[amodio6393]

If you truly don't think your ready to head off to college and want to backpack, I'd go with that. I've heard of plenty of people going on a backpack trip for a couple of years and working abroad as they went along. With only $3,000, though, I'm not sure if that is the wisest decision since most of it would go to the ticket over there (depending on where you fly into). I'd say the military is another good option, but only if your really interested in it. I wouldn't go into it just for the benefits considering the situation of the world today. You could always joining the Navy, and that would provide you with more travel opportunities. Unless you join the Peace Corps (and it seems that they prefer people with a college degree), you usually have to pay to do the oversees volunteering. Just do research on each one and decide which is the best fit for you.