When i was traveling, i had complete freedom, though i did make quit a few mistakes along the way and did a few things things that if i was in a better state of mind i probably wouldn't have, it was still one of the best times i ever had.
Being free to go where ever you want, to do what ever you want, however and for as long as you want is just a feeling that is hard to beat, there is nothing quit like it, and it can be overwhelming at times since i believe that in todays society we are not used to that kind of life, to that level of freedom.
That is the freedom that i aim for in my life, to make that phase more than just a phase.