money is the most useful and most fluid contribution (click here for details). If you can not afford to contribute money, please contribute however you can. Please spread the word about Backpack Nation wherever you can - I will consider that an enormous contribution.

"Why don't you charge an application fee?"

First of all, I don't want Backpack Nation to seem like some sort of lottery. Which it isn't. Also, once upon a time, a relative of mine, who I never even met, left some money that I got to spend. Even after he was dead his money sent me out to dinner, funded classes that I could not have afforded otherwise. It made quite an impression on me - someone I had never met was funding my present and creating possibilities in my future! I always told myself that if I ever got into a position to do that for someone else, I would. And even though I am not wealthy by the standards of my culture, I find that this project is an effective way to smooth the path for others coming behind. I have met thousands and thousands of people who say that they have been profoundly moved by the experience of travel. A lot of these people are well into middle age, like me, and feel fortunate to have been blessed with their fair share of travel. They'd like to see this value passed along to the next generation(s), and I see Backpack Nation as a vehicle for doing just that.